The Britton City Council met Monday night for its regular meeting, with much of the discussion centered on ongoing infrastructure projects, a proposed land swap, and committee reports.
Interim Public Works Supervisor Cameron Gerken reported that the city’s water meter replacement project is nearing completion. “We’re about 93 percent done,” Gerken said, noting that roughly 10 residents have yet to respond. He added that the deadline to schedule a replacement without penalty is at the end of the week.
City engineers also provided updates on infrastructure planning. ISG engineer Michael Redenbaugh told the council that while no immediate water or wastewater projects are planned, potential state grant funding could help offset costs for future facility plans.
Work continues on the city’s main lift station project, where crews recently began work on the force main. During the process, a discrepancy in underground infrastructure was discovered. While attempting to locate a 4-inch main, contractors found a 6-inch main directly above it, which differed from existing records. To avoid potential damage and service disruption in the event of an emergency, the contractor plans to temporarily bypass pump the main lift station while locating the smaller line. Officials said the approach is the safest way to maintain sewer service and reduce the risk of a backup.
The council also revisited a proposed land swap with Jason Bender. The city’s portion includes approximately 0.71 acres in the sale barn lot, compared to Bender’s 0.34-acre parcel near the ball fields. Based on past land valuations of about $2.50 per square foot, council members estimated Bender might owe the city around $40,000 to equalize the trade. A council member is expected to discuss the matter further with Bender.
A cell tower lease agreement with T-Mobile was also discussed. Finance Officer Jacki Medhaug said the company has asked the city to submit an offer letter after council members expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed renewal rate. Mayor Clyde Fredrickson said he plans to consult with Venture Communications, which owns the tower, to explore fair pricing options.
The council reviewed rubble site usage fees ahead of the April Saturday openings. While residential fees will remain at $5 per load or via punch card, commercial rates will increase from $250 to $500 for users with site access keys. Medhaug noted that there were several unpaid dumping invoices from last year.
Council member Tim Dahme reported on a recent meeting with the county law enforcement committee, which he attended along with Brian Beck. Dahme said discussions focused on budget constraints, largely driven by salaries and benefits, as well as code enforcement within the city. The county sheriff has requested a list of city ordinances that carry penalties so deputies can better enforce them during patrols. The council asked City Attorney Justin Scott to provide that list. Dahme added that the county will begin sending weekly reports detailing stops, citations, and arrests within Britton compared to the rest of the county. He described the meeting as productive, with additional discussions planned in the coming weeks.
Event Center Director Laken Werner presented a request from a catering company interested in using the facility’s kitchen for food preparation and sales. Council member Cristy Davidson noted the kitchen was not designed for that purpose. Mayor Fredrickson agreed, stating, “When we built this building and that kitchen, we did not want to compete with businesses. I don’t think the intent is for people to cook food here and come in there and buy it. It is not intended for commercial use.” Werner said she would relay that decision to the interested party.
During the open forum, Corrine Zorn addressed the council, expressing concern about how the library is discussed compared to the city pool. She said the library is an important resource for the community, particularly for children. Zorn also raised concerns about parking enforcement, noting that some downtown apartment residents may be unaware of local regulations due to a lack of signage. Officials reiterated that city ordinance prohibits parking in the same spot on a public street for more than three consecutive days. Scott noted that residents are presumed to know the law.
In other business, the council approved travel expenses for finance staff to attend budget training in Sioux Falls in June, including hotel and mileage. A $270 donation for a family pool pass through the Horton United Way chapter was also approved, along with a special liquor license for Snappers on May 27.
Fredrickson also reported on a recent airport capital improvement plan meeting, highlighting potential funding opportunities through state and Federal Aviation Administration grants.
