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City of Brainerd - City Council - 7/20/2026
Published: Jul 20, 2026
Council Addresses Appointments, Social Media Impact, City Development Updates, and Welcomes New City Engineer
A discussion was held regarding appointments and oaths of office for various boards and commissions. Council members noted that new members should be sworn in at the beginning of the first meeting they attend, after the call to order. They agreed to amend the rules of decorum to reflect this procedure. The Mayor also highlighted recent community events and expressed concerns about the negative impacts of social media on younger generations, urging a societal shift towards better human connection and a reduction in screen time. The police versus firefighter softball game was announced. Council member Johnson noted that council members' computers would be sold as authorized on the consent calendar. Progress reports on the Highway 210 project and the sale of the old auto import property were shared. An update on the city hall parking lot development indicated the developer withdrew their request. Planning commission extended the review period for allowing food trucks in the Traditional Neighborhood to District due to potential impacts on surrounding residential properties. The introduction of Jennifer Schuman as the new city engineer and deputy public works director was made.
Council Approves Resurfacing Project Change Order Amidst Debate on Turf Establishment Costs
The council discussed Change Order Number One for Improvement 256, the 2026 resurfacing project. This change order includes two items: a water main installation for a fire suppression line on Spruce Drive for $170.25, and turf establishment for Delmar Drive for $19,000. The turf establishment cost doubled due to the need for extensive shoulder work and topsoil after road widening. Concerns were raised about the high cost of turf establishment for a small number of houses, with some council members questioning the necessity and expense of the turf reestablishment, especially given past complaints about weed-infested grass. A motion was made to ask staff to provide an overview of turf reestablishment options and costs for future projects.
Council Approves Flood Plain Ordinance, Amends Liquor Laws for Northern Pacific Center, and Grants CUP for Auto Repair
The council held the final reading of Ordinance 1606, the flood plain ordinance, and dispensed with the actual reading before approving it. They also discussed Ordinance 1607, which amends intoxicating liquor sections regarding the Northern Pacific Center. This ordinance would require Mr. Higgins to hold two liquor licenses: one special license for events at the non-contiguous Northern Pacific Center spaces and a separate on-sale license for Notch 8 restaurant. A proposed fee of $6,000 plus an investigation fee was discussed for the Northern Pacific Center license. A motion to conduct the first reading of Ordinance 1607 and dispense with the actual reading passed, and a subsequent motion to forego a public hearing and proceed with the second reading on August 2nd also passed. Additionally, a conditional use permit (CUP) was approved for an auto repair and reconditioning service at 715 Charles Street, with the condition of requiring screening according to zoning code. Finally, a preliminary plat and PUD for Brainard Oaks Outlots ENF were approved, involving 10 duplexes, with a condition to add a window next to the entry door for aesthetic purposes.
City Council Reviews 2025 Audit and Airport Budget, Highlighting Financial Concerns
The council reviewed the 2025 audit presentation by Mary Rei from CLA, who provided an unmodified opinion on the financial statements. A material audit adjustment related to MINDOT revenue was noted, requiring a correction of approximately $1.8 million to be recorded as deferred inflow. The city's unassigned fund balance was at 30% of operating expenditures, falling short of the policy goal of 35-50%. The audit also identified one significant deficiency in segregation of duties. The airport budget presentation by Daryl Palmer indicated revenues around $1 million annually with expenses of $1.5 to $1.6 million, leading to a cash burn rate of approximately three years for unencumbered funds. Concerns were raised about the 200% tariff charged by Briner Public Utilities for water service to the airport.
City Council Maintains Status Quo on Meeting Structure After Debate on Committees and Scheduling
The council held a discussion regarding council structure and committee meetings. Staff proposed options including having two standing city council meetings per month, eliminating regular committee meetings but retaining committee chairs and the ability to call special meetings, and adjusting meeting times. Concerns were raised about consolidating power, efficiency, and the impact on council members and staff. Ultimately, a motion to move council meetings to Tuesdays at 6 PM without committees failed. A subsequent motion to start Monday meetings at 6:30 PM also failed. A final motion to maintain the status quo through the end of the calendar year passed. The council also discussed the process of swearing in new members and agreed to amend the rules of decorum to ensure oaths of office are administered properly after calling meetings to order.
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The Brainerd News archive
City of Brainerd - Safety and Public Works Committee - 7/20/2026
City of Brainerd - Personnel & Finance Committee - 7/20/2026
Planning Commission Workshop - Media
Planning Commission - Media
Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting - Media
Safety and Public Works Committee Meeting - Media
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