Council presses for inspection, asks owner to address fire-safety concerns by Jan. 1, 2027

Councilmembers identified a privately owned former middle school — converted to apartments in the early 2000s — as a top priority at the June 23 session because of resident safety concerns. Members asked staff to obtain information from the Park Rapids Fire Chief about the status of the building’s fire suppression system; Administrator Weasner said two previous inspectors had signed off on the building but the current city building inspector has not yet performed an inspection.

Councilmember Stone asked that the owner be given until January 1, 2027 to bring the property up to fire code and standards, and Administrator Weasner was directed to coordinate with Fire Chief Carlson on next steps. Councilmember Engholm recounted seeing "a giant icicle from floor to ceiling in the middle of the gym, possibly up to six feet in diameter," and Police Chief Appel said nuisance calls at the complex "have gone down to a normal range." Staff did not record a formal enforcement vote at the session; the council prioritized follow-up and inspections (SEG 001–SEG 002).