City of Brownton-Council Meeting
City of Brownton
Brownton City Council
October 9, 2018
Mayor Norm Schwarze called the meeting was called to order.
Brett Klabunde approached council requesting space at the Civic Center for a golf simulator. He stated the former band room would have the height necessary to utilize the simulator. The equipment would be provided and installed by Klabunde, any proceeds collected would be donated to the City. The activity would be open to the public; the drawbacks being no heat in the room and no handicap accessible. Inquiry to be continued.
City inspection took place at the site of the former Brownton Square building; owner Jason Buxcel has been asked to provide a proposed work schedule to the city and will work with inspector Haslip to get the building renovated.
City inspection took place at the site of the former grocery store; whereas the inspector was unable to get inside, his inspection of the outside perimeter presented the building as being unsafe and stated it needs to come down.
SEH Engineer Chris Knutson presented pay application #5 from R&R
Construction; Council approved payment in the amount of $342.270.48. This application marks the improvement project at 37% completion. The assessment resolution was proposed for adoption, however, with much of the project still incomplete, Council approved to push out the assessments to 2019; rates with Rural Development are locked in. Liquidated damages were discussed further, but not initiated. In order to lay claim to liquidated damages, the City has to show that additional costs were incurred, which is not the case at this time. If additional charges are incurred to finish the project, liquidated damages will then be pursued. No additional streets will be opened this year; construction will commence in May, 2019. R&R Construction will likely need an additional six weeks to complete the project. A project extension letter is expected from R&R Construction, a special Council meeting will be ordered to discuss and approve. Change Order #4 in the amount of $20,618.75 was reviewed and approved to purchase special CIPP Liner for dissimilar sewer pipes found during televising.
Approval was given to Public Works to purchase new tires for the Toyota at the cost of $649. Also discussed and approved was changing sample testing from Minnesota Valley Testing to UC Labs, for an annual savings of +$3k. Hydrant flushing in October; date to be determined.
PD has squad #2 outfitted and functional. Note to public that this is not a new vehicle; rather a second squad to lessen miles on squad #1. Crown Victoria has been torn down and is at Fahey’s for auction. Complaints have been signed against juveniles regarding break in at the east school building. New fitness center equipment was donated towards PD workout area. PD was asked to put some extra time into blight inspections within the City.
Note to public – No parking shall be allowed on any street from November 1 through March 31 between the hours of 2 A.M. to 6 A.M. regardless of snow emergency. Leniency will be given to project streets where parking on properties is not possible.
Council approved the League of Minnesota Liability Waiver form to not waive the statutory tort limits established by MN Statutes, Section 466.04.
Brownton Bar and Grill liquor license has been approved for 2019.
Council approved the liquor license for the Legion family fun night scheduled for Friday, November 16.
Fire protection preview using the League of MN Cities calculation proposal was reviewed by Council; City Clerk will draft a letter to share the proposal with the townships to review. Discussions regarding any changes will be held with all townships present, at the annual meeting February.
Upon motion, meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted by
Ella Kruse, City Clerk
(Published in The McLeod County Chronicle October 17, 2018)
