Teen Challenge gets council's approval to locate in Brainerd

The city of Brainerd has given the green light for Minnesota Teen Challenge to locate in Brainerd.

The Brainerd City Council Monday unanimously approved the conditional use permit for Minnesota Teen Challenge, a faith-based teen and adult recovery program, to move to the former site of Assembly of God Church on South Sixth Street on the south edge of the city. The church donated the building to Teen Challenge.

Conditions of the permit were the installation of a fire hydrant, a 30-foot buffer from each property line, a 6-foot-tall chain link fence on the northern boundary, a lighting plan and sealcoat on all road and parking surfaces along with new striping.

In other action, the council:

Approved by a 6-1 vote the capital improvement budget from 2008-2012 for Brainerd Public Utilities. The council also approved the utilities' 2008 budget that calls for $20,363,00 in revenue and $19,677,600 in expenses. Voting against was council member Bob Olson.

Adopted an ordinance regulating erosion and sediment control, storm water sewer utility, storm water management and illicit discharges to the storm sewer system.

Met in a closed session to discuss the Welna/Gas Can litigation.

Adjourned to a joint meeting with the Brainerd Planning Commission at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Brainerd Fire Hall to discuss zoning ordinance review.

Set the council's annual retreat on Jan. 28, with a time and place to be determined later.

Was informed by Finance Director Theresa Goble that the city has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 14th consecutive year.

Was informed by City Administrator Dan Vogt that though a resident had asked the state auditor's office to look into the city's fuel purchasing, the auditor's office will not be doing so.

Selected Widseth Smith Nolting of Baxter as a consultant for the downtown street, streetscape and utility reconstruction project. The council also set assessments for the project at 70 percent paid for by the city and 30 percent paid for by property owners. Olson, as a downtown property owner, abstained from voting. Vogt noted there will be discussion with WSN about starting the project in 2008 instead of 2009.

MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.