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North Branch approves new hire at police department |
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By MaryHelen Swanson
The three council members on hand for the March 24 North Branch City Council meeting approved the hiring of Rebecca Lawrence as a new police officer for the city’s police department.
The interview team consisted of Police Chief Steve Forner, Lt. Dan Meyer, Sgt. Rick Sapp and City Clerk Ry-Chel Gausted. The acceptance of Lawrence was contingent upon completion of paperwork. Lawrence has seven years experience with the Pine County Sheriff’s Department and a few years with other metro cities and counties. Starting salary will be $20.57 per hour.Lawrence will have a 12-month probationary period and start work in a week.
In other news:
• The council approved the American Legion’s Bingo license and a license for a street dance during the 2008 Midsummer celebration.
•Al Cottingham, city planning director, requested a thank you pizza dinner for the volunteer citizens who have worked on the comprehensive plan review. They are almost done with their work. But Councilor Kathy Blomquist reminded the others that there has been no such appreciation shown for other groups such as the affordable housing committee or downtown revitalization committee. She said if the city’s trying to cut costs, she has a concern with setting such a precedent. A vote was taken with Mayor Gloria Karsky voting to approve the dinner, Blomquist voting against it, and Councilor Theresa Furman, the only other council member present, abstaining because she is on the comp plan committee. The mayor suggested coming up with a volunteer event for all who do something for the city.
• The council did not accept the county’s offer of aerial photos at a cost to the city of $39,236. Furman said if a developer needs them, he can buy them from the county.
• There is still no decision on the new lighted billboard on the corner of Forest Boulevard and Hwy. 95. While the money being spent for the new sign is not taxpayer’s dollars, as it is from the cable franchise fees, the councilors still want to be prudent about the spending of this money. The council was supplied with new quotes that night, but the choice they were looking for wasn’t there. The issue will continue after more information is received.
• The council tabled action on a request from the Senior Center to assist them in funding services and programs for 2008, primarily to help fund the Meals on Wheels program. The amount requested was $18,000. City Administrator Bridgitte Konrad said she’d contact Dawn Cash at the Senior Center for more details and get back to the council in April.
• Councilor Furman reported that she has learned of issues with customer parking on Elm Street by Nelson’s Market. City Engineer Julie Dresel said she will be giving a report on the situation at the next council meeting, which is April 14.
• The city will hold a work session April 3 at 6:15 p.m. Topics will include budget amendments. performance pay 2009, police station referendum and an update on ESSBY.
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