February 21st Council Meeting

I have picked out a few of the important items from the February 21st Council meeting. We will be reviewing the Exotic Animals Ordinance. The Planning Commission has been working on this for the last few months. I have been suprised that there has been no public input. This is amazing considering all the issues the County and townships have been facing regarding this issue.

Community Pride Bank will be presenting there site plan and asking for a Conditional Use Permit for their upcoming bank project. The bank would be located east of Highway 65 in the Fairway Greens development. This will add a third banking institution to Isanti. I am strong believer that competition in all areas makes Isanti a stronger community.

I have asked that the County Highway 23 sidewalk be included in the 2006 street construction and repair. If this is included there will be either a trail or sidewalk the entire distance of 23 on one side or the other. This coupled with the 23 and 5 intersection work and trail extension will give all of us, especially children, a safe route along this busy county highway. This sidewalk is a high priority and needs to be approved.

The City has an opportunity to lower City employee insurance rates. The savings to Isanti is 22.4% for the same coverage. This equates to $63,546 a year in savings cost. This is fantastic news for Isanti City Taxpayers. It is rare to be able to lower health insurance cost and maintain the same high level of coverage. City staff has done a good job in this process.

The City Attorney will be reviewing the Conflict of Interest Policy. This is incredibly important to the fair and transparent use of City power. All Citizens rich or poor need to know they will receive the exact same level of service. I feel strongly that all Citizens and Taxpayers must be treated equally and know their elected officials are not influenced by personal gain, financial or otherwise.

The Police Department will be asking to fill the two vacant part time Officer positions. This will bring the Police force back to its previous level. I hope there can be agreement to bring the Police force to this subsistence level.