Brownsville City Council members met Wednesday, July 2 at the Brownsville Community Center. Mayor Jean Meyer called the meeting to order at 7 p.m., City Clerk Steve Schuldt conducted role call, then Meyer led with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members present included Mayor Meyer, Pam Walhovd, Barb Hurley, Bill Fitzpatrick and David Prestby. City employees present included Clerk Schuldt, Treasurer Jenna Knight, and from City Maintenance, Dean Twite.
Councilor Fitzpatrick moved, seconded by Prestby, to adopt the Consent Agenda after resident Shawn Colsch was added to Floor Correspondence. Motion carried.
Colsch addressed the council about a building permit renewal. He initially got approved for the permit in 2022. Mayor Meyer told him that according to ordinance his permit expired and cannot be renewed. The permit got expired since no work was done. Councilor Walhovd informed that at the time Colsch got held up by the state and county. Colsch said that he turned in a new permit application. City Treasurer Knight chimed in to state Colsch did turn in the paperwork but he did so on Thursday, where the deadline for items to be put on the agenda for approval was Wednesday. Council Fitzpatrick moved to allow Colsch the permit as presented, Walhovd seconded. Motion carried.
Two representatives from Bollig Engineering, Paul Dhoore and Kris Ambuehl, updated the council about Brownsville’s current wastewater treatment system.
Philanthropy director, Aaron Johnson, of SMIF (Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation) presented to the council about SMIF and what they do. Johnson informed that SMIF is a philanthropic organization that serves roughly 20 counties which includes 175 communities within southeast Minnesota through collaboration and partnership. SMIF was launched in 1980 and continues to this day to support communities.
Johnson shared about grant opportunities, how SMIF can assist the city with entrepreneurship, support the city with economic growth, and early childcare development. He listed off a few upcoming grant opportunities – Early Care and Education Grant will open this fall, Open Economic Growth grant will open this fall, Small Towns Initiative opens this July, and Taylor Rural Improvement Grant which will also open this fall.
Johnson added how the city can give back to SMIF for support. Every dollar donated to SMIF comes back 12:1. He briefly listed small businesses in Houston County who have benefited from SMIF grants. Hurley moved, seconded by Prestby, to approve a $200 donation to SMIF for 2026 contribution. Motion carried with Fitzpatrick opposing.
Old Business
A number of Brownsville residents who live on 2nd Street addressed the council about the inclusion of metal guard rails which would replace the existing wood ones. Residents were opposed to the metal rail installation as the metal is not aesthetically pleasing compared to the existing wood poles with the metal appearing more industrialized. Residents also stated the current wood poles gave off a more neighborhood-like look. The residents were informed that the decision to include metal railing over wood poles was due to the wood being too costly in addition to requiring more maintenance. Councilor Walhovd repeated that the wood poles were too costly, and added that the cables that connect to the poles that act as a barrier keep falling off the wood. Councilor Hurley informed that Twite, who is in charge of city maintanence, would ensure the metal railing look presentable. Hurely cautioned that if a driver were to go over the edge with the existing wood poles, this would be a liability for the city. Hurley ended the discussion stating, “It has to be done.”
Council members next looked at a city ordinance for appendix B of Brownsville maps. Prestby’s son generously created updated maps of Brownsville at no cost to the city. Walhovd said this would be an opportunity to correct names for streets. Prestby said his son will have 2-3 large copies for Brownsville soon. Along with the maps, the council looked over technical standards to fix any discrepancies.
New Business
Dean Twite had taken some courses to gain certification. While he took these courses, there was a Class C Contract in place where Ron Cordes filled in for Twite. Since Twite passed and is now awaiting his certification, the council discussed keeping Cordes as a backup. Councilor Walhovd asked about the city compensating Cordes for maintaining his current certification. Mayor Meyer stated there will be followup with Twite to get Cordes a new contract.
Twite and Knight briefly presented their department reports.
Once department reports were shared, the meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m.
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