Council Meeting 4/5/05

Park Update:

The council has approved the new park on South Passage. I have been working for a year on moving this park's construction from 2006 to 2005. This will allow those living in the south west of Isanti to enjoy a park without having to travel across a major county highway. We will be using a community build to keep cost down.

Planning Commission Update:

The Mayor was not at the council meeting so there was no appointment to the Planning Commission. I have sent the Mayor a letter asking to be appointed to this commission but have not be told his intent. This letter included the facts that the EDA and Planning Commision have the greatest responsibility to the future development of Isanti. Further, I am the only council member not serving on either of these entities. I believe the citizens of Isanti are best served when all Council Members share in developing our future. I am hopeful that this will be addressed at the April 19th meeting.

East 65 development update:

The "taking" process has been put on hold until next council meeting. I have been working hard to slow this process to allow all property owners a chance to negotiate with the city and each other. The council has finally reached consensus on having all 3 developers, Council Member Kenedy, and myself to workout these issues. We hope to make progress this week. This would save the city and the developers over a $100,000 in legal and "taking" cost.