Councilor Al Brooks had a change of heart about the Freeborn County Museum and Historical Village.

Tuesday, May 15, 2001

Councilor Al Brooks had a change of heart about the Freeborn County Museum and Historical Village.

Brooks has recommended a frugal approach to museum funding in past city council meetings. At Monday’s meeting, however, he suggested giving the museum an additional $10,000 to pay for a new fire detection and security system.

Brooks said the museum has sponsored fund raisers and earned a grant from the Minnesota Historical Society. Despite those efforts, the museum still needs about $10,000 to finish paying for the project, he said.

Brooks said he was enlightened by spending two days at the museum sifting through documents, enjoying the exhibits and working with local high school students.

&uot;It was great just spending a couple of days out there. But I know we’ve been through this issue before,&uot; Brooks said.

Brooks suggested taking cash from the council’s own budget fund, though Sparks said the move would prevent council members from taking any trips on city business for the rest of the year.

Brooks, Councilor George Marin and Mayor Bob Haukoos voted for the extra funds. But the rest of the council voted against the appropriation.

After Brooks’ motion failed, Marin tried another proposal with $5,000 from the council’s fund and the rest from the city’s unappropriated fund balance. His motion also failed.

Marin, who attempted to pass a similar resolution at the last council meeting in April, said he has heard many comments from constituents favoring more funding for the museum.

Museum director Bev Jackson approached the city council in March, asking for assistance to install the new fire alarm and security system with a $33,000 price tag. The council responded with $2,000.