Eden Valley-Watkins board adopts polling-place resolution, budgets, roofing contract and language-access plan

At its May 14, 2025 meeting, the Eden Valley-Watkins School Board approved several resolutions and budget items that affect elections administration, facilities and district operations.

Combined polling places: The board adopted a Resolution Establishing Combined Polling Places for school district elections not held on the day of a statewide election. The resolution cites Minnesota Statutes Section 205A.11 to confirm precincts and to permit combined polling places, specifies the combined polling locations — Eden Valley Civic Center, 171 Cossairt Ave. W., Eden Valley, and Watkins Community Hall, 110 Central Ave. S., Watkins — and sets polling hours for such elections between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The clerk is directed to file certified copies with county auditors and to mail nonforwardable notice to affected households as required by Minnesota Statutes Section 204B.16. Member Ann Lemke introduced the resolution; Member Ben Stommes seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Budgets and financial approvals: The board approved the May 14 bills totaling $711,612.62 (General Education Fund $683,133.67; Food Service Fund $32.64; Community Ed Fund $28,446.31). Business Manager Alisa Woolcott presented the Annual Long-Term Facilities Maintenance (LTFM) and Capital Outlay budgets; the board approved them on a motion by Christina DeRose, seconded by Charli Magedanz.

Facilities contract: The board reviewed Eden Valley Elementary roofing specifications and accepted a bid from West Central Roofing. The award was approved unanimously (motion by Jen Evens; second by Charli Magedanz). The minutes do not list the bid dollar amount.

Other resolutions: Member Ben Stommes introduced and the board approved a resolution authorizing annual membership in the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL). The board also approved the district's Language Access Plan on a motion by Jen Evens, seconded by Charli Magedanz.

The meeting concluded with routine board and school reports, a list of items for the next meeting and adjournment at 8:27 p.m.

Votes at a glance: - Resolution: Acceptance of Gifts — mover: Ben Stommes; second: Nate Haag; outcome: approved unanimously (roll call recorded). - Resolution: Combined Polling Places — mover: Ann Lemke; second: Ben Stommes; outcome: approved unanimously. - Resolution: MSHSL membership — mover: Ben Stommes; second: Ann Lemke; outcome: approved unanimously. - English/Language Access Plan approval — mover: Jen Evens; second: Charli Magedanz; outcome: approved unanimously. - Roofing bid award (West Central Roofing) — mover: Jen Evens; second: Charli Magedanz; outcome: approved unanimously. - LTFM & Capital Outlay budgets — mover: Christina DeRose; second: Charli Magedanz; outcome: approved unanimously.

Provenance: The Combined Polling Places resolution and statutory citations appear in the minutes (SEG 033–SEG 054); budget and bills totals are in SEG 011–SEG 016 and SEG 076; roofing review and award are in SEG 032.

Next steps: The clerk must file certified copies of the polling-place resolution with county auditors and mail required notices; staff will finalize budgeting and contracting paperwork for facilities work.