The Brownsville City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Meyer at 7:06 p.m. on September 4. Councilmembers Barb Hurley, Pam Walhovd, Bill Fitzpatrick, Tim Klug, and Mayor Meyer were present, constituting a quorum. City employees present included City Clerk Steve Schuldt, Dean Twite of City Maintenance, and City Treasurer Jenna Knight.
Brownsville Mayor Jean Meyer opened the public hearing on the proposal to vacate Second Street North at 7 p.m. at city hall. After the reading of the resolution and hearing no comments from the public, the hearing was closed at 7:06 p.m.
The resolution proposed to vacate the following streets, “Scott Street lying between Second Street and Third Street” and “The Westerly Half of Second Street lying adjacent to and easterly of Lots 89 and 90 and the Westerly Half of Second Street lying adjacent to and easterly of Lots 93, 94 and the Northerly Half of Taylor Street, now vacated, lying between said Second and Third Street.” These changes are in accordance with the original plat of Brownsville recorded with the Houston County Recorder’s Office in Minnesota.
The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included the amended meeting agenda, minutes from the August 7 meeting, and the claims list totaling $36,669.07.
The council agreed to allow the Zion Evangelical Church Wednesday night youth program use of the city gym in case of inclement weather during the school year.
The board has approved submitting an application for the Arlin Falck Foundation grant to fund the fire department’s well. The city received $37,500 in 2023 from the Arlin Falck Foundation. The 2024 grant application process is open until October 1. Councilmember Fitzpatrick said the well is “on life support.” Brownsville Fire Department Training Officer Brandon Frank confirmed that the well is a “do or die situation.” The top priority is the well, while the secondary priority is obtaining new hoses and nozzles for the department. The maximum available grant amount is $50,000. The council unanimously approved Twite contacting Gary’s Pump and Well Service, Inc.
The council has approved the proposed levy for 2025, which represents a 12.5% increase from 2023. The motion passed after Hurley’s motion for a 14% increased failed due to a lack of support. Schuldt noted that this is a proposed increase, it cannot be raised but can be reduced before the end of the year. Schuldt added, “We will have better handle on the budget by December.”
In other business, the council:
- Unanimously approved Jerry Walhovd’s request for a building permit. He plans on installing a carport for parking his boat and camper. The carport is open on all four sides.
- Approved the request from David Prestby and Mary Ashbeck for a building permit for a house and garage, as well as a permit for a retaining wall, contingent upon the completion of the survey. The council will have an opportunity to review the survey before the permits are issued.
- Discussed the resolution regarding subdividing the property at 208 8th St. S. in Brownsville.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
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