East Bethel City Council Restricts BDM Construction’s Office Use Amid Ongoing Dispute

East Bethel City Council Restricts BDM Construction’s Office Use Amid Ongoing Dispute

East Bethel, MN — September 11, 2025

The East Bethel City Council voted 3-1 on Sept. 9 to limit BDM Construction’s use of office space within the city-owned Whispering Aspen Community Center. Mayor Ardie Anderson cast the lone dissenting vote, citing concerns about potential legal costs.

Details of the Dispute

The dispute centers on BDM Construction’s long-standing use of the community center, which dates back more than two decades. Council members raised concerns that a private business was benefiting from city-owned resources without formal oversight. BDM Construction, involved in multiple local development projects, had been using multiple rooms for operations, prompting scrutiny from council members.

Council Member Tim Miller, who voted in favor of the restriction, said the council had been negotiating with BDM Construction and Firebird Land LLC to end what he described as “the subsidization of a private business with tax dollars.” Miller added that company owner Brian Mundle Sr. had set aside $100,000 to potentially challenge the city in court.

“However perplexing the thought of a commercial business threatening legal action and using $100,000 against a city that has not ever charged this business a dime for operating out of a city-owned building,” Miller said, “It’s confusing in its own right.”

Council Member Brian Mundle Jr., who works for BDM Construction and whose father owns the company, abstained from the vote.

Council’s Rationale and Community Impact

The council’s motion restricts BDM Construction to a single office room within the center. It includes directives for staff to calculate electrical costs, with power shut-off if bills are not paid, and requires removal of a company sign from city property. A highway sign may remain if a permit is obtained.

Mayor Anderson questioned whether these actions could invite litigation. City Attorney Jacob Saufley noted that court involvement might be required if eviction or other enforcement measures are pursued but said the city’s position is that BDM does not have broad rights to community center space.

“I realize what it’s cost us in the past, yes,” Anderson said. “But to put us further into litigation and costs, I would still like to try and resolve this some other way.”

Next Steps for BDM Construction

It remains unclear whether BDM Construction will relocate or continue limited operations under the new restrictions. The council indicated further discussions may occur to finalize the arrangement and ensure the community center serves a broad public purpose.

MinneapoliMedia