---

The introduction of new police officer and interviews of those who applied for the city council vacancy dominated the regular Chisago City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 8. The council chambers were filled to overflowing with family and friends of Chad Slagter, who was sworn in as Chisago City’s newest police officer. Chief Bill Schlumbohm and Mayor Chris DuBose presided at the ceremony. (See photo)

City Administrator John Pechman reported that tentative plans call for preliminary budget meetings to begin early in August after the new council person is seated.

The council conducted interviews with three of the four applicants to fill the council seat vacated in June by the resignation of Dave Pung, who is moving out of Chisago City, but remaining in the area. The council asked the same series of question to Ross Pihl, Dale Mohs and Frank Agan individually. Applicant Dave Dobosenski was unable to attend due to a family vacation. The council will interview Dobosenski at 6 p.m., before the July 22 regular council meeting. After the interview, the council will make its decision and the new person will be sworn in and seated for that evening’s council meeting.

The council had a general discussion about what the city’s regulation regarding the 2 a.m. closing time should be. Pechman said that staff would review the liquor ordinance, check with surrounding communities for their closing time policies, as well as sending letters to liquor license holders advising them that the issue would be discussed at the July 22 council meeting. The general sentiment among the council was that if they were going to be open that Chisago City should follow that lead as well. The reason would be so that people would not be driving between cities for that final hour.

DuBose brought up for discussion the possibility of the city extending the new bike path, which is scheduled to end at Shoquist Lane if the library or some other high use facility is placed on the old Chisago Health Services property. After very brief discussion, the council voted to approve the mayor’s proposal.

IN OTHER BUSINESS, THE COUNCIL:

•Approved a variance at 27990 Trent Avenue for Diane Westermeyer to demolish the existing structures and build a new house and garage that would conform to street and side lot setbacks. The variance was needed because the lot is a non-conforming city lot.

•Were told by City Attorney Tom Miller that additional quotes for the lawn maintenance contract should be gotten. Staff will solicit quotes and the issue was continued until the July 22 meeting.

---