City of Brownton-Council Meeting

City of Brownton
Brownton City Council
May 2, 2017
Paul Harvego and Chad Dahlman with Conway, Deuth and Schmiesing presented the 2016 Financial Audit and Findings. Full report is available to review at the Brownton City Office.  
Along with the 2016 financials, highlights included annual utility rate reviews and the city’s high Legal Debt Margin. Brownton utility fees will be reviewed and increased again in 2018 to build up cash to pay future bonds which seems to be the characteristic of most small cities as well.
\Vistior Brian Larcon expressed interest in purchasing and rebuilding the residence at 114 3rd Avenue South. City building inspector had recently nspected the property deeming it uninhabitable. City will work with the inspector and potential buyer on feasibility and timelines.
Shannon Sweeney of David Drown Associates presented 2018 Project Impacts to the council. He stated that water and sewer utility rates need to increase by 46% and 47% respectively over the next few years. Also presented was a $580K preliminary bond proposal to cover pre—project costs that will be approved and warded in June.
City Engineer Rodeberg set up a Public Information Meeting for the 2018 Project that will be held on May 23 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. in the Community Center. First set of plans is ready for RD plan review to be completed in three months.
Public Works report included pothole patching, trimming trees, alley and street repair, rock on cemetery road, hydrants are flushed. Alley electric conversions are done, mowers are ready. Will call tree inspector to inspect dying oak trees in cemetery. B&B picked up transformers; six will be refurbished. Bid received and approved from Clark Katzenmeyer to pour a cement slab for transformer store.
Jason Lindeman from Xtreme Pest Control provided a bid for city buildings. Will consider an every other month plan with Lindeman and bring back to June meeting.
Council to enforce permit timelines to ensure all work is completed timely.
Police Chief report included attendance to Chief’s Conference and Active Shooter class.
Our city lawyer, Jody winters, is now promoted to judge. Amber Donley and Mark Ostlund will replace her.
Property at 139 5th Avenue South has been monitored with no blight issues merited. Dog license citations have been sent, if license is acquired before May 17, city will drop the citation.
Council approved to move ahead with motion for Summary Enforcement on the property at 204 1st Avenue South. Grocery store building still remains unresolved.
Mini Rods “test n tune” will be held on 5th Avenue South on May 20 from 11 a.m. -5 p.m.
    Vos bid for $33730 to reroof the fire department was accepted and approved.
    Respectfully submitted
     Ella Kruse, City Clerk
(Published in The McLeod County Chronicle May 17, 2017)