Pool repairs, permitting software go live; utilities director to leave March 15

During council reports on March 16, city staff briefed the Crookston City Council on several operational items: a pool circulation-pump mechanical seal showing signs of failure, the launch of a new online permitting system, and the planned departure of Utilities Director Brandon Carlson.

City staff described the pool pump issue as gradual rather than an immediate failure and said a pump company has inspected the unit. Staff said downtime is expected to be minimal and they will schedule routine pool maintenance to coincide with any required pump work. The cost estimate for the repair was not yet available; staff said they expect the expense will be within the existing budget.

The city went live with GoGov permitting software for building permits. Greg, the building-permits administrator, said the system replaces PDF forms with online submissions, saves applicant information for repeat filings, supports inspections, and stores plans and specifications electronically. Greg said he had flipped the go-live switches for building permits and that the system is similar to the one used by the fire department.

Council members were also told Utilities Director Brandon Carlson has identified March 15 as his last day with the city; staff said Carlson will use vacation time toward the transition and has agreed to be available for questions to limit disruption. The city posted a utility-supervisor position and staff said the administrator and HR are working to minimize any staffing gap.

Other updates noted by council members included a preliminary meeting with Otter Tail Power regarding a possible solar site of roughly 20 to 50 acres and departmental follow-ups on community-fund and early-childhood initiatives.

No formal actions were taken during the council-reports portion of the meeting.