Image provided by AcenTek
The Brownsville City Council meeting convened on April 2 to discuss several key city matters, including sewer costs, infrastructure projects, and community program updates. The meeting, led by Mayor Jean Meyer, began at 7 p.m. at the Brownsville Community Center.
Council members in attendance included: Pam Walhovd, Bill Fitzpatrick and David Prestby. Barb Hurley was absent. Mayor Meyer led her fellow board members, staff and the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. The consent agenda was approved in one unanimous motion, including the agenda with the Ring & Run donation tabled until the May meeting, minutes from March 11, and claims totalling $60,264.88. No floor correspondence was presented.
Before considering an increase in sewer fees for all residents, the council unanimously agreed to first educate the public about the financial impact of improper grease disposal on the city’s sewer system.
Maintenance Supervisor Dean Twite pointed out that two lift stations, which were just cleaned last fall, are now “horrible with grease.” Cleaning each station costs $350, and unless the source of the grease is identified and stopped, all residents will share the expense. Twite emphasized that grease is the number one issue.
John Tabbert, marketing and sales manager with AcenTek stood before the council to request a resolution of support for a fiber optic grant for broadband equity access and development. The grant aims to improve broadband service in underserved areas, including 180 eligible addresses near Brownsville. Although the main part of the city is excluded due to existing bandwidth levels, Tabbert explained that the infrastructure improvements would still benefit Brownsville in future expansion efforts. The project, costing approximately $30,000 per site, is expected to be completed by the summer of 2028.
Meyer and Fitzpatrick volunteered to serve on the interview community for the summer recreation program. The interviews will take place during the month of April, with hiring recommendations presented for approval in May. The city received one application for coordinator position and three for assistant roles.
The council approved spending $4,500 to trade in the city’s John Deere skid steer loader. Previously, such trades were cost-neutral, but due to tariffs, this is no longer the case. The new loader will come with a two-year warranty through Midwest Machinery out of Caledonia. City Clerk Steve Schuldt added that it is a “high stress machine and should be traded in regularly.” This decision allows the city to remain in the program.
Twite presented several funding requests, which were approved, including 60 loads of breaker rock, valued at $10,000, from the railroad at a cost of approximately $5000 to $6000 to pay for transportation and a bulldozer to lay the rock on Hamilton; and 161 sign posts bases from the county for $293 which will replace the guard rail posts on second street.
Fire Chief Ben Novak announced the successful completion of the well project, funded by a grant. The remaining money will be used to purchase gear for the department. Novak said It is ridiculous that it costs $4,500 to outfit one person. He reminded the council that the department’s fundraiser is Saturday, April 5. All the tickets have been sold.
City Treasurer Jenna Knight reminded the council that the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization (LBAE) meeting is set for May 13. Fitzgerald offered to personally purchase a POW flag to for the post office if the city agreed to put it up.
The council denied a $50 donation request from the city of Houston for its summer recreation program, because one Brownsville resident participated in their program last year.
City Clerk Steve Schuldt announced that, moving forward, the city quarterly reports to the board, including the Merchants Bank statement, investment report, and cash control statement, to ensure transparency and financial balance.
The meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m., with a motion by Meyer and a second by Fitzpatrick.