The Britton City Council met Monday night for its second meeting of March, with the primary purpose of acting on a special alcohol license for an upcoming Ducks Unlimited event at the Event Center. The license was approved.
Council members also addressed several other agenda items, including the city’s annual report, which had been tabled at the previous meeting. Former City Finance Officer Jennifer Athey attended to answer questions, as she had completed the report prior to new Finance Officer Jacki Medhaug starting. One concern regarding what appeared to be a large expense for the fire department was clarified, with Athey noting the total included E911 services.
Discussion returned to a proposed land swap with Jason Bender. The city has been considering exchanging a portion of Bender’s land on the northwest corner of the ballfield parking lot for city-owned property at the former sale barn site, which could be used for additional ballfield parking. Both sides remain interested, and the council plans to move forward with measurements to ensure the properties are of equal value.
Pool-related items were also revisited. Pool Manager Laken Werner and Public Works Supervisor Cameron Gerken emphasized that replacing the sand filter remains the top priority, as the current unit is original and approximately 20 years old. A new poly material filter is estimated to cost around $50,000, and availability timelines remain a concern. The council asked staff to continue gathering cost information and check on lead times.
The council also discussed pool hours and staffing. With an increased budget this year, extended hours, including evenings and weekends, were being planned for. Werner was directed to move forward with planning those hours, with attendance to be monitored throughout the summer to determine future scheduling.
In other business, Werner shared that community members have expressed interest in bringing back roller skating at the Event Center. Council members indicated support for the idea, noting the already deteriorated condition of the floors, and asked Werner to explore options.
Library matters were also discussed, with several members of the Library Board and Friends of the Library in attendance. The conversation centered on the recent decision to move employee Cindy Krutsinger from part-time to full-time status. Mayor Clyde Fredrickson asked questions about how the change would affect the library’s budget and operations, noting the importance of staying within its intended scope.
Library representatives said the decision was made thoughtfully and emphasized that no additional funding is being requested. They noted the library can accommodate the change through its existing budget, supported in part by grants and donations, and highlighted the library’s role as a community resource.
Fredrickson and Library Director Sonya Lang also discussed the importance of maintaining open communication moving forward, with both agreeing on the need to keep all parties informed.
The meeting concluded with an executive session, and no action was taken afterward.
