The county of St. Paul declined multiple funding requests from the Lakeland Cross Country Ski Club (LCCSC) during the public works meeting on October 22, citing current budget limitations.
The ski club, which oversees trail maintenance in the St. Paul area, including trails at the Westcove Municipal Recreation Area and the St. Paul Gold Course, sought $7,500 from the county for critical trail preparations ahead of the upcoming winter season.
The funding request included $2,800 for mulching and rough cutting of new trails set up last year, $2,900 for new trail signage, $1,500 for groomer access, and $300 for a Nordic Pulse subscription. Several council members, however, felt that the estimated costs were too high.
Councillor Maxine Fodness voiced her concerns over the expense, which were echoed by councillor Darrel Younghans, who questioned what would happen if the trails were not mulched. CAO Jason Wallsmith explained that if snowfall is limited, the uncut vegetation and small trees might stick up through the snow, potentially creating hazards for skiers.
Councillor Dale Hedrick suggested an alternative solution, proposing that a rough-cut mower could be used during the summer months to manage vegetation and reduce the need for extensive mulching before winter. However, Wallsmith noted that the county lacks a heavy-duty rough-cut mower suitable for the dense vegetation on the ski trails, a point confirmed after councillor Kevin Wirsta requested clarification on available equipment.
Council ultimately agreed that the current funding request was too substantial. Younghans moved to deny the request and direct county administration to explore more cost-effective solutions with the LCCSC. His motion was carried out, with the council agreeing to seek ways to support the club within budgetary constraints.
In a related matter, council also discussed the upcoming renewal of the Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with the LCCSC, a three-year partnership focused on developing the Westcove area as a Nordic ski tourist destination. Fodness proposed that the county take a more active role in shaping the terms of the agreement to ensure the partnership aligns with both parties’ goals.
Her motion for further discussions on the JVA renewal was carried, signaling continued interest in collaborative development, with a careful eye on costs.
