Council February 6th Update

A few actions of note by the City Council at the February 6th meeting were: agreed to close a portion of Main Street for Jubilee Days, awarded RFP for Liquor Store improvement, established sidewalk cleaning process, toughened nuisance abatement process, declared a vacancy on the planning commission and started the water treatment plant process.

The Isanti Area Chamber of Commerce which sponsors Jubilee Days has asked that the City close Main Street from 2nd to just short of the rail road tracks. This will allow a fair to set-up in this area. I think this is a great idea. It will bring attention to Main Street. We added the stipulations that public works signs off on the rides not damaging the street and proof of insurance.

The municipal liquor store project will begin its design phase. The intent is to expand the current facility. A note to those not aware what a municipal liquor store is, it is operated by the city. The benefit to the City is that the store profits help offset cost to the taxpayer.

The Council agreed to step up enforcement of current City ordinance pertaining to cleaning sidewalks within 48 hours. This has been given a time delay to allow for publication in the City newsletter, the Isantian, of a City sidewalk map showing what the city clears.

The proposed resolution to toughen the current standard for enforcing nuisance passed as well. This process lays out a 14 day period to clean up a verified nuisance then the police are brought into the process if a ticket is needed to be written. This gives City staff clear direction to enforce current City ordinances and adds teeth to the process if a property owner chooses to violate city ordinances.

The council declared a vacancy on the Planning Commission. This happen since Jeff Kolb and Planning Commission member was appointed to the City Council. If you have an interest in serving, contact City Hall for an application.

We directed the Public Works Committee to work with the City Engineer to start the 4 year water treatment plant process. We will be verifying the type of plant…will likely be a green sand filtration facility, and starting the low interest loan and grant applications process. It is a long process from start to treated water but we need to begin now so we can fulfill this need. The plant will treat for radium, iron and manganese. I will keep you update at each step of the process.

All of these passed with a 5-0 vote.