Trust awards $35,000 to finish solar lights around Glenwood Lake Park

Council members reviewed a recently approved Ray Thomas Trust allocation that will fund solar lighting work at Glenwood Lake Park.

Staff said the park group requested $30,000–$35,000 for the lighting project and that the trust awarded $35,000. Cost estimates discussed at the meeting listed the lights at roughly $21,375 and poles at about $7,130, with the balance intended for concrete work to set the poles.

Councilors clarified that the trust funds are designated for park projects under the trust terms, and that trustees at Glenwood State Bank exercise discretion consistent with the trust instrument. A council member said those funds are not guaranteed year to year and that the trust sometimes builds interest before awarding larger sums.

Councilors encouraged the park group to present a prioritized list of park projects for future trust funding requests and suggested the council be consulted before staff finalizes any application or spending plan so the city can weigh priorities and long-term maintenance obligations.

Mike, reporting for the Parks committee, summarized the action: "The park club was awarded $35,000 from the Ray Thomas Trust to complete the solar lights around Glenwood Lake Park." Council members discussed project scope and next steps for installation and maintenance coordination.

The council did not take additional formal action on project contracting during this meeting; staff said they will follow up with the park group and bring any required contracts or bids to the council for approval.