The council deliberated on the water purchasing agreement with Baxter, particularly the contentious requirement for Baxter to purchase 89 million gallons of water. There was significant concern over this mandate, with several members advocating for a more equitable rate. One speaker emphasized that Brainerd should not impose such conditions on Baxter. The discussion revealed a strong desire among members to negotiate a rate that would alleviate financial burdens on both cities, with proposals to reduce the current rate from $3.32 to around $3.70 per thousand gallons.

Infrastructure concerns were also raised, with aging water wells and mains in Brainerd posing significant challenges. Some members expressed apprehension about selling more water to Baxter, fearing it could exacerbate existing infrastructure issues. The necessity for a profitable arrangement was underscored, with suggestions that any revenue generated should be allocated for future improvements. Ultimately, a motion was introduced and passed to set the rate at $3.32 per thousand gallons without minimum purchase requirements, highlighting the council’s decision to maintain current conditions while continuing to evaluate the situation.

Parallel to the water agreement talks, the need for comprehensive upgrades to the wastewater treatment facility was a major topic of concern. The council reviewed a 20-year Wastewater Use and Needs Assessment, which proposed significant capital improvements estimated to cost between $40 million and $100 million. The assessment highlighted the need for a strategic framework to guide future capital improvements, particularly considering potential industrial developments that could impact wastewater management.

The council acknowledged the challenges posed by emerging contaminants such as PFAS, which demand compliance with evolving regulatory standards. The facility’s current limitations, especially in biosolids processing, were identified as major hurdles. New regulatory measures from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) regarding nitrogen and phosphorus management were anticipated by 2027, necessitating substantial capital investment to meet these standards.

Discussions also touched upon the importance of planning for funding opportunities and developing a facility plan to outline necessary improvements. The council emphasized the need for collaborative efforts with the City of Baxter, as both cities share costs related to the wastewater treatment facility. It was suggested that a joint meeting with the Wastewater Management Board be scheduled to ensure both cities are aligned and informed about the financial implications of the project.

The conversation then transitioned to communication strategies aimed at improving public notifications, particularly during outages. A text messaging service rollout was proposed to enhance communication with residential customers, especially during extreme weather conditions. The service would automatically enroll known mobile numbers, with an option for residents to opt-out. Some concerns were raised about the operational costs and effectiveness of this approach, particularly for renters who might not be informed of the service.

In other discussions, the council reviewed and approved changes to the authorized bank signers and addressed a customer’s request for a credit due to excessive water usage from a leak. Clarifications were made regarding the policy for frozen water lines, emphasizing the responsibilities of homeowners in maintaining service lines and the city’s role in ensuring proper infrastructure.