Lani Freeman
Recent Stories
NEWS
When public works requests $644k vehicle, council takes time to consider
The Chisago City Council on Nov. 12 moved swiftly through a busy agenda but applied the brakes when the public works department requested a $644,760 vactor truck.
NEWS
Firefighter pensions on agenda, new dates for November, December Chisago City Council meetings
The Chisago City Council on Oct. 22, approved a resolution to join the Statewide volunteer firefighter pension plan administered by Minnesota’s Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA). This means PERA will administer Chisago City firefighter pension funds on behalf of the Chisago City Fire Relief Association.
NEWS
Chisago City levy set, up nearly 8%
The Chisago City Council on Sept. 24 voted to send a proposed 2025 tax levy of $4,028,960 to the county auditor by the September deadline. Chisago City levied a total of $3.75 million in 2024. (The city can reduce the proposed levy before the end of the year but cannot increase it beyond the amount certified to the county in September.)
NEWS
Public brings an abundance of issues to Sept. 24 council meeting
The normally brief public comment segment of Chisago City’s regular council meeting dominated discussion on the night of Sept. 24. Four individuals brought a wide range of issues to the council.
NEWS
Chisago City considers ATV ordinance
The Chisago City Council came early and stayed late for its Aug. 27 meeting.
NEWS
Festival Theatre celebrates its return to restored St. Croix Auditorium with performance of ‘The Spitfire Grill’
I made a journey across the river to Wisconsin last week. My destination was one I’d visited often in the past, the old Auditorium Theatre in St. Croix Falls.
NEWS
Chisago City approves paving hockey rink for pickleball play
The Chisago City Council on July 23 approved up to $70,000 to blacktop the hockey rink in Chuckie Lundquist Park. This will allow the rink to be used for pickle ball courts in the summer months. The money will come from park dedication fees paid by the developers.
NEWS
Chisago City approves preliminary plat for 121-unit apartment
Chisago City Council on June 25 cleared the path for construction of three apartment buildings on seven acres of land, at the northwest corner of Sportsman Drive and Highway 8. Acting Mayor Jeremy Dresel once again presided over the meeting in the absence of Mayor Bob Gustafson. (Administrator John Pechman said Gustafson, who also missed the May council meeting, requested medical leave.)
NEWS
Chisago City Council postpones review of cannabis retail sales rules
The Chisago City Council on June 25 pondered whether or not to take any action at this time regarding the regulation of retail cannabis sales when it becomes legal. Chisago County, which has set a maximum of five cannabis retail sales locations in the county based on population, recently asked cities to clarify licensing of retail cannabis sales in their community. While some cities have enacted a moratorium on applications in order to look into the topic, Chisago City has taken no action regulating retail sale of cannabis.
NEWS