About Me
- George
- I have served the City of Isanti as Mayor since 2007. We have accomplished great things together and I look forward to building on our success. United, we move forward to a better future. You may contact me at 763-442-8749 or e-mail me at george@georgewimmer.com.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Budget News
Our Budget Plan has been working very well to the point that our fund balances have Isanti in a position to weather the next two years of financial uncertainty. There will be a number of tough budgeting decisions to make but when the full audited City financials are revealed at our May 5th Council meeting, we can all be proud that the hard work of the past few years has set us on a great path to the future.
McKnight Foundation Provides $10 Million
I had the honor of addressing numerous members of the state media, state and local officials, the heads of the Minnesota Housing Fund, Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, numerous corporate sponsors and the McKnight Foundation. The press conference was held at a home in St. Paul that has been recovered from foreclosure. This was recognition of our commitment and leadership on the foreclosure issue. Our program to manage foreclosures and all the surrounding issues is being used as a model for other communities. Again I was honored to represent greater Minnesota and Isanti.
Mayor Rybak, Mayor Wimmer and Mayor Coleman
The McKnight Foundation Provides $10 Million to Help Stabilize CommunitiesImpacted by Foreclosure Crisis
$5 Million Each to Family Housing Fund and Greater Minnesota Housing Fund
SAINT PAUL, MINN. (April 28, 2009) — At a press conference today in St. Paul, The McKnight Foundation announced that it will contribute $5 million each to loan funds administered by the Family Housing Fund and Greater Minnesota Housing Fund to help stabilize communities impacted by the foreclosure crisis in Minnesota.
The investment will in part provide money to assist organizations working in neighborhoods statewide threatened by foreclosure to acquire vacant, boarded homes to repair and sell to responsible homeowners. The new loan funds will also help create new affordable housing opportunities for individuals and families so they can afford to purchase newly rehabilitated energy-efficient homes.
The announcement was made at a newly renovated home owned by community developer MCASA LLC that runs a successful contract-for-deed homeownership program in Saint Paul.
"The McKnight Foundation is pleased to support this coordinated response to community needs statewide. Through a nationally unique network of innovative programs and partnerships, our partners will reach thousands of Minnesota families hit hardest by the foreclosure crisis. We encourage foundations and others to take part in this opportunity to invest in the best and help stabilize our communities," said Kate Wolford, president of The McKnight Foundation.
The housing loan funds mark McKnight's first major program-related investments, through which foundations invest in activities that, unlike grants, offer a potential modest return of capital within an established time frame.
"The Family Housing Fund is thrilled that The McKnight Foundation is stepping in with this major investment towards stabilizing families and neighborhoods in the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota," said Family Housing Fund President Tom Fulton. "These critical dollars will help the Fund and our partners respond to the foreclosure crisis by providing support for sustainable, affordable ownership programs that help families buy homes in the right way, rather than the wrong way."
The $5 million to the Family Housing Fund will help support the activities of the organization's Home Prosperity Fund that was established in early 2008 to revitalize neighborhoods and increase housing opportunities for families throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Initial investments totaling $16 million from Wells Fargo, US Bank, TCF Bank, Thrivent Financial and Minnesota Housing initially launched the Fund that has grown to $25 million with the new McKnight commitment and recent investments of $3 million from Wells Fargo and $1 million from the Pohlad Family Foundation. The McKnight Foundation is the first philanthropic foundation to join the Home Prosperity Fund.
At the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, the $5 million in McKnight funds will support the Greater Minnesota Foreclosure Recovery Fund. Funds will be used to help stabilize communities throughout Greater Minnesota including neighborhoods heavily impacted by foreclosure in Rochester, St. Cloud, Duluth and the counties surrounding the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
"Neighborhood stabilization efforts are critical to prevent further deterioration of communities hit hard by foreclosures," said Warren Hanson, president of the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund. "The McKnight Foundation's investment will help communities throughout Minnesota rehabilitate homes previously abandoned and lost to foreclosure. Multiple coordinated efforts are needed to address the scale of the current crisis, and McKnight has demonstrated how its program-related investments can leverage renewed confidence and investment by families, philanthropy and responsible lenders."
"Our communities have been hit hard by rampant foreclosures," said Isanti Mayor George Wimmer. "This socially motivated investment by The McKnight Foundation will help foster local initiatives to provide families with rehabilitated, energy-efficient homes and sustainable home mortgage financing."
"The Home Prosperity Fund comes to Saint Paul as a key element of our Invest Saint Paul strategy," said Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. "Invest Saint Paul brings the full energy and resources of the city and our partners to focus on issues of disinvestment — large and small — that threaten our neighborhoods, including the thousands of foreclosures over the past few years. Support of MCASA's contract-for-deed program is a perfect example of a community coming together to invest in and strengthen a neighborhood and its residents."
"The mortgage foreclosure issue is the number one housing problem in Minneapolis. Its impacts on families and neighborhoods will successfully be addressed only through innovative, combined public/private responses," said Minneapolis Mayor R. T. Rybak. "The Home Prosperity Fund is just that. I commend The McKnight Foundation and the other investors on their commitment to help stabilize neighborhoods and families by boosting quality affordable housing opportunities for all."
The McKnight Foundation: Tim Hanrahan, Communications Director, 612-333-4220, thanrahan@mcknight.org , 710 South Second Street, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Greater Minnesota Housing Fund: Andrew Schlack, Program Officer, 651-221-1997, ext. 106, aschlack@gmhf.com, 332 Minnesota Street, Suite 1201-East, St. Paul, MN 55101
Family Housing Fund: Lowell Yost, Program Director, 612-375-9644, lyost@fhfund.org, 801 Nicollet Mall, Suite 1650, Minneapolis, MN 55402
Sisco Public Relations, Inc.: Ginger Sisco, 763-544-6029, ginger.sisco@tela.com, cell 612-581-4272
PROGRAM PARTNERS
The McKnight Foundation The McKnight Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life for present and future generations through grantmaking, coalition-building, and encouragement of strategic policy reform. Founded in 1953 and independently endowed by William and Maude McKnight, the Minnesota-based family foundation has assets of approximately $1.6 billion and granted about $99 million in 2008; of the total granted, about 11 percent went to increase family stability and link families to greater opportunity through support for affordable housing. http://www.mcknight.org/
Greater Minnesota Housing Fund (GMHF) and the Greater Minnesota Foreclosure Recovery Fund Founded in 1996 by The McKnight Foundation and Blandin Foundation, Greater Minnesota Housing Fund (GMHF) is a private, nonprofit organization that supports the creation of healthy communities and affordable homes for working families throughout the 80 counties of Greater Minnesota. GMHF provides both financial and technical assistance to make innovative local affordable housing initiatives possible in partnership with community based organizations. Since its inception, GMHF has provided nearly $110 million to help create over 8,100 affordable housing units worth over $947 million statewide. http://www.gmhf.com/
GMHF's Foreclosure Recovery Fund provides funds to community development partners in Greater Minnesota working to stabilize areas that have been hard-hit by foreclosures. Using these funds, partner organizations buy, rehabilitate, and sell previously foreclosed homes creating sustainable homeownership opportunities for low-and moderate-income families. GMHF's revolving loan fund, including the Greater Minnesota Foreclosure Recovery Fund, has investments of over $24 million dollars.
The Family Housing Fund and Home Prosperity Fund The Family Housing Fund is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide safe, affordable, sustainable homes to families and children in the Twin Cities metropolitan area through ongoing partnerships with the public and private sector. The fund supports the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, the Metropolitan Council, and the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency in their efforts to preserve and expand the region's supply of affordable housing. http://www.fhfund.org/
The Home Prosperity Fund, administered by Family Housing Fund, provides money to assist organizations working in neighborhoods threatened by foreclosure. They acquire vacant, boarded homes to repair and sell to responsible owners. The loan fund helps create new affordable housing opportunities in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and suburban communities and provides gap loans to families so they can afford to purchase a new home. The Home Prosperity Fund has investments of $25 million with a goal of reaching $50 million by 2012.
Flanked by Mayor R.T. Rybak of Minneapolis and Mayor Coleman of St. Paul. Far right is McKnight Foundation President Kate Wolford.
Mayor Rybak, Mayor Wimmer and Mayor Coleman The McKnight Foundation Provides $10 Million to Help Stabilize CommunitiesImpacted by Foreclosure Crisis
$5 Million Each to Family Housing Fund and Greater Minnesota Housing Fund
SAINT PAUL, MINN. (April 28, 2009) — At a press conference today in St. Paul, The McKnight Foundation announced that it will contribute $5 million each to loan funds administered by the Family Housing Fund and Greater Minnesota Housing Fund to help stabilize communities impacted by the foreclosure crisis in Minnesota.
The investment will in part provide money to assist organizations working in neighborhoods statewide threatened by foreclosure to acquire vacant, boarded homes to repair and sell to responsible homeowners. The new loan funds will also help create new affordable housing opportunities for individuals and families so they can afford to purchase newly rehabilitated energy-efficient homes.
The announcement was made at a newly renovated home owned by community developer MCASA LLC that runs a successful contract-for-deed homeownership program in Saint Paul.
"The McKnight Foundation is pleased to support this coordinated response to community needs statewide. Through a nationally unique network of innovative programs and partnerships, our partners will reach thousands of Minnesota families hit hardest by the foreclosure crisis. We encourage foundations and others to take part in this opportunity to invest in the best and help stabilize our communities," said Kate Wolford, president of The McKnight Foundation.
The housing loan funds mark McKnight's first major program-related investments, through which foundations invest in activities that, unlike grants, offer a potential modest return of capital within an established time frame.
"The Family Housing Fund is thrilled that The McKnight Foundation is stepping in with this major investment towards stabilizing families and neighborhoods in the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota," said Family Housing Fund President Tom Fulton. "These critical dollars will help the Fund and our partners respond to the foreclosure crisis by providing support for sustainable, affordable ownership programs that help families buy homes in the right way, rather than the wrong way."
The $5 million to the Family Housing Fund will help support the activities of the organization's Home Prosperity Fund that was established in early 2008 to revitalize neighborhoods and increase housing opportunities for families throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Initial investments totaling $16 million from Wells Fargo, US Bank, TCF Bank, Thrivent Financial and Minnesota Housing initially launched the Fund that has grown to $25 million with the new McKnight commitment and recent investments of $3 million from Wells Fargo and $1 million from the Pohlad Family Foundation. The McKnight Foundation is the first philanthropic foundation to join the Home Prosperity Fund.
At the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, the $5 million in McKnight funds will support the Greater Minnesota Foreclosure Recovery Fund. Funds will be used to help stabilize communities throughout Greater Minnesota including neighborhoods heavily impacted by foreclosure in Rochester, St. Cloud, Duluth and the counties surrounding the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
"Neighborhood stabilization efforts are critical to prevent further deterioration of communities hit hard by foreclosures," said Warren Hanson, president of the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund. "The McKnight Foundation's investment will help communities throughout Minnesota rehabilitate homes previously abandoned and lost to foreclosure. Multiple coordinated efforts are needed to address the scale of the current crisis, and McKnight has demonstrated how its program-related investments can leverage renewed confidence and investment by families, philanthropy and responsible lenders."
"Our communities have been hit hard by rampant foreclosures," said Isanti Mayor George Wimmer. "This socially motivated investment by The McKnight Foundation will help foster local initiatives to provide families with rehabilitated, energy-efficient homes and sustainable home mortgage financing."
"The Home Prosperity Fund comes to Saint Paul as a key element of our Invest Saint Paul strategy," said Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. "Invest Saint Paul brings the full energy and resources of the city and our partners to focus on issues of disinvestment — large and small — that threaten our neighborhoods, including the thousands of foreclosures over the past few years. Support of MCASA's contract-for-deed program is a perfect example of a community coming together to invest in and strengthen a neighborhood and its residents."
"The mortgage foreclosure issue is the number one housing problem in Minneapolis. Its impacts on families and neighborhoods will successfully be addressed only through innovative, combined public/private responses," said Minneapolis Mayor R. T. Rybak. "The Home Prosperity Fund is just that. I commend The McKnight Foundation and the other investors on their commitment to help stabilize neighborhoods and families by boosting quality affordable housing opportunities for all."
The McKnight Foundation: Tim Hanrahan, Communications Director, 612-333-4220, thanrahan@mcknight.org , 710 South Second Street, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Greater Minnesota Housing Fund: Andrew Schlack, Program Officer, 651-221-1997, ext. 106, aschlack@gmhf.com, 332 Minnesota Street, Suite 1201-East, St. Paul, MN 55101
Family Housing Fund: Lowell Yost, Program Director, 612-375-9644, lyost@fhfund.org, 801 Nicollet Mall, Suite 1650, Minneapolis, MN 55402
Sisco Public Relations, Inc.: Ginger Sisco, 763-544-6029, ginger.sisco@tela.com, cell 612-581-4272
PROGRAM PARTNERS
The McKnight Foundation The McKnight Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life for present and future generations through grantmaking, coalition-building, and encouragement of strategic policy reform. Founded in 1953 and independently endowed by William and Maude McKnight, the Minnesota-based family foundation has assets of approximately $1.6 billion and granted about $99 million in 2008; of the total granted, about 11 percent went to increase family stability and link families to greater opportunity through support for affordable housing. http://www.mcknight.org/
Greater Minnesota Housing Fund (GMHF) and the Greater Minnesota Foreclosure Recovery Fund Founded in 1996 by The McKnight Foundation and Blandin Foundation, Greater Minnesota Housing Fund (GMHF) is a private, nonprofit organization that supports the creation of healthy communities and affordable homes for working families throughout the 80 counties of Greater Minnesota. GMHF provides both financial and technical assistance to make innovative local affordable housing initiatives possible in partnership with community based organizations. Since its inception, GMHF has provided nearly $110 million to help create over 8,100 affordable housing units worth over $947 million statewide. http://www.gmhf.com/
GMHF's Foreclosure Recovery Fund provides funds to community development partners in Greater Minnesota working to stabilize areas that have been hard-hit by foreclosures. Using these funds, partner organizations buy, rehabilitate, and sell previously foreclosed homes creating sustainable homeownership opportunities for low-and moderate-income families. GMHF's revolving loan fund, including the Greater Minnesota Foreclosure Recovery Fund, has investments of over $24 million dollars.
The Family Housing Fund and Home Prosperity Fund The Family Housing Fund is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide safe, affordable, sustainable homes to families and children in the Twin Cities metropolitan area through ongoing partnerships with the public and private sector. The fund supports the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, the Metropolitan Council, and the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency in their efforts to preserve and expand the region's supply of affordable housing. http://www.fhfund.org/
The Home Prosperity Fund, administered by Family Housing Fund, provides money to assist organizations working in neighborhoods threatened by foreclosure. They acquire vacant, boarded homes to repair and sell to responsible owners. The loan fund helps create new affordable housing opportunities in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and suburban communities and provides gap loans to families so they can afford to purchase a new home. The Home Prosperity Fund has investments of $25 million with a goal of reaching $50 million by 2012.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Great News Coming
Just a teaser - look back here tomorrow night for some great news for the state and a preview of some excellent news for the City.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
City Wide Cleanup.
City wide cleanup is this coming Saturday April 25th, 8am to 12pm. Page 10 of the online Isantian has all the information:
http://www.cityofisanti.us/Carla/Newsletter/2009/spring%202009.pdf
http://www.cityofisanti.us/Carla/Newsletter/2009/spring%202009.pdf
April 21st Council Update
Two items that will gain the most headlines are the approval of the Chinese restaurant and the Council approval to go out for quotes on outsourcing mowing of nuisance and foreclosed properties. A few other items include the MSA changes and the authorizing of staff to move quickly to secure future funding.
The Chinese restaurant was approved last night. I welcomed the owner to town and expressed our support of his business. The restaurant will be take out only and will serve Szechuan and Hunan cuisine. The hours of operation will be 11 am to 9:30 pm Monday through Saturday and 12pm to 9pm on Sundays. I am incredibly excited that we have another business coming to Isanti.
The Council approved going out for quotes on mowing nuisance and foreclosed properties. The initial information collected by staff from several service providers was a range of $25-$55 for large mower operations - this compares to the City's cost of $90 per hour. That equates to a savings of $65 to $35 per hour. If these numbers hold up with official quotes then we would be foolish not to outsource this service. This saves the City money, ensures quicker results and saves the property owner money as this would be a past through fee.
The MSA (Municipal State Aid) issue was a simple redrawing of the roads in the program. I did take this opportunity however to start the discussion that we need to use this money from the state to get Rail Road Avenue paved. We will have the funds available to pave the last gravel road in the City - 3rd Avenue by the soccer fields is being paved this year. Paving Rail Road Avenue next year would complete a process that was begun long ago to bring all City streets up to City standards. The Council will begin working on this project this summer.
The Chinese restaurant was approved last night. I welcomed the owner to town and expressed our support of his business. The restaurant will be take out only and will serve Szechuan and Hunan cuisine. The hours of operation will be 11 am to 9:30 pm Monday through Saturday and 12pm to 9pm on Sundays. I am incredibly excited that we have another business coming to Isanti.
The Council approved going out for quotes on mowing nuisance and foreclosed properties. The initial information collected by staff from several service providers was a range of $25-$55 for large mower operations - this compares to the City's cost of $90 per hour. That equates to a savings of $65 to $35 per hour. If these numbers hold up with official quotes then we would be foolish not to outsource this service. This saves the City money, ensures quicker results and saves the property owner money as this would be a past through fee.
The MSA (Municipal State Aid) issue was a simple redrawing of the roads in the program. I did take this opportunity however to start the discussion that we need to use this money from the state to get Rail Road Avenue paved. We will have the funds available to pave the last gravel road in the City - 3rd Avenue by the soccer fields is being paved this year. Paving Rail Road Avenue next year would complete a process that was begun long ago to bring all City streets up to City standards. The Council will begin working on this project this summer.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Ever Cat Fuels Stories
Ever Cat Fuels stories in the press the past few months. Here are a couple of stories, for more go to - http://www.evercatfuels.com/press.asp
http://www.startribune.com/business/42939492.html?elr=KArksUUUU
http://www.startribune.com/business/42024902.html?elr=KArksUUUU
http://www.evercatfuels.com/PDFs/55-57_Biofuels%20March%2009.pdf
http://www.830wcco.com/topic/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=3413548
The WCCO radio broadcast on the MCGYAN process starts about half way through.
http://www.startribune.com/business/42939492.html?elr=KArksUUUU
http://www.startribune.com/business/42024902.html?elr=KArksUUUU
http://www.evercatfuels.com/PDFs/55-57_Biofuels%20March%2009.pdf
http://www.830wcco.com/topic/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=3413548
The WCCO radio broadcast on the MCGYAN process starts about half way through.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Isanti Marketing Advertisers
I want to thank all the advertisers for the Isanti Marketing Piece. This project will promote our great City to thousands. This is the list of sponsors and the ad size. Please thank these sponsors for dedication to the City of Isanti.
Isanti Rental 2x2
Bear Books 2x2
Isanti Retail Meats 2x2
Creamery Crossing 2x2
Rum River BMX 2x3
Minnco 2x3
Alan Duff 2x3
Isanti Liquor 2x3
Riverside Mkt 2x3
Joslin & Moore 2x3
Isanti Tire 2x2
Rendezvous Coffee 2x2
Isanti Hardware 2x2
Bear Books 2x2
Isanti Retail Meats 2x2
Creamery Crossing 2x2
Rum River BMX 2x3
Minnco 2x3
Alan Duff 2x3
Isanti Liquor 2x3
Riverside Mkt 2x3
Joslin & Moore 2x3
Isanti Tire 2x2
Rendezvous Coffee 2x2
Isanti Hardware 2x2
Green Barn 2x2
Bolton & Menk 6x31/2
Bolton & Menk 6x31/2
Friday, April 17, 2009
City Wide Garage Sale
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Garage Salers, Crafters, Venders…
Want to sell your stuff with no rain guaranteed?
Don’t live in town? Don’t have a garage?
Then bring your sale to the Isanti Civic Arena!!
(Space is very affordable -- Call for details!)
Spaces Available for the
CITY-WIDE GARAGE SALE
Saturday: May 2, 2009
8am – 4pm
Garage Sales
(Take advantage of our space! Huge sale all in one place!)
Craft Sales
(Show off and sell your hand-crafted items!)
Venders, Direct Sales, Party Plans
(Limit one vender per each direct sales company.)
Non-profit Organizations, Fundraisers
(Free booths -- Space limited.)
(Free booths -- Space limited.)
Please let me know if you're interested. Space prices are as follows:
10x10 = $20
10x20 = $30
10x40 = $50
20x20 = $50
For more information or to reserve your spot please contact:
Carla Duncan
MNWildFan30@msn.com
763-444-8330
10x10 = $20
10x20 = $30
10x40 = $50
20x20 = $50
For more information or to reserve your spot please contact:
Carla Duncan
MNWildFan30@msn.com
763-444-8330
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
65/5 Intersection Improvement
The 65/5 intersection improvement will begin between May 1st and 15th. I wish I had a better date for you but this is a MnDot project and they are in charge. I will pass along more information as it becomes available.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Marketing Piece all Sold Out
Happy to announce the last advertisement spots for the Isanti Marketing piece we are creating have all been sold. http://georgewimmer.blogspot.com/2009/04/marketing-isanti.html Thanks to all the sponsors - I will announce those next week and continue to praise those sponsors that have once again proven that if we work together so much can be accomplished.
The Isanti Marketing piece will cost Isanti Taxpayers nothing and promote our City to the thousands of individuals that enjoy our many events each year. This type of partnership between local government and the private sector is a win/win for everyone.
Again thank you to all the sponsors.
The Isanti Marketing piece will cost Isanti Taxpayers nothing and promote our City to the thousands of individuals that enjoy our many events each year. This type of partnership between local government and the private sector is a win/win for everyone.
Again thank you to all the sponsors.
Confusion on the City's Policy on Paying City Taxes and Fees
There seems to be a lot of misinformation about the City Council's unanimous decision to ensure that businesses that want to profit from the City have their obligations paid to the City. I thought I would present the facts and then everyone can make up their own minds.
Fact - This policy has nothing to do with Spectacular Events and their liquor license
Fact - The deal reached with Spectacular Events were terms that they said they could easily comply with and they have their License and have lived up to their side of the agreement to date and are an excellent operation and key business in Isanti.
Fact - This policy was worked on by the Finance Committee which the Chamber Board President sits on.
Fact - This policy was approved by the entire Council with the Chamber President who is also a sitting Council Member seconding the motion.
Fact - This is a "may" Resolution which does not bind the Council to any future action.
Fact - This policy does not affect renters or lessees for actions they can not control such as the property owner not paying their obligations.
Fact - A letter presented that was written by the Chamber's Executive Director was not a Chamber Board approved letter and there was no one at the meeting presenting the letter to discuss its contents or to engage in a conversation with or to even provide answers to. Each Council member was given a copy of this letter at the meeting since it was presented to the city the afternoon of the meeting. I believe each CM read the letter and were able to use the letter on which to base their final vote.
Fact - There is not one Isanti business that currently does business with the City that this policy would affect that I am aware of.
Fact - Each Council Member and Mayor have 1 vote. The Mayor has no veto power.
Fact - I offered to meet with anyone to discuss the issue and not one person or business chose to meet with me.
I hope this clarifies questions regarding this issue and I hope if anyone has any questions about my position they will contact me directly instead of listening to the sausage machine of small town gossip. I put my opinion in black and white for everyone to see. I do not hide my positions or opinions.
This policy was put in place, as have many others, to help prevent a recurrence of the actions that lead to the hundred's of thousands of dollars of unpaid taxes, assessments and fees due the City. There are only two options when a city does not receive the revenue it is suppose to get. Raise taxes and fees on those actually paying taxes or cut services. If income taxes, sales taxes or business vendors are not paid the repercussions are often sudden and severe. Not sure why a City should be any less important when it is the City paying for the roads to be plowed, police on the streets, fire protection and on and on. We have cut the City portion of property taxes from a high of over 77% to today's under 54%. We continue to build upon our success of growing our local business community. We have made business growth priority one since I became Mayor.
Fact - This policy has nothing to do with Spectacular Events and their liquor license
Fact - The deal reached with Spectacular Events were terms that they said they could easily comply with and they have their License and have lived up to their side of the agreement to date and are an excellent operation and key business in Isanti.
Fact - This policy was worked on by the Finance Committee which the Chamber Board President sits on.
Fact - This policy was approved by the entire Council with the Chamber President who is also a sitting Council Member seconding the motion.
Fact - This is a "may" Resolution which does not bind the Council to any future action.
Fact - This policy does not affect renters or lessees for actions they can not control such as the property owner not paying their obligations.
Fact - A letter presented that was written by the Chamber's Executive Director was not a Chamber Board approved letter and there was no one at the meeting presenting the letter to discuss its contents or to engage in a conversation with or to even provide answers to. Each Council member was given a copy of this letter at the meeting since it was presented to the city the afternoon of the meeting. I believe each CM read the letter and were able to use the letter on which to base their final vote.
Fact - There is not one Isanti business that currently does business with the City that this policy would affect that I am aware of.
Fact - Each Council Member and Mayor have 1 vote. The Mayor has no veto power.
Fact - I offered to meet with anyone to discuss the issue and not one person or business chose to meet with me.
I hope this clarifies questions regarding this issue and I hope if anyone has any questions about my position they will contact me directly instead of listening to the sausage machine of small town gossip. I put my opinion in black and white for everyone to see. I do not hide my positions or opinions.
This policy was put in place, as have many others, to help prevent a recurrence of the actions that lead to the hundred's of thousands of dollars of unpaid taxes, assessments and fees due the City. There are only two options when a city does not receive the revenue it is suppose to get. Raise taxes and fees on those actually paying taxes or cut services. If income taxes, sales taxes or business vendors are not paid the repercussions are often sudden and severe. Not sure why a City should be any less important when it is the City paying for the roads to be plowed, police on the streets, fire protection and on and on. We have cut the City portion of property taxes from a high of over 77% to today's under 54%. We continue to build upon our success of growing our local business community. We have made business growth priority one since I became Mayor.
Business Retention and Expansion Meetings
I will be meeting with local businesses throughout the year to discuss how we may better serve them and what strengths and weaknesses the City has so we may enhance our efforts to recruit new businesses to Isanti. Another important component is finding ways to help our current businesses continue to succeed. We already have several meetings set-up and will be meeting with most Isanti businesses over the next two years.
If you would like to be among the first businesses to meet please contact me at george@georgewimmer.com.
If you would like to be among the first businesses to meet please contact me at george@georgewimmer.com.
Rethinking Local Services
Local Leaders will be gathering at Isanti City Hall April 28th to discuss more efficient ways to deliver services to our community. I would be interested in hearing from you on what ideas you may have. Currently there are several agreements in place between the City of Cambridge and Isanti County for shared equipment. Cambridge and Isanti also have an agreement in place and are working on another for building inspection services.
A few ideas so far:
Compiling a list of all equipment held by each level of government in the County - Cambridge and the County already have worked on sharing equipment resources - no need to buy equipment that might be used only a few times a year when one of our neighbor's has it and could rent it.
Compiling a list of key employees and their expertise and capacity - Isanti and Cambridge have an agreement that when our Building Official is on vacation or unavailable Isanti will for a fee be able to rely on Cambridge's building department. This helps save Isanti money, allows us to provide continuous service and helps Cambridge maintain their staffing level.
Contemplating a County wide fire department - Our Fire Department is already a District where Isanti and 6 other townships share the responsibility and resources. This model could be expanded to a County wide system saving cost.
Instead of every City and township having trucks and plows perhaps there is a way to merge road maintenance to save labor and equipment cost.
On the private side perhaps a county wide Chamber of Commerce to match our County EDA efforts.
Just a few examples that others have shared or developed in Isanti or other regions of our state. the great thing about this process is that everyone involved has good ideas and wants whats best for the community. We may have different opinions as to how to get there and no matter how heated things get everyone is trying to do what is best. This is a great process and I enjoy every minute of it.
Please email me at george@georgewimmer.com with your suggestions.
A few ideas so far:
Compiling a list of all equipment held by each level of government in the County - Cambridge and the County already have worked on sharing equipment resources - no need to buy equipment that might be used only a few times a year when one of our neighbor's has it and could rent it.
Compiling a list of key employees and their expertise and capacity - Isanti and Cambridge have an agreement that when our Building Official is on vacation or unavailable Isanti will for a fee be able to rely on Cambridge's building department. This helps save Isanti money, allows us to provide continuous service and helps Cambridge maintain their staffing level.
Contemplating a County wide fire department - Our Fire Department is already a District where Isanti and 6 other townships share the responsibility and resources. This model could be expanded to a County wide system saving cost.
Instead of every City and township having trucks and plows perhaps there is a way to merge road maintenance to save labor and equipment cost.
On the private side perhaps a county wide Chamber of Commerce to match our County EDA efforts.
Just a few examples that others have shared or developed in Isanti or other regions of our state. the great thing about this process is that everyone involved has good ideas and wants whats best for the community. We may have different opinions as to how to get there and no matter how heated things get everyone is trying to do what is best. This is a great process and I enjoy every minute of it.
Please email me at george@georgewimmer.com with your suggestions.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
City Council and County Commissioner Audio
If you can not make it to the Isanti City Council meetings our City records and post our meetings on our City Website. Listen at
http://www.cityofisanti.us/govern_citycouncil_audio.php
The County Board does not record their meetings but 3rd District Commissioner Duff does record and post the full audio of their meetings on his website at:
http://www.alanduff.net/
Most of our residents can not make it to meetings and the newspapers only have so many column inches to report on public meetings. Having the audio of meetings is an extremely cost effective way to make local government transparent.
http://www.cityofisanti.us/govern_citycouncil_audio.php
The County Board does not record their meetings but 3rd District Commissioner Duff does record and post the full audio of their meetings on his website at:
http://www.alanduff.net/
Most of our residents can not make it to meetings and the newspapers only have so many column inches to report on public meetings. Having the audio of meetings is an extremely cost effective way to make local government transparent.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
April 7th Council Update
The Council approved going out for quotes on mowing. I had tried this last year but was unable to get the Council to agree. We only have agreement to get quotes to compare with our internal cost. This could save the City a significant amount of money.
The Council passed a resolution last night stating that the City wants to do business with only those companies that have paid their taxes and all other obligations to the City. This is the right thing to do to ensure taxpayer money is not going to those that do not pay their own taxes or obligations.
We authorized applying for a COPS grant to help retain an officer. This will not increase our police force but if successful will help retain an officer for 3 years. Again we are attempting to bring outside resources into Isanti to help offset the loss of revenue to the City.
The final contract was approved for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds was approved last night. stay tuned to the open house and information schedule.
The City approved a special event for Rum River BMX - http://www.rumriverbmx.com/ They are hosting National Trials once again in Isanti. The event will be held July 24th, 25th and the 26th. Last year this event brought in approximately 3,500 people per day. Take a look at their website for more information on this event but also on their weekly schedule of races.
I updated the Council on our progress to lower health insurance cost. We are moving forward with quoting on an innovative health co-operative situation. When the numbers come in we will make our final decisions, but it is promising.
The other item I updated the Council on had to do with the continuation of the Community Awareness Forum. The Forum had as its focus - ways to work together to provide services at a lower cost by sharing ideas and resources. Last week's forum got us off to a good start. There was no follow-up planned so I invited leaders and staff from all three Cities and the County to meet at Isanti City Hall on the 28th of April. Members of each group have accepted and I look forward to a great meeting to lay the ground work for future success. This is a truly collaborative process and needs all of us working together to be successful.
The Council passed a resolution last night stating that the City wants to do business with only those companies that have paid their taxes and all other obligations to the City. This is the right thing to do to ensure taxpayer money is not going to those that do not pay their own taxes or obligations.
We authorized applying for a COPS grant to help retain an officer. This will not increase our police force but if successful will help retain an officer for 3 years. Again we are attempting to bring outside resources into Isanti to help offset the loss of revenue to the City.
The final contract was approved for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds was approved last night. stay tuned to the open house and information schedule.
The City approved a special event for Rum River BMX - http://www.rumriverbmx.com/ They are hosting National Trials once again in Isanti. The event will be held July 24th, 25th and the 26th. Last year this event brought in approximately 3,500 people per day. Take a look at their website for more information on this event but also on their weekly schedule of races.
I updated the Council on our progress to lower health insurance cost. We are moving forward with quoting on an innovative health co-operative situation. When the numbers come in we will make our final decisions, but it is promising.
The other item I updated the Council on had to do with the continuation of the Community Awareness Forum. The Forum had as its focus - ways to work together to provide services at a lower cost by sharing ideas and resources. Last week's forum got us off to a good start. There was no follow-up planned so I invited leaders and staff from all three Cities and the County to meet at Isanti City Hall on the 28th of April. Members of each group have accepted and I look forward to a great meeting to lay the ground work for future success. This is a truly collaborative process and needs all of us working together to be successful.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Marketing Isanti
The past few years I have noticed that a number of our great events that brings in thousands of visitors our City there was no attempt to communicate with these visitors. These are potential customers, residents or business owners.
To address this we are developing a marketing piece that will include an official welcome, information on our many economic development tools/business opportunities and the many great reasons to live in Isanti.
A key component to making this a reality is we are selling ad space to our many great businesses to fund this at no cost to the taxpayer. We have just begun and sold 6 of the 13 spots already. The following are still available:
2 2x4" ads (3 1/2 x 3") $150.00
4 2x3" ads (3 1/2 x 4") $110.00
1 6x3 1/2" on back (10" wide x 3 1/2" high) $375.00
There will be 5,000 printed in beautiful color and will be distributed at events such as the National Trials at the BMX track to the large Soccer Tournaments, Home Show and all the great events we host in Isanti.
Please contact me if you are interested.
george@georgewimmer.com
763-444-7158 or 763-442-8749
To address this we are developing a marketing piece that will include an official welcome, information on our many economic development tools/business opportunities and the many great reasons to live in Isanti.
A key component to making this a reality is we are selling ad space to our many great businesses to fund this at no cost to the taxpayer. We have just begun and sold 6 of the 13 spots already. The following are still available:
2 2x4" ads (3 1/2 x 3") $150.00
4 2x3" ads (3 1/2 x 4") $110.00
1 6x3 1/2" on back (10" wide x 3 1/2" high) $375.00
There will be 5,000 printed in beautiful color and will be distributed at events such as the National Trials at the BMX track to the large Soccer Tournaments, Home Show and all the great events we host in Isanti.
Please contact me if you are interested.
george@georgewimmer.com
763-444-7158 or 763-442-8749
Monday, April 06, 2009
April 7th city Council Meeting
AGENDA
CITY OF ISANTI
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2009 - 7:00 P.M.
CITY HALL
CITY OF ISANTI
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2009 - 7:00 P.M.
CITY HALL
Call to Order
B. Pledge of Allegiance
C. Roll Call
D. Adopt Agenda
E. Proclamations/Commendations/Certificate Awards
F. Approve City Council Minutes
March 17, 2009 – Work Session Meeting of the City Council
March 17, 2009 – Regular Meeting of the City Council
March 17, 2009 – Closed Meeting of the City Council
G. Citizens Input
H. Announcements
1. Planning Commission Meeting Tuesday, April 14 10, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
2. City Council Work Session Tuesday, April 21, 2009 – 5:45 to 6:30 p.m.
3. City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
4. Park & Recreation Board Meeting Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.
5. EDA Meeting Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
I. Council Committee Reports
J. Public Hearings
- Nuisance Abatement – 524 Dogwood Street SW
(CSO Steve Wacha)
K. Business Items
- Agenda Request – Mr. George Harris – 11 Pinto Lane
- Special Event Application – 101 Isanti Parkway - Rum River BMX Track – Kevin Riedemann
Community Development Director Carla Vita
- Resolution approving the Lighting Plan to be Placed Upon the Property at 101 Isanti Parkway NW (BMX Track)
- Resolution Approving the Two Locations for Historical Signs and Authorizing Staff to Obtain the Necessary Written Agreements from the Property Owners of Said Locations
- Resolution Approving Agreement with MN Housing for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program
Finance Director Kristi Smith
- Resolution Requiring the Payment of Obligations Owed the City as a Prerequisite to Contracting to do business with the City
City Administrator Don Lorsung
- Summer Mowing Services
- Resolution Approving Making Application for COPS Grant
- Resolution Approving Public Works Policies and Procedures
L. Consent Agenda
1. Accounts Payable in the Amounts of $205,900.88 and Payroll in the Amount of $138,538.82
2. Approval of February 24, 2009 Park & Recreation Board Minutes
3. Approval of Revised MOU with the City of Cambridge for Building Inspector Services
4. Resolution Relating to Policy on Municipal Building Temperature Settings
5. Resolution Approving Temporary On-Sale Liquor License and Gambling Exempt Permit for St. Elizabeth Catholic Church
6. Resolution Approving an On-Sale 3.2 Percent Malt Liquor License and Sunday License to Patlock Design, Inc.; (Sanbrook Golf Course)
7. Approval of USDA Request to Permanently Reduce the DCP Base on Tract 5121 (Farm Crop Land)
M. Other Communications
1. Draft Minutes of the March 24, 2009 Park & Recreation Board Meeting
2. National MS Society Special Event
Adjournment
BENEFIT FOR GILLY “DENNIS GILBERT”
Dennis Gilbert, aka Gilly, incurred a serious accident that occurred when he was a passenger on an ATV. There will be a benefit with proceeds going to Gilly to help pay for his medical expenses.
DATE: Saturday, April 25, 2009
TIME: Dinner 3-7 PM
Live music 8 PM
COST: $10 donation
PLACE
27821 Bayshore Drive NW, Isanti, MN
Dinner (pulled pork sandwich, loaded potato, beans and dessert). Please join us for silent auctions, live auctions as well as live music at 8 PM
For additional information, please contact “Goober” at 763.843.9417
Your Support is Appreciated!
Friday, April 03, 2009
Student Representative to the Park and Recreation Board
The City of Isanti Park and Recreation Board are seeking a student representative to actively serve on the Board. The members of the Park and Recreation Board encourage all students meeting the qualifications as provided within this announcement to apply for the position. Details regarding the position, duties, and application requirements have been provided below.
Qualifications
· High school student (ages 14-18).
· A resident of the City of Isanti.
· Has an interest in local government and / or park and recreation issues.
Description and Duties
The position is a one-year commitment. The individual must have a strong sense of responsibility for the duties that are assigned to the position. The student member is expected to attend monthly meetings. The Park Board meets the fourth Tuesday of each month from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council chambers.
The student representative will strive to identify and satisfy the general needs of the youth of the community; and will actively provide their perspective on park related issues. The student representative will also be responsible for submitting a quarterly written article to the Isantian, which discusses student-focused opportunities and interests. (The maintenance / development of a regular column for students.)
To Apply:
Please review and submit the following:
1. Read the requirements and description / duties for the position.
2. Write a letter of intention explaining what you can offer to the Park and Recreation Board and how you think you could best serve as a student representative on the Board.
3. Include two (2) letters of recommendation.
4. Mail, fax, e-mail, or hand-deliver the information listed above to:
City of Isanti
Attn: Lisa Krause
110 First Avenue NW
PO Box 428
Isanti, MN 55040
Fax: (763) 444-5560
Phone: (763) 444-5512
lkrause@cityofisanti.us
Qualifications
· High school student (ages 14-18).
· A resident of the City of Isanti.
· Has an interest in local government and / or park and recreation issues.
Description and Duties
The position is a one-year commitment. The individual must have a strong sense of responsibility for the duties that are assigned to the position. The student member is expected to attend monthly meetings. The Park Board meets the fourth Tuesday of each month from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council chambers.
The student representative will strive to identify and satisfy the general needs of the youth of the community; and will actively provide their perspective on park related issues. The student representative will also be responsible for submitting a quarterly written article to the Isantian, which discusses student-focused opportunities and interests. (The maintenance / development of a regular column for students.)
To Apply:
Please review and submit the following:
1. Read the requirements and description / duties for the position.
2. Write a letter of intention explaining what you can offer to the Park and Recreation Board and how you think you could best serve as a student representative on the Board.
3. Include two (2) letters of recommendation.
4. Mail, fax, e-mail, or hand-deliver the information listed above to:
City of Isanti
Attn: Lisa Krause
110 First Avenue NW
PO Box 428
Isanti, MN 55040
Fax: (763) 444-5560
Phone: (763) 444-5512
lkrause@cityofisanti.us
Isanti County News Covers Isanti Business Openings
Here are the local business opening stories for Isanti Retail Meats and Charisma from the Isanti County News website.
http://isanticountynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=15&Itemid=32
http://isanticountynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=15&Itemid=32
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Second Annual City of Isanti Mayor’s Employer Celebration
We are planning the Second Annual City of Isanti Mayor’s Employer Celebration. This will be June 16, 2008 starting at 11:30am. I created this event last year to show our appreciation for our employers and the roughly 1500 employees that work in our City.
I believe it is incredibly important to thank all of our employers for choosing Isanti as the home of their business. A gratis picnic lunch will be provided following a ceremony commemorating Isanti businesses with milestone Isanti anniversaries.
Senator Olseen, Representative Eastlund, Commissioner Duff and City Engineer DeWolf have all confirmed to serve our hard working employers and their employees. Business specialists will be available for any questions you may have and information on City of Isanti business development tools will also be available. I will keep you informed of new information as we plan this great event.
I believe it is incredibly important to thank all of our employers for choosing Isanti as the home of their business. A gratis picnic lunch will be provided following a ceremony commemorating Isanti businesses with milestone Isanti anniversaries.
Senator Olseen, Representative Eastlund, Commissioner Duff and City Engineer DeWolf have all confirmed to serve our hard working employers and their employees. Business specialists will be available for any questions you may have and information on City of Isanti business development tools will also be available. I will keep you informed of new information as we plan this great event.
New Restaurant Coming to Town
We have a Chinese restaurant coming to town. It will be in front of our Planning Commission 2nd week of April and in front of the Council the following week. Nothing is done till it is done but this is an exciting development.
Great news on top of Charisma and Isanti Retail Meats opening.
Great news on top of Charisma and Isanti Retail Meats opening.
30th Annual Local leaders/Community Awareness Forum
I will be at the 30th Annual Local Leaders/Community Awareness Forum tonight. The topic is:
Redefining and Redesigning: New service levels in today’s economy; how to succeed in difficult times.
I will be leading the Isanti City portion of the discussion and explaining the LGA Flip process and the budget plan I had developed and the Council adopted. I have invited leaders from Braham, Cambridge, County and School District to meet and discuss how we may cooperate on providing cost effective services together. I have received positive feedback from everyone but have yet to hear from the School Board Chair.
***The format was changed a bit at the forum tonight but it went well***
Continual improvement is a mind set that everyone needs to embrace.
Redefining and Redesigning: New service levels in today’s economy; how to succeed in difficult times.
I will be leading the Isanti City portion of the discussion and explaining the LGA Flip process and the budget plan I had developed and the Council adopted. I have invited leaders from Braham, Cambridge, County and School District to meet and discuss how we may cooperate on providing cost effective services together. I have received positive feedback from everyone but have yet to hear from the School Board Chair.
***The format was changed a bit at the forum tonight but it went well***
Continual improvement is a mind set that everyone needs to embrace.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Repost - Charisma Boutique Grand Opening
Mark your calendars for Thursday April 2nd - Saturday April 4th for our Grand Opening We will be having Refreshments Thursday - Friday. Saturday we will bring out the grill for a few hours for hot dogs. Door Prizes will be given away daily. Located next to Subway and Great Clips on County Highway 5 Isanti.
Hope to see you here,
Dori & Tom Johnson
Owners
Charisma Boutique
Hope to see you here,
Dori & Tom Johnson
Owners
Charisma Boutique
Isanti County Unemployment
Isanti County Unemployment stands at 13.3% for the month of February. This dreadful unemployment rate makes our City's success with opening of new businesses in Isanti all the more special.
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