Brainerd council appoints at‑large member, elects leadership and approves multiple measures

The Brainerd City Council on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, appointed Kevin Yeager to the at‑large council vacancy, elected Mike O'Day council president and Gabe Johnson vice president, and approved a range of personnel, contract and project items during a meeting at Brainerd City Hall.

The council voted to appoint Kevin Yeager to the at‑large vacancy after six applicants were considered; Yeager was not present and the oath will be administered at a later date. The council then elected Councilman Mike O'Day as council president and Councilman Gabe Johnson as vice president.

Beyond leadership changes, the council approved the consent calendar; accepted several resignations and ratified new hires in public works and police; approved a technology director job description and authorized an internal posting; extended a memorandum of understanding allowing IBEW public utility employees to assist at the hydro facility through April 1, 2025; and directed staff to pursue abatement and a court injunction for an ongoing code enforcement matter at 823 Willow Street.

The council also adopted multiple resolutions ordering preparation or receipt of feasibility reports for public works projects — including the South Brainerd resurfacing project, the Beach/Oak Ridge reconstruction and the Wright…