December 11, 2008 at 8:06 a.m.
Karsky says farewell
Karsky says farewell
Karsky felt the city has accomplished a lot with the Comprehensive Plan, the Plan for sewer and water, and the bridge financing worked on for so many years. She felt that was the highlight of her term in office. She hopes that, as the economy gets better, North Branch can reap the benefits of all the planning and all the infrastructure put into place. The city is poised and ready to accept and to support new business, Karsky added.
"We, as a council and staff, put our city in a position to manage new growth in the future, both business and residential. I certainly have a great deal of respect for staff. I think you're a hard working group. We're blessed to have as many people working as hard as you do. You display a lot of patience and flexibility. We're not an easy group to work with. I thank you for all the hard work you put in.
"Council, I've enjoyed serving with you, too, every one of you. I've had an opportunity to get to know you outside the council, as well. I would encourage you to do that more, to get to know each other as a person and why you feel the way you do. I've been very glad to work with you. My slogan, when I campaigned, was; Building our community together, and I think, though we may disagree on the path to get to our goals, we share a common goal to have our community be the best place to live, work and recreate and be a quality community. Thank you for allowing me to serve."
Fire Chief John McFarling announced receipt of a grant from Allianz for a thermo-imaging camera. Training Officer Don Simons explained they are selling calendars as a fund raiser for the department. The calendars are $5 each or 42 cents per month. "You can't go wrong with a price like this," Simons stated. He can be reached at 651-237-0374.
Finance Director Richard Hill presented the 2009 Budget and Tax Levy which, (since the Truth in Taxation meeting earlier) has been reduced due primarily to changes by the state and adjustment in the debt schedule from one year to three years. The levy now is $3,803,163. The levy was approved by the council.
North Branch officials began meeting with Melva Carlson in 2004 to explore the possibilities of purchasing her property, which is adjacent to Harder Park, for future park expansion. The 61 acre site prompted the city to apply for a grant through the DNR for the acquisition, protection and preservation of the property, and $250,000 was awarded in 2008. The city is responsible for funding the remaining balance.
The grant agreement requires a Deed Restriction be placed on the parcel restricting future development of the deeded area. This is required to get the money unencumbered through June of 2010. If the agreement is not executed the funds may used elsewhere and not be available in the future. The city is not tied into any agreement regarding purchase of the property, only reservation of the funds for use through 2010.
The council approved the agreement by a 4-1 vote with Oehlers voting nay.
City Engineer Julie Dresel discussed the Flink Avenue realignment curve which has been discussed at previous meetings. The curve was designed as a 35 mile per hour curve even though the speed limit on that section has been lowered to 30 mph. Although no State Aid funds were used the plans were reviewed by the State Aid office which confirmed the design met State Aid standards. Guard rails were installed due to slope issues at the river and were extended during construction beyond minimum requirements.
Because the speed now changes at the river, speed reduction warning signs were placed in the southbound lane, north of the river. Chevrons, (black arrow on a yellow background) could be added to the curve at an estimated cost of $1,000 to $2,000. A speed driver feedback sign telling the drivers how fast they are going could be placed in the southbound lane approaching the area. This would cost from $3,500 to $4,500 plus the cost of extending power to the sign. A solar powered sign is about double that cost. There could also be increased enforcement at the curve.
To change the existing roadway, she said, would be very costly. There were no problems at the curve during the snow event that day. The council decided to have public works monitor the situation before making any changes.
Dresel also presented a resolution accepting the improvements for the North Branch Market Place Utilities Project and an Assessment Recertification due to re-platting of the project. She recommended they be approved contingent on receipt of the signature from the financing agency, which could not be done in time for the meeting. This would allow county records to be adjusted in time for a proposed property transfer in January. Council accepted both items.
North Branch Police Chief Steve Forner presented updated information on proposed squad car purchases. He requested one of the purchases be a 4-wheel drive Ford Expedition which would be very helpful during bad weather conditions and on some of the terrain they must cover. An Expedition costs $25,820 or $3,159 more than the state bid price for a Crown Victoria. However, Forner explained there is enough in the Forfeiture Fund to cover the difference.
He would like to order the vehicles before the January 1 increase. The cars being replaced could be used by staff, but are not feasible for police use anymore and could not be relied on he said. Oehlers asked if they could order one and hold off on the other until the city's financial position was known after the beginning of the year. Forner replied that he would order the Crown Vic and hold off on the Expedition because they are moving the plant and it would not be available right away anyway.
This was approved by the council in a 4-1 vote. Council member Larry Erickson voted nay because he was in favor of ordering both cars now. He favor's replacing police vehicles as they need them.
When Mayor-elect Amy Oehlers is sworn in there will be an opening on the city council. After discussing the alternatives the council decided to open applications to the public, interview those interested in serving and appoint a new council member at the first meeting in 2009 on January 12. Applications will be taken until January 5, 2009.
In other business the council:
Tabled approval of the Comprehensive Plan and a decision on TIF for the ESSBY residential portion until February 23, 2009
Approved moving the next EDA meeting to Friday, January 9, 2009
Accepted the public improvements for Golden Pines Estates
Decided to look at the parking issue at Highway 95 and County Road 30 at a future work session
Approved business licenses for 2009
Cancelled the work session scheduled for January 1, 2009
Approved renewal of the Safety Training contract with Safe Assure Consultants
Approved the resolution certifying delinquent utility bills to the taxes payable in 2009.
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