Upcoming Meetings in Brainerd and Crow Wing County

In the vibrant community of Brainerd, Minnesota, local governance plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the region. This article dives into important upcoming meetings that residents should be aware of, providing details on their agendas and how to participate.

Brainerd Public Utilities Commission

Meeting Details

The Brainerd Public Utilities Commission will convene at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28. The meeting will take place in the council chamber at Brainerd City Hall, located at 501 Laurel St. Residents who wish to tune into the proceedings will find it accessible through several channels: CTC ch 8, Charter ch 181, as well as platforms like YouTube, AppleTV, Roku, and Amazon FireTV.

Agenda Highlights

The agenda for the meeting includes key procedural steps, such as:

1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call (Members M. Higgins, D. Matten, M. O’Day, M. Angland)
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Approval of Agenda via Voice Vote
5. Consent Calendar – A routine vote to approve several items:
   • Minutes and Bills will be put forth together, streamlining discussions.
6. Public Forum where citizens can voice concerns or questions not listed on the agenda.

Commission Committee Reports

Update segments will focus on various commission committees, including:

• Personnel Committee
• Finance/Operations Committee

This structure ensures that essential operational topics are covered effectively.

Unfinished and New Business

The meeting will also address ongoing matters, including:

• Updates via a separate memo on unfinished business
• A decision pending regarding Payment in Lieu of Tax and City Contribution, tabled from last month
• A proposal to approve a solar contract for Rotary Park
• Discussion on the preliminary 2026 budget and future EV charging plans.

Crow Wing County Board of Commissioners

Meeting Details

Coinciding with the Brainerd meeting, the Crow Wing County Board of Commissioners will also meet at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28. This gathering takes place in the county board room, located on the third floor of the Crow Wing County Historic Courthouse. Attendees can also join remotely via Microsoft Teams or livestream from the official county website or their YouTube channel.

Agenda Overview

The county agenda is packed with significant points for discussion, including:

1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
2. Open Forum for public input
3. Review and Approve Minutes from previous meetings
4. Review and Approve Agenda

Consent Agenda

A variety of essential items will be grouped under a consent agenda:

• Routine bills and personnel actions
• Financing proposals such as the Highway Safety Improvement Program
• Several final payment requests related to contracts
• Approvals for land donations and exchanges.

Community and Land Services

The meeting will delve into community-related topics, including:

• Preliminary plats for new developments like the Second Addition to Eagle View Estates
• Land use amendments that aid in local growth and infrastructure expansion.

Administrative Updates

Expect reports from various county departments:

• The County Sheriff, County Attorney, and County Administrator will present updates on their activities and initiatives.
• The Senior Management Team will discuss pertinent issues, including a public hearing about renaming a local water body to Spirit Lake.

Meeting Schedule and Engagement Opportunities

Crow Wing County provides an extensive list of meetings that may call for attendance from board members:

• Oct 27: Airport Special Meeting for Retirement Recognition
• Oct 28: HSEM Elected Officials Training
• Oct 31: Multiple meetings related to emergency services and personnel strategies.

Residents are encouraged to engage with their local government through these meetings, whether in-person or through digital platforms. Your participation is vital in voicing community needs and contributing to decisions that shape the future of Brainerd and Crow Wing County.