Go Paperless for your Utility Billing

For those that do not like the postcard option here is information how to covert to our paperless utility billing ... To pay your Isanti utility bills online or sign up for e-billing go to https://www.paymentservicenetwork.com/Login.aspx?acc=rt19554 ... the site will walk you through the steps

To sign up for auto payment but still receive postcard billing go to  http://cityofisanti.us/images/stories/Finance/automatic%20utility%20bill%20payment%20signup%20sheet.pdf

Thanksgiving Thoughts

 

 

 

The First Thanksgiving Day Proclamation

The Holy God having by a long and Continual Series of his Afflictive dispensations in and by the present Warr with the Heathen Natives of this land, written and brought to pass bitter things against his own Covenant people in this wilderness, yet so that we evidently discern that in the midst of his judgments he hath remembered mercy, having remembered his Footstool in the day of his sore displeasure against us for our sins, with many singular Intimations of his Fatherly Compassion, and regard; reserving many of our Towns from Desolation Threatened, and attempted by the Enemy, and giving us especially of late with many of our Confederates many signal Advantages against them, without such Disadvantage to ourselves as formerly we have been sensible of, if it be the Lord's mercy that we are not consumed, It certainly bespeaks our positive Thankfulness, when our Enemies are in any measure disappointed or destroyed; and fearing the Lord should take notice under so many Intimations of his returning mercy, we should be found an Insensible people, as not standing before Him with Thanksgiving, as well as lading him with our Complaints in the time of pressing Afflictions:

The Council has thought meet to appoint and set apart the 29th day of this instant June, as a day of Solemn Thanksgiving and praise to God for such his Goodness and Favour, many Particulars of which mercy might be Instanced, but we doubt not those who are sensible of God's Afflictions, have been as diligent to espy him returning to us; and that the Lord may behold us as a People offering Praise and thereby glorifying Him; the Council doth commend it to the Respective Ministers, Elders and people of this Jurisdiction; Solemnly and seriously to keep the same Beseeching that being persuaded by the mercies of God we may all, even this whole people offer up our bodies and souls as a living and acceptable Service unto God by Jesus Christ.

-Date: June 20, 1676
-By: Governing council of Charlestown, Massachusetts

*

President Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.

In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.

Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things.

They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.

And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

It is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God; to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord.
- Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation October 3, 1863


Once, when my feet were bare, and I had not the means of obtaining shoes I came to the chief of Kufah in a state of much dejection, and saw there a man who had no feet. I returned thanks to God and acknowledged his mercies, and endured my want of shoes with patience
- Sadi, The Gulistan

Do not get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, For we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.
- Galatians 6:9

For flowers that bloom about our feet; For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet; For song of bird, and hum of bee; For all things fair we hear or see, Father in heaven, we thank Thee!
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Some people complain because God put thorns on roses, while others praise Him for putting roses among thorns."
-Anonymous


Since the Pilgrims observed the initial Thanksgiving holiday in 1621, this occasion has served as a singular expression of the transcending spiritual values that played an instrumental part in the founding of our country.

One hundred and twenty years ago, in the midst of a great and terrible civil conflict, President Lincoln formally proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving to remind those "insensible to the ever watchful providence of almighty God" of this Nation's bounty and greatness. Several days after the dedication of the Gettysburg battlefield, the United States celebrated its first national Thanksgiving.

Every year since then, our Nation has faithfully continued this tradition. The time has come once again to proclaim a day of thanksgiving, an occasion for Americans to express gratitude to their God and their country.In his remarks at Gettysburg, President Lincoln referred to ours as a Nation "under God."

We rejoice in the fact that, while we have maintained separate institutions of church and state over our 200 years of freedom, we have at the same time preserved reverence for spiritual beliefs. Although we are a pluralistic society, the giving of thanks can be a true bond of unity among our people. We can unite in gratitude for our individual freedoms and individual faiths. We can be united in gratitude for our Nation's peace and prosperity when so many in this world have neither.

As was written in the first Thanksgiving Proclamation 120 years ago, "No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God." God has blessed America and her people, and it is appropriate we recognize this bounty.

Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, in the spirit of the Pilgrims, President Lincoln, and all succeeding Presidents, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 24, 1983, as a National Day of Thanksgiving, and I call upon Americans to affirm this day of thanks by their prayers and their gratitude for the many blessings upon this land and its people.

-Thanksgiving Day Proclamation 1983
-By: Ronald Reagan

Past Isantian Issues

We are completing the Winter Edition of the Isantian & I thought you might be interested in past editions ... go to  http://cityofisanti.us/component/content/article/68

City of Isanti Utility Billing

The new utility bills are in a post card format similar to ECS bills. This helps reduce cost as part of our money saving plan to bring utility billing in house. As part of this process we installed a utility bill drop box at City Hall. Checks only please for the drop box ...

Council Meeting November 19th 2013

Agenda for our City Council meeting 7pm November 19th at Isanti City Hall http://cityofisanti.us/images/stories/minutes_agendas/cc_agenda/2013/11-19-2013_city_council_agenda.pdf

Isanti County News article regarding Ruby Johnson's Estate gift to Community Center capital improvements http://isanticountynews.com/category/government/

Labor Negotiations

Starting negotiations with our Police Union this morning - We settled with our Public Works Union 2 weeks ago -

When Country Calls

My Grandfather sent these words to my Grandmother in 1917 as America was preparing to fight in World War One. After the war they started a family together. They had 14 children, 11 boys and 3 girls. We must honor our soldiers and their families each and every day.

*

A poem written by Ted Wimmer to Agnes

When Country Calls

***

I feel so very lonesome tonight

I don’t know what to do

I feel so blue and downhearted right

So I’ll write a few lines to you.

*

I was dreaming of the days gone by

And the hours I spent with you

My eyes grew dim, and with a sigh

I said your love must be true.

*

There’s a sort of pain that hurts my heart

When I think of the hour drawing nigh

The sad day when we two must part

When I’ll kiss you and say good bye.

*

Remember me and do not fear

To you, I’ll always be true

I’ll always think of you my dear

And I hope to return to you.

*

Rivers, mountains and the ocean may lie

Between your soldier and you

His love for you will never die

If you’ll promise you’ll be true.

*

Your soldier begs of you to say

At the rising of the sun

A prayer for him, that this very day

May not be his last one.

*

And when this war to an end has come

And the troops God spared return

The world again its peace has won

Your soldier’s love for you will burn.

*

And if the giver of all good

Hears the prayers of your spotless heart

At least I hope and pray he would

That I return never more to part.

Parks, Recreation & Culture News

We are developing a lot of programming for our Community Center & Parks System to engage all ages in educational & recreational fun

Amazing Gift

Isanti City Council received a $120,000 check from the Ruby Johnson Estate for improvements to the Community Center - we are so grateful

Community Center Announcement

Huge announcement on the future of the Isanti Community Center at tomorrow's Council meeting 7pm ... You will not want to miss it

1369 votes cast so far at Isanti City Hall on the C/I Bond Referendum ... Polls close at 8pm

Open Position

We have a job opening for a Community Development Director / Assistant City Administrator http://www.cityofisanti.us/government/job-opportunities/143 ...

Another Bond Levy Meeting

Shawn Springob writes " I will be having an informational meeting about the bond at my house tomorrow night at 7pm. I welcome anyone who is interested in learning more or having your questions answered. Dr. Queener will be there too. I live at 27179 Bayshore Dr. It is the south west end of Long lake."

Mayor's Welcome Letter

On behalf of the City of Isanti, I would like to welcome you to our “Community for Generations”.  There is no better place to work, live or play than the City of Isanti.  We take great pride in our flourishing business community, multi-modal transportation network, diverse residential neighborhoods, and park and recreation system.

Isanti’s economic development team has created an environment that builds upon our community’s strengths to encourage business growth and development.   I was proud to accept the 2008 Economic Development Association of Minnesota’s award for Business Recruitment.  Our team will strive to development and diversify the commercial and industrial businesses within the community, in an effort to bring needed services and employment opportunities to area residents.  

Isanti has a rich history with over 110 years of development.  Our neighborhoods provide a mix of housing types and styles with homes dating back to our treasured history, to many newly constructed homes.  Our range of housing types includes apartments, condominiums, townhomes, twin homes, single family homes, and senior living facilities; which offer options for every stage of family growth and fit many different lifestyles.  This blend of past and present serves to fill any housing need.

We are especially proud of our City parks and recreational amenities.  Isanti hosts the Junior League Owls hockey team at our indoor ice arena; our 2011 State Champion Redbirds baseball team have free admission to all their home games, our nationally ranked (4^th) BMX track is home to Rum River BMX Association, the Isanti Soccer Complex is 2^nd in the state and hosts numerous state and national events; and Vision Wakeboard Park is the only one of its kind in the entire Midwest located within Bluebird Park. These facilities host events in which tens of thousands of participants and spectators each year come to our community to enjoy.  Our 9 City parks, 20 miles of sidewalk, 9 miles of trails and the bike/walk trail connecting us to our neighboring city definitely helps Isanti live up to our State of Minnesota designation as a “Fit City”.

On behalf of the City of Isanti, I hope you will enjoy your time in our community and will consider us as a place to live, work and play.  If you have any questions or comments please contact me at George@georgewimmer.com or 763-442-8749.

Dr. Queener, Cambridge/Isanti Superintendent, will be at Isanti City Council meeting Tuesday 7pm to explain Bond Levy  Referendum

Residential Guide

Our City of Isanti Residential Guide has been completed and posted on the City Website www.cityofisanti.com ... Great for new residents

On the Right Track

   I had heard the other day that I had inherited a big fund balance and that I had nothing really to do with Isanti's tremendous fiscal stability ... I was elected Mayor in 2006 and took office in 2007. As you can see the city was burning through money during the boom times ... the previous Mayor & Council had run up huge debts & increased the City budget by 40% in 2006 which I fought against and was the main reason I ran for Mayor... as the Great Recession took hold we were actually adding to our fund balance which is our cash on hand as compared to our spending. We did this by cutting spending, my LGA Flip, efficient operations, economic development, enforcing collection of debts, enforcing ordinances, following our Comprehensive Plan/Housing Plan and cutting taxes ... this was part of my overall Long Term Financial Plan that previous Councils have repeatedly adopted to weather the loss of revenue due to property values plummeting. We will be drawing this cash reserve down over the next few years so we do not cut services or raise taxes. We saved money for these tough rainy days ... We need to also ensure that we maintain our City Staff team. Our team is highly efficient, credentialed and professional. Other communities have tried to higher our staff away but they are committed to our future success. Facts are stubborn things. We have a good plan in place and we must continue to follow it to ensure our future success ... wishing things to be do not make them so ... hard work and discipline do ... Here are some Fiscal Facts

 

 

Year               Fund Bal

2004        67%

2005        53%

2006        51%

2007        58%

2008        65%

2009         80%

2010         93%

2011         91%

2012         83%

2013          80%

 

 

Peer Group of Cities Administration cost are 36% higher than Isanti, Park & Rec cost are 60% higher and Isanti's Net Debt has dropped from a high of over $2,500 per resident before I was elected Mayor to $630 per resident which is 60% less than our per group of cities. We improved our City's credit rating, won Economic Development New Business Recruitment Award, developed capital replacement plan, Long Term Financial Plan, increased Police Force and on and on ... We are running a very lean City while increasing our City services and options. Doing all this while paying off the staggering debt left to us from the previous Administration during the Great Recession. Lets keep working together for our future success. Our future keeps getting brighter so long as we stay on the right track

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goal Reached

Our goal was 500 likes on the Mayor George Wimmer Facebook page and we shoot past it to 516 so far ... Thank you so much for your interest

We will be hosting approximately 400 students from Isanti's year round schools in Legacy Park tomorrow. What a great learning experience.

School Safety Bond Referendum

Do voters in the Cambridge/Isanti School District support the School Safety Bond Referendum that will cost less than $2 a month for the average homeowner? 


 Bond information link

http://www.cambridge.k12.mn.us/FINAL%20CI%20Referendum%20Brochure%208-22-13.pdf

Fall Isantian Article

We have had another great summer of activities in Isanti . Our soccer fields and BMX track have hosted State and National events once again, which help to showcase our great community. Our Redbirds Baseball Team has been doing great once again this summer.   Playing hard and providing free entertainment to the public.  Vision Wake Park has been humming along and made a $1,400 payment to the City out of its profits from last year. As long as the facility continues to operate the City will be receiving 5% of its gross revenues per their agreement with the City.   Our parks and trails are being heavily used, especially Legacy Park located in the northwest quadrant of the City. The City is interested in several other parcels of land, similar to Legacy Park.  These parcels are in tax forfeiture and may  go back to the DNR or to the City of Isanti to develop other nature areas on the south side of  our community.

     We have brought back the Farmers Market and Street Dances to Downtown Isanti. I want to thank the Economic Development Authority and City Council for adopting my plan to market Isanti. The Farmers Market grows stronger every week and I look forward to a vibrant market for years to come. The Street Dances have been a huge success with roughly a thousand people at our last dance. Highlighting downtown  keeps Isanti strong and tied to the roots of our Community. We have seen more inquiries into the use of downtown properties. The viability of businesses in this area can be further enhanced with more events and foot traffic. We are planning 3 Street Dances next year and for the Farmers Market to start earlier next year with even more vendors.

     The Railroad Avenue SE/South Passage SE road and trail project should be completed soon and the completion of the sidewalk on the south side of Heritage Boulevard NE will be finished this fall. These projects provide safer routes and easier travel through some of Isanti’s busiest areas.

     I want to thank Duff Consulting, Startac Construction and My Geeky Guy for sponsoring this year’s Mayor’s Great Yard Awards. I want to continue to highlight the positives in Isanti and with the help of these great companies; we are able to do so without any taxpayer funds.

     As I had mentioned in the summer edition of the Isantian, we are faced with new storm water regulations amounting to an annual estimated cost of $250,000. These State mandates have to be complied with and have led to the creation of a storm water utility to pay for this cost. The estimates we have at this point are $6.50 a month on  average for a residential lot. We are looking at a dedicated fee to help pay this new state mandate, as  it will be fairly distributed to every property owner including developers. Another benefit of a fee versus property tax increase is that the fee can only be used for the mandated storm water cost and not spent on anything else. A property tax increase could result in funds being spent on other items. This is not what any Council member wants to do, but we must obey mandates from the State.

     We had another great showing at the Mayor’s Employer Celebration Luncheon with over 140 employers in attendance. I started this after becoming Mayor to thank all of our Community employers for investing in Isanti. We also have representatives of State Government, regional economic development entities and local officials present for the event. This allows our employers to discuss issues, help identify funding sources, and discuss ideas they may have to improve our business climate with all levels of government. I want to thank Senator Nienow, Representative Johnson, Commissioner Warring, the Initiative Foundation, ECRDC, Employers and all those who came to join us for the event.

    I am happy to announce we have completed our Residential Handbook. This will include information for new and existing residents. Everything from approved garbage haulers to contact information for elected officials has been included. This will be available electronically at www.cityofisanti.us and hard copies will be at City Hall and the Isanti Area Chamber of Commerce Office.

     If you have any questions, concerns or comments please contact me at 763-442-8749 or email me at George@georgewimmer.com . You may also follow me and keep up to date on all things Isanti on Twitter at twitter.com/mayorwimmer Facebook at www.facebook.com/MayorGeorgeWimmer or my blog at georgewimmer.blogspot.com

Getting Grief

Quite an interesting Park, Rec & Culture board meting. I was yelled at by a Board member who was a former Council Member with over 20 years service on past Councils. He was angry that I am trying to save money on the Community Center and that if I had never raised the issue no one would know we are losing so much money on it. Its my job to try to fix problems and no one should ever hide government expenses from the public. This is how the city gets into trouble. He was also angry that we are replacing the Lions who had operated and done so much at the Community Center. This move saves us money. I had offered the Lions a chance to buy the Community Center for a $1 from the City and they did not take the offer because they realize that the cost are to heavy a burden to manage. We can not live in the past nor can we make decisions with taxpayer money based on emotion or whether or not we like someone. People may donate their own money anyway they want but taxpayer funds are for necessary city services and not to donate to charitable causes. Am I missing something here ... btw this lead to yet another threat to run me out of office because I am trying to save the public money and challenging the status quo

(2/2) 's in Isanti to discuss School Bonding for safety issues.

(1/2) Join us for a "COFFEE CHAT" on Wed., Sept 4th 7pm at Wintergreen

Tomorrow night we are presenting the City Budget and Levy ... No tax increase ... Spending is down ... Right on track according to my plan

The more I try to save the Community Center the more grief I get from those I am trying to help ... Status quo is a slow death

Good article on Isanti based Ever Cat Fuels http://m.startribune.com/?id=220898181

City of Isanti Street Dance with Boogie Wonderland

Free Street Dance with Boogie Wonderland Downtown Isanti - August 24th, 7pm to 11pm - Classic Car Show 10am to 4pm same day downtown ... Food and Beverages for sale ... Please SHARE

School District News

Please come and join us for a “COFFEE CHAT” on Wed., September 4th at Wintergreen’s in Isanti.

 

 

Time is 7:00 pm.  There is a room reserved in the back.

 

 

We will be having a short discussion about our children’s education in the Isanti/Cambridge schools on a legislative level and where we are sitting with a bond/levy.

 

 

Hope to see you there.

 

Cambridge Isanti CARE Team

City of Isanti Free Street Dance Aug 24th 7pm to 11pm

Free Street Dance with Boogie Wonderland Downtown Isanti - August 24th, 7pm to 11pm - Classic Car Show 10am to 4pm same day downtown ... Food and Beverages for sale ... Click the video to watch

Preliminary Vendor list for Friday's Isanti Farmers Market

The preliminary list for Friday's Isanti Farmers Market ... Market starts at 2:30 and goes till 6:30 ... located at Eagle Park just behind the post office

 

 

MN Fresh Farm

MN Bread Co.

Hillside Honey and Crafts

Fresh vegetables, baked goods

Ladder Yarn Jewelry

Scentsy

Miller's Sweet Corn

Tomatoes, Raspberries, Grapes

Fresh Produce and crafts

Girl Scouts

Tupperware

Isanti Retail Meats Philly Cheese steak brats on the grill at the lake cabin .... So good

Press Release on the Tragic Train Accident in Isanti

PRESS RELEASE

 

August 10, 2013

 

 

On August 10, 2013 at approximately 0402 hours, the Isanti Police Department received a call of a train versus pedestrian accident within the City of Isanti, specifically north of Heritage Blvd. NW.

 

The Isanti Police Department located the victim north of Heritage Blvd. NW. but south of Isanti Parkway NW. in the area of the Isanti Water Treatment Plant.  It was quickly determined that the victim was deceased.  The victim was identified as James Donald O’Neil age 32 of Isanti.

 

This is the third such accident that the department has responded to this year.  It is imperative that pedestrian traffic stay off the railroad tracks.

 

The Isanti Police Department was assisted by Isanti Fire Department, Isanti County Sheriff’s Office, Isanti County Safety and Rescue, Cambridge Police Department, Allina Ambulance, and Canadian Pacific Railway Police.

A person was hit and killed by a train in Isanti this morning. Please stay off the tracks. 3rd person hit this year first fatality

Todays Vendors at Isanti's Farmers Market

 

 

 

MN Bread Co.

Fresh vegetables, baked goods

Ladder Yarn Jewelry

Tupperware

Taylor's Treasures

Girl Scouts

Fresh Produce and crafts

Tomatoes, Raspberries, Grapes

Miller's Sweet Corn

CSO has resigned due to family moving out of state ... We will be posting the position ... If interested please apply

Work along Railroad and South Passage moving along quite well ... Sidewalk on Heritage will begin in 2-3 weeks

Go to cityofisanti.us to sign up for email updates on everything from plowing to Council Agendas to important City news

Go to cityofisanti.us to sign up for email updates on everything from plowing to Council Agendas to important City news

Our Mayor George Wimmer Facebook Fan page has surpassed the 400 likes mark ... What a great way to communicate with our Community

Thank you Killer Hayseeds for a great night ... August 24th Car show & Boogie Wonderland in Downtown Isanti ... Everyone is invited

Food vendors are set up and stage is ready ... Rain is over and music starts in an hour

Killer Hayseeds Playing a Free Street Dance/Concert Downtown Isanti

Ad for the Killer Hayseeds playing a free Concert/Street Dance Saturday July 27th 7pm to 11pm, Downtown Isanti ... beverages and food for sale .... Everyone is invited

We received 34 applications for utility billing clerk by the deadline ... One step closer to in-house billing

Hosting the Killer Hayseeds July 27th 7pm to 11 downtown Isanti ... Free concert/street dance ...I will refrain from dancing :) ... Beer and food for sale ...

County Commissioner Larry Sutherland's DWI Arrest

I have received a lot of questions on this issue and here is the only statement I will be making:

Due to conflict of interest the City of Isanti will have another agency prosecute County Commissioner Larry Sutherland for his recent DWI arrest by a State Trooper. The County Attorney stated that the City was leading this prosecution in an Isanti County News story. This was not correct as we believe there to be a conflict of interest with the City prosecuting a sitting County Commissioner and the potential negative issues resulting from that. County Commissioner Larry Sutherland will be prosecuted by a prosecutor outside of Isanti County.

I thought this might be a good time to remind everyone also of the good work being done by Towards Zero Deaths ...

http://www.minnesotatzd.org/

(2/2) current and past Council Members ... Anyone telling you different is lieing to you

(1/2) Interesting to hear that nuisance rules are the Mayor's rules. The City Council passes all City laws. Nuisances have always been unanimous votes all

Main St west of 5th will be closed at 5:30 the rest of the streets along parade route will be closed by 6:15

Sunny and 80 all day and into this evenings Parade ... Another gorgeous day in the City I love

Isanti Parade starts tomorrow at 6:30pm ... Send me your suggestions for Mayor's Choice Float trophy 763-442-8749 or George@GeorgeWimmer.com

Governing

"Your representative owes you, not his industry only, but his judgment; and he betrays,  instead of serving you, if he sacrifices it to your opinion."  Edmund Burke

Isanti Area Chamber of Commerce Informer http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Your-Isanti-Informer-7-03-13.html?soid=1102467289425&aid=nuI2OV0jou0

Council tonight 7pm. Proposed smoking ban in all City Parks, In house utility billing, wakeboard check & doing business with Isanti rules

Council tonight 7pm. Proposed smoking ban in all City Parks, In house utility billing, wakeboard check & doing business with Isanti rules

More people have been signing up to sell at Isanti's Farmers Market ... 2:30-6:30 every Friday at Eagle Park behind the post office

We had a 10% job growth in the City of Isanti from 2011 to 2012 ... Lets get the job growth going

We need Mayor's Great Yard nominations ... George@Georgewimmer.com

Going over all the details of the Cambridge/Isanti School levy, it's simply a continuation of what we are currently paying, we must pass it

Isanti's new restaurant China House is having its Grand Opening Monday the 17th at 11am

City of Isanti Curfew is enforce from 9pm to 5am for all minors http://ecode360.com/12460820 parent's and minor's responsibility are explained

Isanti Family Farmers Market

Looking for more food/craft/misc vendors for the Isanti Family Farmers Market - every Friday's 2:30-6:30 $5 for 10'x10' stall ... contact me here or at George@georgewimmer.com or 763-442-8749 ... Please share this post ... we need to get the word out asap

Isanti Family Farmers Market Update

The City of Isanti has been working hard to re-establish a the Isanti Family Farmers Market at Eagle Park in Isanti.  Based on input from vendors, residents and research it was determined that a weekly Friday Market from 2:30-6:30 would have the best opportunity for success in Isanti.  The Farmers Market will open June 14^th.  We are always looking for new vendors and volunteers.  You can learn more about the market at www.isantifamilyfarmersmarket.org.

To successfully market the event it would be very helpful to have flyers for the events at local businesses.    Would you allow the Isanti Family Farmers Market to place brochures at your business?  Please let us know so we can coordinate the distribution of brochures.

Please share this information with your employees.  If anyone has any questions, please contact:

Holly Buboltz 763-444-5512 X or isantievents@cityofisanti.us

Summer 2013 Isantian Article

Our summer will once again be filled with great events at our soccer fields, Rum River BMX, Redbird Baseball, Vision Wakeboard Park, Rodeo/Jubilee Days, Farmers’ Market, Street Dances and many more. We have decided to bring back the Farmers’ Market and Street Dances under City direction to help market our wonderful downtown area. We believe it is vitally important to support our local businesses by attracting potential customers to our business districts. By the City offering these events, we accomplish this principal Goal of the Council at a reasonable cost. Please visit downtown Isanti each Saturday from 9am to 1pm weather permitting to support our new market and enjoy a free Street Dance on July 27^th and August 24th.

 

A few changes you will be noticing in the next six months revolve around a reorganization of some City services and the anticipated cost of new State mandates. First, we are eliminating the costly, inefficient and poorly handled customer service outsourcing operation that has been handling our utility billing services. We are bringing this under City control, which will save us money, offer better control, and provide a better product to our businesses and residents. The Community Center grant the City applied for was denied. This along with the failed referendum last fall has left the Council with the tough decision. The Council could still vote to fund the needed repairs and continue to subsidize the facility but that would be directly opposed to the vast majority of voters’ wishes last fall. The Center means so much to the numerous non-profit groups that have used it free of charge for years. The next item is the newly state imposed storm water regulations that we will be forced to comply with soon. This will add significant costs to the City, which is estimated at roughly $250,000. We are looking at a storm water utility to pay for this which is what most other cities have implemented. The average estimated cost would be $7 per month per home with businesses, multi-family units, empty plots and other buildings paying their equivalent share. These are very preliminary numbers and nothing has been approved by Council. A presentation on this issue will be provided at the 2^nd Council meeting in June. The State is also increasing the cost of our water and sanitary sewer operations due to higher fees and greater restrictions.

 

Finally, I want to share the City of Isanti’s 2012 Audit Report. The report shows how efficient and well run our City is when compared to peer communities. It points out that the Long Range Financial Plan I developed in 2007, and manage each year, has made us financially stable and improved our ratings in all categories through one of the worst economic crisis in our Country’s history. I have listed a few of the highlights below:

 

City Administrative cost 26% lower than Peer Cities

 

Public Works 39% lower than Peer Cities

 

Park and Recreation 38% lower than Peer Cities

 

Public Safety 5% higher than Peer Cities

 

Economic Development 380% higher than Peer Cities

 

Net debt per Capita down 40% in last 4 years

 

2004 to 2007 Taxes per Capita rose 49%, since taking office in 2007 we have lowered it by 10%

 

Net Taxes per Capita are now 26% lower than Peer Cities

 

Net Cash to cover Debt is up 220%

 

Cash on hand as a % of Budget is up 63% since I took office in 2007

 

2013 Budget is 14% less than the budget set in 2006 before I was elected Mayor

 

Liquor Store operating income has risen 160% since I have become Mayor

 

Our Long Term Financial Plan is working and with each change we make we have made City operations in all areas more efficient and have provided a higher level of services. We have more police protection, higher rated fire protection, safer water supply after building the treatment plant, more efficient and lower cost administration, great parks and trails, a growing business sector and the list goes on and on … we have so many things in the pipeline for our Great City that I am even more excited about serving Isanti as Mayor than I have ever been. Regardless of all the new State pressures and mandates, we will make Isanti as efficient and productive as possible. I look forward to all the challenges and opportunities we face in the years to come and hope to bring brighter days to all the Generations of our Community.

If you have any questions, concerns or comments please contact me at 763-442-8749 or email me at George@georgewimmer.com . You may also follow me and keep up to date on all things Isanti on Twitter at twitter.com/mayorwimmer Facebook at www.facebook.com/MayorGeorgeWimmer or my blog at georgewimmer.blogspot.com

We are looking for more vendors at the Isanti Farmer's Market ... Contact me at 763-442-8749 or email George@Georgewimmer.com

Stormwater Utility

The possibility exist that Isanti may develop a storm water utility as a means to fund the newly mandated state requirements - http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/water/water-types-and-programs/stormwater/municipal-stormwater/municipal-separate-storm-sewer-systems-ms4.html The City is also having to take back numerous "private" storm water ponds that were not properly maintained. The City Council in 2007 over my strong objections allowed developers to keep the storm water ponds as privately held property belonging to the individual homeowners. This would mean that all the home owners along a storm water pond would have to pay to maintain the system. That was both unrealistic and unfair. Unrealistic because without a homeowners association or other such entity this would not be feasible. The Council at the time did not create any enforcement to ensure these are were maintained. Unfair because a storm water system is the same as our water, sewer and road system. We as a whole should be responsible for the whole system. Homeowners are not asked to maintain the section of road in front of their home nor should they be asked to maintain a storm water  pond that is part of a City wide system.

The reason I would prefer a utility vs an increase in property taxes is that a utility would capture revenue from tax exempt properties making it more fair for all storm water system users as well as from platted but as of yet undeveloped properties. Another reason is if it is a property tax increase future Councils could spend these newly raised funds anyway they want. If it is a utility fee then it must be spent for that specific use and no other. Lastly it gives greater transparency as to where the money that is being collected is spent.

Why platted properties that have yet to have anything built on it? Well if there is a road and storm system that services the area that area should pay into maintaining that system. It would not be the same amount as a built property but anywhere between 10% and 25% of a residential unit equivalent. The system would resemble the follow example but remember nothing has been approved at this date ...

1 residential storm water unit would equate to 5000 square feet of impervious service ... assuming this is the average amount for a residential property in Isanti. Each residential property would be charged one unit price of say $7 per month equally $84 a year. A business, multi-family or non-profit entity that would have 20,000 square feet of impervious surface area would pay the equivalent of 4 residential units of $28 a month or $336 a year. A non-built lot that has all the infrastructure might pay 10% to 25% of a residential unit cost of $.70 to $1.75 to adequately cover the use they are making of the system and to help maintain according to the new standards.

This is again at the idea stage and a full presentation will be made to the Council the 2nd meeting in June. The problems driving this need is very real and urgently needs to be addressed. Many cities already have utilities established for storm water as well as other items like street lightening.

Our Press Release Regarding Last nights Train Accident

 

The Isanti Police Department responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a north bound BNSF train within the City.  The incident occurred south of Main St. approximately a 1000 feet.  

 

BNSF employees observed something laying between the rails and performed an emergency stop procedure.  The train did pass over the object between the rails, which was a person.  The person was identified as Chad Rolstad of Isanti.  

 

Officers from Isanti Police Department initially responded and rendered medical care to Mr. Rolstad along with Isanti Fire District.  Medical helicopters were not able to fly due to weather, the victim was transported by Allina Ambulance to Mercy Hospital and is listed in critical condition.

 

Assisting Isanti Police Department were Isanti Fire District, Minnesota State Patrol, Isanti County Sheriff's Office, Allina Ambulance, BNSF Police Department, and Cambridge Police Department.    

Isanti Family Fun fest May 18th

 ...go to http://www.bluebirdfunfest.com/  for all the details

I presented my idea to end utility billing outsourcing & staff chances needed ... Our Citizens & Taxpayers deserve better service

New state requirements on storm water management looks to add significant cost to our long term budget ... Oh all the unfunded mandates

The Council approved our plan to fund sidewalk and trails on South Passage, Railroad Ave and Heritage Blvd/County 5

We are taking a great step forward in public safety by building trails & sidewalks along County 5, South Passage & Railroad Ave this summer

POSITION OPENING

 

Community Event Planning/Marketing Intern (PT)

The City of Isanti is seeking an energetic and motivated student/undergraduate to assist directly with the planning, coordination, marketing and implementation of summer community events; specifically: street dances and the farmers market.  Minimum qualifications include: a second year or higher undergraduate student in event planning/hospitality/marketing or similar degree, excellent written and verbal communication skills, proficiency in Microsoft Windows/ Office programs, and a valid driver’s license. This is a part-time internship: 20 hours /week, for approximately 10 - 12 weeks. All candidates must be able to work flexible hours M-F and Saturdays. Hourly rate: $8.00 - $10.00 depending upon qualifications. Initial application deadline: May 8, 2013 @ 4:30 p.m. Resume, cover letter and application are required. For an application contact:  City of Isanti, 110 - 1^st Avenue NW, PO Box 428, Isanti, MN 55040; 763-444-5512; or web site: www.cityofisanti.us. Open until filled. EOE

Posted: 04-17-2013

Published: 04-24-2013 

Week of the Young Child

I declared This the Week of the young Child 

To all those trying to rename the Rum River and trails in the area Spirit River or Spirit River Trail please leave Isanti out of it

2012 City Audit Report

I want to share the City of Isanti’s 2012 Audit Report. The independent auditing firm of Abdo, Eick & Meyers LLP will be presenting the Audit at next week’s Council meeting. The report shows how efficient and well run our City is. It points out that the Long Range Financial Plan I developed in 2007 and manage each year has made us financially stable and improved our ratings in all categories through one of the worst economic crisis in our Country’s history. I have listed a few of the highlights below:

City Administrative cost 26% lower than Peer Cities

Public Works 39% lower than Peer Cities

Park and Recreation 38% lower than Peer Cities

Public Safety 5% higher than Peer Cities

Economic Development 380% higher than Peer Cities

Net debt per Capita down 40% in last 4 years

2004 to 2007 Taxes per Capita rose 49%, since taking office in 2007 we have lowered it by 10%

Net Taxes per Capita are now 26% lower than Peer Cities

Net Cash to cover Debt is up 220%

Cash on hand as a % of Budget is up 63% since I took office in 2007

2013 Budget is 14% less than the budget set in 2006 before I was elected Mayor

Liquor Store operating income has risen 160% since I have become Mayor

Our Long Term Financial Plan is working and with each change we make we have made City operations in all areas more efficient and providing a higher level of services. We have more police protection, higher rated fire protection, safe water supply after building treatment plant, more efficient & lower cost administration, great parks and trails, growing business sector and the list goes on and on … we have so many things in the pipeline for our Great City that I am more excited about serving Isanti as Mayor than I have ever been. I look forward to all the challenges we face in the years to come and conquering each new challenge to bring brighter days to all the Generations of our Community. 

Recent Tweets

Looking to launch Isanti Farmers Market first weekend in June .... Vendors needed $10 a spot will be each Saturday weather permitting

We need volunteers to help with the Farmers Market and Street Dances ... Contact me ASAP George@georgewimmer.com 763-442-8749

"Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren't." ~ The Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher RIP

Isanti Intermediate & School for all Seasons won 1st place for their "Pet Project" at Odyssey of the Mind ... Awesome job Isanti kids

http://www.facebook.com/MayorGeorgeWimmer … we are only 7 likes away from 300 on our Mayor George Wimmer fan page ... Go check it out and like it

Recent Tweets

Senator Michelle Benson, @SenatorBenson ,is hosting a public meeting for Isanti Fire District legislation at Isanti City Hall 6pm tonight

I have told our City EDA I want us to sponsor Street Dances, events and Farmers Market Downtown ... We need to market our Community

Last call for volunteers to serve on the Heritage/5 Aesthetic Committee ... If you want to help improve Isanti please let me know

City of Isanti residents don't forget the free compost from our City compost site ... Great material for your spring planting/gardening

County Rd 5 in the City of Isanti is now Heritage Boulevard by order of the City Council ... Will update on effective date of change

Community Center Update

We made it to the interview process in our grant application to help fund capital improvements at the Isanti Community Center ...

Rum River BMX of Isanti

Not only is Rum River BMX in Isanti one of the best tracks in the Nation, but their website is pretty darn good too http://www.ihigh.com/rumriverbmx/index.html …

Isanti State of the City

Isanti Area Chamber of Commerce information regarding my State of the City presentation March 20th http://t.co/Av7rCUxBfI

Stay Tuned

‎8 years ago I lead the fight against developers sucking our City dry ... It was a long 2 year battle. We can not go back to those dark days

2013 Arctic Plunge with Owls Mascot

2013 Spring Isantian Article

Another winter is passing us by, as we prepare for the weather changing into a glorious spring. As always in our town; other changes are unfolding as well. 

The first item we need to discuss is the request by regional and county emergency experts to change the name of County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 5 within the corporate boundaries of the City of Isanti. The need arises from duplicate addressing in the City and Townships along this corridor. Many of these addresses have been around for decades but with the growth in our region and the technology changes for how 911 calls are handled, these duplicates, along with the potential for many more in the future have required this adjustment to be made.  This has happened because township addressing and City addressing are handled separately. This could continue to occur as the community grows to the east due to the differing addressing systems used by various entities.  If we change the name of CSAH 5 then the house numbers would stay the same but the street name would be different, thus solving the problem. No one on the City Council wants to change the name but the safety concerns are far too great for us not to take action.

The next item I want to touch on is the 2013 City Council Goals as set by unanimous City Council vote. These goals are as follow:

Finalize decision on Community Center viability

Downtown Business Loop

CSAH 5 Aesthetic Standards (appearance issues)

City Website Update

Maintain Consistency on City Standards at all levels

Utility Billing brought back into City Hall

Continuing Economic Development to Diversify and Increase our Tax Base

The Council believes it is important to maintain and improve upon our City Standards to ensure a thriving self-sustaining community. We discussed the need to move forward with a number of planned projects that will help improve and diversify our tax base to ensure continued success of our City. Many volunteer efforts are underway to fund the Community Center and the success of these will help the Council make a final decision this summer on its long term viability. The Business Loop item refers to the concept we developed a few years ago, to have a continuous business loop from CSAH 5 to 1^st Ave NW to Main St to Credit Union Drive NE or Dahlin Ave NE. This would help create a critical mass of businesses that would ensure the long term success of our downtown businesses. Much work needs to be completed and full community involvement will be necessary to make this concept a success. More details will be forth coming as milestones are reached. Utility billing is currently outsourced and has been for decades. This approach however has resulted in increased costs, control lost and customer service lacking. We believe it is necessary to take direct control of billing for City services to ensure better service to our residents and business at an acceptable cost. Our City website has served us well to a point but is lacking in several areas and showing its age. We want to make the website more accessible to our residents and businesses and leverage its use as an economic development tool.

If you have any questions, concerns or comments please contact me at 763-442-8749 or email me at George@georgewimmer.com . You may also follow me on Twitter at twitter.com/mayorwimmer Facebook at www.facebook.com/MayorGeorgeWimmer or my blog at georgewimmer.blogspot.com

Arctic Plunge March 2nd

The Arctic Plunge is in 3 days ... I will be jumping for my 8th straight year ... Go to http://arcticplunge.com/ to learn all about it ...

Lots of complaints regarding snowmobiles trespassing on private property in the city ... Snowmobiles and ATVs are not allowed in city parks or on trails

Plows will be out shortly to do clear emergency routes then will be back tonight around 1 am to clear the entire City

Isanti Fire District will be training at 209 W Main Feb 1st, 2nd and ending on the 3rd with a house burn. Please use common sense in the area ...

Long Term Financial Plan

Year               Fund Bal

2004        67%

2005        53%

2006        51%

2007        58%

2008        65%

2009        77%

2010        88%

2011        89%

     I had heard the other day that I had inherited a a big fund balance and that I had nothing really to do with Isanti's tremendous fiscal stability ... I was elected Mayor in 2006 and took office in 2007. As you can see the city was burning through money during the boom times... as the Great Recession took hold we were actually adding to our fund balance which is our cash on hand as compared to our spending. We did this by cutting spending, my LGA Flip, efficient operations, economic development, enforcing collection of debts, enforcing ordinances, following our Comprehensive Plan/Housing Plan and cutting taxes ... this was part of my overall Long Term Financial Plan that previous Councils have repeatedly adopted to weather the loss of revenue due to property values plummeting. We will be drawing this cash reserve down over the next few years so we do not cut services or raise taxes. Facts are a stubborn things ... We have a good plan in place and we must continue to follow it to ensure our future success ... wishing things to be do not make them so ... hard work and discipline do

Isanti's General Fund Balance