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BLADC funding approved for this year, but will reviewed in 2009 talks BAXTER CITY COUNCIL Staff Writer BAXTER - The Brainerd Lakes Area Development Corp. will receive funding from Baxter for 2008, but 2009 funding will be reviewed in budget discussions.
The Baxter City Council Tuesday unanimously approved the 2008 contract with BLADC for $26,500.
Baxter resident John Sullivan asked the council if staffers had ever analyzed what the city receives for the money and whether that cost was justified since development has slowed in the city.
City Finance Director Jeremy Vacinek said the city increased its contract with BLADC to $20,000 a year in 2000, and since then the contract has increased about 3 percent each year.
Vacinek said BLADC was especially important during difficult economic times because of the job the organization does in recruiting businesses to the area.
Mayor Darrel Olson also noted BLADC has been working with Baxter and Brainerd in securing a permit for the wastewater treatment facility expansion. He said the amount of funding given by Baxter to BLADC will be reconsidered during 2009 budget discussions.
In other action, the council:
Accepted a total of $615 in donations for the police departments K-9 program, bringing the total of donations received to about $8,300, Police Chief Jim Exsted said.
Accepted a $50,000 grant through June 2009 from the Office of Justice Programs for an officer for the financial crimes task force.
Accepted a donation of $500 from the Baxter Lions Club for the National Night Out event on Aug. 5.
Approved using $5,000 in alcohol forfeiture funds for the purchase of a Laser Shot computer simulation weapons training tool. The Crow Wing County Chief's Association is purchasing the tool, with Brainerd spending $8,000, the Crow Wing County Attorney's office spending $33,000, the Crow Wing County Jail $5,000 and $3,000 from Pequot Lakes.
Appointed Community Development Director Bill Deblon to the recreation joint powers board with the Brainerd School District. Deblon will fill out the term of City Administrator Dennis Coryell, who is retiring.
Was informed by City Attorney Brad Person that an ordinance regulating weeds and tall grass is being drafted.
Approved plans and specifications for a Cypress Drive and Clearwater Road intersection pedestrian bridge. The bridge was donated to the city by Craig Fink of Denali Companies.
Approved up to $20,000 for the architectural firm Widseth Smith Nolting to complete construction documents for the proposed press box/concession stand at Oscar Kristofferson Park.
Set the 2008 mileage reimbursement rate at 58.5 cents per mile, per the IRS regulations.
MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.
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