Council approves borrowing for public works project

By Cynthia L. Miller

Editor

BRODHEAD – Meeting in a brief session Tuesday evening, Aug. 18, members of the Brodhead Common Council passed a pair of resolutions regarding a proposed public works project.

That project involves improvements to the city’s sewer utility including life station upgrades, system needs, telemetry and security upgrades.

The city expects to borrow funds and incur debt from one or more sources on a long-term basis, and may need to provide financing in the interim to cover costs of the project before the loans are received. The council authorized borrowing not to exceed $750,000, and designated Mayor Doug Pinnow as the city’s representative in filing applications for financial assistance as necessary.

The public works project was outlined at the July 21 council meeting by Greg Gunderson of the MSA consulting firm. At that meeting, Gunderson suggested that it would be in the city’s best interest to move forward with upgrades due to current funding opportunities. The MSA representative stated there is a high likelihood for the city to receive a 30% DNR grant to complete the project, which is estimated to total $639,000. The remaining portion could be repaid through a 20-year loan at a subsidized rate of 2.275%. Gunderson noted that current utility rates would not be affected because they city would not begin paying on the new loan until 2017, which coincides with the retirement of the existing treatment plant loan.

Public Works Supervisor Rich Vogel explained although the project is estimated to cost $639,000, it could come in under or over that amount depending upon unknown contingencies that may arise once the project is underway which is why the city authorized their borrowing not to exceed $750,000.

In other business, the council was advised that the high school students selected for the youth in government program will be installed at the Sept. 22 council meeting. A first for the city, the program allows youth selected for the program to attend city council and/or committee meetings to ask questions, share opinions on community issues, and cast non-binding votes on city government matters.

Lastly, city attorney Jamie Olson reported a letter has been sent to the property management company that owns Cardinal Crest Mobile Home Park, ADG Group Holdings, LLC of Milwaukee, regarding the screen fencing required on the property’s western periphery. No response has been received to date.

The next regular session of the Brodhead Common Council is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m. in City Hall.