City council confronts urgent mold crisis in schools

In a recent government meeting, city councilors addressed several pressing issues, including infrastructure upgrades, school safety, and health concerns related to mold in local schools.

Councilor Belanger initiated discussions regarding the timeline for the installation of a holding tank at the Cauli Stadium parking lot, originally slated for summer 2024 but now pushed to summer 2025. The council emphasized the complexity of the project, which is estimated to cost $1.7 million. Belanger also raised concerns from residents and coaches about the deteriorating condition of the stadium's parking lot and soccer fields, urging the city to maintain these facilities for future generations.

The council voted to send two related motions to the neighborhood services subcommittee for further information and consultation. This decision aims to ensure that the community's concerns are adequately addressed.

Additionally, Councilor Gitja requested an update on the line painting process for school zones, highlighting the urgency of completing crosswalks before the school year begins. With the school year approaching, Gitja expressed concern that many areas remain unmarked, potentially jeopardizing student safety.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the mold issue at Patek Memorial School. Councilor Dakota reported receiving numerous complaints from staff about visible mold in several classrooms, raising alarms about the safety of the environment for the 500 students expected to return soon. Both Dakota and Gitja proposed a walkthrough of the school with city officials to assess the situation firsthand and verify the reported conditions.

The council's discussions reflect a proactive approach to addressing community concerns, particularly regarding infrastructure and health safety in schools, as they prepare for the upcoming school year.