The resignation of Public Utilities Director Christopher Evans, effective April 4th, prompted a thorough discussion on how to fill the void left by his departure. The council accepted Evans’ resignation unanimously and deliberated on the need for an interim director. While there was consensus that an interim director was necessary, opinions varied on the urgency of the appointment. One council member suggested that existing staff could temporarily manage public utilities without an immediate interim appointment. Another proposed hiring an external contract interim director for six months to a year. The council resolved to initiate the search for an interim director, although no specific timeline for the appointment was set.

The council then shifted its focus to revising the city’s special assessment policy. Changes were proposed to split deferment sections into hardship and unimproved property categories. The council debated the implications of requiring individuals to reapply for hardship deferments after ten years, particularly concerning those who might no longer qualify due to modest income increases. Members discussed the need for flexibility but noted that the current policy lacked formal guidelines for such situations.

Regarding unimproved properties, the council considered how assessments should be handled when properties are split. Proposals included allowing deferment on unimproved portions while requiring payment for split-off parcels. This led to further discussion on whether to demand assessment payments upon any division of land or only after development, such as when half of the property is developed.

Another topic was the city’s sewer policies, especially for properties outside Brainerd’s corporate boundaries. The council acknowledged confusion surrounding current policies, particularly regarding properties that could connect to the sewer without being annexed. This policy gap was highlighted in the context of Riverside Drive properties. The council emphasized the importance of including deferments for improved properties and acknowledged the need to adapt policies to address these nuances. A motion was made to direct staff to update the unimproved parts of the policy, focusing on larger unimproved parcels and hardship provisions, which the council supported.

The meeting also reviewed municipal cannabis dispensary proposals. The council decided not to advance licensing for a municipal dispensary at this time but noted interest in future partnerships from the companies that submitted proposals. The proposals differed in financial models, with one suggesting a 25% revenue share and another offering a fixed fee arrangement. The council expressed caution regarding potential legal issues with the 25% model and emphasized observing how other municipalities manage similar operations before proceeding.

Insurance renewal discussions followed, with representatives from an insurance firm outlining factors influencing premiums, such as rates, exposure, and claims experience. The firm noted a decrease in rates, an increase in exposure due to rising building values and more vehicles, and a higher-than-average claims experience. The council discussed additional coverage for new signage and the need for cyber security insurance.

During the insurance discussion, a light-hearted inquiry about street performer coverage led to a broader conversation about liability. The insurance representative assured that street performers were covered under the city’s policy and praised city staff for their risk management efforts.

In other business, the council addressed a request from the wastewater treatment management board to exempt grant applications related to the wastewater treatment plant from council approval. The council agreed to authorize staff to amend the existing policy, allowing exemptions contingent upon approval from the city administrator and the Personnel and Finance committee chair, with a review planned in six months.

The voluntary demotion of Mitch Lacelt from electric distribution supervisor to journeyman line worker was approved, along with the backfill of his previous position. The council also authorized hiring an additional full-time laborer for the public utilities department, a role initially budgeted as a custodian.