The meeting’s public forum saw a spirited exchange as a representative of the Crow Wing County Republicans criticized the council for its decision not to sign a letter originally drafted by the Mayor of Crosslake. This letter, addressed to state representatives and senators, highlighted concerns about financial mismanagement and fraud within state operations. The representative questioned whether the council’s reluctance stemmed from fear of political backlash or concerns over impacting state funding allocations to Brainerd. The speaker urged the council to pass a resolution encouraging the mayor to sign the letter, expressing disappointment over what he perceived as a lack of support for the local community.

The council also heard from a citizen named Chris, who shared personal experiences as a victim of assault and called for enhanced protections for landlords. He recounted traumatic events and emphasized the importance of considering the perspectives of assault victims in policy discussions. Chris urged the council to take concrete actions to improve safety measures for those affected by violence.

Tourism and branding were brought to the forefront with a presentation from the executive director of Visit Brainerd, who announced a rebranding initiative to reflect the significant role of the neighboring city of Baxter in local tourism. The organization will transition to “Visit Brainer Baxter,” citing Baxter’s contribution to lodging tax revenue and its variety of dining and retail options. This rebranding effort aims to present a unified regional experience to potential visitors. The director outlined future plans, including implementing digital kiosks for visitor information, using artificial intelligence for trip planning, and shifting advertising strategies towards video content and social media to enhance engagement.

In a strategic move, Visit Brainerd revealed plans to increase the lodging tax revenue by 3% year-over-year, attributing the growth to higher hotel occupancy and room rates. The organization has allocated approximately $300,000 for advertising and visitor services in 2025, focusing on new event calendar technology to aggregate information from various sources and enhance search engine optimization efforts.

Infrastructure and city services were also topics of discussion. The council approved a change order for a roundabout project at the intersection of Trunk Highway 371B and Willow Street, with the change order amounting to $12,881.74. This included adjustments such as raising a sanitary sewer structure and removing an old sign foundation discovered during excavation. The project was completed on time, with state aid and HIP funding covering eligible costs.

In addition, personnel and finance matters were addressed with the approval of a vehicle replacement for the Lakes Area Drug Investigation Division. The council authorized the leasing of a new vehicle, supported by the task force’s budget allocation, which would cover leasing and insurance costs.

The meeting also involved a discussion on a memorandum of agreement with the IUE Parks Union regarding compensation for downtown snow removal. The agreement aims to align the overtime compensation structure with that of the street crew. The council debated the potential implications of the new structure, particularly concerning incentivizing snow removal at certain times of the day. Ultimately, the agreement was approved, with a suggestion to seek further input from the park board regarding the cost allocation formula.

Further administrative matters included the approval of a temporary service agreement to provide IT/GIS support to the City of Baxter, which is currently facing a vacancy in their director position. This agreement will allow Brainerd to assist Baxter temporarily.

In the realm of economic development, the council discussed extending a brokerage agreement with Camp Realy, which has been involved in negotiations for property development in the industrial park. Despite opposition from some council members who questioned the effectiveness of the brokerage, the agreement was approved to ensure the availability of a listing agent for ongoing negotiations.

The council also addressed issues related to local infrastructure projects, such as the Oak Street reconstruction. A project management team was established, including council member volunteers, to facilitate communication and decision-making. Discussion centered on the historical challenges of maintaining Oak Street and the need for a comprehensive approach to its reconstruction.

The meeting concluded with budgetary approvals, including adopting the 2026 budgets with a 4.75% increase over the previous year. Various staff members provided updates on city operations, including reports on a recent water main break and upcoming community events. Council members expressed gratitude for the hard work of city staff and reflected on the year’s accomplishments, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and volunteerism.