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N. Branch not eager to accept housing study |
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By MaryHelen Swanson
On Feb. 7, the North Branch Council received a report on the housing study conducted by MaxField Research, Inc., had some issues with certain parts and asked that a few things be added including comparisons to Cambridge and Isanti which were visibly missing from the study.
Monday night, the study was on the table at the council meeting, at least the item of approval was, and it sort of hit a wall when motion time came.
Councilor Kathy Blomquist immediately moved to accept the study, her understanding was that the contents would be accepted as well as just the paper product.
But there was no second coming from either of the other two councilors (Larry Erickson and Theresa Furman, Amy Oehlers was absent) which led Blomquist to ask “why?” She reminded her peers that they had spent money on the study.
Erickson said there were still questions about about the numbers and Cambridge and Isanti data was not included. He said he could accept it, he just couldn’t put any faith in it.
City Administrator Bridgitte Konrad said she just wanted the council to accept the study so it could be used as a tool by potential developers.
Mayor Gloria Karsky suggested they “acknowledge receipt” of the study.
City Attorney Tom Miller added, that’s what acceptance means.
Mayor Karsky asked again for a motion.
Erickson moved and Blomquist supported his motion.
But as they moved toward a vote, it became evident to Blomquist that the approval was only on receipt of the document and not the content.
“Then I’m going to withdraw my second,” Blomquist said.
Then the mayor seconded the motion and the vote was 3-1 with Blomquist opposed. “We needed direction,” she said, adding this was it.
A vacancy on the city’s Economic Development Authority was addressed. Three people had applied for the position. Erickson moved to select Doug Fischer, a former banker in NB, and still a resident.
Bill Miller and Gaylon Strovers also applied. Miller works in NB, Strovers lives in NB and has indicated an interest in serving the city in some capacity. The mayor said Strover’s interest should be kept in mind.
Other business addressed this week included:
• Discussion of the 11.43 acres of land by the freeway on the south portion of the ESSBY project, most recently suggested as a park. Finance Director David Stutelberg encouraged the city to pay the assessment on it so a developer won’t be saddled with it. The city could pay $13,000 per year to pay off the $130,000 assessment.
Erickson said the parcel should be considered “city-owned land” in the event it was used for an interchange over the freeway at 400th.
The mayor asked for more information before action by the council.
• The city will receive $384,490 from MnDOT. This is to address construction needs and maintenance of state aid roads in the city. The amount has been decreasing since 1999, but City Engineer Julie Dresel noted that the figure will be $40,000 more next year due to the passage of the gas tax and increasing each year after.
• The city council received the bridge inspection report for three city-owned bridges. According to Dresel, the concrete bridge at Bridge Road at the North Branch of the Sunrise River will need to be inspected annually and should be replaced in the next few years. It was built in 1924.
• The council authorized the start of design work for the city parking lot improvements (behind the old library).
• The council tabled adoption of a special events ordinance. According to Konrad, it is to address safety and sanitary concerns for any event that draws a large crowd to the city. Councilor Blomquist felt it was too cumbersome and had too many restrictions. It will be addressed again April 14.
• The council approved a parity adjustment to non-bargaining employees of 1.46 percent, effective Jan. 1, for this year only, to bring the increase equal to that granted the police union.
•The council discussed a request from the police department to use uniform allowance to purchase gun safes, but they could not come to a consensus on the request.
• They also gave a transient Merchant permit to Boy Scout Troop 411 to hold concessions during the micro soccer season, and waived the fee.
• The council looked at two options for lighted signs to replace the city billboard at CR30 and Main Street. Not satisfied with what they saw, they asked for more options.
• Stutelberg reviewed the 2007 budget summary with the council, noting that the city ended the year $50,000 “to the good” in the fund balance.
• The council accepted the resignation of Officer John Conrad who has taken a position with the St. Paul Police Department, and Luke Fedor who has taken a position, at a higher wage, with the city of Cambridge. The council also authorized advertising for a finance director to replace Stutelberg who retires in July.
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