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Center City Council met July 2 for a regular meeting.  All members were present.

In open forum, resident Lynn Karwand asked the council to consider re-thinking a permit the next time Jakes on the Lakes requests an outdoor music permit.  Karwand told the council it was very inconsiderate to residents because the last event was too loud and went past the city approved time slot. Mayor Jill Behnke thanked Karwand and said the city would look into the matter.  Behnke also reminded Karwand music for Center City Days is permitted until midnight.

The council then was told the new DNR fishing pier papers have all been signed and next is delivery from the state.

Behnke told the council the  Sunday liquor license has been approved by the state for the Nordic Market.

Council member Mark Wolcott then told the council he is declining to be the grand marshal for Center City Days.  The council agreed to keep searching for a replacement.

Council then passed a temporary liquor license to the Center City Fire Relief Association unanimously.

The council then heard from Chisago County Environmental Services Director Kurt Schneider.  Schneider was there with Parks & Trails  Director Joe Tart to discuss the extension of the Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail. The remaining three property owners have agreed upon selling land that would accommodate the new trail.  Schneider and Tart were there looking for a letter of support  for a Legacy grant that needs to be submitted by August 1, 2024.

Schneider told the council he has had talks with Marine Dock and Lift about swapping a small piece (15 feet) of property to accommodate the trail.  With the swap, Marine Dock would be able to extend its storage area. 

Schneider and Tart presented a resolution stating the city’s support of the trail as well as intention to look into the land swap further.  Council member Wolcott said the amount of land for the Center City trail head seems to be  much larger than  the size of Lindstrom’s trail head. 

Nick Pratt commented from the audience  “We have the jail and Hazelden people walking right down Highway 8, this trail would give them a safer place to walk to town.”

Wolcott said he is in support of the trail and has been since 2004. He just wanted the resolution letter to be worded differently.  In a few parts of the resolution it states the city “will make” and another spot it states “the city supports the further development of land exchange.” Wolcott and city attorney Ted Alliegro agreed the verbiage needed to be changed to city would “explore” the items mentioned.  

A few other community members agreed the city should support the trail and the land swap because of future tourism dollars that would be spent within the city.  

City attorney Alliegro told the council and Schneider and Tart “It’s obvious the council is in favor of the trail, would you be comfortable with the change of wording in the resolution?”  Schneider told Alliegro he would have no issue with the change whatsoever.  The council then voted on the resolution motion by Behnke which passed 3-2 with council members Wolcott and Lloyd Vetter voting against.  Behnke pointed out the city will have more meetings with the county and highly encouraged all to be present at the meetings.   Schneider thanked the council and said he was looking forward to more discussions.

The council then approved power washing of the water tower by KLM for $5,200.  The funds will come out of the city’s water fund.

Council adjourned at 8:21 p.m.

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