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Committee directs staff to price flagpole lowering devices and lighting for downtown poles
Summary
Brainerd Safety and Public Works Committee asked staff to return with pricing for a portable device that lets staff lower and raise street flagpoles without a lift and for lighting options for four downtown poles; motion passed unanimously.
The Brainerd Safety and Public Works Committee on Oct. 12 directed staff to return with cost estimates for a mechanical device that allows staff to lower and raise downtown flagpoles without a lift and for lighting solutions for the remaining poles on Front Street.
Committee members discussed a device Park Maintenance Foreman Troy installed that uses a lockable pulley and ratchet to make a pole operable from ground level, avoiding the need to rent a lift. Public Works Director Mike Habegorst said the device is portable and inexpensive — “under $50” — and could be installed on any of the downtown poles if the council chooses to buy additional units.
Committee members also raised lighting and tampering concerns. Habegorst said the flagpole at Laurel and Seventh Street is adjacent to a street light and is already illuminated at night; the other downtown poles lack comparable lighting and would require electrical work or a self-contained solar light unit. Committee discussion noted the American Legion maintains private flags on Front Street and that the city’s choices would apply only to the four municipal flags there.
After discussion, an unidentified council member moved “to direct staff” to bring back prices for the mechanical device and for lighting for the remaining Front Street poles; another council member seconded the motion. The committee voted in favor. The motion did not specify a timeline other than that staff should return with pricing at the next meeting.
The request for pricing will allow staff to present options at a future meeting, including buying portable devices for each pole, leaving one device portable to be moved among poles, adding electrical wiring, or using solar-mounted pole lights. Habegorst said any option will require additional follow-up work and cost estimates.
The committee did not vote to remove any flagpoles at this meeting; removal had been discussed previously as one option but no formal action to remove poles was taken.
Staff will return with a detailed price estimate for the mechanical lowering device and for lighting options for the downtown Front Street flagpoles.
