Jeff LeJeune discussed with Brownsville’s City Council a their September 6 meeting the inclusion of an indoor pickleball court in the gymnasium at Brownsville Community Center.
LeJeune stated a section of the gymnasium could be taped off. The area could fit three pickleball courts, but LeJeune stated only one court would be needed. A pickleball court is on average 44 feet long. LeJeune added that a new net for the indoor court would be supplied, the net would compare to the existing outdoor net. The new indoor net can easily fit into a bag if the net needed to be removed for an event that took place in the gym.
Council member Tim Klug questioned LeJeune on the type of ball to be used an the indoor court. LeJeune reassured the ball used will be plastic in comparison to a whiffle ball.
“I would like to see it tried and give people an opportunity to play indoors,” LeJeune stated. “I just think it will be popular this winter,” Councilor Pam Walhovd added.
Walhovd asked about the inclusion of a donation bucket to be set out. Walhovd recommended to try a donation bucket first versus charging residents for usage of the pickleball court.
Photo by Kaitlin Longhauser
LeJeune and another resident who accompanied him to the Council meeting agreed to try the donation approach.
The indoor pickleball court’s hours of availability were discussed. Volunteers would be needed to open and close the gymnasium before and after indoor court usage. Council members Walhovd and Barb Hurley volunteered, in addition a resident also volunteered. Walhovd commented, “If we can make it available, I think we should!” Hurley added that an indoor court like such would be good for the community.
The council unanimously approved the inclusion of an indoor pickleball court at the Brownsville Community Center’s gymnasium. The pickleball court includes the installation of a net, tape, donation can, availability for one night each week, and survey of renters. The council thanked LeJeune for his time.
Mayor Jean Meyer called the meeting to order followed by City Clerk Steve Schuldt conducting roll call. Council members in attendance included Mayor Meyer, Walhovd, Hurley, Jacob Danielson, and Klug. Also, in attendance include Schuldt, City Treasurer Jenna Knight, and from maintenance, Dean Twite.
Following one correction made on the agenda, Walhovd moved, second by Danielson to approve the agenda. The correction included the removal of Chelsey Leis-Building/Zoning Permit Application. Motion carried.
Danielson moved, second by Hurley, to approve the Farnham Building Permit Application, in turn motion carried.
Old Business
Discussion took place regarding Bluffview Manor Apartments’ air conditioning unit estimates. Twite met with various contractors and gathered estimates. Mike’s Heating & Air Conditioning based out of La Crescent, Minn., offered the lowest quote. Grove Plumbing & Heating based out of Spring Grove, Minn., offered the second lowest quote. Council members Walhovd and Hurley expressed concern regarding reviews for Mike’s Heating & Air Conditioning. Walhovd shared she was pleased with Winona Controls based on positive past experience. Twite stated Winona Controls to be upfront in what they intended to do and “a good contractor.” However, Twite mentioned he and Winona Controls held differences in opinions.
Hurley concluded, “I agree with Pam. Winona Controls has done a lot for the city.” Danielson moved, second by Klug to go with Mike’s Heating & Air Conditioning at a cost of $11,020. In a 3-2 vote, motion carried.
New Business
Photo by Kaitlin Longhauser
Mayor Meyer asked the council to look over and voice their opinion on conducting a resident survey. This will be Brownsville’s first time conducting such a survey. The survey will bring about community involvement in where the Brownsville community has the opportunity to share what is important to them. A vote on the survey will take place at the October regular council meeting.
A special council meeting is to be held Tuesday, September 26 at 6 p.m. at Brownsville Community Center, inviting both Brownsville and Brownsville Township-Fire District residents to attend. The meeting is to inform residents of Brownsville and Brownsville Township about fire and rescue related services that Brownsville Fire and Rescue Department provides Brownsville Township-Fire District residents, in addition to cost/number of calls in correspondence with what the township has paid Brownsville in the past. A letter has been going around misinforming residents that the meeting has been canceled, when the meeting was in fact never canceled. The council clarified that the special meeting will be held as originally planned.
The next regular Brownsville City Council meeting will be held Wednesday, October 4 at 7 p.m. at Brownsville Community Center. The public is invited to attend.
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