City and Brookside Reach Agreement

As much of the community knows, the Marine on St. Croix City Council and the Brookside agreed to engage in a facilitated mediation process to help us resolve the liquor license amendment dispute. That process has taken place over the last few weeks.

Although the mediation process is confidential, we wanted to let you all know that we were able to reach agreement regarding the liquor license for the Brookside. At the November 14, 2024 City Council meeting, the Brookside’s liquor license was approved to include language that is agreed to by both the Brookside and the City and comports with applicable state laws.

The Brookside and the City are signing a settlement agreement that resolves this matter, including the liquor license appeal pending before the Minnesota Court of Appeals. That case will be dismissed as part of our agreement. Additionally, as part of the agreement, the Brookside and the City Council reached resolution for the conveyance of the pumper house garage and affirmed timing for the Brookside’s construction of a dumpster enclosure.

Most importantly, we have agreed to work to build the relationship between the Brookside and the City and in that spirit, Wendy Ward, in her capacity as a City Council member and on behalf of the Marine City Council, and Ross Higgins, on behalf of the Brookside, will meet informally at least quarterly to discuss matters of mutual interest. Both of us want to build a trusting, professional relationship and working together to solve any future issues.