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Center City Mayor Jill Behnke at last week’s council meeting, announced an upcoming opportunity for residents to learn more about a proposed trailhead for the Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail corridor, near the highway in downtown Center City.  There will be details shared Saturday, October 14 on the site of the trailhead, next to Marine Dock and Lift.  The event is from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and business owners in town are invited to share their specific concerns/suggestions starting at 9:30 a.m.

Behnke said the physical outline of the shelter and parking and trailhead dimensions will be laid out for people to get a feel for what is proposed, and where.  A committee has been working on the plans with the National Park Services recreational consulting program.  There was a survey done over a year ago asking peoples’ preferences.

The mayor added the fire department open house for Fire Prevention Week is the same day,  October 14, so people can visit the fire hall, get some chili, learn about fire prevention, grab a pumpkin for the kids and come over to the trailhead site.

In other matters: a resident who is improving his driveway was at the meeting to ask about a letter advising him to halt what he’s doing and check in with city hall on the project.  Leo Sotelo, 137 North Main Street, apparently has positioned the driveway too close to the lot line, and it appears it may exceed impervious surface standards upon completion.  All of Center City basically is in a “Shoreland District” and typography alterations or adding hard surfaces as far away from water as 1,000 feet, which may add to run-off or pollutants, need approval by the DNR as well.

Sotelo was advised of the needed steps he must take to be approved for variances or change his existing plans, starting with providing a correct lot size, house size and measurements for the driveway surface.  He said he would work with the city.

In response to some confusion over where marijuana can be used and can’t under Minnesota’s new recreational cannabis laws— the ordinance committee recommended adoption of a hemp and cannabis products ordinance, prohibiting use or consumption in Center City in public.  

Privately owned property like stores, bars and other businesses are also under the prohibition— if the public regularly has access to the locations.   This unanimously adopted prohibition includes edibles, hemp derived products, cannabis plant or flower.  It is a petty misdemeanor if you are cited.  The ordinance is effective upon publication.

Under old business, City Attorney Ted Alliegro reported he’s been advised that Hursh Ironworks, near Pioneer Lake, is in the process of closing on a different parcel and may be relocating.

Council okayed a signage permit for Fiesta Cancun, a bar-restaurant coming soon to the mall.  

Eric Garner, Public Works, said water meter readout units seem to be losing their battery life at an accelerated rate.  Public Works and the city clerk have been making good progress on changing out non-functioning radio heads, which transmit meter readings, but recently 36 more units have failed.

Council approved 5-0 purchase of 50 additional devices. These will be installed by making an appointment with a property owner.  These cost the city about $100 each.  If you are contacted by Center City about a date and time to access your meter,  please respond and make an appointment to facilitate the changeouts.  The existing sewer and water funds are paying for these.

Tear down of the old county jail and stucco building next door was finished (picture Press Sept. 21) and the empty site just needs to be prepped for winter.

Chisago Lakes Superintendent Brian Dietz gave a presentation on the referendum facing district taxpayers November 7. He spoke of some special programs and opportunities students can find at the district and took questions.

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