The meeting also addressed issues related to the city’s infrastructure projects. The council unanimously approved a change order for the Right Tenth Street reconstruction project. This change order, amounting to approximately $5,300, compensated the contractor for additional work required to manage potentially contaminated materials discovered on-site. Testing confirmed that the materials were within acceptable limits, allowing for their reuse and avoiding further delays or complications.

A discussion unfolded around the future of the city hall annex building. The council considered a proposal from Hi-Tech for infrastructure improvements, including electrical and fire alarm services. The proposal, facilitated through the Gordian program, would allow the city to start improvements within the current year, with a total cost of $13,560. However, concerns were raised over the lack of a current estimate for the proposed work and the need for a clear understanding of the annex’s future use before committing to significant expenditures. The council opted to schedule a special meeting to determine the building’s future.

The council also faced challenges regarding the management and maintenance of local parks. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the potential development of Gustoson Park. The park, which spans approximately 1.2 acres, has been underutilized recently. The Brainerd Housing Authority proposed developing residential housing in the park, prompting debate among council members. While some argued for maintaining the park as a community space, others cited financial benefits from development. The council decided to further explore options for the park’s future while emphasizing the need for community input in the decision-making process.

Active code enforcement was another topic of discussion, with the council addressing issues on Rosewood Street. The property had significant maintenance problems, including deteriorating shingles. The council approved a motion to impose a $300 citation every 30 days until the property owner addressed the violations, continuing their consistent approach to code enforcement.

In personnel matters, the council approved an internal promotion for Laura Juel to the position of billing representative. This move involved consolidating roles following the elimination of the cashier postal specialist position. The council also discussed updates related to the 2026 parks proposed capital.

The meeting touched on various other topics, including a successful grant for the police department, which provided a portable CPR machine known as the Lucas device. The council also discussed a solar project at Rotary Park, where financial responsibilities were shifted from Rotary to the public utility, allowing for a more sustainable approach to project management.

The ordinance underwent changes since its last reading, and its adoption was followed by a summary publication to reduce costs.