Brookings Municipal Utilities

The meeting included the adoption of the agenda and approval of bills and claims. Discussions covered department highlights for 2025 and a review of the Mission Statement with no changes adopted. The Board approved two resolutions: Resolution No. 1-26 ordering the disposition of specified surplus equipment for destruction, and Resolution No. 2-26 ordering the disposition of one piece of surplus equipment to be traded in. Additionally, the Board awarded bids for the BMU East Water Treatment Plant Site Improvements to Bowes Construction and for the Demolish 6th Street Water Tower project to Veit, authorizing execution of the contract documents. Executive sessions were held to consult with legal counsel regarding pending litigation and contractual matters, and separately to discuss personnel matters.

The meeting involved the adoption of the agenda and the approval of bills and claims totaling numerous expenditures across various categories, including supplies, services, fees, and taxes. Personnel information was reviewed, noting salary changes for three employees. An executive session was held to consult with legal counsel regarding litigation or contractual matters and to discuss pricing strategies. During the open session, representatives from Bel Brands and the Brookings Chamber discussed water service for a proposed building expansion for Bel Brands. The Quarterly Financial Review was postponed until the March meeting. The Board conducted an annual review of the BMU Scholarship Program and decided to maintain the existing structure of three $1,000 scholarships. Authorization was granted to purchase gasoline for BMU for 2026, entering into a contract with Schoon's Pump 'N Pak based on favorable quotations received. Resolution No. 3-26 was approved, authorizing an Interconnection Agreement with Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency. Furthermore, Resolution No. 4-26 was adopted, ordering the disposition and sale of surplus equipment, specifically a 2000 Workhorse Stepside Van, a 1983 International Yellow Dump Truck, and a 2001 Ford Econoline Full Size Van. Finally, bids for hydrants and valves for the Water Department were reviewed, and low bids from DSG and Core & Main were approved, with authorization given to execute the corresponding contracts.

The primary discussion item for this special meeting was the approval of various bills and claims submitted for payment. This included expenses for payroll processing, engineering services, supplies, consulting fees, lease payments, legal services, maintenance, utilities, and various regulatory fees. Additionally, the board approved several conservation and demand incentive payments to different City of Brookings departments and entities, as well as issuing several refund checks.

The primary item discussed during this special meeting was the Approval of Bills and Claims. A comprehensive list of expenditures presented for approval included payments for payroll processing, various engineering services, supplies, maintenance contracts, utility bills, consulting fees, employee recognition, and lease payments.

The Board adopted the agenda and approved the minutes from the previous regular meeting held in September 2025 and a special meeting also held in September 2025. A comprehensive list of bills and claims was approved. Key actions included the first reading approval for proposed rate increases across electric, wastewater, and water services, as well as amendments to the BMU Rules and Regulations Rates and Charges. The Board adopted Resolution No. 27-25 approving the Raw Water Supply Agreement with the City of Brookings. Resolution No. 28-25 was approved authorizing final payment for the WWTP Dump Station project. The application for extension of water and sewer mains for the Legacy Addition was approved. Furthermore, resolutions were passed declaring specific surplus property for destruction (Resolution No. 29-25) and other surplus property to be sold (Resolution No. 30-25). Bids were awarded for 600 AMP deadfront and live front padmounted switchgear, and for various types of conductor material. The meeting concluded with an executive session to consult with legal counsel and discuss pricing strategies and personnel matters.