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The highlight of Monday's North Branch City Council meeting was the presentation of a cash donation to the Police from the Eddy Family Foundation. The foundation supports public safety programs, food shelves, churches and schools, according to representative Robert Eddy. (See photo.)

The city council then heard the state speed study concluded that the existing speed on 410th and 420th is appropriate. Council had been given a petition to have the speed adjusted. The city can not alter speed limits, council was advised, without justification by a speed study.

A portable radio use agreement was adopted with Chisago County. The police get four portable radios and fire fighters get four units. The yearly service agreement is $32 per unit, according to Police Chief Steve Forner.

A new ordinance regulating sex offenders was apparently not up to the standards of two council members. Larry Erickson and Kathy Blomquist opposed, without comment, the motion by Theresa Furman to enact a new sexual predator law in the city limits. Furman and Mayor Amy Oehlers voted yes, but with Council member Peter Holmes absent the tie vote in effect killed the motion.

The new ordinance on loitering was accepted.

Council unanimously enacted the new law requested by Chief Forner. He explained that the existing loiter law is "time consuming" and this new wording facilitates response to circumstances when shopkeepers wish to address "groups" of youth. Forner added, "Ninety percent of the kids are decent, if you just communicate with them."

Council unanimously accepted the quote from Associated Financial group for providing insurance services for the year. The city looked for quotes for cost savings and any potential for improved service.

There will be a presentation by LS Power, the company proposing to construct an electric station in Lent Township, October 15 at a council work session. There have been very preliminary inquiries about the plant tapping into the North Branch wastewater treatment facility to utilize discharge water, and redirect it to its cooling towers.

Mayor Oehlers also mentioned her on-going participation in a lady mayor group that meets informally. Mayors from Pine City, Rush City, Cambridge and Center City usually network, and share common city issues and solutions.

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