The Braham City Council approved the purchase of a parcel of land for $45,000 during last week’s meeting.
According to city administrator Rachel Kytonen, the property being bought by the city is located at the intersection of Third Street Southwest and Elmhurst Avenue South.
The lot was the subject of a closed city council session on May 17. It was originally listed at $60,000.
Acting mayor Seth Zeltinger said the council had previously been split on the purchase due to Braham’s financial status.
"We had a pretty good discussion as a council. We are very aware of the City's financial position and the tax hike that we just went through. It was a split vote, but I think there was a healthy discussion," Zeltinger said.
Kytonen said the next step will be determining public use for the land. The closing date for the purchase is set for August 11.
Pine City Elementary School Sees Change in Principal
The Pine City Elementary School Administration Office is going through a change as Stephanie Lorsung will be moving away from the Principal position.
According to Superintendent Cindy Stolp, Lorsung will be a principal on special assignment to help fill in gaps within the district.
"There are a lot of grant opportunities through all the legislative changes, and right now, we are missing out because we don't have the staff to take care of it. Stef is going to be working through those," Stolp said in an interview.
Stolp said that Lorsung will also help organize the Minnesota Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MnMTSS).
The Minnesota Department of Education describes MTSS as a "systemic, continuous improvement framework for ensuring positive social, emotional, behavioral, developmental, and academic outcomes for every student."
Assistant Principal Brittany Lakeberg has been selected to fill Lorsung’s position.
Stolp says that the Pine City School District is looking to hire a Dean of Students as a replacement for the Assistant Principal position.
The transition is expected to take place over the summer.
Foley tables sprinkler ordinance
The Foley City Council tabled a proposed sprinkler ordinance at a meeting on June 6.
A public hearing was held on a measure that would allow property owners to install a separate city-approved meter for in-ground sprinkler systems.
Under the ordinance, those sprinklers would be charged a minimum each month, regardless of water usage. Sewer charges would not be applied to those accounts.
The council directed city staff to gather data about imposing a three-month winter average of January, February, and March for the entire year, and for just June, July, and August.
Mayor Jack Brosh said the council will move forward with more information at July’s meeting.