November 15th Council Meeting Update

Last night’s Council Meeting had two contentious topics of debate.

The first was the street improvement Public Hearing. The controversy revolved around the Richard Avenue neighborhood. Sewer improvement, sidewalks and the extension of Richard to Main Street were proposed. The sewer improvement is needed to replace old clay sewer lines that have the potential to breakdown. The other two issues however would destroy the character of this tranquil community.

This neighborhood and several others in this section of Isanti were originally designed to a rural standard. This means the roads are narrower than normal city streets. This section of town also has beautiful mature tree growth. Side walks would erode away the usable land of each home owner. The sidewalks would also have the potential of destroying current trees. If some of the trees are saved, their root systems have a chance to destroy the sidewalks. I was able to successfully argue that sidewalks were not needed in this neighborhood.

The last issue is the extension of Richard to Main Street. This has the potential in the coming years to add a heavy traffic load through Richard’s narrow street. The potential of increased traffic is created with the possible Hotel construction and other businesses locating at the east end of Main Street. I am hopeful this needed development will occur. I am against the connection of Richard and the extra traffic this development will cause these residents. Richard loops to a Highway 65 access. People will naturally flow to the easy 65 exit.

I ask my fellow Council members to rethink their decision to extend Richard. We need to keep unique neighborhoods in tact. We have a great deal of new cookie cutter construction. Let’s keep some of Isanti’s distinct character alive for future generations to enjoy.

The second controversial topic was the proposed Clark Construction project west of Fifth Avenue and south of Spirit Brook. This area had been previously zoned R2 single family homes. Unfortunately the City Council on a vote of 2-1 approved a rezone to R3. This puts the possibility of 8 unit buildings in an area of single family homes. The rezone was requested by Clark Construction to maximize the lands value.

I have voted against the rezone of this project twice---once at Planning Commission and once in City Council. I voted against the preliminary plat twice----once at Planning Commission and once in City Council. This type of housing is not compatible with single family homes.

The issue came at last nights Council Meeting when Mr. Clark had his Attorney lecture the Council on how we had to vote for this project or face legal action we would surely lose. I was disgusted by this strong arm tactic. I will not allow my vote to be coerced in such a fashion. I have and always will vote my conscience. I can not allow the threat of legal action take the City Council’s Sovereignty away.

The final vote was 2-2 which means the proposed plat failed to be approved. Council Member Kennedy and I voted against and Council Members Johnson and Larson voted in favor. Mayor Apitz had a conflict of interest and had to abstain.

The Council heard an update on the Central business District Revitalization Project. This project is near and dear to my heart. This district encompasses the area in and around Main Street. This project has the potential to transform this district into a thriving business community. Main Street is the heart of Isanti. We need to maintain a strong commitment to rebuilding the business community along this corridor.

The last item I wish to discuss is the proposed Fire District. I am in favor of this action so long as Isanti receives the appropriate amount of votes on the governing body. If Isanti’s Taxpayers pay 25% of the cost then Isanti should receive 25% of the votes. This will be discussed at the next Fire Board Public Meeting Thursday November 17th.

I will as always update you on these issues.