By MaryHelen Swanson

The North Branch Council has received a petition with over 600 signatures requesting a referendum on the construction of a police station.

The city needed five percent of voters who voted in the last general election to move forward with a public vote. That would have been 182 signatures. City Administrator Bridgitte Konrad said at Monday night's meeting that the city has verified over 200 signatures.

A motion was made by Councilor Theresa Furman and seconded by Councilor Larry Erickson to accept the petition.

The council did not take any steps to set up a vote, talking about a special election, which would cost the taxpayers, or doing the referendum next November at the General Election, possibly even at the Primary.

The question Konrad had for the council was whether the architect should continue preparing the plans, he is about 80 percent done.

Konrad said it will cost about $21,000 to complete the work. The city has spent about $135,000 so far on the plans, according to Konrad.

Mayor Gloria Karsky wanted to wait to learn the results of the referendum.

Councilor Kathy Blomquist said finishing up will show the public it is needed.

Councilor Furman said she hasn't heard anyone say they don't want it, but that there isn't a whole lot of money out there for such a project.

The city will not lose any schematics that have been prepared up to now if they stop the work.

Konrad said it wouldn't hurt either way if the work was stopped or not, but as Councilor Erickson noted, the cost may go up when restarted.

The council then tabled action until the next meeting to find out if that cost will change.

The next meeting is Tuesday, Dec. 11.

In other business, the council:

• Approved a loan through the Revolving Loan Fund for $50,000 for Norlite to assist in the purchase of a $23,000 crane and to help offset costs of WAC and SAC fees. The company employs 6. The loan was recommended by the EDA. Others receiving loans through this fund include Andersen Corporation and Comforts of Home. Both are making payments on their loans. Norlite will get $20,000 this year and $30,000 next year. Finance Director David Stutelberg told the council Norlite was shocked by the over $30,000 SAC and WAC fees and hadn't planned for this. He told them they had the option of requesting this loan. Besides the crane as collateral for the loan, the owners have signed personal guarantees. There is always a possibility that the city could be left holding the bag if both the business and owners went bankrupt. The original loan funds, Stutelberg noted, did not come from the taxpayers but from the federal government and now from interest paid on the previous loans. This is gap funding to businesses that come into the city, he said.

The council voted 3-1 to approve the loan. Councilor Furman was opposed because the collateral is less than the value of the loan.

• Agreed to turn the lights on at Harder Park as a test at the request of John Pentalis. The Parks, Trails and Open Space Commission had recommended waiting until spring as the lights are not planned to be used in the winter.

Councilor Erickson said if a resident wants the lights on, turn them on. He also said, some day the city might want lights in the parking lots for security. He also said, the city hasn't decided who will pay for the lights to be on.

Mayor Karsky said it is important not to make any statements about when the lights will be on.

The consensus of the council was that it was alright to have them tested now.

Call city hall to find out when that test will be held, if interested in seeing the affect during this test.

• Approved extending the NB Market Place bond to 20 years with 20-year assessment. This will reduce the cost to Market Place somewhat so they can attract tenants to the stores. The developer is completely responsible for the bond payments.

Stutelberg noted that the land is the security on the bonds.

No news yet on what grocery store is going in in the development.

• Renewed liquor licenses for a number of businesses.

• Renewed the contract for animal control.

Comment from Heidi Mutcher, 12/3/07

"Konrad said it will cost about $21,000 to complete the work. The city has spent about $135,000 so far on the plans, according to Konrad."

Just another pathetic example of North Branch City Council spending our money like the winners of a shopping spree. No thought or preparation...just spend, spend, spend.

Comment from trent timermanis, 12/4/07

spend, spend, spend. What a joke. The taxes in this town are a joke. The council needs to look at the bottom line, and start from there! Quit wasting our money.

Comment from Robert & Vickie Patrick , 12/6/07

How can this city give out a fence permit when the fence will cross an existing private roadway. Adjoining property owners have existing easements and 30 year history of road use and road caretaking. "How can the city openly infringe on our easement rights on 380th Street West of Keystone?" Our roadway easements are recorded at Chisago County and were provided to the city. They gave the fence permit without discussing it with anyone else who would be affected... If you live on a private road you better watch out!!!