By MaryHelen Swanson

Jim Vrchota worked for First National Bank in North Branch, but left it to seek greater things. It was a mistake, he told the NB City Council Monday night.

But now, heís planning to come back as competition for the bank he left by opening an office of the Pine City State Bank, now called Horizon Bank.

Not only will he be competition in the banking business, but being located right next door customers of both may have to compete for tight roadway space.

Vrchota, on behalf of Horizon Bank, was seeking an amendment to the cityís land use guide plan and a rezoning for about one-third of an acre. The site is located at 6093 Elm Street, next to the NB Video Vault.

Across the street to the west lies First National Bank.

In addition this week, Vrchota was asking for approval of a temporary office out of a trailer on the site until the bank is built.

Following the recommendations of the cityís planning commission, the amendment and rezoning were approved, but the approvals stopped short at the use of a temporary trailer.

The city does not allow such a use. Approving this would set a precedent that the councilors were not willing to do, not even when Vrchota said it would handicap the bank if they couldnít use the trailer.

Vrchota even reminded the council that he was not asking for any Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and that the new bank would put money in the city coffers as well as bring jobs to the community.

The council was determined not to set precedent and in denying the use of a trailer noted that the city ordinance does not allow temporary structures.

The council might reconsider if conditions or factors are brought to their attention that would allow such a trailer for temporary business.

8-foot fence

The council acted on a variance request from School District #138 to place an 8-foot fence all around the bus lot.

Again, there was concern about setting precedent. City planning director Al Cottingham said staff was concerned about allowing fencing over 4 feet high in the front yard.

But Bill Burton, director of transportation and grounds for the district, said it was a matter of safety and liability, noting the large holding pond on the property. He also told the council it was difficult to lock school buses and that there had been weekend partying in the buses.

The vote was 3-2 to allow the 8-foot fencing (the southside lot will have a 4-foot fence). Councilor Amy Oehlers did not want to set precedent. Councilor Kathy Blomquist noted that it would be protecting expensive tax-paid equipment.