Flandreau — Council members heard updates on planned repairs and improvements to city-owned facilities, including a renovation of the armory women’s locker room and replacement of exterior doors at the community center.

Lori Cole, staff member, told the council the city intends to begin renovation work on the armory women’s locker room this year. Cole said the work was budgeted previously and included removal of old wall tile, epoxy floor work for the showers and locker room, replacement of shower heads and sink fixtures, and the possible installation of privacy stalls in the showers. She said the project is funded with BBB funds and that staff will attempt to perform some demolition and tile installation in house to reduce costs. Cole noted some finish work may be deferred into the following year depending on materials and staff capacity; she did not provide a total project dollar amount in the meeting.

Cole also reported the city purchased five exterior doors for the community center late in 2024 to replace rotting doors; she said the doors should be delivered in the coming month and staff plan to paint and attempt installation in-house. Council members raised persistent problems with existing door locks and discussed possible remedies, including rekeying, replacement with electronic locks or key-fob systems, and adding alternate locking hardware while staff investigate options. No decision on a specific lock system was made.

Nut graf: The projects are routine maintenance and accessibility improvements funded from existing BBB reserves and staff time; the council discussed practical issues (locks, installation challenges and ADA-compliant sidewalks) that will affect scheduling and final costs.

Details and context

Council members noted increased community-center use (including events and a new building for the Boys and Girls Club) and discussed parking and pedestrian access. Staff acknowledged ADA and slope concerns for any sidewalk connection between overflow parking and the community center and said more detailed site work and grading review will be needed before construction. On locks, staff said a locksmith previously advised that some doors and frames may require full replacement to resolve chronic problems; staff will return with cost estimates and options.

Ending

Staff said they will attempt in-house installation where feasible, return with cost estimates for lock replacements or electronic-entry systems, and coordinate sidewalk/access improvements as part of future planning for the community center and adjacent developments. The council did not take formal action during the meeting.