Brownsville’s city council met Wednesday, June 7 at Brownsville Community Center from 7-9:37 p.m. Council members present included Mayor Jean Meyer, Tim Klug, Barb Hurley and Pam Walhovd. Also in attendance were City Clerk Steve Schuldt and City Treasurer Jenna Knight. Council member Jacob Danielson was absent.
The minutes from the May 2 LBAE (Local Board of Appeal and Equalization) meeting, the May 3 regular council meeting, and the May 16 special emergency meeting were all approved.
Shawn Colsch addressed the council during floor correspondence about the inclusion of screenings running from the concession stand to the local ballpark. He generously offered to put the screenings up himself if approved. Councilor Walhovd wanted to look more into the matter first. Klug motioned, second by Mayor Meyer to go ahead with Colsch’s plan to install the screenings. Council members Hurley and Walhovd opposed. No action was taken.
Colsch then brought to the council’s attention the current state of the ballpark’s bleachers. He stated the bleachers are in terrible shape and are 50 years old. Meyer commented how the bleachers are old and warped. Colsch mentioned Caledonia, Minn., has bleachers which they use only at certain times of the year. The idea of renting bleachers was brought to attention. Hurley stated, “I like the idea about possibly renting them from Caledonia.” In turn, she questioned City Clerk Schuldt about possible funding options for bleachers. A Brownsville resident brought another matter to the council’s attention – the current state of the dugout. The council agreed to further look into these matters.
Brandon Frank presented to the council with concerns about public safety, particularly children who play on Main Street, due to the ongoing issue of people speeding as they enter city limits. Frank wondered if the city could look into implementing some form of speed control, if not then perhaps consider implementing appropriate signage to encourage drivers entering city limits to reduce speed. Resident Colsch questioned why speed cannot be reduced to 40 miles per hour when approaching city limits as such is done in other towns. Walhovd suggested implementing caution signs on roads within city limits to gain awareness in addition to commenting, “If we can’t do anything with the county highway, let’s do something on our streets.” Mayor Meyer acknowledged the ideas suggested to be good. The council will look into, with the county, about getting signs of some sort outside of town.
The council approved a building permit for resident Craig Schroeder to add onto his garage at 281 N. Marina Dr.
Resident Mike Puetz sought a permit to include a 10’ by 12’ pool in the back yard of his property at 310 S. Marina Dr. Puetz originally listed the pool to be 10’ by 12’ but changed the measurements to 10’ by 16’ as he was unable to find one at the original specified size. The decision was tabled until July’s regular council meeting. Puetz thanked the council for their time.
Old business
Mayor Meyer addressed a resident letter where four Clay Street residents requested the removal of a stump that currently impedes the road. One resident stated a tree had been removed last year and the stump had been left behind. The residents generously offered to remove the stump themselves.
The council approved for the Manor-Fire Protection estimates to be tabled until next month’s regular council meeting.
New business
The council briefly discussed updates to be made to the current permit application. Councilor Hurley wanted to table the matter to next month’s regular council meeting so the updates could be reviewed more. Councilor Walhovd expressed concern over fees and the wording. The permit application updates are tabled to July’s regular council meeting.
Brandon Frank, training officer for Brownsville’s fire department, updated the council in regards to Crooked Creek Township and Brownsville Township. Frank sought the council’s approval to start the process of discussion in regards to the contract. Frank and Councilor Danielson plan to meet with Crooked Creek Township for further discussion. Representatives of Brownsville Township, on the other hand, do not want to sign a contract or be on any record due to such not being required in the past. Frank proposed a special meeting with Brownsville Township be set up, where discussion on why a contract is needed can take place.
The next regular Brownsville City Council meeting will take place at the community center on Wednesday, July 5 at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
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