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New City finance director Richard Hill and he was formally introduced by North Branch City Administrator Bridgitte Konrad at the regular meeting of the City Council Monday, September 8. Raised in Vermillion, Ohio, Hill has a Business Management Degree with emphasis on Accounting. He stated he's always liked numbers! The family, which includes two children aged 13 and 18, moved back to Minnesota, his wife's home state, about 15 years ago and settled in the Center City area. They recently resettled in Forest Lake. Hill has worked for various area cities, including Harris, and most recently held a position in Dayton, MN where his duties were shared with Hassan Township. He was welcomed by Mayor Gloria Karsky and the council.

Planning Director Alan Cottingham presented a request for a Conditional Use Permit for ISD #138 allowing an addition to the high school. Information was presented by Dan Moll of ATS&R, architects for the original building, who are working on the addition. Moll explained how the addition was a fill-in for the building which was originally design for such features. The addition will contain a gymnasium, a class room and a storage room which will contain the mechanical equipment for the area. Moll explained this would be program space and would not expand the enrollment capacity of the building.

Bids have been opened and the cost, which was originally estimated to be $2 million, is now about $1.5 million. The permit was approved by the council.

The issue of the insurance requirement for park use was discussed. The main item of concern is insurance for groups that number up to 100 people.

The policy requires a copy of a Homeowners Insurance Binder to reserve a park facility. The goal of the requirement was to try to limit the city's liability in case of accident or injury. However, David Hermann, Hermann Insurance, explained that would only cover the individual policy holder.

The city's insurance policy already covers some areas and the policy specifically states that. "All applicants must agree to indemnify and hold harmless the City and its employees against any and all losses, claims, damages and liability to which the organization, participants or the City of North Branch may become subject in connection with the conduct of any activity on the premises by authorized organization". Established businesses must furnish a Certificate of Insurance in a minimum amount of $1 million.

Council member Kathy Blomquist made a motion to amend the policy to eliminate the binder for groups under 100 for private individuals. This failed by a 2-2 vote. Karsky explained she would be for the change if a notice was placed in the parks explaining the city was not responsible for personal injury or damage. Council member Larry Erickson countered that "having a sign up isn't going to prevent anyone from suing the city if something happens". Karsky agreed, but stated it was the lawyer in her that wanted the notice posted. Blomquist said if that was the only way to get the binder off the policy she would amend her motion, which then passed.

Konrad presented a resolution to adopt a Preliminary Budget and Property Tax Levy collectable in 2009. Because of new legislation on levy limits and what could be inside the levy limit and what could be outside the levy limit; items inside the levy limits show a 1.65 percent increase over the 2008 budget. The items outside the limits, which include debt, tax abatement, police salaries and fire relief contributions, bring the overall levy increase to a 6.4 percent increase.

Revenues for the 2009 proposed budget are $26,719,135 and expenditures are $27,286,786. The budget may be lowered, but can not be raised. The council approved the proposed levy and set 6:15 p.m. December 1, 2008 for the Public Hearing on a final levy, with December 8, 2008 as a continuation date, if needed.

In other business the council:

Approved a zone change from I2 General Industrial to CBD Central Business District for property located at 6272 Main Street allowing use by Dance Dynamics Appointed Bridgitte Konrad to sit on the County Canvassing Board as Mayor Karsky is unable to attend

Approved a resolution providing for the competitive negotiated sale of a $127,000 Equipment Certificate for a length of one year

Authorized a change in signature designations for official depositories Will discuss user fees for the fire department at a future work session

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