Brainerd City Council: Plan approved for administrator search

The city of Brainerd could have a new city administrator by Christmas.

The Brainerd City Council Monday night accepted with regret the resignation of city Administrator Jim Thoreen, effective Oct. 27.

Thoreen has appreciated the opportunity to serve the city, he said, and through a team effort was able to accomplish some goals. He was able to expand his horizons, he said, but it's time for he and his wife Bonnie Thoreen to retire to a previous home in Glenwood.

"It's good to know we didn't drive you out," Council President Dave Pritschet said.

"For once," council member Kelly Bevans replied.

The council also approved a plan for finding a replacement for Thoreen, who presented an offer from David Drown Associates. Under the proposed timeline, a new city administrator could start by Dec. 11, after interviews with finalists are Nov. 8-9.

The fee for the search process is $17,000. Because of an agreement with the National Joint Powers Alliance, NJPA would cover the first $7,500 of the cost. The city's share of the cost would be $9,500. This is less than half the cost of the last search the city conducted using Springsted, council member Gabe Johnson said.

David Drown Associates recently completed the search for the Baxter city administrator and Pequot Lakes city administrator. The firm is currently conducting searches for the city of Nisswa and the city of Staples. The firm's list of clients looks good, Johnson said, and the firm has helped nearby cities find administrators.

Thoreen has spent more than 40 years in local government in various positions in Pope, Stevens, Chisago, Clay and Beltrami counties, as well as with the city of Brainerd. He attempted to retire before he came to Brainerd, a fact he noted in the meeting agenda packet.

"Perhaps this time I will better manage the art of retirement," Thoreen wrote.

Thoreen started as Brainerd city administrator Aug. 3, 2015. He succeeded Patrick Wussow, who retired from the city administrator position about a year after being hired. Wussow was hired after Theresa Goble announced her retirement from the position in September 2013. Goble took over the post in 2012, when longtime Administrator Dan Vogt stepped down after 23 years.

Council members Kevin Stunek and Jan Lambert were absent Monday night.

In other business, the council:

Advanced paid on-call firefighters Erik Flowers and Nick Haglin from probationary to regular firefighters. Flowers and Haglin completed their one-year probationary period on July 1.

Adopted an ordinance amending city code section 1205 regulating the issuance of 3.2 percent beer licenses. The ordinance amends the code to state the age to purchase, consume, sell or possess 3.2 percent beer is 21 years old. The current code uses 19 years old as the eligible age and does not reflect state law, which is 21 years old.

Set the details for a joint meeting with the Baxter City Council from 6-8 p.m. Aug. 14, tentatively at Prairie Bay in Baxter. The meeting will feature a presentation from Minnesota state demographer Susan Brower on population trends in the area.

Approved a new contractor license for 5 Star Heating and Air, St. Cloud.

Approved a new bulk plant license for Best Oil, LLC, 1202 Madison St., effective July 18.

Received a written report from Police Chief Corky McQuiston on the department's activity for the month of June. The department received 1,600 calls for service during the month. This compares to 1,554 calls for service in June 2016.

Approved a lawful gambling application submitted by Ducks Unlimited Frozen North to conduct off-site gambling at Barrett's Northeast Liquors, 105 Washington St.

Approved a lawful gambling application submitted by Lower South Long Lake Improvement Association to conduct excluded bingo Sept. 3 at Jack's House, 300 State Highway 25.

Approved donations to the city made between April 1 and June 30. There was $2,350 in donations to Legionville, $5,269 in donations to the Parks and Recreation Department, $650 in donations to the Brainerd Fire Department and $300 in donations to the Brainerd Police Department.

Approved an event application for Canoe Days 8:30 a.m. to noon Aug. 5 in Kiwanis Park. About 10 booths will be set up to present information on water quality, aquatic invasive species and recreation. At 10 a.m., those with non-motorized watercraft can paddle to Crow Wing State Park to a fur traders encampment.

Approved a street closure application for the Lil' Rubber Ducky Race Aug. 5 on East River Road. A portion of the road near Don Adamson Field will be closed from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is put on by the Brainerd Jaycees.

Approved a final contractor payment to Anderson Brothers Construction for the 2017 crack sealing project in the amount of $16,040.

Approved a contractor payment to Tom's Backhoe Service for work through July 7 on the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport utility extension project in the amount of $8,076.

Called for applicants for one term on the Charter Commission and one term on the Transportation Advisory Committee.