The Winnebago City Council had a lot on the agenda at their meeting on Tuesday, May 12, ranging from a new maintenance contract for the Winnebago Ambulance department’s equipment, to roofing options for one of the shelter houses at the park.

City administrator Judi Hynes presented the council with a selection of quotes from Stryker for different maintenance contracts to help upkeep the power cots and LUCAS machines used by the Winnebago Ambulance Department.

“The original Stryker maintenance contract expired back in February, so we reached out to them and requested new quotes,” Hynes reported. “They informed us that they no longer offer multi-year contracts, so the numbers shown would be for a single-year contract. Cari Jenkens from the ambulance department would like us to approve the Prevent Plan contract, which covers everything.”

Hynes noted that the Prevent Plan contract, which had an estimated cost of $6,666, was the same price for a single year as the previous three-year contract which expired in February had been. However, the cheaper Preventative Maintenance plan would not cover as much.

“This is like getting insurance – if we get the cheap plan, we’ll wish we had chosen the more expensive one, but if we get the expensive plan then we’ll never use it,” council member Calvin Howard joked. “But if the ambulance ever shows up at my door, I want to make sure that everything is working right. I’d rather get the Prevent Plan and make sure that everything is covered.”

Hearing no further discussion, a motion was made and seconded to approve the Prevent Plan contract at the estimated cost of $6,666. The motion passed unanimously.

Hynes presented the council with a memo from the Parks & Rec Committee regarding the roof on the west shelter house at the park, along with a set of quotes for different styles of roofing.

“The Parks & Rec Committee met to discuss roof options for the west shelter house, and we have some quotes from both Mike Hanson Roofing and Paul Smith Construction for different styles of asphalt and steel roofing,” Hynes shared. “We can choose whichever type we’d prefer, but it is recommended that we choose the 26 gauge steel, which is preferred for roofs in areas where there is hail and high winds.”

Council member Christ Anderson remarked that there were certain pros and cons to selecting asphalt or steel roofing, from longevity to insurance coverage in the case of damage.

“Asphalt shingle roofing can last anywhere from 20-30 years, but steel roofing is meant to last for 50,” Anderson explained. “However, asphalt shingle damage is going to be covered by insurance. Damage to a steel roof wouldn’t be covered unless something punches a hole through it.”

“I would prefer that we went with the steel roofing if it’s supposed to last that long, but I don’t have a preference for whether we choose the 26 or the 29 gauge,” council member Tony O’Donnell commented. “It looks like the 29 gauge is cheaper, and once it’s on the building, it should last us for a good long while.”

Following the discussion, a motion was made to accept the quote for the 29 gauge steel roofing from Paul Smith Construction in the amount of $8,341.74. The motion passed unanimously.

Other business discussed at the City Council meeting included:

• The council entered a closed session to discuss a complaint of misconduct against firefighter Bret Osborn. After the meeting was reopened to the public, it was shared that the council will be holding a Special City Council meeting on May 21 at 5 p.m., in which another closed session will be held to further discuss the issue with relevant parties.

• Blue Earth Area High School superintendent Mandy Fletcher and BEA School Board members Gary Armon and Ted Armon gave a presentation on their Facilities Report.

• Hynes presented the council with a quote from Midwest Pump works for a new dual augur system bar screen for the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). Following discussion, a motion was made and seconded to approve the quote in the amount of $138,265.50 from Midwest Pump Works. The motion passed unanimously.

• Hynes presented the council with a quote for a back-up sludge pump for the WWTP from Quality Flow Systems. A motion was made and seconded to approve the quote in the amount of $2,322. The motion passed unanimously.

• The 2026 pool staff and wages were approved 4-0, with Howard abstaining.

• Resolution 906-2026 authorizing Winnebago American Legion Post 82 to host bingo during Bago Fun Fest was approved 4-0, with Howard abstaining.

• A request from the Bago Fun Fest committee to have free swimming at the pool for the weekend of Bago Fun Fest was unanimously approved.

• The list of sponsors and all of the requisite food and beverage permits and licenses required for Bago Fun Fest were unanimously approved.

• A request to close off the section of First Street Southwest that runs along the old high school building during the fireworks display at Bago Fun Fest was unanimously approved.

• A request to close off the first block of First Avenue Southwest from Main Street to First Street Southwest for the Rollin’ Auto Show during Bago Fun Fest was unanimously approved.

• A $500 donation to the BEA Buccaneer Baseball Association was unanimously approved.

• A request from Judi Hynes to attend the CGMC Summer Conference on July 22-24 was unanimously approved.