The Britton City Council met Monday night and addressed a variety of issues including street repairs, water meter financing and a zoning variance request.
The council first convened as the zoning board to hold a variance request hearing for Lana Wietgrefe regarding a planned addition at her home located on fifth street. Wietgrefe requested a variance to allow construction of a 10-foot-wide addition connecting the house to the garage, with steps that would exceed the required 15-foot setback. The variance was approved by the board.
During project updates, Interim Public Works Supervisor Cameron Gerken said only a few water meters remain to be installed as part of the city’s water meter replacement project. Gerken noted that all residents on the remaining installation list have reached out, although some installations will require additional work by the city.
The council also discussed financing for the project, which has been estimated at approximately $375,000. If that amount remains final, the city would face eight annual payments of roughly $60,000 beginning in August. Mayor Clyde Fredrickson asked City Attorney Justin Scott whether residents could pay a lump sum for their water meter costs or if a surcharge would be necessary. Preliminary figures discussed at the meeting estimated a possible monthly surcharge of approximately $6. Scott said financing options would depend on the contract terms, while Finance Officer Jackie Medhaug said she would continue looking into the matter.
The council also revisited a possible land swap involving Jason Bender. The proposal involved Bender’s lot near the ballpark and city-owned property in the old sale barn area. Based on past land values and the difference in parcel sizes, Fredrickson estimated Bender would need to pay approximately $40,000 as part of the swap. Fredrickson said Bender indicated he was not interested at that price point. No action was taken.
Council members also discussed the city’s T-Mobile cell tower lease agreement. Fredrickson reported that Venture Communications was not opposed to the city selling the lease agreement. Venture currently leases space on the tower while the city owns the land. The council previously expressed dissatisfaction with a proposed lease arrangement, and no action was taken Monday night.
Street repair needs were another major topic of discussion. Gerken said he had been in contact with Jensen Rock & Sand, which quoted approximately $32,000 for 15,000 square feet of patch work. Under the proposal, city crews would prepare and excavate damaged sections before Jensen Rock & Sand completes the paving work. Fredrickson said the city needs to address deteriorating streets, stating, “We have to do something about the streets.”
The council directed Gerken to identify and prioritize the worst areas in town needing repair. Medhaug was also asked to review the city budget and revenue received so far this year to determine whether additional repair work could be added to the project estimate for a possible price break.
The council approved adding rubble site fees to residents’ water bills after discussing unpaid fees from last year. Scott said the practice would likely be allowable if treated as a convenience fee.
In preparation for the upcoming June 2 city election, the council approved sending Laken Werner as the city’s representative for the election canvass at the June 4 county commission meeting, following a recommendation from Auditor Megan Biel.
During public comment, Corrine Zorn spoke on behalf of the Britton Lions Club regarding improvements to the Centennial Park picnic shelter. Zorn said the club had explored making significant repairs to the shelter but determined the amount of work required was too extensive. However, the Lions Club remains interested in replacing picnic tables.
In other business, Medhaug was appointed cemetery sexton. The council also approved malt beverage licenses for the VFW, Hollands, Full Circle, Cliffs, Dollar General, Ken’s and Northern Lights Inn.
The council approved hiring summer help and wages for lifeguards, mowing crews and other seasonal employees. Fredrickson also noted that Airport Manager Ryan Furman recommended increasing airport fuel prices, and the council reiterated its previous position allowing him to adjust fuel prices at his discretion.
An executive session for personnel was held at the end of the meeting. No action was taken after.
