BRITTON COUNCIL: WATER METER ORDINANCE CHANGE FAILS

    The Britton City Council continued discussions about the city’s water meter project and how to pay for it during its Monday meeting, while also considering the possible sale of city-owned lots and scheduling additional work on the 2027 budget.
Water meter ordinance and surcharge
    The water meter project, estimated at $375,000, has prompted questions about whether the city or property owners should be responsible for the cost of installing and maintaining meters and related equipment.
    At a previous meeting, Councilman Jerome Marlow asked City Attorney Justin Scott to draft an ordinance amendment that would change the existing language in city code regarding water meters. The current ordinance states that the city furnishes meters and water management equipment, while property owners are responsible for installation and associated costs.
    Marlow proposed changing the ordinance to state that all meters and water management equipment would be maintained and installed at the city’s expense.
    During Monday’s meeting, Mayor Clyde Fredrickson cautioned against making the change, saying it could commit the city to covering future costs without considering its other financial obligations.
    “I think it would be a bad mistake for us to say the city’s going to pay for everything going forward and go against what previous councils have decided,” Fredrickson said. “It is my opinion we would be better off establishing a dollar amount and taking several years paying it off for the meter projects. We have other projects we want to pursue and don’t want to burn through our funds.”
    Marlow said he remained concerned about the scope and cost of the project, including whether the city had adequately explored other options. He also expressed concern about placing a financial burden on residents who might struggle to afford the expense.
    Councilman Kirk Greeno said he did not believe the ordinance needed to be changed to address the current project, noting the council could still decide whether to implement a surcharge.
    Councilman Phil Pruitt also questioned the proposed amendment, saying it could limit future councils’ options by expanding the expenses covered by the city rather than property owners or developers.
    Marlow moved to approve the first reading of the ordinance amendment, but the motion died for lack of a second.
    The council then discussed a possible surcharge to help cover the water meter project. Based on preliminary calculations, Fredrickson estimated a surcharge could range from $3 to $7 per month over several years.
    Council members noted that more information was needed about the number of meters of each size that had been installed. That information will be researched and brought back to the council at its next meeting.
    Water drainage concerns were also raised during public comment. George Flannery told the council that water had reached his house about half a dozen times over the past year. He questioned whether a previous stormwater project, which added more water to the line, had contributed to drainage problems. Flannery said Fifth Street can turn into a retention pond during wet conditions. The city will look into the problem more. 
Sale Barn lots discussed
    The council also discussed the possible sale or lease of city-owned lots near the Sale Barn with Glen Lehr, owner of Lehr Sanitation.
    At last month’s meeting, the council discussed leasing the front four lots for parking semi-trucks or other equipment, with restrictions against storing unusable items, salvage or junk. The city attorney was directed to draft a proposed lease agreement for $200 per month.
    During Monday’s meeting, Lehr said he had been placing roll-off containers and dumpsters on some of the city lots and was interested in purchasing property instead.
    Lehr asked whether the city would consider selling Lots 1 and 6, located north and west of his property. He said he would fence off the area and noted that his business had been a good steward of the space, keeping it clean and receiving no complaints.
    Council members discussed the history of the lots and raised questions about where the city would pile snow, as portions of the property are currently used for that purpose. Lehr asked the city to develop figures for both a potential sale and a lease and provide them to him.
Other council business
    The council convened as the Zoning Board to consider a variance request from Greg Beck, who wants to build a new garage. Concerns were raised about the proposed building’s proximity to the neighboring property line and whether it would be too close to a propane tank under applicable requirements. No motion was made to approve the variance. Fredrickson noted that Beck could reapply, and council members said it would be helpful for him to attend a future meeting to explain the project.
    Finance Officer Jacki Medhaug requested a special meeting to allow the council to review the 2027 budget in greater detail. The meeting was scheduled for Oct. 21 at 6 p.m.
    During public comment, Jeanne Ahlgren thanked the Britton Public Library for hosting a speaker at the Event Center on Monday to discuss the Constitution. Corrine Zorn asked about advertising the Event Center. Center Director Laken Werner said the facility has a Facebook page but has not used paid advertising.
    North Marshall Fire Department Chief Nate Dinger told the council the department is planning an addition on the west side of its fire hall. The city still owns the property beneath the fire hall, while an adjacent landowner is allowing the department to use part of the neighboring lot. Dinger said an agreement will need to be pursued regarding the use of city-owned land.
    In other business, engineers from ISG reported that a new pump had been installed at the lift station. The project is awaiting electrical work to connect the pump to the existing panel.
The council approved a new malt beverage license for Braves Stop and tabled a dog complaint until next month’s meeting.
    Werner also updated the council on a state tree grant discussed at the previous meeting. Although the application deadline was Oct. 1, she learned the city needed a formal motion at a meeting to pursue the grant. She suggested revisiting the opportunity early next year and forming committees to help with the process.
    Public Works Supervisor Cameron Gerken reported that a resident had removed a tree believed to be on city property near an alley and asked whether the city would pay half the $500 cost. Gerken will verify the tree’s location before the city determines how to proceed.
    The council entered executive session at the end of the meeting to discuss an employment matter. No action was taken afterward.