Rail Industrial Park Update

Last night the Council followed the unanimous EDA recommendation to move forward with a concept plan for a rail industrial park. This is the first step to evaluate the feasibility of a a rail park location in Isanti's existing industrial zoned property. If a rail park is built in Isanti it will be a unique asset in the entire region and would lead to many more good paying jobs.

Marla Properties, LLC received Council permission last night to assume the responsibilities of job creation from the previous Midwest Metal project. This means that this roughly 25,000 square foot building will go from vacant to another operating business in Isanti with corresponding jobs and tax base.

The Council approved our goals from the goals setting session. They are as follows for 2010:

• Economic Development Comprehensive Plan
• Downtown Plan
• Consideration of EDA to an EDA/HRA
• Rail Industrial Park Development
• Budgeting without LGA
• Establishing a prioritized list of budget cuts
• Determine the percentage of general funds to reserve
• Restructuring bonded debt

The Council and appropriate committees will be working through this list of goals to make them a success.