Kasson City park board approves 2026 aquatic-center staff list and pay bump for assistant manager

The Kasson City Park Board on Jan. 20 approved the 2026 employee roster for the Cass/Aquatic Center and authorized a pay increase for assistant manager Ian Kuya.

Parks staff presented the updated employee list and introduced the incoming manager, identified in the meeting materials as David. The director said David brings experience in lifeguarding, coaching and pool operations and that assistant managers Anna, Maya and Ian will support lessons, the swim team and daily staffing. The director clarified that mechanical maintenance (pumps and filters) remains the responsibility of parks maintenance staff while the manager handles scheduling, concessions and immediate on-site incidents.

Board members discussed whether David had met Ian; staff said David was aware of Ian’s role and that Ian would be David’s operational point of contact. The director proposed raising Ian’s hourly rate from the listed $1,725 to $1,825 (figures as presented at the meeting). A motion to accept the 2026 employee list and to authorize the Ian Kuya increase was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote; the meeting record shows the board voted "I" in favor, and no roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript.

The director also reviewed wage categories and certifications: assistant managers must hold lifeguarding and WSI (Water Safety Instructor) certifications; second-year concessions workers are paid at least Minnesota’s 2026 minimum wage (stated in the meeting as $11.41); the director noted a training wage for younger workers and said 14-year-old concession workers were listed at $10.25 in the materials.

The board did not record a roll-call vote on the personnel motion. The approved staff list and the pay recommendation will be forwarded to city council for final administrative processing as required.