David Borchert

The Public Utilities Commission meeting included the approval of the consent agenda, recognition of the employee of the month (Lynn Everal), and the acceptance of the annual financial report for 2023. Key decisions involved authorizing the purchase of odor control media replacement for the ATAD, selecting InControl of Fridley, Minnesota as the control system integrator for the New Ulm Wastewater Department, approving arc flash analyses for both the Wastewater and Water Departments, authorizing the replacement of a turbidity meter in the water plant, approving the purchase of a new Ford F-150 pickup truck for the Water Department, and approving the replacement of several remote terminal units (RTUs) at various substations. Finally, the commission approved a transmission coordination study and a list of claims.

The city council meeting included public hearings for the 2023 MSAS Improvement Project, the 2023 Surface Reconstruction Project, and the 2023 Utility Street and Alley Improvements Group 1 Project. A public hearing was also held on the vacation of a street right-of-way. The council approved gambling permits for raffles and a temporary on-sale 3.2 malt liquor license. Reports were given on various board and commission meetings, including discussions on daycare insurance, the potential sale of Garden Terrace, a sponsorship policy for parks and recreation, a grant for smoking signs, Heritage Preservation Commission approvals, and a community photo shoot. The council also addressed the airport crosswind runway project, an ordinance amending the city code regarding tobacco sales to minors, and a feasibility study update on the Herman Monument.

The Public Utilities Commission meeting covered several key items. The consent agenda was approved. Aaron Duchaine was recognized as Employee of the Month for November 2024 for his contributions to a water filter assessment. The commission approved the terms of a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 949, including wage increases and language changes regarding grievances and call-back. A memorandum of understanding was approved to address IBEW health insurance and mutual aid rates. Revisions to the city's personnel policy manual were approved, effective January 1, 2025. Rate adjustments for water, steam, and wastewater services were approved, effective February 1, 2025. Finally, the 2025 budget was adopted, and claims were approved.

The city council meeting included a consent agenda, a public hearing on the final plat of River Haven Addition, and various liquor license approvals and extensions related to the Parade of Lights. Discussion included the sale of city-owned property to New Ulm River Haven LLC for development, with conditions including securing ownership and entering into a purchase agreement. The meeting also covered reports from the city engineer on the 2025 CIP (Capital Improvement Plan), highlighting roadway reconstruction progress and future plans for alley improvements. Additional reports included summaries of business conducted during board and commission meetings, updates on the Minnesota State Historical Society convention bid, and information on the National League of Cities convention, including insights on AI integration and city communication strategies. Economic development updates included business visits and reinvestment projects, along with plans to revive the German language camp.

The board meeting covered several key areas. The financial report for May showed the library was 42.62% through its 2024 budget and approximately 40.13% expended. The librarian's report included updates on staffing, internet bandwidth upgrades, and the summer reading program. Programming updates included children's story times, a traveling lantern theater performance, a video gaming club, a jazz concert, and global games. Adult programming included a parenting group and a comedy hour. A Brown County Library Board update was provided, including the receipt of the first half of county support for 2024 and discussion of 2025 appropriations requests. Finally, the board approved a security camera policy.