June 5th Council Meeting Update

The June 5th council meeting had a few topics that I wish to discuss.

The first issue is that of train noise. The Council has received numerous train related complaints. Last fall the Council researched options to help reduce the noise pollution. Mr. Harris asked about quiet zones, which the council had discussed last fall. The "quiet" zones are a bit of a misnomer. There still is a horn blowing from a fixed position that may improve the overall noise pollution but could only be a marginal benefit. The cost associated with more expansive crossing arms and road improvements to qualify for the "quiet" zones is prohibitive. Isanti has also had a train fatality in the recent past which leads me to believe the more warnings our residents receive of an oncoming train the better. This will continue to be an ongoing issue and as soon as there is a cost effective and safe alternative to the train whistle the City will jump on board.

We approved a development agreement with Pat's Small Engines. This is a success on several levels. This business provided all the information I had been asking of all business that apply to the city. We received balance sheet and business plan information. The company will also provide 14 jobs in the first year with pay ranges of $10 to $19 an hour. I am happy to welcome Pat's Small Engines to town.

The next item is the ordering of a cash flow analysis for our TIF districts. I have long been apprehensive about the ability of our TIF districts to pay for themselves. With this cash flow analysis we will finally have a handle of the effect of our business subsidies.

The fourth item is the renovation and cleaning of the Community Center This facility has been long neglected. This initial step should take us a long way to having a building we can be proud of.

The issue of further annexation also was discussed. A request to annex 34.44 acres to the City located on the SW corner of highway 65 and 301st. I voted against moving forward with the annexation process because the City's carrying cost would out weigh any timely gain. I was the only member to vote against. The City will be responsible for maintenance on 299th, Buchanan and 301st which is currently serviced by Isanti Township. We have an estimated cost of $530,000 to bring City water and sewer to this property along with proper road upgrades for a short stretch of 301st. Sewer and Water would have to come from Cajima and by-pass several non-annexed properties. Isanti has considerable commercial property currently vacant that the taxpayer is already paying to service. Once we have a further need for more annexed land then it would make sense to annex more land to Isanti.

The last item I want to talk about is the police intern. The police intern started out as so many programs do as a low to no cost benefit to the City. The funding has stopped and now the City has to pay for a previously free benefit. The intern was not budgeted and was approved by the Council as a free program. I also believe that with 1 full time and 2 part time clerical/secretary positions in the police department we need no further support staff. If we are serious about controlling city cost and lower property taxes we must stick to our budget unless there are matching funds that make taxpayer dollars stretch further. This is not a reflection on the individual involved but simply a financial decision. We are going to have holes in our budget with this type of spending and only you and I as taxpayers can fill that hole. I voted against continuing this position but was out voted 4-1