Tony, please call the role. >> Jagger, >> yes. >> Erikson, >> yes. >> Beans, >> here. >> Chzac, >> here. >> Johnson, >> here. >> Stunn. >> OD >> here. >> Bedau, >> here. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the republic for it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. All right. Next up, we have approval of the agenda. >> So moved. >> Second. Motion by Chzox, second by
Bevans. Any discussion? >> Seeing none, let's go to a vote. All those in favor say I. >> I. Against the same sign. We have an agenda. Next up, we have the consent calendar. This is a notice of public that all matters listed are considered routine by the council and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no
separate discussion of these items unless good cause is shown prior to the time the council votes on the motion to be adopted by roll call. >> Mr. President, >> Mr. Chzot, >> I'd like to uh ask that the suspense tracker be taken off the consent calendar and put immediately following the adoption of the consent.
>> Okay. >> And then I would move to approve the consent. >> Dispense. >> Second. >> Motion by Chzach, second by Bevans. Any discussion? >> None. Tony >> Jagger. Yep. >> Ericson, >> yes. >> Beans, >> yes. >> Chzach,
>> yes. >> Johnson, >> yep. >> OD, >> yes. >> That motion carries. Next up, we have the suspense tracker that was taken off of consent. So, Mr. Chzach, do you have comments? >> It's the uh item. It's the very last item. If you can look at that, it's the
finished items and it's the one to do with the request of the council to ask the city of Baxter to consider adjusting their rates to match the city's bus rates for the bus fairs. And u it says it's completed and I would beg to differ
because we have an item there that says they'll be giving uh the administrator said they'll try to make time for our staff. I believe uh administrator broles and uh public works director Habac of course to meet with a presentation to the Baxter city council and see that
that has not come to fruition. I don't know how we can call that item complete. So I'd like to keep it current if we could. >> Okay. >> Unless somebody would argue that it is complete. I >> So look like you have concurrence from the staff. So >> okay,
>> that will be changed. I I just want to stress too that this item is very important to help our ridership for the city bus service overall. If we can adjust those rates, it's obvious we would increase ridership. And when there's people carpooling to get a ride
back to Brainard from Baxter to save that additional fair that they wouldn't otherwise pay, there's a significant uh uh increase in wrership we could have, but just based on that alone. So, >> all right. It it doesn't have to be a motion to that effect or anything, does
it? To >> doesn't look like it. Looks like staff is on it. >> I would move to approve in the uh rest of the consent this item on consent >> to approve with that change. >> Yep. >> Okay. Second. >> Motion by Chzok, second by Bevans. Any
discussion? Seeing none, let's go to a vote. All those in favor? >> Mr. President, I >> you want a voice vote for this one? Tony >> Jagger? >> Yes. >> Ericson? >> Yes. >> Beven? >> Yes. >> Chzac? >> Yes. >> Johnson? >> Yep. OD. >> Yes, >> Mr. President. I I don't know at the
consent calendar has numerous items. I think when we pull one, a simple >> yes or no vote, but that's my >> either way. Okay, we got it done. >> Fair enough. >> All right, moving on to number six. This is public forum. This is time allocated for citizens to bring matters not on the agenda to the attention of the council.
Time limits may be imposed. Looks like we have quite a few in here that are ready to come up and speak possibly tonight. So, let's try to keep it under three to five minutes. Come on up, sir. >> Good evening. My name is LOL Smith, Baxter, Minnesota, but I am here with
the Crowing County Republicans. I am here representing them officially as the chair of the Crowing County Republicans. A letter that was drafted by Mayor Purfest up in Cross Lake was sent to the mayor here to be signed that is an opportunity to sign on and show unity of
standing together. Every mayor except Briner and one other refused to sign the letter. This letter was addressed to all state representatives and senators and expressed our concern as a group of mayors that there was a 1 billion in
fraud that had been committed, unchecked spending of 18 billion in surplus of this last budget and also physical mismanagement of another six billion. On top of that, I would like to be clear that this isn't about a left or a right issue. Is it was
about a GOP or a DFL. It's not even about anything else other than what is right and what is wrong. As a group, we are deeply disappointed in you either being unwilling and unable to sign on to this letter that is denouncing all the
fraud, waste, and abuse that has occurred that impacts every citizen here in Briner and in Crowing County as a whole. We're having to pay for this mismanagement and fraud twice. Once with the initial funds that are gone and that there will be extra taxes that will be
paid to have by us the citizens to have to cover this cost that will trickle down to each individual city in this county and it'll make your job as a council harder for both long-term planning and to make budget meetings.
Your failure to sign has left many in the community feeling unheard, let down, and frankly quite disappointed. If you're unwilling or unable, and if you're unwilling, the question is to why? Why are you afraid to stand against fraud and abuse? You swore to protect
the citizens of Brainard against this sort of type of action. Your constituents deserve and elected you to fight for them. If unable, the same question applies. Why are you unable? Are you unable?
Because Briner is awaiting some type of state approval for funds. And if that's the case, is any amount of money worth your value as far as what is right is wrong? What is it? Is it worth compromising any of your values? Along with this, you're not standing
shoulder-to-shoulder with the other mayors that have signed on to this within this county. We as a whole should stand side by side with our local county members to help stand together and don't be afraid to take a stand. When I saw the letter, I had high hopes for our
county joining together and make it a statement about fraud, waste, and abuse. Your decision not to sign is a significant letdown to our community. If still not willing to change your mind and sign, I would urge the rest of the council for a resolution to pass urging the mayor to sign the letter. And if
not, please reconsider your decision for the sake of our community. Thank you for your time and attention. >> Thank you, Mr. Smith. If there's anybody else that would like to come up and address the council, anything that's not on the agenda, please do so now. And if you're online
and you'd like to address the council, press star three. That'll raise your hand. Come on up, sir. Just name and address first. >> My name is Chris. Um, I'm going to leave my last name alone. Address is in Brainer. I'm up here to support all the
victims here in Corwing and maybe outside of Corwing. Um, I was a victim at 2020 at my home, assaulted by a renter, ignored by police, ignored by a lot of other people. I came forward
several times to solve the issue. And to to let you guys know that I am a survivor of a of four fourcoming deaths. I had one death
right after my assault. I was in this uh Minneapolis city and thanks to a officer down there had saved my life cuz I was about to die. My blood pressure went down to one or five and
ended up in the hospital. I'm here because I believe the city council needs to put up a more strict um safety for the landlords here and they're being assaulted and police not allowing them
to be heard. I'm also here because I believe that if you guys see me and how I survived from that hall from from years from 2020 till now is because I'm a fighter. I'm not a quitter and I'm
going to show people that it does happen and city council needs to hear us out for those who are victims of assault. And I would like to see if you guys can come up with a solution for this to support me and
those out there that are victims of assault and allowing the people that have been the suspects at large assaulting these renters or other landlords and whatnot. and I'm coming
forward to please accept my request and to talk about it. Um, I told a little bit to Nick and now here's what I'm telling you guys. I'm in the process of writing a book about it and I'm leaving
Brain It Out, but I'm putting it into a book because there's a lot of people that ask me questions. Now, I'm coming forward to city council to please consider to fight the issue of assault and rights of victims that being assaulted,
get their rights because there could be many out there that already passed away from being assaulted or whatnot. I'm here because I'm I'm not a quitter. I'm a fighter. I want to protect what needs to be protected in the city of Brainard
and I'm here to help those who are assaulted too. And please um concern consider to think of a a way to um protect the safety of those who get assaulted.
>> Thank you, sir. Right. If there's anybody else in the audience that would like to come up and address the council on anything not in the agenda, please do so. Now, once again, if you're online and you'd like to address the council, press star three.
I'll ask again if anybody likes would like to come up to address the council, please do so. Now, looks like we don't have anyone anyone else. No one online, Max. All right. And it is 7:41. We will close the public
forum. So, if that's all you're here for, I can give a a minute to clear the room. If you want to stay and watch, that's great, too. >> All right. Next up, number seven, we have presentations. Looks like we have two presentations tonight. First up is 7A,
the annual charter presentation for community action. >> Please introduce yourself, sir. Dave Bedau, executive director of Brainard Community Action, 723 South 7th Street, Brainer. Home address 602 North 9th Street. So, I am here on behalf of
Brainer Community Action. My uh partner in crime tonight was unable to make it. Had a emergency with her children. So, I'm solo tonight. You guys are stuck looking at me listening to me talk the whole time. So, uh just super fast, the Briner community would like to say thank you to the city of Briner for our partnership and all the stuff that we've
been doing over the last handful of years. uh through the charter and through uh our contract with the city, we have been able to kind of streamline our process and what we do and really take a focus at creating things within the city of Brainard that not only hit
various different demographics, but also are spread out through the entire year and thread spread out through the entire city as well. So, uh, Briner Community Action, for those that are not aware, we are a nonprofit organization that's put in place to help people with charitable ideas, come up with ways of giving back
to their community. uh that entails all sorts of fun things like uh raising money for skate parks all the way to the yellow ribbon and other various pro projects like that uh including um the unlimited learning which is a very fun
one that we work with which is trying to have an opportunity for the elderly community to come have presentations and uh continue their learning process. But as of tonight, what we are talking about is our events through the city of Brainard. And we are happy to uh
announce that this has been a extremely excess successful year. Once again, obviously the 4th of July and Arts in the Park are two tent pool operations that happen around the middle of the summer. Uh but throughout the entire year, the rest of our activities uh run
everywhere from the sweltering sun to the freezing freezing cold that is known as St. Patrick's Day. So, uh once again, we will be h be hosting the parade and all those fantastic activities. Um however, uh what we're the most proud of
is what we've done with our work with the community empowerment fund, which essentially from our arts in the park festivities, we take the money that is raised from that. It is our largest fundraiser. we roll that directly into a grant opportunity for people locally in Brainard to come up with ways of giving
back and that runs the full gamut of activities and every year it is completely different. Um the one thing I will say that I think we could do better this next year is we took on uh concerts in the park. It was our second year of doing it. First year we tested the
waters, saw how it worked. It went great. Uh and then we were informed that the center was no longer going to be able to do them. Uh that is a task that we hope to take on. This last year we didn't quite get it up to the snuff that we were hoping. Um so next year that is going to be a large focus for us is
trying to get that entire program going. It may not be every week as we uh some may hope, but uh a goal of ours is going to be to make sure that there are both concerts at the new amphitheater as well as getting back to that traditional Gregory Park band stand. So, uh, any
questions from any of you? >> Mr. Jezac? >> Yes, Mr. Bedau. >> Yes. >> Um, in the document you provided that said signed by the board of directors. How many are there? >> Board of directors. Right now, I believe we have eight board of directors. >> Okay. Would we be able to get the names
unless they're in there and they're handwritten? I >> They are not They are not within there. No, I apologize. It It says on behalf of the board of directors, yes, but I can get you a list of the board directors. >> Okay. And then you gave a nice spreadsheet here, but um I I believe staff had reached out to see if we get
that in Excel. I can't read it the way it is. >> I apologize. >> I will make sure that we send that over in Excel. >> Yep. >> That's all I have. Thank you. >> It was created in Excel and actually was transported into a PDF. So less work would be just to send the Excel. >> Okay.
>> Thank you. >> Anyone else questions? Doesn't look like there's any more questions. >> Okay. Thank you once again. We look forward to continuing to work with you. >> Thank you, Mr. Bedau. All right. Next up for presentation 7B, we have an update from Visit Brainer.
>> That's okay. >> Good evening. My name is Mary Divine Johnson. Um, address is 1501 Rosewood Street, Brainer. Business address is 214 South 7th Street in Brainer. And I'm the executive director for Visit Brainer, which is the official visitors bureau.
and destination marketing organization for the cities of Brainard and Baxter. Um, first we just again we want to say thank you. We've been um in existence since 1995 was when there was initially a joint powers agreement between the cities of Brainard and Baxter to go
ahead and start enacting a lodging tax. Um, and so for those of you that don't know, um, when you stay in a in a short-term lodging entity, there's often a tax on on your bill up to 3% in the state of Minnesota. um that's an add-on and that money goes to the um local
government unit that collects it and 95% of it is remitted to an organization like Visit Brainard to be used specifically by state statute for the promotion of the destination as a tourism convention destination. Um so we
have one of the best jobs around. Maybe maybe uh Community Action would argue that they've got one of the best jobs around, but we get to invite people to come visit us here in Brainer and Baxter um and use that money to advertise and promote largely outside of the community
um to invite them to come and see what we've got going on. Um I did include a lot of information in my presentation. I don't want to touch on it all. I trust that you can all review it. Um, but again, I just wanted to say thanks for letting me present and give you an update. This will mostly be a preview of
where we're going in 2026 versus a recap on 2025. Um, a couple of highlights though for 2025 is we did invest about $300,000 in advertising and visitor information services. Um, we're implementing new event calendar technology with our
website, which scour multiple Facebook pages and different websites in the community to aggregate it. um so that not just one person has to go in and find community events. Um that utility alone has increased our website traffic immensely and so we're optimistic that
will continue to help with search engine optimization and then providing information to the community as a whole. Um we also use that information to um create our weekly email. Um, I know many of you in here get it, but if you don't, send me an email at
mriadvisitbriner.col.com called the weekend roundup. And so, every week we're sending out events that are coming up for Friday, Saturday, Sunday of that week. We get incredible feedback for it. We have about 6,000 people that have opted in to receive
that email, and the click-through rate and the open rate for that is about 30%. So, it's a great tool for both local and visitors alike. Um, we maintain the lodging tax revenue. We're always about two months behind. So, I don't have the specific data for 2025 finished yet, but
we're looking at about 3% on lodging tax revenue being above year-over-year. Um, some of that's an increase probably in heads and beds, people staying in the hotels, and some of it's largely due to the rate that the hotels can charge and what they can garner as well for lodging
rates. Um, and then we also took a deeper dive into our strategic planning looking at the next five years. I did send out a survey to the city council and some of the staff. So, thank you to those of you that participated in the survey. We also invited um staff from
both cities to participate in a board planning meeting and Kevin Jagger and um James Cranvic participated on behalf of the city of Brainard. And so, thank you for your time and attention there. Um, we also, um,
do have a contract with the Brainer EDA to help do advertising on behalf of the Brainer EDA. Um, in terms of our preliminary budget, you'll see that we have about a $500,000 annual budget. $485,000 of that comes from the lodging tax
revenue from the hotels in the city of Baxter. Um, about 20,000 comes from the city of Brainard. We do have some non- tax revenue. That's that EDA contract um to the tune of $53,000. But I'd like to point out that $48,000
of that is actual direct advertising spends. And so we keep less than 10% for a fee from Visit Brainard. So, um we're slow, but we're cheap. No, I'm just kidding. We're we're very good at marketing um and advertising and we do it really at a cost basis just to help
the city and and keep moving things forward with the EDA initiatives. Um but we appreciate the contract and the opportunity to be involved at a deeper level with the community and would would love to do that both with Baxter and Crowing County too. Um non- tax revenue.
We do operate a gift store. I don't know how many of you have ever been in there, but at at our location in downtown, we have visitor information, but we also have a gift store where we sell Brainard, Baxter, and Minnesota branded items. Um, and we don't make a lot of money there. It's mostly there as a service. Um, but we are um there and and
collect just a tiny bit of revenue from that. Um, so overall expenses too, we'll be looking at our operations. It's about $230,000. Uh, we have three staff members. I'm the only full-time staff and then we have two other staff that are an equivalent
about 75 each. Um and so that plus rent and all the other utilities are our overall operations. I I would like to point out that we run a very lean operation. Um the industry average is flipped. Generally it's 60% of the
lodging tax revenue is spent on operations and 40% spent on programming. And we're basically the opposite. And so we are able to put the majority of those tax dollars right back into the promotions and the programming which is what we're statutoily obligated to do.
Any questions on the the preliminary budget concerns there? >> Questions from council? >> Um it's not on the budget. >> Are you going to keep going, Mary? >> Yeah, I'm going to keep going. >> Save it for the end then. Okay. Um, we are the insights from the executive
director and kind of where we're headed for 2026. Sorry, I'm jumping all over the place here. Um, we're going to focus more on rebranding to Visit Brainer Baxter. So, when this organization was started, it was the Brainard Baxter Lodging
Association. Um, in 2008, we rebranded to Visit Brainer. Um, and now this year after 30 years, we're going to rebrand to Visit Brainer Baxter. Um, it's time, right? Baxter is not just a little community next door anymore. That's where the bulk of the the the lodging
tax revenue comes from. It's where a lot of the dining and retail opportunities and things like that are. Um, we have a real opportunity uh with Brainard and Baxter as kind of one community to have a different story to tell. We can talk
about the parks. We can talk about the Mississippi River. We can talk about more of an urban experience with shopping, dining, arts, culture, something that is very different than the Lakes area branding that we generally do talk about. Now, we'd be
remiss to not capitalize on what everybody knows Brainard for, but the visitor doesn't understand what a Baxter is. They don't even understand what a Brainer is. To them, it's anything that's 30 miles around here. So with the dollars that we have and our obligations
beginning and ending at the city limits of these two communities, it's time to start telling a slightly different story. So going forward, we're going to do both. And we have been for the last few years, but I think an important part of that is then rebranding to visit Brainer Baxter. Um we will be
implementing digital kiosks for information services. Uh we have three that will be coming into the community at two hotels and one downtown. And ultimately our goal is to have as many as 10 to 13 in key locations at the different hotels, possibly the airport,
maybe in key spots, whether it be downtown Brainard or somewhere else. And then we will continue to move forward with that technology to serve the visitor information needs. We'll be focusing on website content and feeding our digital services like our app, the events calendar, the kiosks, and using
AI assisted tools for trip planning. There's just no avoiding AI, right? And so if we can do that, we have to feed the content so that we still are relevant in search engine results instead of just AI answering the questions about the community for us.
And we'll be revising our advertising strategy to focus a lot more on video. Um, and then doing some inmarket promotions on Facebook where we're talking about different experiences that you can have, five best places to get a burger, that type of thing. So when people are here and perhaps they are out
at the resorts, they come to town and utilize the things that we have in in the community too. So I think um those are the highlights. You can certainly see how we define the market and where we advertise. It's largely still the Twin Cities. We do have a couple of other key metropolitan areas that
definitely need our attention. We do a media mix of radio, broadcast, print, online video, streaming services, search engine optimization, keyword advertising, a whole bunch of different things that go into this $300,000 budget to try and make sure that people
understand where we are, who we are, and what they can do when they're here. Any other questions? I know you've got an agenda. >> Question for you, Mary. Do you know if there's any other communities in Crowing County besides Brainard and Baxter that have a lodging tax? So there is one um
the Whitefish Area Lodging Association exists and so that's Cross Lake, Jenkins, a couple of townships and they've had some people pull out and so I should know but I don't exactly know who's in part of that consortium right
now, but that's it. Um none of the other communities have a lodging tax. um we do a lot of the heavy lifting for the region just because of the brand of Brainard, but no, nobody else does and nor does the county. I think it's a real opportunity for us as a region to
continue the conversation. I do know the Brainer Lakes Chamber um two years ago, I think, reached out and worked with many of the resorts to see if they could get the communities and the townships on board. Um and they're not there. And the resorts have been asked at least three
times in the last 30 years if they want to come on board. Um, and they don't >> not yet. >> Not yet. >> Okay. So, >> got it. >> Yeah, >> Mr. Chz. >> Yes. Uh, thank you, Mary. I I noticed one thing in here, if I got it correct,
is something the vis brainer Baxter would promote is the telling of tall tales. >> Yeah. >> Is um is that uh you get your best material from the far end of our uh deis over here? Is that >> you pointing at Kelly? >> Not quite that far. >> Not quite that far. Do I get my best
material from that tall tale? No, I do not. >> But do you have a >> I'm brilliant in my own right. >> Do you have a favorite tall tale? >> You know, really what we're doing is it's a theme for the advertising messages as a whole and kind of playing off of Paul Bunion and being in Paul Bunion land. And it's kind of a cute
campaign where we have kids that are saying, you know, I ate a pizza as big as my car. You know, that's what we mean by tall tales. So, from the point of view of kids, it >> it sounds like you're talking about spinning the yarn. And I know somebody that we could consult with that
>> I'm always open to suggestions. >> Very near and dear to my heart that uh legendary yarn spinner. So >> yeah, >> I'll get get back to you on that. >> Please do. Yeah. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Jagger. >> Yeah, thank you, Mr. Chair. Thanks, Mary. Appreciate you being here. Uh my question is regarding your media mix, how does your media mix, are there any
anomalies in our media mix that doesn't that is widely dissimilar from other DM other DMOs out there or or does everyone kind of have the same game plan these days? I think most have the same game plan. I probably do a bit more with um broadcast radio.
>> Okay. >> Um and print largely because we have a larger budget and I'm a bit more efficient with that. Some of the other DMOs have smaller budgets and so they focus a lot more on digital, but what we spend on digital is very comparable to
what the other DMOS would do. Okay. Um >> to answer your question, >> thank you. Yeah. >> Thank you. Anyone else have any questions for Mary? >> Do you think Jackson will be in bed by eight? >> No, I don't. >> All right. It doesn't look like we have any more questions. Thank you, Mary, for
>> Thank you. I appreciate the time. And as always, if you have suggestions or anything, um, let me know. We love working with the city on all the different levels that we can. And, um, uh, we'll continue to promote the parks and the rivers and the things to do here. And >> thank you for everything you do. >> So, thank you.
All right, that does it for presentations. Moving on to number eight. This is council committee reports. First up, we have safety and public works committee chair Tad Ericson. >> All right, thank you, Mr. President. We just had two items on our agenda. The first of which is a final pay request
for 2025 chip seal project. Motion coming out of committee is to approve that final pay request for 2025 chip seal project in the amount of 158,752.90. I so move. >> Second >> motion by Ericson, second by Chzach.
>> Mr. Ericen. >> Uh, the work's complete. Um, staff had a contingency built in there and um the the work is complete and ready to go. So, not much to say on >> under budget. >> Yes. A little bit a little bit under budget. >> Excellent. Any Mr.
>> President more discussion, Mr. Chzac? >> Yeah, I guess I forgot to ask this in committee, but when we have a project like this, I guess I'm asking Mr. Dean. Um, this was completed um several months ago, I assume, right? That's an assumption I don't like to make, but
>> the striping was a little bit later. >> The the paint markings were a little bit later in the season. Um, the chip seal was earlier in the summer. Yep. >> So, when how long ago would you say it was actually completed? >> October. >> Okay. So, now my question is, so the
company that did this work, they're still waiting to get paid, right? This is approval >> essentially. This was us trying to uh agree with final quantities with the contractor before bringing him to the council. >> Okay. So, they they've they've done all the work and everything. So, I'm I'm just trying to get this in my head.
They've waited this long and this is how long it takes our process to take place. No, no, no criticism. I'm just making >> No, sometimes it depends on the contractor. Sometimes it's a very quick process. Sometimes it takes a little bit longer. Depends on their subcontractors as well. >> Okay. Thank you. That's all I have, Mr. President.
>> Thank you. Any more discussion? See none. Let's go to a vote. All those in favor say I. I. Against. Same sign. Motion carries. Chairman Ericson. >> Thank you. And then our our second and last item is uh change order number three uh improvement 2313. The motion
coming out of committee is to approve that change order as presented in the amount of 12,881.74 cents. And I so move >> second by Ericson, second by Chzach. Chairman Ericson. >> Yeah. So, there was four items as you can see in your packet there. Uh, one
relating to the sanitary sewer structure in the median. This all pertains to the trunk highway 371B in Willow Street roundabout. Um, there was uh some a structure that was discovered there that they needed to raise up. Um, the second
item was related to removing a foundation of an old sign that was found during excavation. Uh third uh some corrective work regarding failing subgrade. And then lastly uh an extension to get uh for the
project to um extend the project end date to October 31st as we all know. I think it was completed on the 31st as well. Um there was some other mindot items that they're taking care of. But as far as these uh the two items that
are listed, one is listed as section four and then the other item listed section five. Both of those are state aid and hip eligible. And so th those will be um paid for through those funding sources. >> All right. Thank you, Chairman Ericson.
Any more discussion, Mr. Chz? Yeah, I'd just like to note for the record that the section six says covers an extension date u covers an an extension to the completion date of October 31st
to accommodate delays from the the from the material supplier. Um, and again, I'm making that as a point because uh that meant the construction still had to continue until the end of
October. That's all I have. >> Thank you, Mr. Chzach. Any more discussion? See none, let's go to a vote. All those in favor say I. >> I. Against. Same sign. >> Motion carries. Chairman Ericen. >> And that is the end of the report.
>> Thank you, Chairman Ericson. Moving on to 8B, personnel and finance committee chair Gabe Johnson. >> Thank you, Mr. President. We have five items on our agenda. The first of which is a vehicle for the Lakes Area Drug Investigation Division. And the motion
is to authorize staff to replace the 2014 city-owned vehicle with a leased vehicle in 2026. And ISO move. >> Second. Motion by Johnson. Second by Bevans. Johnson. The task force did uh allocate from their budget $7,800
annually to give to the city to offset the cost of the lease. We think that should cover the lease and the insurance more or less. >> Okay, very good. Mr. Jagger. >> Yeah, thank you. Just real quick a question. Uh perhaps this is for Mr.
Davis, but did was the what was the decision made on the vehicle that we're replacing? Are we fixing the AC and selling it or just selling it or Oh, sorry, Mr. Please, Mr. Mr. >> Johnson or or Davis? >> Yeah, go with Chief. >> Chief, go ahead. >> When we get to that point, I would
consult with Enterprise that sells the vehicles and see what they'd recommend. >> Understood. Thank you. That's all. >> And I would add, we were told downstairs that the $8,000 estimate is with a working air conditioning system. >> All right. What is it without? >> We don't know. >> We'd have to consult with Enterprise.
>> All right. Six. >> Right. It was two. >> Yeah. Or less >> hour windows too. >> Any more discussion? Seeing none, let's go to a vote. All those in favor say I. >> I. Against. Same sign. Motion carries. >> Chairman Chairman Johnson.
>> Thank you, Mr. President. Next up is an MOA with the IOE Parks Union for downtown snow removal compensation. The motion out of committee is to approve the MOA as presented between the city of Brainard and the IUE park maintenance division regarding
compensation when performing downtown snow removal duties. And I so move >> second motion by Johnson, second by Bevans Johnson. >> So the the current language of the contract with this IO group is that uh
overtime occurs after 40 hours of work in a week. the other IOE in the same building work group gets paid overtime after eight hours in a single day because in snow events sometimes there's a lot of overtime
occurred in one day. This IOE group wanted that language. So they they came they requested we have a meeting after we had decided to make them do the snow removal. This memorandum of agreement would be through the end of the contract
end of 2026 and the language of their compensation for overtime would match that of the street crew. >> Okay, more discussion, Mr. Joerger. >> Yeah, thank you. Um, I have a question on this perhaps for Connie. Perhaps
Chris, maybe it's going to help. This see I I'm a little confused by this. This seems to incentivize them to do the snow removal downtown at the end of the shift, not the beginning. But perhaps I'm misunderstanding that. I'm a little fuzzy on when prime rate hours are paid
versus and when it switches over and what tasks how how that affects what tasks, if you understand the question, >> Mr. Johnson, can you >> It's my understanding and director Abigor could correct me if I'm wrong, that they remove the snow when they're directed to remove the snow. They don't pick when it's removed. So if the snow
is there overnight, they show up early in the morning. >> Understood. >> Comes in the afternoon, maybe they stay late. I But they don't really get to pick when they're removing snow. >> Oh, okay. I think I understand. Thank you. >> Satisfying. >> Yeah, I I think so. I I mean, if I would
be trying to move that snow last if I'm getting paid time and a half for it if if there's certain parts of snow removal that >> I think it'll be any day they remove snow if they have overtime. >> Understood. Okay. Thank you. That's all, >> Mr. Mayor. Yeah, that was going to be my question. Is is this directed
specifically at the snow removal and not just a broadening of the description of what their pay is? >> The motion is directly to apply it to when performing downtown snow removal duties. The language in the contract may be broader than that, but
>> maybe >> I I read it. I don't have it memorized. Maybe somebody else could address it. >> You want to try to answer that? >> Yes. So their shift is from 7 to 3:30 and because they come in early that will be that overtime. So they'll be work
they work their normal shift but because they're coming in early that is because of and that's the overtime that will be assessed to downtown. >> Typically they start at 4:00 a.m. when when it's a snow emergency is what you're saying. >> Sometimes 3:00 a.m. and earlier. Yes.
>> Which would put them on that task first. Okay. >> More questions. Mr. Chz. Just so I'm clear, if they come in at 3 and their normal shift begins at 7:30, everything between 3 and 7:30 is time and a half
when they're doing snow. >> Correct. >> And then that that would then pay the the the downtown properties that are assessed would be paying the time and a half rate. Is that correct? >> We go through our formula and yes, it they will be assessed that and and they won't be completely finished by 7:30.
they'll actually maybe go into the 8 9:00. So that will be straight time and that will also be assessed. >> You can keep track. Okay. So, so if they put in a So, okay. So, if they start at 3 and they're working till 7:30 to what
is it? 4 or 4:30. >> 3:30. >> 3:30. um they won't they won't need to go beyond 3:30 then to do the other normal work that's typically done on a any given day after snowfall. >> Yes, that was the one concern at the
park board and uh some most of those duties will be done and that is why we created a priority list to get the highest priority done first and then what is not completed will be carried on to the next day. And these dollar amounts were calculated in the document
he gave us a couple months ago showing the different snowfalls. >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. President. >> Thank you. Mr. Mayor, did you have something? >> Yeah. So, I'm more confused. Sorry. I'm more confused now than I was to begin with because now it sounds like it it
it's mostly overtime. The removal of the snow is mostly going to be overtime. >> Correct. >> I don't understand how that's was calculated. We never talked about overtime when we talked from up here because you you showed numbers, but the numbers didn't really talk about overtime in those numbers, but now I'm reading that it was calculated in there,
but it sounds like now most of it is going to be overtime because they already have other tasks. Am I wrong in hearing that? I think that's the crux of my question is is if we're buil if if the if the if we're billing the downtown if we're billing
the downtown for this service. My concern is is that snow removal that we're coming in early to do snow removal, but we may not necessarily be doing snow removal all day. So, we're billing the downtown an unequal amount to all the snow removal that we do as a city. I guess that's where I'm that's
where I'm a little fuzzy with this. It's It seems like it's surgically pointed to downtown on the on the overtime. That was my question. But I'm not I'm not saying that's the case. I'm just that that's what I'm confused about.
>> Miss, it is a little confusing. I don't know if we can come back with something more more clear on how this formula is formulated. Do we already have something in one of our previous packets on how you put that
together? >> Jesse publicly >> helped with the analysis on that. >> Jesse has >> Mr. President, I think I can help out. I think an easier way to look at this would be days that they're doing snow removal. That might end up being like a 12-hour day. So, their normal workday
would be an 8 hour workday. So, the additional 4 hours would be the overtime period. Um the way we did the calculation on comparing contractor versus internal staff was we attributed those additional let's say four hours of overtime uh towards the downtown snow
removal depending on the event. Some events take a little bit more u than a few hours to get done. So we included you know potentially six hour piece downtown which might be you know four three I'm going to say four hours of overtime plus maybe two hours of straight time.
So it just it depended on the amount of snow that we were estimating and attributing the appropriate amount of hours for that. Um but we can definitely uh go any way the council would like to do but it does run through a whole different formula of it's not just 100%
assessed to the downtown. The city picks uh picks up roughly about half of that amount right off the top. Um and then it's split again further u based on frontage. So, we take on as a city, we take on frontage next to our parking lots and alleys. Uh, private properties
take on the frontage next to their buildings. Uh, so that's how that analysis was put together for Mike was taking a lot of those estimates, but understanding that everything over their normal shift would have been overtime. >> So, we included that with the analysis.
>> Thank you, Mr. Dean. Mr. Johnson. >> Yeah. And I just I supported this motion downstairs. I asked some of the same questions and left more confused than than I came in without really receiving any answers that cleared anything up. But ultimately, what this is doing to
our employees is giving them the same compensation formula that we give to our other employees that are in the same garage doing snow removal activities. >> So, so regarding the employees, this is there's no question in my mind that this is the right thing to do. But maybe what
we need more clarification on maybe between now and and the next meeting is is what the formula is, how it's how it's changed, if it's changed compared to what it would have been with a contractor. I think in the end of the winter we would like to compare that to
whatever we want to do next year if or see if something needs to change. I think does that make sense to you guys? >> Yep. >> Okay. >> Mr. Mayor, can I just make one request? The park board meets tomorrow. just it would be nice to have this in front of them just the same item so that they're
at least on the same page. >> Thank you, Mr. Chaza. >> Um when we vote on this, I would I would like to uh make a motion to what you just suggested, Mr. OD, because >> have a motion. >> Yep. >> When we vote on this motion on the table, >> you want to make a second motion after
this motion. Okay. >> Mike, I can make it easy, Mike, and just add your request to get more information on how this is allocated at the next council meeting and just add that to my motion. Friendly amendment. Second is okay. >> Yes. >> All right. All right. Any more discussion? Seeing
none, let's go to a vote. All those in favor say I. I. Against. Same sign. >> Motion carries. Chairman Johnson. >> Thank you, Mr. President. You thought that was confusing. >> Next up is a temporary transit operations specialist position. The
motion is to authorize staff to hire a temporary part-time employee to assist the transit division and utilize the transmit operations specialist wage grid when hiring the temporary position and ISO move. >> Second motion by Johnson, second by
Bevans, Chairman Johnson. >> Yeah, we approved this in uh committee downstairs. It hasn't been to the TAC. It it is in the budget for the transportation. they can absorb it with their current
revenues coming in. I any questions I think would have to go to staff though. >> Okay. Thank you. Any more discussion? >> Yeah, >> Mr. Chz. >> Yeah, we we had this position before. Um, and can I assume that that position
ended based on the number of hours worked or is it are we have a certain individual in mind to pick up the reigns again on this? Does anybody answer that? Chris >> Schubert, HR So by state law, employees can work up
to 67 working days before they are eligible for union representation. So when that person hit that 67 days, we terminated that position. That temporary position was then done at that point. That was in 2020.
That was earlier this year that we terminated that position. Now we're asking for another temporary position for 2026. Is it possible to get the same individual being they're familiar with the position or is that >> we can always ask? >> Okay.
>> All right. That's all I got. Thanks. >> Thank you, Mr. Chzac. >> More discussion. >> See none. Let's go to a vote. All those in favor say I. >> I. I. >> Against. Same sign. >> Motion carries. Chairman Johnson. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Next up is the
revised pilot contribution policy 2003-01 payment in le of tax contribution. The motion is to approve the revised contribution to city policy 2003-1 with implementation of said policy
revisions to take effect January 2026 and ISO move. >> Second motion by Johnson, second by Bevans. Chairman Johnson. So if you recall, we requested the public utility commission to modify the uh payment in lie of taxes. Instead of uh it being a
per kilowatt hour basis, it would be a percent of total electric basis. And we requested that they go from 3% in 26, 4% in 207, and almost near the uh national median 5% in 2028.
They did meet, they did discuss it, they did change the policy to be a percentage of total revenues and set it at 3%. And we'll know about four or 5% in the future after they do a rate study seeing if that will increase rates or or not.
>> Okay. So step one of our request is technically approved by them, but we still don't really know that I can recall if it's totally up to us or or not. >> Well, the charter does say it's the
public utility commission policy approved by the city council. So since they did amend the policy, now we approve it. >> Okay. I have no problem with this. just just trying to figure it out. Um any more discussion,
>> Mr. President? >> Chza. >> Yeah. What what is the limit we could actually see on this pilot if we I mean is there is there a >> uh it's a good question. Mr. Langel, do you have any idea what that would be? >> I am not aware of a cap.
>> There might not be a limit 100%. That'd be tough. >> All right, we probably won't ask that. I'm guessing. But any more discussion? >> Well, I mean, I asked because uh where do we stop? I mean, it's it's a
philosophical question, of course, but >> yeah. >> Um I um I just see this as a taking from rateayers um and uh instead of taxpayers, property taxpayers. And I I don't know how that aligns with uh
trying to keep our rates for electric as low as we can to serve our customers. But that's my position on it. >> Yeah, could look at it that way. I think it's just we're trying to figure out what is customary and and normal in in the market at least in our state or
other states. But we'll try and figure that out. Okay. Any more discussion? Seeing none, let's go to a vote. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Against. Same sign. Motion carries. Chairman Johnson.
>> Thank you, Mr. President. Final item is a temporary service agreement technology for the city of Baxter. And the motion is to authorize staff to enter into a temporary service agreement to provide technical support to the city of Baxter during their staff vacancy. And I so
move. >> Second. Motion by Johnson. Second by Bevans. Chairman Johnson. So, the city of Baxter has a vacancy in their ITGIS director position or they don't yet, but they will in the next few days and they're going to need help. So, we're
just going to help on an as needed basis for a short period of time until they can fill that position and have their IT department staffed again. They will be paying us uh the total cost of what our employees cost to us. So, it'll be a break even. it said they had enough
capacity and willingness and Baxter's IT infrastructure is largely the same or very similar to ours. So they know the systems and they should be able to help out pretty easily. >> Thank you. >> And there is a 5% admin fee. So we will have a couple extra bucks for the extra
work staff has on it. >> Great. That's good to see the two cities working together. >> Yeah. >> There once was a time that was not possible but things have changed. Mr. Chzach. Yes, on the U it says our our IT will be meeting with the Baxter
personnel and having a u go over some uh some items and um is there any idea what kind of time they'll be spending on that? Does anybody have an answer to that question? Anyone from staff want to answer that question? >> Uh Jeff, this is Sean. We're going to do
one hour on the GIS side and probably three or four hours on the IT side. So >> will we be charging for that time? >> Yes, I believe so. Yep. >> Okay. Thank you. That's all I got. >> Thank you, Mr. Chzach. Any more discussion, Mr. Johnson? >> I guess I would like to add that if if something an honorous really big project
comes up, we won't take that on. We'll go out somewhere else. This is just going to be basic maintain their system until they can get it feel >> get it their position filled. >> Yep. Thank you. Any more discussion? Seeing none, let's go to a vote. All those in favor say I.
I >> I again same sign. Motion carries. Uh Chairman Johnson, >> end of report. >> Thank you, Chairman Johnson. Moving on to number nine. This is unfinished business. First up, 9A is a call for applicants. And first up, we have Mayor Bedau.
>> Oh, the perfect place for the mayor's business under unfinished business because a mayor's business is never complete. I've got a handful of uh applications that have come into me. However, we're going to hold off in this meeting and we will do uh nominations at our next
meeting. Therefore, to give um people a fair opportunity for some of these boards that are opening up. Don't want to just fill them up immediately. Give people an opportunity to get applications in. But this is your warning. At our next meeting, I will be making nominations. So, if you're interested in any of the following, now is your chance to get your application
in. Following commissions and boards have positions available. Charter Commission, two terms expiring 2025, two terms expiring 2026. Economic Development Authority, one term expiring 2028. Housing Redevelopment Authority, two terms expiring 2030. Library Board, five terms expiring 2031. Park Board, one
term expiring 2028, one term expiring 2029. Public Utilities Commission, one term expiring 2028. One term expiring 2030. Transportation Advisory Committee, one term expiring 2026, two terms expiring 2027. >> Thank you. And as council president, I
have two terms expiring 2028 for the count uh the planning commission. Uh the one that I'm aware of that we have an application is Don Gorum. Am I correct? So I'm looking for a motion to appoint
Don Gorum to another term on the planning commission. >> So move Jagger. >> Second by Jagger, second by Bevans. Any more discussion? None. Let's go to a vote. All those in favor say I. >> I >> I again. Same sign. Welcome back aboard
Mr. Gorum. Uh I also have two open terms for the water tower committee with no expiration dates. Next up we have 9B. This is a resolution regarding Voyager Heights EAW. Mr. Cranvic, take it away. >> Thank you, Mr. President. So, prior to a
final decision by city council, the council is required to complete an environmental assessment worksheet for the development. Uh, the EAW is not meant to approve or deny a project, but instead act as a source of information to guide other approvals and permitting decisions. Keepers has hired Westwood
Engineering to complete the EAW and Westwood is available virtually for any questions along with a representative from keepers in the audience. uh attached our findings in a resolution declaring the EAW sufficient based on the criteria Minnesota rules part 4410.1700.
The project does not have the potential for significant environmental effects. Uh make the council aware keepers is working on a PUD amendment that will lessen the units from 190 to 176 in the same location. Again, because it's lessening the intensity does not affect the EAW. Uh so with that staff
recommends to move to approve the attached resolution declaring that the EAW is sufficient and I can answer any questions. >> Thank you Mr. Kramvik. So if anybody has questions for staff or um I'm sorry I forget the Heapers or Westwood. If anybody has
questions for any of them now would be the time. Otherwise we're looking for a motion for that resolution to be passed. Mr. Chzi, >> I have a question on the numbers he gave about the number of units from 190 to 176. Um, is that just going to be a reduction in all buildings or how is
that applied? >> So, it is not. So, at the next planning commission meeting, there'll be a PUB amendment request. Um, originally there was five buildings. The three buildings to the north are relatively going to be left unchanged with the site plan as well as the the floor plan. Uh, the two buildings that were planned to the south
were also the same 38 unit buildings will be combined into one larger building. and I believe it's 62 units. >> Thank you, >> Mr. President. >> Mr. Ericen. >> Yeah, I've got a question. I don't know if this is for staff or for uh Westwood,
but um diverting the storm water outside the Disma. Where where does that end up going? I guess I'm just more or less just curious. I couldn't tell from the >> Yeah. So, there'll be a site plan at the the planning commission meeting, but it'll be diverted um along business 371 outside of the Disma.
>> Okay. Thank you. Any more discussion or questions? Mr. Johnson, >> have a motion when you're ready. >> Yeah, go for it. >> I'd move to approve the attached resolution declaring the E A is sufficient. >> Second >> by Johnson. I think we got a second by
Jagger. Uh, any more discussion on the motion? Tony, call the RO. >> Jagger, >> yes. >> Ericson, >> yes. >> Beans, >> yes. >> Chzach, >> yes. >> Johnson, yep. >> Od, >> yes. That resolution carries. Next up we
have 9C. This is a final reading of proposed ordinance 1599 fee schedules. James Cranic. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Uh city council held the first reading at the December 1st, 2025 meeting. Uh staff
provided a summary of the proposed and proposed new and amended fees with uh staff with that staff recommends to hold the public hearing on proposed ordinance 1599. Conduct the final reading of proposed 1599. Dispense with the actual reading. Note a vote to dispense with the actual reading uh must be unanimous.
And then number three would be to approve proposed ordinance 1599. And number four, approve the attached resolution approving a summary publication of proposed ordinance 1599. >> All right. Thank you, James. Does anybody on council have questions for staff?
Doesn't look like it. With that being the case, we will open the public hearing. It is 8:28. So, if you're here to speak on this item regarding ordinance 1599, please come forward. And if you're
online, press star three. I'll ask again if anybody's here to speak on this, please come forward. Nobody online, Max. All right. With that, we will close the public hearing at 8:28.
Next, we're looking to conduct the final reading of proposed ordinance 1599 and dispense with the actual reading. >> So, move Jagger. >> Second >> by Jagger, second by Johnson. This is a note. A vote must to dispense with the actual reading must be unanimous. Any
discussion? Seeing none, let's go to a vote. No, Tony. Sorry. >> Oh, you're shaking your head. No. >> Voice vote. >> Okay. All those in favor say I. I.
Against. Same sign. >> All right. That motion carries. Next up, we have approval of the proposed ordinance 1599. Looking for a motion. >> So move the ordinance. Johnson. >> Second. Jagger. >> Motion by Johnson. Second by Jagger. Any
discussion? >> Tony. >> Jagger. >> Yep. >> Ericson. >> Yes. >> Beans. >> Yes. >> Chzach. Yes. >> Johnson. >> Yes. >> Oate. >> Yes. That ordinance is approved. Next up, we're looking for
a motion to approve the attached resolution approving a summary publication of ordinance 1599. >> So move Jagger. >> By Jagger, second. >> Second by Ericson. Any discussion? >> Tony. >> Joerger.
>> Yep. >> Erikson. >> Yes. >> Beans. >> Yes. >> Shak. Yes. >> Johnson. Yep. >> OD. >> Yes. All right. That resolution carries. Moving on to the next item 9D. We have a final reading of proposed ordinance 1600
reszoning from CN2 to general commercial. Uh James Cranic. Go ahead. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Or Ryan Dutton has applied for a conditional use permit to allow for the construction and operation of a new Brainer Animal Hospital facility at the corner of 28th
Street and Oak Street. Uh in addition, the applicant has requested to reszone the parcel from contemporary neighborhood 2 zoning district to a general commercial zoning district and amend the future land use map. At the December 1st uh meeting, city council conducted the first reading and approved the cup and resolution contingent upon
the resoning. Uh so with that, staff recommends to conduct the final reading of proposed ordinance 1600, an ordinance amending the zoning map and dispense and dispense with the actual reading. Note a vote to dis uh must be unanimous in order to dispense with the actual reading and second to approve proposed
ordinance 1600. Again, a note in order to reszone from residential to commercial, it will require approval from five council members and I can answer any questions. >> Thank you, Mr. Cranic. Anybody have questions for Mr. Krampic? Look like it. If we don't have questions for staff, we're looking for a motion to
conduct the final reading and proposed ordinance 1600, an ordinance amending the zoning map and dispense with the actual reading. >> So move >> motion by Jagger. >> No, Chzach. Second by Bevans.
Any dis any discussion on that motion? >> All right, let's go to a vote. All those in favor say I. >> Against. Same sign. >> Motion carries. Next, we're looking for a motion to approve proposed ordinance 1600. >> So move motion by Chzach, second by
Bevans. Any discussion? >> Tony, >> Jagger, >> yes. >> Ericson, >> yes. >> Beans, >> yes. >> Chzach, >> yes. >> Johnson, >> yes. >> OD, >> yes. All right, that ordinance is passed.
Now, this ordinance doesn't require the the next step we usually have with the summary. Okay. All right. Moving on. That does it for unfinished business. Number 10, we have new business. 10A is a brokerage agreement extension with Camp Realy. And this is again James
Cranbeck. Take it away. >> Thank you, Mr. President. The EDA considered the listing agreement at their December 4th meeting and unanimously recommended approval of the agreement. Uh, city council must also consider the agreement as the property listings are owned by the city. Uh, camp is currently working on a purchase and
development agreement with Central Minnesota Dermatology for three properties located in the industrial park. Uh, wanted to note that one industrial property was added to the agreement. Uh, with that staff recommends to move to authorize the EDA to enter into the attached listing agreement with Camp Reality and I can
answer any questions. >> Thank you, James. Does anybody have questions for staff? Doesn't look like we have any questions right now. If there are no questions or concerns, then we're looking for a motion to authorize the EDA to enter into the
attached listing agreement with Camp Realy. >> So move Jagger >> by Jagger or a second. >> Second. >> Second by Ericson. Any discussion on the motion, >> Mr. President?
>> Uh Mr. Mr. Beaven had his hand up first and then we'll go to you, Mr. Jezak. Mr. >> Mr. Chair, I'm just going to vote against this for the reasons that I've stated every single time this company comes up for the last two years. They do absolutely nothing. Okay. Rather burn the money. It'd be
more fun. Or give it to the shelter. So, okay, >> Mr. Chz. >> Yeah. To Mr. Bevans's point. If we do not approve this agreement, what is that? What does that leave us with the um the real estate environment that we're working on? It's
>> we would have no listing agent for these properties would be my understanding. Mr. Cranic is nodding. Yes. >> According to Mr. Beaven, it doesn't appear that we have one now. Anyway, >> go ahead, Mr. All yours. >> Okay. Any more discussion?
>> I thought Mr. Cranock was going to say something. >> Oh, no. He was just nodding yes to your question. >> Oh, okay. >> To my answer, I guess. >> I didn't know that. Thank you. >> Anything to add, James? >> Um, nothing to add. Yeah, the agreement would terminate at the end of the year if there was no extension or no new
agreement. >> Okay. I will say that we have had at the EDA level, we've had multiple presentations on ideas for some of the developments in these areas. It's it's not that they've done nothing. We do have a agreement
sort of pending with a project in our industrial park through camp to build a a clinic along Highway 45. Uh there are other people reaching out to her that she'll mention, but she also
has some anonymity that she tries to keep with those customers. So can't control every uh aspect of when you put something on the market, is it going to sell immediately? Got to be patient with some of it, but yeah, we would like to move them as fast as possible. That I agree with.
Any more discussion, Mr. Johnson? >> I I'm not going to say that Councilman Bevans is wrong, but I am going to support this just so we have a listing agent listing the properties for when somebody comes in to buy if we have
somebody to do all the paperwork for us. >> Okay. All right. Any more discussion? Seeing none, let's go to a vote. All those in favor say I. >> I. Against. Same sign. >> I. >> I. >> All right. See four four and two
against. >> That motion carries. Moving on to 10B. This is a shared service agreement with the EDA. Again, James Cranic. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, the EDA considered and approved the shared service agreement with the city at their December 4th meeting in the amount of
$17,000. Uh, so with that, staff recommends to move to approve the attached shared service agreement with the EDA. >> Thank you, James. Anybody have questions for James? Mr. Johnson? >> Yeah, just a question from the council side of things. Like, has the
number of hours spent by staff decreased in the past year? >> So, we me and Connie did do an analysis on this. I would say there has been a slight decrease as I've taken I guess more of the role of of the EDA and I guess less from the city administrator
from from previous. >> Thank you. >> Okay, more questions. If not, then did we already get a motion? Looking for a motion. >> Move to approve Johnson. >> Second, Jagger. >> Motion by Johnson. Second by Joerger.
Any more discussion on that motion? Seeing none, let's go to a vote. All those in favor say I. >> I. Against. Same sign. Motion carries. Next up we have 10 C. This is council member representation regarding the Oak Street reconstruction in a project
management team. And this falls on Jesse. Go ahead, Mr. Dean. >> Thank you, Mr. President. So, we're about to kick off the uh reconstruction project process. Um some of those pieces are going to be like the corridor study, development of the concept of the roadway and some other steps along the
way. Um we are establishing that uh team now and looking to kind of kick that process up and uh we're looking at the council to potentially appoint at least two members of the council to kind of provide some input and guidance to WHDS during some of these initial uh phases of the project.
>> Thank you. Jesse, could you tell us exactly who else would be on this team if the council were to join these meetings? >> Uh, a couple city staff members, uh, myself potentially, um, Director Sandy, um, and then WSH as well.
>> Okay. It's not a it's not a mindot. Um, >> but it's not this is our >> state aid road, but that they're not involved. >> Correct. Okay. >> Yep. >> Johnson. >> Yeah. What's the uh uh projected timeline of this project management team? When would they start
meeting? When would they be completed in their work? >> It'd probably be in a few months. We'd probably have our first meeting. Um it'd be about once a month. Um especially be every month either. Uh depends on how the process is um that stage of the process at that time really when WHDS is
going to need some of that input and guidance for the next steps as they're developing things like the corridor study and and stuff like that. um probably for the first couple years and then they'll be once the once the concept plans have been determined and it's more into the refining of the
design plans. We probably don't need to continue to meet as a PMT because most of the guidance has been provided at that point. >> Thank you. >> All right. So, we need to decide if we want to as a council send two of our individuals into those meetings. Uh we could do three. We
probably want to avoid doing more than three. um unless you want to announce those all as public meetings. They just go a lot smoother if they're not uh involving more and more members. But
any input is good, Mr. Chzach. >> Um I really don't understand why staff would like to have two or three council members in on these meetings. Um,
I mean, I I'm I'm appreciative that they think there's an maybe considered important, but whatever we come back with as a council member to this c to this council from that meeting is is the same information
can come back to us from staff. I I'm not necessar I I like I said I appreciate the the invitation per se, but I'm not really sure what's needed. >> Sure. I can say that uh as part of the project management team with the 210
rebuild, it was a lot of conversation that needed to happen. And when it does get to the council level at that time there's that discussion can maybe go a little quicker because there's a lot of background that some of the council will know whether it's two or three people or
one or whatever it may be but it is helpful. Mr. Broyals you have something to add. >> Thank you Mr. President. I just kind of want to piggyback on what Councilman Chzach and yourself commented on when I first saw this agenda item come across my desk. I asked staff, I said, "Do we
have a precedent for having elected officials on these um project management teams?" And they said that we did. I will say from my experience, it's it's uh it's it's probably more atypical. I I I don't r I don't very often see elected officials on a team like this, but I
think there's some value and if we have some precedent, we'd be we we just certainly would extend that invitation to the council members. But if you prefer this to to staff to take care of this and just update the council as appropriate, you know, we can go either way. >> Great. That's what we're here to decide.
>> Mr. Ericson, did you have something to add? >> Yeah, I was just gonna add to uh I guess two things. One, I think as far as the role, I think there's just that, you know, added layer of communication almost like a liaison back to the council just to kind of share some of those details. And then I I do have a
question maybe for Jesse. With this particular project, don't we have additional costs built in for more of a almost a design vision, a community visioning? you had talked to could you maybe elaborate on that because I feel like that's maybe a an important tie in with that you know as elected we have
some representation so then we have the ability to kind of take that feedback and maybe share it back with council >> that that is correct so part of the the one piece I'll point out the corridor study specifically you're rolling a lot of different things in there um planning and zoning future land use future um
potential development and how it would potentially affect the corridor and then filtering and some decisions into that quarter to make sure that it fits uh not only the character of the city but uh for that future planning and zoning and land use. Uh so there's a lot of different pieces in there and having
that uh that council feedback for future city planning um rolled into that. Uh that's where some of that value comes in for from a staff perspective is uh having that come in from our elected leaders. >> Good on that Mr. Ericson. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Any more discussion? Mr.
Beavenons. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. I certainly was somewhat surprised to see this as well for all the reasons mentioned, but now that our engineer has just explained the broadened scope of what the team will
look at that could affect the next 20 years, I certainly will support this. However, this will be the fourth time this the tar isn't even set on the last time that we poured this road. This will be the fourth time, not counting the
fact that we did a large percentage with the Harrison school project, that this road has been resurfaced and dug up and resurfaced and dug up and resurfaced and paid for by the taxpayers. I hope we look at why it doesn't seem to last. I I
mean I actually have an idea myself, but I'm not an engineer. But it would seem if I had to pay well and I do pay portion of the Highway 18 Oak Street reconstruction every time. Why this road
so often? It seems it seems something's up. So maybe that project management team can look into that so we don't have to do it again one more time before I die. >> Agreed.
>> We're gonna get live a long time though. So that might happen again. >> Yeah, I know. >> Mr. Chzock. >> Yeah. Can you can you Jesse, is it possible to just get the uh start point of this on Oak Street and going east or what what's the length of this on the entire street from
>> the the scope of the reconstruction is essentially where the last project ended. uh roughly about 19th Street and out to the intersection with highways 18 and 25. >> And do you know when that was last redone? >> Uh it was the early 2000s done when this
highway was first turned back to the city. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. More questions? >> See none. I guess we're just looking for direction. >> Mr. Chair, I'll move to put two council members on the project management team.
>> Okay. Would you like to that? That's a motion. I guess we're waiting for a second. >> Second Joerger. >> Motion by Bevon, second by Joerger. So, we have a motion to discuss. We can maybe amend that motion or we can figure
it out afterwards on exactly what two members we would put on there if so. But, uh, maybe we'll just pass this or fail this motion and then we'll discuss afterwards. Any more discussion? Um, if we pass this motion without identifying anybody,
perhaps uh after if the motion passes that people interested could just notify Nick and >> Yeah. or we can figure it out right now. >> Okay. >> Either way. >> Okay. >> Um, any more discussion? Seeing none, let's go to a vote. All those in favor say I.
>> I. Again, same sign. >> That motion passes. So if anybody would like to volunteer, throw their name in the hat to be one of those two. >> I Mr. President, I would as safety and public works, I'd be happy to >> Great.
>> be one of the members if that's >> okay. Erikson would like to do it. Anyone else over here? Mr. Johnson. I >> I'm reluctant to sign up for it cuz I I don't know how I the commitment seems longer than I'm interested in signing up for, but it is in my ward and it is the
entry point to the city into the fourth ward. So, I I'll sign up for it for for the time being. >> I think you two would be a great team, Mr. Mayor. >> I think it's a great spot. It's a corridor to your house. It is. >> I love it. I think it's a great spot. >> Casey's to my house.
>> So, we have two volunteers. Everybody okay with that? Want to wrap that into a motion. >> I'll move to approve those two. >> Motion to approve those two. >> Second. >> Second by Chzi.
>> I think we know what you meant. >> Any discussion? >> Johnson and Ericson. Excellent >> or life. >> All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Again, same sign. All right. We have a project management team. Moving on to 10D. We have a resolution for the 2026
levy for the city and the HA. Uh, this one is for Connie Hillman, finance director. >> Thank you, Council President. The final levy for pay year 2026 for the city and the HA need to be certified to the county by December 30th. As a reminder, the H levy is separate is a separate
levy from the city's levy. It is not part or affect the city's levy, but it is set by the city council. As you know, the final levy can be lower but cannot be higher than the preliminary levy that was set in September. The resolution was included in the packet has the amount for the city's levy blank, and the
amount listed for the HR is a dollar amount set at the preliminary levy. Included in the agenda request were various levy amounts to assist the council in setting the levy. Other options are available for council as well. A levy in the amount of 7,435,323
or a 4.75% increase over 2025 was used for the budget public hearing and is what was used in the budget documents as well. We're looking for a motion to adopt the resolution setting the city and H levies for pay year 2026. >> Thank you, Connie. Anybody have
questions? Mr. Johnson? >> No questions. Motion when you're ready. >> Okay, go for it. Okay. I move to uh adopt the resolution setting the city of Brainard's levy at 7,435,323 and $227,866
for the Brainer H. And I so move. >> Second. Motion by Johnson, second by Bevans. Any discussion on that motion? >> I'll speak to it. >> Mr. Johnson, >> I think we've spent plenty of conversation. And I think we're all kind
of in agreement where this is a good place to be for this year moving forward. And uh hope we all support it. >> It's a much better position than we saw in September. So >> great work by staff.
>> Any more comments? >> Mr. President, >> Mr. Chzach, >> and I'm I'm going to say it again. And I just want to set at Nauseium the um if we had funded the airport in line with what they were asking for last year, this would be about close to
3% lower, >> same amount. So just so anybody who voted for the levy for the airport that was $1,000 for this year should understand that this was going to
happen. So that's all I got. Thank you, Mr. Chzach. Anyone else? >> Tony, >> Jagger, >> yes. >> Ericson, >> yes. >> Beven, >> yes. >> Chzach, >> yes. >> Johnson, >> yes. >> OD, >> yes.
That resolution carries. Moving on to 10E 2026 budgets. And again, this is Connie Hillman. >> Thank you. Um, the city council needs to adopt a budget for at least the general fund or what we call the working funds u by December 30th. The working funds as
presented had a final levy um with a 4.75% increase over 2025. Other budgets presented for adoption tonight are the capital, transit, transit, recycling, parking lot, permanent improvement, mayor's contingency, and sanitary and storm sewer funds as well. The library
fund will be approved at the f um after the first of the year. The parks department budget was also separated out for council as information as part as it is part of the working fund budget. We're looking for a motion to adopt the budgets as presented or with adjustments.
>> All right. Thank you, Connie. Anybody have questions for Connie or staff? >> If not, we're looking for another motion. >> Got a motion, >> Mr. Johnson. >> I'd move to adopt the budgets as presented and I so move.
>> Motion by Johnson, second by Chzach. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, let's go to a vote. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Against. Same sign. That motion carries. That is it for new
business. Moving on to number 11, staff reports. Tony left the room. So we'll go with Jesse Dean, city engineer. >> Merry Christmas, mayor council. >> Merry Christmas to you, too. Chief Davis. >> Nothing further to add. Thank you. >> Merry Christmas to you, too. Chief
>> Max Hannon from CLC. Anything? Connie Hillman, finance. >> Yes. I would just like to say thank you to all the department heads and for all the staff for all their hard work with um putting together the budget and also merry Christmas and happy new year. >> Thank you too, Connie.
>> Uh Mike Avagadorst public. >> Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. Uh we have uh two events coming up uh this week at Rotary Park. The park board entered into agreement with Rotary and the Green River. They're doing a like a mitigation thing with the buckthornne
out there and they're going to be doing prescribed burning. We already been working with the fire department and that'll be taking place Thursday and Friday and ice rinks with weather cooperating should be opening up next week. >> Thank you, Mr. Habigorst. James Cran, community development. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, so
planning commission has three upcoming agenda items for this Wednesday's meeting. Uh, the Keepers PUD and Preliminary Plat amendment. Uh, St. Francis Rectory CUP amendment for a three stall garage rather than two. Um number three, uh a review of the RFP for
updating the city's comprehensive plan. Uh also the EDA approved their budget and allocated $25,000 uh towards a facade grant along Washington Street and $15,000 towards signage improvements throughout the city. Staff will pres be presenting a
proposal at the March meeting uh from Bladec to help administer the grant and it should be available sometime thereafter. Thank you, Mr. Kravick. Joe Angel, >> nothing here. Thank you very much. Chris Schubert, >> Paul Sandy, >> with our recent cold snap this weekend,
uh the utility department did have our first water mane break of the season. I just want to express my gratitude to the uh workers that were out on Saturday during the horrendously cold weather repairing a water man at 9th and J Street. um they fixed it in about six or
seven hours um after the utility locates came back and they were working in some pretty terrible conditions. So um just want to express my gratitude for them to be out there fixing water mane in those conditions. >> Do you know how about how many homes were affected? >> Um they were had a hard time getting
some of the valves to shut off. They had to go a few blocks away to get a complete kill on the line. Um and so it was probably two to three blocks um from 9inth and Jay. Um, but the shutdown was uh between I think 7 and I think they had it back on by about 3 afternoon.
>> Good job to those gentlemen. Not a fun job. >> Not a fun job when it's 20 below. >> Not at 20 below. >> Or 20 above even. Eric Sharper, the H nothing tonight. >> All right. In person. >> Good to see you.
>> Administrator Broyals. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Connie, and all the senior staff for all the hard work on the budget. You guys did a great job. We have a charter commission meeting. It's actually a joint meeting on Wednesday with the charter commission and the public utilities commission at 4:30. The packet was emailed out this afternoon.
Um, I did reach out to the point of contact for cotification at the League of Minnesota Cities. We've just started a dialogue. Um, and we're going to I just want to kind of see where that goes because we have some money budgeted for cotification in 2026. So, I've started that conversation with the League of Minnesota Cities. And warm day tomorrow
if you need to chip ice in your driveway. It's a good day to chip the ice out of your driveway tomorrow. >> Could be a record, I heard. >> Thank you, Administrator Broyals. Let's start with uh Councilman Chzach. Oh, >> let's do the mayor first. >> Excuse me. Excuse me. >> Well, you like to go twice. He likes to
go twice. So, >> Sean Oh, Sean's here. He's hiding. >> Mayor Bau. Well, I ordered the warm weather for uh you know Christmas carriage event that happened this last week. It's a little late like normal, but that's okay. So, it will hopefully
be here. Speaking of which, we have more Christmas carriages opportunities on Saturday the 20th. Uh you can hook up with Passport, get yourself a meal, take your family on a carriage. I can tell you last Friday she was cold. So hopefully it'll be a little bit warmer
this week. And then after Christmas on the 27th, Christmas carriages will be available as well. And that will be the last turn uh saloon, the last tune or last term brew pub as they are now called. Delicious food down there with Sean. Uh other than that, we have a park
board meeting tomorrow. I hope that it is very short. I have a Christmas program for my children. So I'm looking at you, Mike. Let's Yeah. Four. Well, I've seen your four items before. Let's keep them nice and crisp because my family won't let me skip this one this
year. So, or I can blame you as to why I didn't have to listen to the little drummer for the 47th millionth time. Uh, other than that, I just want to say merry Christmas to everyone out there. Um, to our staff as well as the citizens. Thank you guys for everything that we do every year. Um, it's been a
really fun year. I think I think we had a really good year. So, I want to say merry Christmas to you all and uh enjoy the holidays with your family and then right back to work right in January. Crack that whip right back to work. So, enjoy it while we can and report. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. >> Councilman Chzach.
>> Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. I also want to extend a a merry Christmas to everybody and a happy new year. And uh we there is a meeting on uh Wednesday with the charter commission as administrator Boles indicated. And um
there's also a public utility commission meeting. The last of the year will be a week early on the 23rd, a week from uh tomorrow on Tuesday the 23rd. And um I want to extend my sincere thank you to uh Mr. Mark OD for his years of service
to the city of Briner. He um he was elected to city council when he was 29 years old and started serving I believe um at that age. He served for 16 years I think on the council and then again another I believe it's 16 on the
utility commission. Um, as any of you know, it's uh very um uh it's becoming more difficult to find people willing to uh serve essentially as volunteer positions, even though the utility commission does have a small I call it a
stipen, I guess, for their service. But uh so I I' I've uh learned a lot in the last few years as a liaison from uh Mark and uh I I I can't thank uh all the people who serve on the committees and and boards and commissions enough and uh
especially Mr. ODay for his numerous uh decades of service to the city of Briner. >> Thank you Mr. Chzac. >> Moving on to Mr. Bevans. >> Thank you Mr. Chair. I'm here to testify as to what is fun at 20 below. Tonic
Sulfa at Geta Zibby two weeks ago, their final Christmas shows right here in beautiful Brainard. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer up at Central Lakes College. And it turns out that reindeer really do know how to fly.
Lakes Area Music Festival down at the Pillsbury Castle by Washurn Park. uh fundraiser for the Lakes Area Music Festival that joins us all summer, every summer. Rock and Roll Christmas right here at Get You Zippy. And then to take
Mr. Well, also of course the charter commission, the as if that's not enough, the library board. And I took Mr. Johnson's advice and went down to the sweet shop and sucked down a big old
jumbo glass of sugar in the dirty soda and it was delicious. I highly recommend it. Thank you. There's plenty to do at 20 below. >> Man, I wish I could had enough time to have as much fun as Mr. Beaven. >> It's called not have It's called getting fired from your job. It's great.
>> Thank you, Mr. Beavens. Mr. Jagger. >> Uh, thank you, Mr. OD. airport ticker. Uh so first thing you may have noticed there was a well very wellcraftrafted article that came out in the dispatch announcing the uh the job offering to our new director. Pleased to to to say
that Jennifer Roach has accepted the position and um currently uh Mr. Dr. Neil Planer, our I our interim director, as well as HR department are kind of working through the uh all of the nuances of the uh employment contract that will be presented back to the
airport commission at our next meeting in January hopefully for final approval there. So uh and I'd be uh very very hopeful that uh can introduce you to our new director uh at our next meeting. So uh following that. So uh also uh things have been going very very well out
there. snow events handled well and encourage any of you to visit anytime for a tour of the facility. Um, I also just want to say uh big thank you to all of the city staff uh that has put in all of the work that you guys have done this year. Uh, it's highly criticized work.
It's it's tough work for that all of you have and and I appreciate um you guys keeping your chin up at all times and and charging forward and and trying to do what's right. I honestly believe that every one of our staff is trying to do what's right every single day and I appreciate that. Uh I'd also like to
appreciate or mention my appreciation to those that I serve with in on not only this council but also boards, commissions, authorities uh all those volunteer uh positions highly appreciated also highly criticized work but very much appreciated and needed
work. So wish everyone uh merry Christmas, happy new year and we'll see you we'll see you next year. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Jagger. >> Chairman Johnson. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, yeah, I want to wish everybody a merry Christmas and I want to wish James specifically a
how about them cowboys. >> It was a rough night. >> Oh, you poor guy. Poor poor guy. But but also just circle back from the public forum. I am interested in learning what we currently do to handle landlord tenant type disputes and if there's any
protection or anything we could do to assist landlords when they're dealing with tenants or having problems. I mean if if that can come back and we can have that conversation as a council I think it would be very important. >> Thank you Mr. Johnson. Chairman Ericson. >> Thank you much. Um yeah as the leazison
of the planning commission in two days this upcoming Wednesday we'll have our meeting right here 6 pm. Tune in. It's always a good time. Yeah, looking forward to the planning commission meeting and of course, merry Christmas and happy new year. >> Thank you, Chair Ericson. It's always crazy to me how fast the final council
meeting of the year comes up. It's been five years of this for me and my hair changes color just a little bit every year. Some years more than others. >> Sad. >> This year was a lot, >> but we made it through it. Overall, it was a good year. I think it was a great year. The faces have changed a little
bit. we get Paul Sandy back over here. Um, but I think we've made some very positive change in this in this room and in this city as a whole. Uh, I know staff is working hard. We're figuring out how to do things in a new way in certain areas and next year will be a little more of the same and a little
more different, but every every year is interesting. So, um, thank you to everybody that's involved. Everything has already been said. I also want to uh echo on Mr. Chzok's comments on Mr. one Mr. Mark Oday. I kind of I know that guy
pretty well. Um I've learned a lot from him. He's he's probably a big reason of why I'm sitting here right now. Um it's it's crazy to me that he's actually thinking that he's done with these meetings with the Public Utilities Commission. We'll see. We'll
see if that sticks. But um I'm sure he'll be he'll still be reaching out giving all of us advice if we need it and we do. So with that I want to wish everybody merry Christmas. Looks like we have about a 3 week break until the next council meeting. So everybody enjoy
that. Enjoy the holidays and stay warm except for tomorrow. You don't even need a jacket. With that we're looking for motion to adjurnn. >> So move second. >> Second. >> Motion by somebody and a second by Bevans. >> Chzach. >> Motion by Chzach. Second by Bevvens. All
those in favor say I. I. Against. Same sign. We are adjourned.