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The long vacant North Branch Main Street lot, where a vintage brick schoolhouse once stood, was approved for a quartet of proposed apartment buildings.  Existing zoning did not allow for “multiple” buildings in that zone, and last week the North Branch City Council changed that part of the code, on a 5-0 vote. The amendment was sought by a developer in support of four structures, each two stories. A total of 32 units with 88 parking spaces is under planning review for the 2.4 acre lot.

City Planner Nate Sondrol said project aesthetics continue to be worked on and more details will be brought forward soon.  The main action was to allow for the multiple structures.  If this had been a single building with 32 units, council wouldn’t be asked to get involved at this juncture, Sondrol added.

The apartments as proposed by Big Fork Valley LLC are market rate.  Access is shown off Third and Fourth streets.  Many additional trees are included in the early site plan.

In other business the council also seemed to support a code amendment clarifying  how and what the city assesses.  

The wording will be back on the council agenda for adoption August 12.

The city alleys have been incorporated into assessed projects. Costs are at 60 percent to be picked up by property owners and 40 percent city as a whole.  

The water and sewer line system repairs and replacements are to be 100 percent the property owner’s share.  Watermain work is the city responsibility, as well as diseased tree removal within right of way.

Later in the meeting, Mayor Kevin Schieber stated he wanted to make clear that North Branch has made no decision on the liquor stores. In mid-July, the Isanti-Chisago Star newspaper reported closure of one of the two stores the city owns is “becoming more likely.”  The mayor stressed last week he was unsure where that conclusion came from, and there has been no action by council.  Council member Goulet added that just because the council discussed one of the store leases “doesn’t mean we are closing the store.”

In other matters: there was general consensus on having staff look into what needs to happen to change the mayor term from two years to four.  

Mayor Schieber introduced the agenda discussion item saying a longer term will contribute to “putting the community first.”  He said elected office presents a learning curve and while he’s not overly eager to serve four years himself, he thinks lengthening the term is worth investigating.

North Branch now elects mayors on even years, so Schieber noted there’s a year between now and 2026 to set a term change in motion to go to four,  if that’s what’s desired.

~ Schieber also announced there is a tentative sale for the old city garage next to the former Water & Light headquarters.  September is when there should be firm information on the closing.

And, Director of Public Works Shawn Williams noted the County Road 30 project is back on track, with the box culvert delivery and installation imminent. Utilities have been relocated and the September substantial completion date appears to be reachable.

Williams also reminded citizens that the newly secured compost site open hours are being well-utilized.  The facility experienced some issues with prohibited materials/users —and new operations were initiated. But,  if getting your debris to the site during regular times is an inconvenience, you can call the public works office and make an appointment to have someone open the facility, Willams announced.  The compost site is off Ash Street, east of JJ’s bowl.

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