Council approves dermatology clinic permits and accepts police chief’s retirement

The Brainerd City Council on March 2 approved several development and personnel items, including an economic-development subsidy for a dermatology clinic, a conditional use permit to allow 65 off-street parking spaces at 1410 and 1424 TC Drive, approval of a variance to reduce setbacks at 2602 South 11th Street to allow subdivision for mini storage, and acceptance of Police Chief John Davis’ retirement effective April 30, 2026.

James Kramvik (community development) summarized the dermatology clinic package and said the EDA included conditions: the developer must improve the option property within five years of certificate of occupancy, operate the facility for five years, and maintain 21 full-time staff with the creation of at least one full-time job. Staff noted a minor adjustment to the land valuation in the appraisal report.

Councilmember Gabe Johnson, chairing Personnel & Finance, moved to accept Chief John Davis’ retirement with regret and authorized staff to conduct an internal hire process to backfill the position; staff said the city will advertise immediately and expects to complete the internal process before April.

Actions taken included: adopting the EDA subsidy resolution for the dermatology clinic (motion by Bevins, second by Stunick; passed by roll call), approving the conditional use permit for 65 off-street parking spaces (voice vote, motion carried), approving the setback variance at 2602 South 11th Street to permit subdivision (voice vote), and accepting the retirement of Police Chief John Davis and authorizing an internal hiring process.

Next steps: EDA members will receive the amended PDA and appraisal; staff will advertise the police chief position and return with recruitment details.