BRITTON COUNCIL: FLANERY RETIRES, COUNCIL REORGANIZES

    The Britton City Council handled a wide range of city matters during its regular meeting Monday evening, including reorganization, staffing changes, new ordinances, and infrastructure planning.
    The meeting began with the swearing in of Mayor Clyde Fredrickson and council members Brian Beck, Tim Dahme, Erik Petersen, and Jerome Marlow. The oaths were required before a quorum could be established. Beck was re-elected as council president, and Dahme was selected as vice president. Petersen and Marlow were then appointed to various city committees and boards. Council members also reviewed the state’s open meeting laws, a requirement under a new state statute.
    In personnel matters, Mayor Fredrickson announced the resignation of Public Works Supervisor George Flanery, effective July 6. Flanery had served in the position for six years. The city will begin advertising for his replacement immediately. Following a closed session later in the meeting, the council voted to offer the interim Public Works Supervisor position to Cameron Gerken, along with a $400 per week incentive.
    Marshall County Auditor Megan Biel attended the meeting to discuss a new election law, HB 1130, which requires municipal and school board elections to be held on the same day as either the June primary or the November general election. The aim is to increase voter turnout by aligning local elections with higher-profile state and federal races. Biel explained that the change will require detailed planning, particularly in ballot formatting, and could result in multiple ballots. While the city does not currently hold many elections, the change is something the council will eventually have to address.
    Three ordinances received second readings and were adopted. Ordinances 621 and 622 addressed utility connections for detached garages, clarifying that separate water and sewer hookups are not required unless the garage is used as a dwelling. Ordinance 623 brings the city’s general penalty for ordinance violations in line with state law, which sets a maximum fine of $500.
    A proposed land swap between the city and Jason Bender was discussed again. Bender owns a small parcel north of the ballpark with a concrete slab that could be used for an indoor batting cage. In exchange, the city would transfer land near the sale barn that could be used for 4-H activities. Council member Tim Dahme reported he had spoken with the Baseball Association and asked Bender if he would be willing to fill in a pit on the concrete slab. Bender agreed and also said he could leave the shipping container on site if it would be useful. A public hearing will be required before a decision is made. No council action was taken.
    Council members also reviewed financing options for a citywide water meter replacement project. The meters are being replaced gradually as they reach the end of their lifespan, with several being swapped out each month. The estimated cost of the full project is $375,000. The city has explored financing through Government Capital, a firm that works with municipalities. The new meters will allow for remote monitoring and can detect water line breaks. The council voted to proceed with seeking firm cost estimates.
    Other council business included approving a special alcohol license for the Chamber of Commerce’s Harvest Days event, noting a 30-cent per 1,000 gallon rate increase from BDM (which will require the city to revisit its own rates in December), and acknowledging a public health lab fee increase.
    At the end of the meeting, the council entered executive session to discuss personnel and economic development matters. In addition to the decision to appoint an interim public works supervisor, the council approved a funding offer for a potential business owner. The city will provide 50% matching funds up to $22,500, with a five-year payback agreement.