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A plaque was given out during the regular meeting of the North Branch City Council held on Monday, August 11. Aaron Reinert, Executive Director of Lakes Area EMS, presented a Four Pillars Award to Todd Fisk in recognition of his 30 years of service to the community. The pillars are state of the art patient care, outstanding customer service, dedication to the communities served and dedication to national health and responsibility.

Fisk was born and raised in North Branch, raised his family here, ran a business and continued to serve the community. He was presented with the plaque and a badge for his rescue uniform that signifies years of service with one star for every five years. Since they didn't have one with six stars, it had to be custom made.

Fisk said 30 years had gone by really quick. "I've seen a lot," stated Fisk. "I've done a lot. I've cried with a lot of people. I've prayed with a lot of people. I've smiled with a lot of people." When he first started they thought 100 calls a year was really great. Now it's about 3600 calls a year. He's happy to have been part of the organization, he declared.

With Mayor Karsky absent, Council heard from Fire Chief John McFarling on the estimated life expectancy of a fire truck, 30 years, and the extrication equipment, 30 years with tips replaced every five to seven years. There were a few points of concern in the recent inspection of the ladder truck. The oldest fire hose was purchased in 1978 and is tested regularly. McFarling also noted that, at the Isanti Rodeo, the department made $636.14 selling food. The money will be put into a fund for new extrication equipment. Council member Kathy Blomquist hoped the council would look at the needs of the fire department as they are a public safety entity and need the best equipment. She thought the public could be better served by means other than selling food to make money for equipment.

Finance Director David Stutelberg presented a resolution for Budget Amendments that would clear up Capital Project Funds. Some had unused funds and some were in deficit. Stutelberg proposed transferring the unused funds into the projects in deficit resolving some of those issues.

Council member Theresa Furman had questions regarding the transfers and interest involved and asked that the resolution be tabled until a work session so these questions could be discussed further. This was approved by the council.

Planning Director Alan Cottingham presented some changes to the concept plan for the residential portion of the ESSBY Project involving a transitional lot, the lack of units on a portion of the project, the walkability of the development and public versus private streets.

The concept plan, from Prairie Partners Venture, Inc., shows 420 units of various types from single family to apartment units. Furman was concerned with the positioning of the transitional lot and that changes had not been presented to the public since the original open house. Cottingham explained this was only a concept plan, and that finalized changes will be presented at the public hearing for the preliminary plat. None of the other council members had a problem with the concept plan.

Michelle Johnson, Parks, Trails and Open Space Community Center Committee, requested the city enter into an Agency Disclosure and Buyers Representation Agreement to allow realtors to share information with the city about the racant Living Branch Lutheran Church building off Hemingway Avenue. The committee is looking at the building as a possible solution to the need for a community center. Johnson also presented a DRAFT copy of their report stressing that it is only a draft. Peter Schaps, Bowers Real Estate, explained that, by law, they must declare the type of agency representation or relationship desired. He presented several different forms that could be used.

City Attorney Tom Miller explained this type of agreement is often used, but the ones presented were not complete and he would not recommend approving one until it was complete. If it was approved he recommended it be for that site only. It was decided to have Miller look over the agreement, and report back.

The probationary status of the Assistant Liquor Store Manager James Nagle was again in front of the council. An extension of the probation had been requested at the last council meeting, but tabled. A motion by Council member Larry Erickson to deny the extension and terminate employment failed. Blomquist moved to extend the probationary period based on the recommendation of Deb Dahlberg, Liquor Store Manager. Miller questioned that, if the probation wasn't extended and allowed to expire, would Nagle become a permanent employee of the city by default? Policy was checked and this was found to be true.

The vote to extend the period for 90 days beginning July 28 was approved by a 3-1 margin with Erickson voting nay.

Cottingham presented information on the new post office building. The approval of the site, located east of City Hall, was at a breakeven price, $191,000, (approximately 9,000 square feet.) The city received notice the option to purchase the land had been assigned to Dietrich, Inc. The land to be purchased by Dietrich, Inc. is 9,450 square feet in area. The parking and drive areas would be owned and maintained by the city with cross easements over the property. Staff wanted to be sure that the council was agreeable to this plan and allowing postal vehicles to be parked in designated spots in a public parking lot.

Shawn Williams, Public Works Director, would rather have the lot maintained by the city.

Erickson moved to sell the building area only and Acting Mayor Amy Oehlers seconded. Furman questioned giving them more land for less money and then requesting TIF. Cottingham explained the dollar amount had already been set and would not change and they were not requesting TIF. The motion was approved.

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