The council agreed to pay $3,164 to Widseth Smith Nolting city engineer for a bridge inspection proposal. WSN will inspect the existing bridge and determine if it is possible to rehabilitate the structure.

Rehabilitation would be paid for with city construction funds; based on the strength and width of the existing bridge, it would not qualify for state funds.

Mayor John Terwilliger voted against the motion, saying he believes the inspection done by the county is sufficient and the city could choose to replace decking or add railings.

Appointments

The council made 2009 appointments that take into account term expirations and resignations.

Susan Amacher was appointed Planning and Zoning Commission alternate after her term expired.

Steve Hanousek was appointed to the Park and Recreation Committee, and Cindy Terwilliger and Mike Wheeler as alternates after their two terms expired.

Elaine Leach and Melinda Re were appointed to the Environmental Committee with Gene Jaster and Jerry Swenson as alternates after their two terms expired.

Justin Stahnke and Dave Pohl were appointed to the Wastewater/Road Committee and Chuck Bergquist and Gene Jaster as alternates after Jaster and Karen Smith's terms expired.

Linda Gettleman resigned from the Park and Recreation Committee, and Ed Koska and John McNitt resigned from the Environmental Committee.

The council reappointed Gammello, Qualley and Pearson Law Firm of Baxter as city attorney; Widseth Smith Nolting as city engineer; Mathias C. Justin as city auditor; Northern National Bank, Lakewood Bank, Lakes State Bank, American National Bank, First Bank Brainerd and Minnesota Municipal Money Market as official depositories; and Lake Country Echo (primary) and Brainerd Dispatch (secondary) as official newspapers.