By MaryHelen Swanson

On Monday night, Jan. 10, the North Branch City Council, on a 3-2 vote, gave approval for a conditional use permit (CUP) to Thomas Widboom to operate an auto collision center along I-35 in the area known as Gateway South.

Five years ago a similar business was moved from this area, as were several homes, so the city could create a commercial district that would attract people and encourage them to come to North Branch off of the freeway.
During the conversation Monday night, on the CUP approval, Councilwoman Amy Oehlers spoke of the past history of the area.

While the discussion was on whether or not the cars waiting to be repaired should be stored inside or covered outside, Oehlers said in her opinion it didnít really matter because the business was inappropriate for the site (south of Perkins).

She believed there was an error in the zoning ordinance that would allow for this type of business in this area.
Much discussion centered on what should be required of the business concerning the cars in the lot.

If they are covered, what kind of cover?
If there is to be fencing, what kind of fencing?
The cityís own economic development authority recommended no outdoor storage.

City Councilwoman Kathy Blomquist also had questions and concerns about the storage of vehicles waiting to be repaired.

With so many concerns, Widboom, who was on hand for the meeting, told the council he didnít feel welcome in North Branch.

He asked the mayor if there was any reason why he should open his business here.

Mayor Gloria Karsky replied it was his decision to make.
After the discussion of fencing, covering cars and even another building to hold the waiting cars, Councilman Larry Erickson moved to approve the CUP with the conditions that there be no overnight outside storage, but screening (not necessarily masonry) to match the building at a height of 8 feet.
His motion failed on a 3-2 vote.

Blomquist then moved to approve the CUP requiring cars to be covered if outside, and that screening be constructed, 8-feet tall, of masonry to match the building.

Her motion passed 3-2 with Oehlers and Councilwoman Theresa Furman opposing.
Other conditions with the CUP state that the business must comply with all city, county, state and federal laws, regulations and ordinances and that city water will be extended to the south property line at the builderís expense. City sewer will be extended south of the north property line also.

Another CUP was approved for Gustafson Excavating to allow for storage of dirt and concrete in the I2 General Industrial District.

The property is located east of 410th Street.
In discussion with the cityís planning commission, Dennis Gustafson said this would be a temporary situation as they are only leasing the land. He said they would probably not extend the lease past October.
The council approved the CUP without the requirement of an 8-foot berm, but added another that prohibits the storage of any hazardous waste on the site.

Other business attended to this week involved an assessment deferral for Gerald and Delores Fairbanks who live along Hemingway Avenue.

They have three parcels which have been assessed for the street and utility improvements made this past year.
Minnesota statutes allow deferral under what is known as a Green Acres provision.
If the county decides the property qualifies based on the use of the land (agriculture), the deferment is in place as long as the property meets the statutory requirements.

In this instance, both principal and interest are deferred.

If the property is developed, the special assessments become payable with interest.
If the bonds issued to pay the project are still outstanding at that point, the assessments and interest are payable in equal annual payments for the remaining term of the bonds.

If the bonds are paid, the entire assessment and interest must be paid with in 90 days.
The council was assured that no tax money would be used to pay the assessment during this time, but that funds would be diverted from another fund to be paid back at a later date.

Also, during the citizen comment period, a lady asked about the recently passed ban on ATVs in the city.
She wanted to know when it was publicized that this issue was going to be before the council and when the public had an opportunity to speak out about it.

City Administrator Joe Lynch said technically the city was not required to hold a public hearing, and the council, he said, chose not to.
Lynch referred to a three-part press release the city will publish to explain the ban more thoroughly, including the reasons behind it.
He said there were concerns about safety, property damage and confusion about where the ATVs could and could not be ridden.

Mayor Karsky encouraged the woman to write a letter to the city with her objections.
The woman said the local ATV club was going to present something to the city on the issue.

The council made the following appointments:
Joel Corbin and Kurt Liebenow to a three-year term on the planning commission, and Doylene Voligny to a two-year term (finish of Furmanís term) on the PC;

Michele Johnson to a three-year term on the park commission, with one position still open;

Bill Rice to a six-year term on the EDA; and Henry Brooker to a three-year term on the water and light commission.
Committee appointments were approved as well as other required designations. Lynch noted that the city engineer was still the contracted position, and that the new engineer position would be approved later.
The council received revisions to the fire department by-laws but tabled action due to what was considered inappropriate language in the new revision.

Also, a new fee schedule was approved with increases such as $5 for notary service, fees for salt and sand mix, for aerial and digital documents and a 5 percent increase in SAC and WAC connection fees. The complete fee schedule can be found on the cityís Web site.

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