This illustration from the EZ-Ice website shows the style of ice rinks the city of Winnebago is purchasing. The Winnebago rink will be much larger than the one shown here, however.

The addition of a temporary ice skating rink was the key talking point of last week’s Winnebago City Council meeting.

After the council discussed various size options for the rink, the council ultimately decided on a 60x 100 foot rink. At a price of $1.32 per square foot, the total cost of the new rink stands at $7,900. The rink manufacturer, EZ Ice, is based out of Boston, Massachusetts.

Council member Jean Anderson, who originally made the motion endorsing a new rink, explained her reasoning for wanting a new ice skating rink in town.

“If you want people to stay in the community, and you want to give the children something to do, we have to start doing things like this,” Anderson said. “I think this is a good place to start.”

According to city administrator Chris Ziegler, liability insurance is included with the purchase of the new rink. Ziegler also noted assets from the park capital fund will be used to cover the cost of the rink.

The location of the ice skating rink has yet to be determined. Areas within Whiting Park which include a site by the water tower, as well as the location behind the fire hall appear to be on the council’s radar. Towards the end of October, an exact location will be finalized at the park and recreations meeting.

Other action items from the meeting included:

The council authorized a motion to set the Truth In Taxation hearing for Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Center Council Chambers.

City sponsorship for the 5k Turkey Trot on Nov. 23 was approved by the council.

Murry Carpet was approved for cleaning duties of the Winnebago Police Department facility at a cost of $100 per month.

A resolution was passed for the transferring of funds from the General Fund Parks Department to the Liquor Store Reserves for campground expansion.

A donation of $574 from the Winnebago Ministerial Association was accepted by the city of Winnebago. The donation will be deposited into the city’s general fund for various expenses.

A resolution by the city of Winnebago to adopt the Faribault County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan was approved by the council.

A motion was granted to declare the 1972 Chevy pumper/tanker fire truck as excess property. A separate motion was approved to sell the truck by sealed bids. The bids will be due by Nov. 14 at 4 p.m. and opened at the Nov. 14 City Council meeting at 7 p.m.

The vacated alley request for Block 27 in Winnebago was approved by the council.

Winnebago police chief Eric Olson notified the council that newly purchased vehicle security cameras will be installed on Oct. 16.

The next regular Winnebago City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 14.