Chamber Blog

The chambers were packed at last night's City Council meeting. Most of the people were there for a public hearing covering several street reconstruction projects in the city – mainly in residential areas.

The Brainerd City Council approved moving forward with only a few of the many street reconstruction and resurfacing projects planned for Summer 2010. All of the projects proposed projects were on the first year of the 5-year Capital Improvement Program because of their age and condition. Several residents along the streets spoke during the meeting with questions, concerns about cost or ongoing street maintenance.
Street projects approved include:

• North 5th Street – Washington to Bluff
• North 9th Street – Kingwood to Fir Street
• Holly Street – North 3rd to North 10th Street
• Kingwood Street – North 2nd Street to Washington Street
• Tyrol Drive
• NW 2nd Street – Washington to James Street

The Council approved doing background checks for people on City commissions, committees, employees, and license applicants.

The Council approved a 5-year lease for the Northwoods league (Brainerd Lunkers) to continue to use the Mills Field.

Currently the City Charter requires that property owners pay for sidewalk repairs 100% and the Council is considering changing this. To that end, they asked the Charter Commission to return drafted Charter changes with a recommendation of whether or not to have the public vote on this issue.

In an effort to become more competitive for state or federal grants, the Council approved having staff prepare these projects to be more "shovel ready":

1. City's 5 year plan for street and utilities improvements
   
2. Utility extension to the airport
3. Business 371 realignment and reconstruction

Emily Northey, Chamber Main Street Coordinator, enorthey@explorebrainerdlakes.com

Labels: Brainerd City Council, Government, Shovel-Ready, Sidewalk Repairs

I had the pleasure of being in the audience at last night’s Brainerd City Council meeting.
The City Council reduced its preliminary levy by $150,000 after a handful of previous motions failed to pass. They also passed their 2010 budget. Tom Phelps of Brainerd Public Utilities presented plans for their 2010 operating and capital budget. The City Council approved it.

The College Drive project will be postponed until the next construction season.
T&B Pawn requested a variance in the number of parking stalls required to be provided for their future location on Washington Street; the City Council approved the request.

The Safety and Public Works Committee met earlier. They heard a proposal to make the City better prepared to apply for shovel-ready project grant applications; the new task force will meet next Tuesday to review potential projects.

Emily Northey, Chamber Main Street Coordinator, enorthey@explorebrainerdlakes.com.

Labels: 2010 budget, Brainerd City Council, College Drive, Government, Shovel-Ready