Brainerd council amends resolution on annexation

The Brainerd City Council Monday voted 5-2 to amend its annexation resolution at Minnesota Planning to release property on the west side of the boundary agreement with Baxter.

Voting against the motion were council members Frank Asplund and Gene Goedker.

Dan Vogt said the council will have to decide what to do with the property east of the boundary agreement at the Brainerd City Council retreat July 31.

Vogt also received the city's June bill for $5,532 from from the Minneapolis law firm Kennedy and Graven, representatives of Brainerd concerning annexation issues. If Brainerd and Baxter had entered into contested case hearings concerning their annexation, both cities would have paid well into the $100,000 range, council member James Dehen said.

In other council action, the council:

Adopted a transit drug and alcohol policy.

Had first readings on a proposed ordinance for annexation of four parcels of land owned by the Anderson Brothers. The total amount of land is about 180 acres, though each parcel conforms to the 60-acre rule required for annexation by ordinance. All the parcels are located in Oak Lawn Township.

Approved master plan consultant selection for the Northern pacific Center.

Directed staff to consult with Widseth, Smith and Nolting about installing three monitor wells at the Thiesse Farm site to study pollution.

Approved three amendments to the Brainerd Fire Department Relief Association's by-laws. The amendments concern beneficiaries, interest of 5 percent on deferred vested members and increasing annual dues from four dollars to six dollar per year.

Accepted a letter of retirement from Brainerd Police Chief Frank Ball and referred to the Civil Service Commission to begin process of replacement and appointment of an acting chief.

Approved change from probationary to regular employee to Charles Dunemann, fire equipment operator at the Brainerd Fire Department.

Approved transfer of $300,000 from the general fund to the public safety fund, $75,000 from the general fund to the street and sewer fund, $215,330 from the general fund to the park fund and $9,670 from the general fund to the airport fund.

Approved the funding for and purchase of property owned by Sylvia Bell for the Brainerd-Crow Wing County Airport. The land would be used for the airport's runway extension plans. The cost would be shared by Brainerd and Crow Wing County at $33,000 a piece. The county has yet to approve the purchase.