The regular session of the Brownsville City Council convened on Wednesday evening, May 1. Mayor Jean Meyer called the meeting of the Brownsville City Council to order at 7 p.m. with Councilmembers Barb Hurley, Pam Walhovd, Bill Fitzpatrick and Tim Klug in attendance, constituting a quorum.
A motion to approve the consent agenda including the meeting agenda as amended, minutes from the April 3 meeting, and claims totaling $111,156.68 received unanimous approval.
Councilmember Fitzpatrick reported on his discussion with Fix regarding the parking and lighting issues in the alley between Main St. and Adams St. (Block-003) with Fitzpatrick noting that he has walked through the alley a couple of times and his opinion the lighting matter wasn’t as critical. Angela Bissen, 705 Adams Street, voiced her disagreement, confirming that Fitzpatrick has not sat on her deck. She expressed her frustration after acknowledging that it is important that Saxon Hall employees are safe leaving the establishment at night. Bissen confirmed that she is willing to pay up to $1,000 to have a shroud/shield installed over the light to block the glare. Fix is not interested in putting a shroud over the light. Accessing the alley is still a concern when Fix’s employees park in the alley. Bissen shared a few examples of when she was not able to get through the alley and had to back out.
The council unanimously agreed that the city would send a letter mentioning the light and a copy of the vehicle ordinance to Sy Fix owner of Saxon Hall. The council asked Maintenance Supervisor Dean Twite to mark the width of the alley.
Representatives from ISG Engineering and Bollig Engineering delivered presentations to the board. Each outlined their potential contributions to the city, emphasizing their ability to secure funding for city projects and provide comprehensive engineering services. Both firms expressed their commitment to establishing long-term relationships with the city, highlighting their expertise in securing grants, loans, and overseeing project implementation. They emphasized their track record of success in assisting small Minnesota municipalities with grant applications and project management.
Under old business, the mayor confirmed that Hurley, Walhovd and Twite will serve on the interview committee for the part-time maintenance position.
The board approved the purchase of eight tables for the community center from Sam’s Club. The total cost is estimated at around $1,000. The council then approved selling the well-used heavy wooden tables and chairs after the June 1 rental. Walhovd suggested that the city sell them for $10 a table and six chairs.
There was no new business.
Twite outlined the five priorities for the 2024 sealcoating schedule. The council unanimously approved Twite’s proposal to spend $20,915 for sealcoating. Hurley raised concerns about the poor condition of the city-owned parking lot adjacent to the post office. Twite clarified that the parking lot is concrete. It was agreed that the city should address this issue next year.
The council approved the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) including the cost to purchase the tanks for the fire/rescue department. The council agreed that it is quite a cost-saving. There was no monthly report from the fire/rescue department due to being called out on an emergency call.
As the last order of business before adjourning the council meeting at 9:20 p.m., Mayor Meyer opened the five sealed bids received for the purchase of the city’s 1998 GMC Truck. Paul Poellinger’s bid of $3,850 was unanimously accepted by the city.
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