NOTES FROM THE PRESIDENT
Once again I’m writing my president’s letter while traveling. This time, I’m on a family trip to Iowa. Our son, Rasmus, has graduated from the University of Minnesota and we are helping him relocate to the site of his first ‘real job.’ We are on a mission to find him a safe and comfortable place to live as he begins this new chapter in his life.

In an effort to improve the safety and comfort at the DAC, we’ve had an ongoing focus on upgrading our DAC property, and we have several projects underway or in the planning stages. Our new building entry system has been installed and is now active. This system was installed in an effort to make our premises more secure, yet still enable access for our guests and members. The new system will allow our regular groups to have unique keypad codes for building access. The system also allows our on-site staff the ability to unlock the doors remotely.

Another welcome improvement will be repaving the parking lot on the west side of our building. The existing surface had aged beyond repair and was long overdue for resurfacing. Prior to resurfacing, the boundaries will be modestly increased to add additional parking spaces on that side of our building.

Our property’s landscaping is getting rejuvenated,thanks to a generous gift of labor and materials from the Jensen family. The landscape plan was approved last fall, and the work commenced in September of 2024. Most of the focus of the new plan is on the east side of our property, facing the river parkway. New edging, plants, and landscape features will greatly improve the appearance of our property. As the landscaping project nears completion, a new irrigation system will be installed to help us maintain the health and appearance of our lovely new landscaping and yard.

We are in the planning stages for our first floor improvements. The addition of new restrooms adjacent to the Kaffestue will make our property more comfortable and accessible for all of our guests. The plans are being drawn and the early bids are coming in now for our subcontracting work.

These are good, long term investments in the safety, comfort and utility of our DAC property. I am grateful to everyone who has contributed their time and effort to these projects!
Pete Gantriis