Council thanks Police Chief Davis as he marks his final meetings; staff reports note new warning siren and utility work

Police Chief Davis used the council meeting to offer farewell remarks, saying he appreciated the council's support of the police department and thanking members for their partnership. Multiple council members, including Jaeger, Johnson and Erickson, thanked Davis for his service and wished him well as he departs.

Chief Holmes reported that a new outdoor warning siren was installed last week at Front and 9th; the older unit will be removed when Brainerd Public Utilities schedules the removal. City engineer Jesse Dean reported planned tree plantings in streets and parks this week and said College Drive trees will be replanted this year. Dean also noted CenterPoint Gas is replacing and relocating a large-diameter gas main that serves Brainerd and Baxter, with closures on Oak Street and an expectation that the area will be reopened within a week.

Paul Sandy summarized Public Utilities Commission activity: the commission awarded the first two lead-service-line contracts for the Ronald and Joseph Alley project to Treader Excavating and is soliciting bids for two other lead-service-line projects with awards to come at the May commission meeting. Sandy added the water-treatment backwash-tank project had been re-scoped for a construction-manager-at-risk delivery to bring it within budget and that staff expects a guaranteed maximum price review and potential construction start in July.