Osakis parks committee selects new banner design, approves visitor-center staffing and lifeguard hours

The Osakis parks committee and council approved a new banner design for downtown and moved forward on visitor-center and lifeguard staffing for the 2025 summer season.

Banner design: Jason presented four banner samples; the parks committee narrowed the choices to two lake-themed designs and recommended emphasizing the water tower and lake image while removing some "walley country" embellishments. The council approved a simplified "Welcome to Lake [Osakis]" banner (committee asked the vendor to de-emphasize the walleye image). The item was not budgeted; staff will request funds at the next gambling/finance meeting.

Visitor center and lifeguards: The council approved a $1 hourly increase for visitor-center employees Anna and Jackie, authorized requests for donations to support visitor-center staffing, and voted to open the visitor center on the fishing-opener weekend. The council rehired lifeguard Connor Goldberg and head lifeguard Aaron Collins, setting lifeguard wages at $16 and $17 respectively and adjusting weekday coverage to 2 p.m.–7 p.m. and weekend hours to 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Staff said the change would save roughly $2,300 from the lifeguard budget and free money for seasonal mowing or other uses.

Park equipment and pier: Council members said park play equipment ordered for the beach is expected to arrive late April/early May and discussed scheduling pier installation for favorable weather so it is ready before Memorial Day. Staff will coordinate installation timing with the vendor.

No dissenting votes were recorded on the banner, staffing or lifeguard motions; follow-up items include formal funding requests for unbudgeted banners and confirming delivery and installation dates for park equipment.