Baxter Appoints Visual Quality Committee for Hwy 371 Project

The committee will advise the council on landscaping, lighting, and finishing for the overpass project.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The city of Baxter, Minnesota has appointed a nine-member Visual Quality Advisory Committee to work with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and its consultant Kimberly-Horn on identifying the visual components of the Highway 371 overpass project, including landscaping, lighting fixtures, and structure finishes. The committee will present their recommendations to the city council for approval.

Why it matters

The Highway 371 overpass project is a significant infrastructure undertaking for Baxter, and the visual quality of the overpass will have a lasting impact on the community. The advisory committee's role is to ensure the project's aesthetics align with the city's values and priorities, such as minimizing light pollution and preserving the night sky.

The details

The Visual Quality Advisory Committee members are Chris Klein, Kevin Donnay, Jim Haakonson, Dr. Steve Schmid, Sandy Zutz-Wiczek, Rob Larson, Trevor Pumnea, Theresa McCormick, and Chuck Anderson. The committee is scheduled to meet monthly from mid-late March through September, when MnDOT needs the project to be 60% designed. City Administrator Brad Chapulis and Community Development Director Josh Doty will serve as non-voting technical advisors.

  • The Visual Quality Advisory Committee is tentatively scheduled to meet monthly from mid-late March through September 2026.
  • MnDOT needs the Highway 371 overpass project to be 60% designed by September 2026.

The players

Visual Quality Advisory Committee

A nine-member committee appointed by the city of Baxter to advise on the visual components of the Highway 371 overpass project, including landscaping, lighting, and structure finishes.

Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)

The state transportation agency overseeing the Highway 371 overpass project and working with the Visual Quality Advisory Committee.

Kimberly-Horn

The consultant firm working with MnDOT on the Highway 371 overpass project.

Brad Chapulis

The Baxter City Administrator, serving as a non-voting technical advisor to the Visual Quality Advisory Committee.

Josh Doty

The Baxter Community Development Director, serving as a non-voting technical advisor to the Visual Quality Advisory Committee.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm appreciative of the interest of people who have put their names and accepted the offer.”

— Connie Lyscio, Baxter City Council member (Brainerd Dispatch)

“Mandating a color not to exceed 3000 Kelvin, which Duval described as a transition from warmer colors to the very bright daylight blue colors that will impact the sky, reflectivity and 'the brightness of this place will glow.'”

— Mike Duval, West Brainerd resident (Brainerd Dispatch)

What’s next

The Visual Quality Advisory Committee is tentatively scheduled to meet monthly from mid-late March through September 2026, when MnDOT needs to have the Highway 371 overpass project at 60% designed.

The takeaway

The formation of the Visual Quality Advisory Committee demonstrates Baxter's commitment to ensuring the Highway 371 overpass project enhances the community's aesthetics and minimizes impacts like light pollution. By proactively engaging residents and experts, the city aims to deliver an overpass that balances function and form to the benefit of the entire Brainerd Lakes area.