Brownsville council approves 2025 cleaning and vector-control contracts; one member opposes spraying

The Brownsville City Council on Feb. 5 approved two 2025 service contracts: a renewal with Morgan's Cleaning and a contract with Driftless Vector Control.

Pam Walhovd moved and Barb Hurley seconded approval of the Morgan's Cleaning 2025 contract, with council direction that staff investigate alternative vendors and that the city may advertise for bids. The minutes note the existing contract can be terminated with a 5-day notice.

Council then discussed the 2025 Driftless Vector Control contract. Council member David Prestby raised questions about where and when spraying would occur and said he opposed the procedure; Judy Macejik offered to contact residents about abandoned tires and remove tires herself if necessary. On a motion by Barb Hurley, seconded by David Prestby, the council approved the Driftless Vector Control contract for 2025 with the removal of Treasurer Jenna Knight's name from the contract. The minutes record that Council member Pam Walhovd cast a dissenting vote on the vector-control approval.

The minutes do not include detailed spray schedules, locations, or vote tallies beyond the recorded dissent. Council members noted staff should explore alternatives to current vendors and that the city retained the right to terminate the cleaning contract with notice.