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The new year for the City of North Branch began with newly elected mayor, Amy Oehlers, being sworn in by City Clerk Ry-Chel Gaustad. Returning council members Theresa Furman and Larry Erickson were also sworn in. Then it was down to business.

Mary Helen Swanson, Editor of the Post Review, spoke of the history the city and the paper have shared for the last 125 years.

However, the STAR, whose bid was less than half of the one from the Post-Review, is again the Official Newspaper of North Branch. All other providers stay the same, but the city will seek bids on insurance coverage from local agents late in the summer before the policy comes due.

Economic Development Director Tom Willett led a public hearing on an amendment to the EDA Enabling Powers. During a work session it was suggested that, with the exception of eminent domain, it would be appropriate for the EDA to focus on economic development issues and take necessary actions as allowed by law. Dan DeWan, member of the EDA, encouraged adoption of the resolution as it provides clarification of their duties. Mayor Oehlers suggested a decision be postponed until the second meeting in February after the vacant council position is filled, and that member is up to date on the matter. This was approved by the members of the council.

City Administrator Bridgitte Konrad, standing in for planner Alan Cottingham, presented a request for a variance from the maximum height of a fence in a residential district for Harold and Linda White of 7711 St. Croix Trail. The fence, which has already been installed, is raised off of the ground and, in some places, reaches a height of seven feet. Ms White explained that having the boards raised off the ground allows easier trimming of plant growth and, if the height was kept at exactly six feet, the family would not have the privacy they wanted as the land next door is at a higher elevation. The Planning Commission heard the matter and felt it was reasonable to allow spacing along the bottom of the fence to allow for trimming. They are looking at an ordinance amendment that would allow for this.

The request was denied by the council and the Whites were given until May to comply with the current ordinance. However, if the ordinance is changed they only have to comply changes.

City Engineer Julie Dresel presented recommendations for Design Consultant for the TH95/I-35 Bridge Improvements. Eight firms responded to the request for proposals and were reviewed by a Selection Committee consisting of a MnDOT staff person, one Chisago County staff person, the City Administrator, Public Works Director and City Engineer. The two firms being strongly considered are SEH and WSB. Several votes were taken and failed because of 2-2 ties.

A special meeting of the council was approved for January 22, 2009 to hear presentations from both firms. A decision will be made at that meeting. The subject of naming the bridge will again be brought forward when a guidance memo is received from the Senate Counsel concerning the city-state naming issue.

There were six applicants for the vacant council seat. Interviews will also take place January 22, after the bridge presentations and an appointment will be made at that meeting.

There were several commission openings after terms expired on December 31, 2008. The council appointed Joni Monk to fill the three year term on the Planning Commission. The Park Commission had two openings. Charlie Heinzel will fill the three year term and John Pantelis will fill the two year term. Keith Hals was appointed to a three year term on the Water and Light Commission. There were three applicants for the six year term on the EDA. However, this was postponed until the second meeting in February as none were approved by the council.

In other business the council:

Approved placement of a small sign directing people away from a dead-end cul-de-sac and toward the parking lot of the Chisago County Health and Human Services Building in the ESSBY Business Park at a cost of $150

Received the Annual Certification of Mileage from MnDOT certifying the addition of .15 miles of new public streets and .30 miles of public street reverted from Chisago County

Set 7 p.m. on January 26, for the Public Hearing on the TH95/I-35 Reconstruction Plan and GO Bonds.

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