Red Lake Falls council declares Riverside playground equipment surplus, approves $69,040.68 phase one plan

The Red Lake Falls City Council unanimously approved a package of actions on April 27, 2026, declaring the Riverside playground equipment surplus and approving plans for a replacement project.

Councilmember John Kleven moved, seconded by Cheryl Matzke, “to deem the Riverside playground equipment as surplus property, and to advertise the equipment as is for bids,” with the accepted bidder responsible for removing the old equipment within the allotted time. The council also approved plans from Midwest Playscapes and gave Loreen Schultz permission to proceed with phase one at $69,040.68 with no cost to the city.

The action authorizes the city to solicit bids for the existing playground equipment, placing removal responsibility on the successful bidder, and clears the way for the contractor-planned first phase of the new playground. The minutes record the motion passed on a unanimous vote.

The motion was taken after the council approved an amended agenda that added the Ottertail contract item. City Administrator Kathleen Schmitz and Mayor Allen Bertilrud are listed in the minutes as officials present; Kleven and Matzke are recorded as mover and seconder for this item. The minutes do not specify the source of funding for the Midwest Playscapes phase one work beyond stating it carries “no cost to the city.”

Next steps recorded in the minutes: the city will advertise the surplus playground equipment for bids; the accepted bidder will be responsible for removal within the allotted time, and Loreen Schultz was authorized to proceed with phase one implementation under the approved plans.