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In the world of public policy you want to be known for having your ducks-in-a-row and last week the North Branch City Council tackled doing just that.  Members officially went on the record voting 5-0 approving an interchange (extension of 400th Street over I-35) and a Highway 95 bypass, for a new east-west route.  The entire project could run $40 to 50 million and the city needs to put together something that will help in leveraging outside funding.  The project appeal for funding needs a concept design and the support resolution is part of that process.

Mayor Kevin Schieber told council that the city has been working with legislative representatives and others since 2022 to try and get interchange design money via a grant or other outside funding stream.  It is the usual dilemma— asking for support for a project but having to present the project to be eligible for the aid.

City Administrator Matthew Hill said this resolution declaring the council support is a necessary part of any application for aid.

North Branch already controls parcels in three of the four corners of the freeway future crossing.  The city also needs to work with Isanti County for an outlet,  when the interchange gets to where it terminates on the west side of the freeway.  Schieber added that having a concept design to present to Isanti will “...help in conversations with partners.”

The very preliminary plan for this project involves developing a “bypass” or route that begins outside of city limits and exits Highway 95 traffic.  Then Highway 95 becomes less congested and services local traffic more efficiently.  The bypass has been proposed to branch off a little east of Grand Avenue, and connect with 400th.

North Branch will continue to work on obtaining outside design funds.  

When the council accepted the audit for 2024 (story Press June 19) the council was made aware of a couple of non-compliance issues in the accounting. City Financial Director Sharon Wright approached council last week with a proposal to help resolve these concerns. The staff is recommending new software to address accounts reconciliation timing, better tracking for certain revenues and generating financial statements in-house. Utility billing can also be improved with this software. There is the capability to add the building inspector financials as well.

Mayor Schieber commented that the city needs to “master the basics” and get the fundamentals nailed down and accounting is one of those basics.  Council also supported Wright continuing to review the product and its implementation and directed her to report back.

Council approved a second phase of the Preserve at Red Fox Run development. The neighborhood will grow by 42 lots.

There was discussion about how the city can shut down inaccurate social media comments, maintain open communications and control content on-line so that it foments understanding and engagement.

There is a definition of content adopted which spells out what is acceptable and what is to be rejected. “Official” social media accounts will be the responsibility of police, fire, liquor store and city Facebook. If you don’t see something on one of these, take it for what it is.

As for open comment at the city council meetings, the mayor and council are debating how to keep it from being abused.  

Citizens who want to derail a vote find that inserting unverified information publicly, during open mic, upsets the ability to make a vote based on proven details.  City leaders are pressed into votes not supported by the facts.

North Branch has had a policy that there will be no spontaneous statements on an item on the evening’s agenda on the same evening but this needs more scrutiny council agreed.  

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