Brownsville Says Goodbye to Councilor Danielson

Brownsville, Minn., City Council members met Wednesday, October 4 at the Brownsville Community Center. Council member Jacob Danielson bade everyone a final farewell as October 4 was his last day serving as part of the city council. Danielson’s term ends December 2024, and his vacant place on the council will need to be filled; once filled his successor will carry out the remaining of Danielson’s term. Advertisements will go out locally Thursday, October 5. The deadline for those interested in replacing Danielson is Thursday, October 26. The council will review letters of those interested in the position and appoint a new council member at the next regular council meeting held Wednesday, November 1. Danielson was thanked for his service and will be missed.

Mayor Jean Meyer called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. following with City Clerk Steve Schuldt conducting role call. Council members present included Mayor Meyer, Pam Walhovd, Barb Hurley, Danielson and Tim Klug. In addition, City Clerk Schuldt, City Treasurer Jenna Knight and Dean Twite from maintenance attended.

Council member Danielson moved, second by Hurley, to approve the consent agenda after two items were included under New Business – Highway 26 updates and a Quincy Giese building permit. The consent agenda now includes approval of agenda, minutes, and claims list. No council members opposed so motion carried.

Old Business

The council discussed issuing a resident’s survey to Brownsville residents to hear resident input about the town. Mayor Meyer put together a sample survey and sought the council’s opinion. Walhovd thought the proposed survey was too lengthy and recommended a committee of community members be formed instead, stating, “I’d like to see some young folks get involved.” One resident in the audience voiced that the number of questions listed may seem daunting to those completing the survey and recommended to limit the number of questions to 5 or 6 as opposed to 19.

Another resident chimed in, stating, “I think it should be split up between needs and wants.”

Meyer shared that the survey would reach residents via online or mail. “I’m against mailing it out,” Councilor Klug respectfully stated as he expressed concern about mailing costs. Klug supported the survey being available online with a physical copy being available at the city if residents wish to complete a paper copy.

“I feel we need a committee for this,” Treasurer Knight chimed in.

Councilor Walhovd suggested to table the item of discussion until the November regular council meeting. The council approved to table the item.

New Business

Council member Hurley attended an online meeting in regards to the Highway 26 development.

The council received a building permit request from contractor Quincy Giese for the location 299 Marina Dr. S., Brownsville. Giese submitted the permit request, however, Giese is not the property’s listed owner nor was he present at this meeting. The listed owner for the given address is Holzer Investments, LLC. Hurley suggested to table this item until further information is gathered. In a 3-2 vote, motion carried.

The council unanimously approved the Steve Serre’s Building/Zoning Permit Application.

Twite shared with the council his monthly maintenance report. A culvert has been installed on Hamilton Street. The manhole on 9th and Benton Street has been raised. Twite proudly stated he passed his biosolids training held in Mankato, Minn. In regards to Bluffview Manor Apartments, Twite informed the council that the north end water mitigation is completed and all the apartments received new air conditioners installed. The old air conditioners that were removed are in need of a new home. Mayor Meyer suggested the old air conditioners be put on the market for sale for the price of $25 or best offer. The council meeting came to a close following the department reports.

The meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m. Wednesday, November 1 from 7-8 p.m. a fire district meeting will take place at Brownsville Community Center. The fire district meeting involves Brownsville, Brownsville Township and Crooked Creek. After the fire district meeting, the regular city council meeting will take place, starting at 8 p.m. at the same location. The public is invited to attend.