By MaryHelen Swanson

North Branch will install a street light at the intersection of 379th Street and Forest Boulevard (library/fire hall). It was approved by city council Oct. 23. The action was taken because of a number of requests from library patrons and the North Branch fire department.

The total cost is expected to be $1,664 if done before winter construction season. The light would be installed by East Central Energy.

City Engineer Julie Dresel noted that the light will help drivers locate the intersection and decrease confusion along the highway.

When the issue came up for approval, the original intent was to take the money from the equipment certificate for street lights. This being unsatisfactory with some council members, it was decided the funds would come from city contingency funds.

Apartment dwellers will need parking permit

Residents who live in upstairs apartments in the downtown area will need to get a parking permit so their cars will not be towed away during snow plowing of city lots.

Currently, this affects only three units.

The motion, made by Councilor Amy Oehlers with a second by Councilor Larry Erickson, will allow each apartment two parking spots with a permit; commuters who use city parking lots for overnight parking can get the permits also.

The council also approved a fee of $20 per seasonal permit.

New bank denied second street access

Horizon Bank will soon be constructed on the corner of Hwy. 95 and 10th Street. The city has already approved the project with one access on to 10th Street. At the Oct. 23 council meeting, the bank requested approval for two accesses off that street.

After discussion, the council denied the second access. Councilor Kathy Blomquistís concern was that three accesses, (including that of First National Bank) on a 25-foot road would be a problem. City Engineer Julie Dresel said the second bank access would be for employee parking.

Jim Vrchota of Horizon Bank noted that the second access could also be useful for the buildings east of the bank. He also noted that the configuration of the bank building and parking lot was an attempt to save the big oak tree on the site close to Hwy. 95. City Planner Al Cottingham agreed, ìyou canít preserve the oak tree without two accesses,î he said.

Two driveways didnít bother Councilor Larry Erickson, who felt there might be yet another access on that segment of the street someday if the home that runs a day care center now ever sells and that property becomes commercial.

When it was noted that the center of 10th St. does not go down the middle of the road right now (it should be more to the west on the green space at First National Bank), Erickson said he wouldnít mind cutting into the grass and putting in gravel until the road is redone.

However, the vote to allow two accesses failed on a 3-2 vote, with councilors Kathy Blomquist, Theresa Furman and Amy Oehlers opposed.