Water development committee meets for first time today

The newly organized Brandon Water Development Committee will meet for the first time at 4 p.m. today in the city council chambers, 308 Main Ave. S.

Led by alderman Don Wells, 16 people – city residents and staff – were selected from a list of 24 who expressed interest in serving on the volunteer committee.

The committee includes Angie Nemmers, Kim Kremlacek, Todd Anawski, Trudy Papka, Chad Campbell, Patrick Deering, Kevin Smith, Jason Kjenstad, Kim Cerwick (Brandon Valley Area Chamber of Commerce), Tim Wakefield, Pat Hammond, Mindy Hansen , Amanda Viau, city administrator Bryan Read, city engineer Paul Sanow, a representative from Stockwell Engineers and Wells.

Today’’s agenda includes a review of the current water system by Stockwell Engineers, current test results from wells 3, 6 and 7, meeting schedule, topics for the next meeting and defining the committee’s mission statement.

In response to comments that Stockwell should not be part of the committee, Wells said: “Stockwell, as well as other engineering firms need to be and will be in attendance. Most of us are not experts on how to design a water system for a community and we need to rely on the input from individuals who do have experience. If we were to exclude Stockwell due to a “conflict of interest” then we would have to do the same for any other engineering firm that works with municipal water systems, and I don’t believe that is in our best interest for making an educated decision. DO NOT feel that anyone will pressure your basis of thought. We WILL deal with the facts … it’s that simple. I am confident that we will come together as a group and make sound decisions that will have a positive impact on our community. I am absolutely committed to this.”

All water development committee meetings are open to the public.