Brownsville City Council members met Wednesday, July 3 at Brownsville Community Center. Mayor Jean Meyer called the meeting to order at 7 p.m., City Clerk Steve Schuldt then conducted roll call. Council members present included Meyer, Pam Walhovd, Barb Hurley, Tim Klug and Bill Fitzpatrick. City employees present included Schuldt, City Maintenance Dean Twite and City Treasurer Jenna Knight.
The Consent Agenda was approved following one adjustment to the minutes from the June 5 regular council meeting. Council member Hurley questioned about the $100,000 amount not being discussed at the last meeting and recommended the $100,000 amount to be removed from the minutes. Mayor Meyer responded, “It could be reworded though, since I didn’t say $100,000.”
The council and audience listened to a brief presentation from an Aflac Insurance representative, who introduced himself and explained how Aflac Insurance works. “We’re supplemental. We fill in the gaps,” stated the representative. The target group for Aflac is blue collar workers in need of cheap, affordable coverage. The representative explained how Aflac offers a 24/7 on-the-clock accident policy, short-term disability, and assists with cancer related expenses. “It’s cheap and affordable!” The representative explained, in addition, the coverage fills in gaps with high deductibles.
Council members were given sheets with dollar figures pertaining to costs and programs Aflac covers. Mayor Meyer asked if Aflac’s plans are offered individually. The representative stated that the city can fund a policy for city staff or staff can purchase a policy individually. “All our claims are handled in-house,” added the representative.
City Clerk Schuldt shared his personal experience with Aflac. Aflac had helped Schuldt’s family with the cost and high deductible of a medical expense through their family plan. “It helps,” Schuldt acknowledged. Mayor Meyer concluded with thanking the representative for their time.
Council member Klug moved, seconded by Fitzpatrick, to approve Brandon Frank’s building permit application. “We were able to visit the spot and provide a report,” Meyer shared. The Frank’s current deck will be dismantled, their new deck will be longer.
Twite provided his city maintenance report. He recommended council members visit Bluffview Manor’s vacant unit #10, as the unit is in need of some renovations. Twite informed that he had ideas pertaining to the unit. “Share yours please,” encouraged Fitzpatrick. Twite thought the unit is in need of a paint coat, if the shower were to get replaced, now is the time to do so; the flooring could either be replaced or deep cleaned, and a few doors could use restaining.
Hurley included her thoughts in regards to the flooring, “It looks a little worn in some places.”
“I thought it was in good shape,” stated Klug, noting the flooring is in need of a deep cleaning.
Twite said, “I would like to get moving so we can get this rented out.”
After brief discussion, Hurley acknlowedged, “It sounds like the bathroom is the biggest concern.”
Fitzpatrick added, “Let’s take care of the major issues,” and recommended to have the shower looked at. Twite explained that the tub’s heights are not average height for a bathtub, they are taller. Twite was directed to move forward with deep cleaning the floors, painting, and the shower will be looked into further.
The council approved to add two signs to Mississippi Lane with each new sign displaying the house numbers for that given side. As of now, Mississippi Lane does not have a blue fire marker even though Mississippi Lane is within city limits.
Brownsville Fire Department’s training officer, Brandon Frank, updated the council about their local fire department. Fire department personnel can take part in Mound Prairie Mutual Insurance golf outing. All the fire trucks are in need of oil changes. Frank informed the Council that fire truck #1620 is on its last leg and will need to be replaced eventually. The truck is a 1994 Ford that had been purchased for $28,000. Right now there is difficulty finding replacement parts for this truck. Frank recommended the fire truck be replaced within the next two years and estimates a new used truck to cost around $140,000. The council thanked Frank for his update.
Hurley moved, seconded by Walhovd, to renew Brownsville’s membership with Minnesota Small Cities. Motion carried. Brownsville’s membership had ended July 2021, Minnesota Small Cities wants Brownsville to rejoin. One resident asked what this organization provides. Schuldt stated that large cities lobby, with Minnesota Small Cities, they lobby for smaller sized towns. The cost per membership is $406 per year.
Notice of filing for mayor and two city council seats will be posted in the Fillmore County Journal, post office, and city’s website.
Richard’s Sanitation will have a 3% increase for garbage starting this month.
With no other business, the Council meeting adjourned at 8:44 p.m.
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