The Brownsville Wastewater Treatment Facility has received a Certificate of Commendation from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) in recognition of its commitment to protecting Minnesota’s waters through consistent, high-quality wastewater operations. Maintenance Supervisor Dean Twite accepted the award on behalf of the facility and its staff during the November 4 Brownsville City Council meeting.
The recognition honors wastewater facilities that demonstrate consistent compliance with monitoring, operations, and maintenance requirements; submit accurate and timely reports to the MPCA; and employ staff certified by the agency in wastewater operations.
“This is the first time that our city has gotten this kind of an award, and we just want to say thank you very much, Dean. We appreciate all that you’ve done,” said Mayor Jean Meyer as she read the commendation.
Routine Business
Meyer called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Council members Pam Walhovd, Meyer, Bill Fitzpatrick and David Prestby were present. Council member Barb Hurley was absent.
City staff in attendance included Treasurer Jenna Knight, Maintenance Supervisor Dean Twite, Clerk Steve Schuldt and Fire Chief Ben Novak.
Others in attendance included Tim Klug and Stephen Kujak.
The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included the meeting agenda with two additions, the claims list and the minutes from the October 7 council meeting.
Prestby made the motion to approve the consent agenda, with Fitzpatrick seconding. The motion carried unanimously.
Other Business
Following public comment by former City Council member Tim Klug regarding AI centers and power lines, Mayor Meyer requested that both topics be placed on next month’s meeting agenda for further discussion.
The council unanimously approved a $4.15 increase in combined sewer and garbage collection fees, bringing the total to $76. The motion was made by Walhovd and seconded by Fitzpatrick.
Mayor Meyer also asked council members to review the proposed 2027 budget and come prepared to discuss it at the December city council meeting, when the budget is scheduled for approval. The council did not take any action.
The city plow truck was also discussed. Council member Fitzpatrick reported that they continue to look at available trucks through the auction but has not found one that meets the city’s needs. Twite shared that the existing plow truck was fixed and the plow installed and will be taken to the repair shop next week to see how things are holding up.
The council approved a building permit for Stephen and Annette Kujak at 303 Marina Drive South, provided the project meets the five-foot setback requirement, remains within the existing footprint and receives approval from the appropriate governing agencies.
Other approved items include the 2026 certification of unpaid utility bills, which will be forwarded to the county, and the renewal of two liquor licenses for Saxon Hall.
The council also approved a quote from Winnebago Home Improvement for $70,800, which will be reimbursed from the $75,000 Tier II grant received by the city to upgrade doors and windows at Bluffview Manor. They also authorized Bollig Engineering to apply for a grant for the city. It was confirmed that there is no cost to the city for the grant application process and that Bollig Engineering would send someone to help Knight prepare the application.
Additionally, the council approved spending up to $5,000 for updates to Apartment #11 at Bluffview Manor. It was noted that the previous tenant lived there for 20 years without any updates.
After hearing reports from the Maintenance Department, Fire & Rescue Department, and the City Clerk, Mayor Meyer adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m.
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