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December 20th Council Update

The City Council tonight discussed a number of different issues. I will comment on the Central Business District (CBD), school speed zones and the final city budget.

The final Public Hearing was held tonight regarding the CBD Revitalization. The City Council voted unanimously to create the Tax Increment Financing District No. 9. This financial tool will help bring a rebirth of our Main Street businesses. It is important to not forget about Main Street as we develop east of 65.

The Council voted to pass three separate school speed zones. These zones will go into effect when all levels of government give their approval. The zones include the Middle School, Elementary School and the new Intermediate School. The speeds will be reduced to 20 m/h during specified times Monday through Friday. I hope these zones will reduce accidents and give drivers further warnings that they are driving in the presence of children.

The 2006 City Budget was passed tonight on a 3-2 vote. I voted against this budget. We have a budget that includes over 30% of new spending. This includes the infamous $54,000 Administrative Assistant.

I once again argued for an addition of a Police Officer starting in July of 2006. This officer would start just as the new school east of 65 would start operations. This would also coincide with the residential and commercial development. Isanti has added only 2 new police positions in over a decade. This decade has seen an explosion of residential growth in the city. I shared the following statistics from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension with the Council comparing 2004 to 2003. Isanti County Population increased by 7%, Serious crime had a 22% increase. Vehicle theft was up 56%, Burglary increased 66% and Narcotics by 24%.

This is just a one year change. When the 2005 numbers are in I will share those with you. Isanti is expecting significant commercial growth in 2006. This adds a new dimension to policing. Our Police Department needs more help. We can not continue to expect top level protection when the Council decides an Administrative Assistant is more important than a safe city. Serious crime is on the rise. The decision not to include a new officer in this budget means 2007 is the earliest we can address this error of judgement. I asked Mayor Apitz, Council Members Johnson and Larson to consider these statistics before they approved the final budget. These three however preferred an administrative assistant to the needed police officer.

Housing Slow Down?

Read this story, http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=114051. This is more evidence we need to be careful in our budgeting process. There is a housing slowdown. We do not yet know how this will effect Minnesota, Isanti County or the City of Isanti. There has been a trickle of these reports in the last few months. If the housing industry slows in the county and city, property tax payers will be hurt. There are a lot of unknowns, this is why we need to be more conservative in our spending.

2006 Final Budget

The December 20th City Council meting will be the last time to discuss the 2006 budget. The positive includes a 7.81% levy rate reduction.

The negatives include a 30.42% explosion of spending. This is made possible by a 26% increase of Local Government Aid from the state, a 75% increase in development fees, and the increase in new homes.

The funds received from the new development and the state is “new” revenue. This revenue does however have a down side when every cent gets spent. This budget should have a greater property tax decrease. This decrease could then be used to help offset the 60% increase in the sewer and water rates. We need to understand that no matter if a cost is called a fee or a tax it comes from the same wallet. As many property tax payers are aware there is also what I like to call the hidden tax. This occurs when your home is valued higher and higher every year. You property tax rates may stay the same or be lowered but the total you pay could increase with higher valuations.

We are riding on a 5 to 10 year wave of rapid residential growth. This started for Isanti in 2001. We have perhaps 5 to 6 years left. If we continue spending at this rate Isanti will have huge structural budget problems in the years to come. Once a government entity gets use to spending it is nearly impossible to cut back.

We are adding unnecessary staff to the 2006 budget. I have continually argued against the $54,000 Administrative position to no avail. It does not appear there will be enough votes to improve this budget any further. I am proud of the influence I have had to this point but there is much yet to do.

The one area we desperately need a new position is the Police Department. Today we see another article in the Star discussing the Methamphetamine problems we face as a community. Our police department will have a 3 year period of no new officers. The Isanti budget has seen a total 47% increase during this period. Isanti has nearly doubled in the last 5 years. We receive tremendous work from our police force. We must stop over taxing our officers. The East 65 expansion and new school will add significant policing pressures on a force that is already over worked. We need to be serious about police protection.

The New City Hall cost went from an estimated 1.2 million cost including 1 million construction cost to a total nearing and possibly exceeding 1.6 million. This is a $400,000 cost overrun. We now have a request for even more expenditures. This has to finally stop.

I will continue my campaign in 2006 to bring our spending growth under control. I can not vote for this budget as it is currently written. I will fight for further property tax reductions and spending reductions in the next budget cycle.

I have already presented a reform measure for future development, the impact list. This is explained in the December Planning Commission entry. We need to have a system to track maintenance cost for city equipment. This can be used to evaluate the need to purchase new equipment and determine the life expectancy of current equipment. This tool can then be used for long term budgeting and planning. I will be detailing more of these tools in the months to come.
We have made some progress but the reform we started this year has just begun. Please atend this city council meeting.

December Planning Commission Update

The Planning Commission took an important first step in the Central Business District Revitalization Plan. We passed a resolution creating a Tax Increment Financing District for the CBD. I am excited about this process. This will direct resources to a vital business sector of Isanti. Main Street is the heart and soul of Isanti. Let’s keep working together to revitalize this city treasure.

The enforcement of the sign ordinance was discussed last night. I made my position clear that we have three phases in this process. First all businesses including the Municipal Liquor store must have the existing ordinance enforced equally. Secondly, I have requested city staff meet with concerned business owners to discuss updating and reforming this ordinance. Lastly the Planning Commission will need to review and make any necessary changes to ensure our business signage will balance the need to market the Isanti business community and our desire to have an attractive city.

The Planning Commission has been struggling to create an exotic animal ordinance. I would like to hear from the public what animals are currently in the city and what is considered exotic. We seem to agree that tigers and bears and should not be allowed in city limits. The issue we are concerned about is snakes and other exotics that have been banned by other model ordinances, but many people own. This topic will again be discussed at the next Planning Commission meeting.

We received an update on CITAC and I shared my concern that we need more Isanti City residents working on this issue. I also stated my great appreciation for the work that has been completed and gave my support to the ongoing effort fro long range transportation planning. This is not the sexiest issue but will have one of the greatest impacts on the development of Isanti County for Generations to come. I will be writing more specifically about CITAC in the weeks and months to come.

The last item I wish to discuss is my impact list to be reviewed when new residential or commercial development occurs. This list includes:

Road construction and maintenance cost
Traffic impact
Water capacity
Sewer capacity
Police protection
Fire protection
City staff time
Park and trail maintenance

This list will drive the creation of planning tools to calculate the impact of development. These planning tools will then dove tail into the short and long range budget and planning process. These tools will bring clear focus to the issues both positive and negative to our Rapid Residential Growth. This list will ensure that future Planning Commision Members, Council Members and Isanti Citizens will know the impact of our planning decisions. Together we are making a difference. I will keep you updated on the progress of these planning tools.

Planning Commission 12/13/05

The Planning Commission will be discussing CITAC, Sign Ordinance Enforcement, Central Business District, Exotic Animal Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan and Tier One ordinance regulation. Woodland and Anlauf will also be presenting plats for approval. This will be a busy and important night. I hope all concerned Citizens will come to this meeting.

School Speed Zones

The Council tabled action on the request for 20 m/h speed zones on County 5. We all seemed to agree to have the zones but wanted cleaner language and more information from the school on when the speed zones would be enforced. I also want to know the hours covered. This is important to train our police force and educated our citizens.

Many school days can run from early morning until late at night with school activities. We also have School for all Seasons. Many residents are not aware of a the year round classes. Another topic of concern is the new school east of highway 65. We wanted to have an all inclusive answer to the school zones. We will discuss this at the next Council meeting.

CITAC

CITAC was pulled from the Councils agenda last night. This allows the Planning comission to do its due diligence. Please read my past post, http://georgewimmer.blogspot.com/2005/12/december-6th-council-meeting.html, for more information.

I have requested all meeting minutes and work papers from CITAC. This will allow the Planning Commission to make an informed decision.

December 6th Council Meeting Update

Tonight’s City Council meeting covered the Fire District Agreement, Central Business District Public Hearing, Council Action on the possible litigation from Clark Construction and a gift from the Cambridge City Council.

I would like to thank the Cambridge City Council for their gift of an Atomic Clock for our new Council Chamber. They also extended their congratulations to Don Lorsung as Isanti’s new City Administrator. This shows the desire by both cities to work together.

We received an update on the progress of the Central Business District. The CBD is making excellent progress. There will be another public hear at the December 20th City Council meeting. After this public hearing Council will be asked to make the appropriate change in our TIF districts to allow for funding of the CBD.

The Council met in closed session to discuss the possible legal action from Clark Construction. This portion of the meeting is not open to the public and therefore I can not discuss it. After our closed door discussionthe meeting was reopened to the public, we voted on a compromise solution to the problem. We passed the preliminary plat with the following restriction. There can not be a structure larger than a twin home in this development. I did not want to have 4 or 8 unit buildings in this single family residential area. This is not ideal but solves the major issue of the rezoning of this area. Please reference my previous Blog posting for more details, http://georgewimmer.blogspot.com/2005/11/november-15th-council-meeting-update.html.

The last item is the proposed Fire District Agreement. As stated in my posting, http://georgewimmer.blogspot.com/2005/11/fire-district-update.html, I am opposed to the 1 vote per entity. Much of the discussion revolved around the personal relationships involved in setting up this agreement. This was used to stress that the City of Isanti has nothing to worry about regarding the expenditures of funds. This is a poor basis for a legal contract that must stand the test of time. The Townships and Isanti representation will change over time. I still strongly believe that a weighted vote is the only fair way to represent the interest of each Township and the City of Isanti. I was the only one that voted for this change.

December 6th Council Meeting

The Isanti City Council will be discussing the proposed Fire District and CITAC’s request for Council support asking the County to establish a Transportation Planning Entity.

I have detailed my position on the Fire District and will continue this discussion at Council. I direct you to my Fire District Blog entry.

The request of support for CITAC (Cambridge Isanti Transportation Action Council) is another issue. CITAC was created to encourage cooperation throughtout Isanti County. I believe this could very well be a good idea. The problem is that this did not come before the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission is the appropriate body to review and then recommend action to the Council. I do not want to see the City of Isanti give away more of its Authority. The Planning Commission is charged with making recommendations for the “planning” of Isanti. I will be asking why this did not go through the proper channels. This issue came before the Council in a “Last Minute” fashion once before. The Planning Commission and the full City Council should be given an appropriate amount of time to investigate this group's recommendations and their impact on the City of Isanti. We can not continue to take global actions in a snap decision manner.

The last item I want to discuss is the Central Business District. This is the Main Street area Revitalization Project. I am excited to be a part of this process. This Project will provide some of the tools to rebuild a thriving Main Street Business District. I will continue to focus attention and resources to revitalize this important Isanti Business Community.

I as always encourage everyone possible to attend City Council.

Comp Plan Kickoff and City Hall Tour

There will be a tour of City Hall on December 8th at 6:30pm. This will be followed at 7pm by a kicked off of the New Comprehensive Plan Process. Refreshments will be provided. I hope everyone that can make this important meeting will be there. This new Comprehensive plan will be Isanti's road map for the future. This meeting will last roughly 2 hours.

Playground Update

I met with superintendent Novak this morning to discuss the playground issue. The School District has started the process of getting quotes for equipment. I offered my help in this process. I also mentioned a number of cost savings that could help move this project forward. We discussed the steps moving forward and the Districts time table. I will be waiting to receive an updated time table next month. I will update you when I receive this information.

Playground update

Mr Novak, School District Superintendent, has extended an invitation to discuss this issue. I am working to set-up a meeting to resolve this issue. I will keep you updated.

Giving Thanks

I want to wish each and every one of you a Happy Thanksgiving. I am thankful for many things in my life. I am thankful I have no fear of want. I am thankful for my incredible wife, son and daughter. I am thankful for the privilege to serve the Citizens of Isanti.

I am also thankful for the people I have met in the 4 1/2 years I have lived in Isanti. I want to point out 5 individuals that have through their tremendous efforts made the Greater Isanti Community richer.

The first two are Irene Bauer and Jill Reller. Ms. Bauer has through her tireless efforts, at many different city positions, brought dignity, efficiency and grace to city government. Ms. Bauer’s most recent extraordinary service to Isanti was as Interim City Administrator. She often put in 12 and 14 hour days. This is government service at its finest.
Jill Reller has given her time and talents to many charitable efforts. Ms Reller can always be counted on to help those in need. She is truly a gift to Isanti.

I would like to thank the next three Grand Gentlemen, John Schlagel, Bill Carlson and Joe Crocker. All three bestow of their time, talent and treasure as if from a font of perpetual giving. Their individual acts of selflessness are to numerous to mention. I have seen first hand their tireless efforts in the face of almost insurmountable odds to better Isanti County.

These are but a few examples of the numerous individuals that bless our community. I believe we should take the time to thank the many people that make life better for us all.

Fire District Update

I am writing this letter to my friends and neighbors in Athens, Bradford, Oxford, Spencer Brook, Stanford, Isanti Townships and my fellow City of Isanti Citizens. The Isanti Fire Department is being transformed into a Fire District Department. This Fire District includes the previous mentioned Townships and the City of Isanti. I strongly support this transformation as it gives complete responsibility and authority to the Fire District.

The issue I have is the current agreement gives one vote per Township and City. This gives The City of Isanti 1 vote out of 7 or 14% of the total. This may seem to be a fair distribution of power, but it is not. During 2005, Isanti’s share of the budget was 28%. As Isanti grows our share of the budget will grow. I do not want to see the day when Isanti is paying 40% to 50% of the total budget, yet has no true control over how the money is spent.

This arrangement could see four of the Townships, with less than 20% of the budget contribution, control 100% of the expenditures in the near future. Currently, the four smallest contributors’ portion of the budget is 37%. This is not fair representation.

I offer the compromise solution of weighted votes in fiscal matters and a 1 vote per entity for all other matters. This would mean in the current situation the City of Isanti, which pays 28% of the budget, would have 28 votes out of 100 for fiscal matters whereas Oxford Township, which pays 2.37% of the budget, would receive 2 votes. During a vote for Fire Chief or other officers, each entity would receive one vote each.

We must reach a fair and flexible agreement that will stand the test of time. I, as a representative of the Citizens of Isanti, must make sure Isanti does not lose authority over its expenditures. The proposed agreement mandates that each entity must levy taxes to pay their share of the expenses. This is fair so long as each entity has proper representation regarding expenditures. The proposed Fire District is to be discussed at the individual Township and City Council Meetings. The proposal is intended to go into effect January 1, 2006. It is critical every member of the Fire District has authority that is equal to their financial responsibility. I will not support this agreement as written.

Thank you for your time and if you have any questions or comments please contact me at 763-444-7158 or george.wimmer@genesiswireless.us.

November 15th Council Meeting Update

Last night’s Council Meeting had two contentious topics of debate.

The first was the street improvement Public Hearing. The controversy revolved around the Richard Avenue neighborhood. Sewer improvement, sidewalks and the extension of Richard to Main Street were proposed. The sewer improvement is needed to replace old clay sewer lines that have the potential to breakdown. The other two issues however would destroy the character of this tranquil community.

This neighborhood and several others in this section of Isanti were originally designed to a rural standard. This means the roads are narrower than normal city streets. This section of town also has beautiful mature tree growth. Side walks would erode away the usable land of each home owner. The sidewalks would also have the potential of destroying current trees. If some of the trees are saved, their root systems have a chance to destroy the sidewalks. I was able to successfully argue that sidewalks were not needed in this neighborhood.

The last issue is the extension of Richard to Main Street. This has the potential in the coming years to add a heavy traffic load through Richard’s narrow street. The potential of increased traffic is created with the possible Hotel construction and other businesses locating at the east end of Main Street. I am hopeful this needed development will occur. I am against the connection of Richard and the extra traffic this development will cause these residents. Richard loops to a Highway 65 access. People will naturally flow to the easy 65 exit.

I ask my fellow Council members to rethink their decision to extend Richard. We need to keep unique neighborhoods in tact. We have a great deal of new cookie cutter construction. Let’s keep some of Isanti’s distinct character alive for future generations to enjoy.

The second controversial topic was the proposed Clark Construction project west of Fifth Avenue and south of Spirit Brook. This area had been previously zoned R2 single family homes. Unfortunately the City Council on a vote of 2-1 approved a rezone to R3. This puts the possibility of 8 unit buildings in an area of single family homes. The rezone was requested by Clark Construction to maximize the lands value.

I have voted against the rezone of this project twice---once at Planning Commission and once in City Council. I voted against the preliminary plat twice----once at Planning Commission and once in City Council. This type of housing is not compatible with single family homes.

The issue came at last nights Council Meeting when Mr. Clark had his Attorney lecture the Council on how we had to vote for this project or face legal action we would surely lose. I was disgusted by this strong arm tactic. I will not allow my vote to be coerced in such a fashion. I have and always will vote my conscience. I can not allow the threat of legal action take the City Council’s Sovereignty away.

The final vote was 2-2 which means the proposed plat failed to be approved. Council Member Kennedy and I voted against and Council Members Johnson and Larson voted in favor. Mayor Apitz had a conflict of interest and had to abstain.

The Council heard an update on the Central business District Revitalization Project. This project is near and dear to my heart. This district encompasses the area in and around Main Street. This project has the potential to transform this district into a thriving business community. Main Street is the heart of Isanti. We need to maintain a strong commitment to rebuilding the business community along this corridor.

The last item I wish to discuss is the proposed Fire District. I am in favor of this action so long as Isanti receives the appropriate amount of votes on the governing body. If Isanti’s Taxpayers pay 25% of the cost then Isanti should receive 25% of the votes. This will be discussed at the next Fire Board Public Meeting Thursday November 17th.

I will as always update you on these issues.

November 15 City Council Meeting

The City Council will be holding a Public Hearing on the proposed 2006 street repairs. This is an important meeting. If you have received notification of a street repair in your neighborhood you should attend this meeting.

We will also be discussing the realignment of Credit Union Drive. This is another instance of past poor city planning. Credit Union drive has two almost 90 degree curves. If this road is straightened is can also be link across 5. The issue again is the rights of the land owners the proposed route would take. The Credit Union has asked for compensation for this realignment. The road which now passes to the east of the credit union would be moved to the west. The buildings entire orientations will be 180 degrees in the wrong direction.

The Council will discuss the driveway width ordnance. The proposed ordnance would allow driveways to be a maximum of 30 feet at the road. The current ordnance states 20 feet. The city of Isanti has had one of the most restrictive ordnances in the area. I have heard from a wide range of citizens including seniors and those with boats that need a larger entrance to their 3 car garages. All agree that widening the driveway would allow for easier access. This is the first of what will be many ordnances reforms coming from the Planning Commission.

The Fire Board which helps operate the City of Isanti Fire Department has proposed Fire District Joint Powers agreement with the City of Isanti and the Townships of Bradford, Stanford, Athens, Spencer Brook, Oxford and Isanti. I just received this information on November 10th. The general concept I think is a good one. The current agreement leaves the City of Isanti with the liability of the Fire Department without proper authority. The details of the proposed Joint Powers agreement however have a long way to go. I will discuss one in this posting and will detail more as the agreement develops.

The main issue is proper representation. I will strongly fight to have the percentage of votes equate with the percentage of funds paid. This means if the City of Isanti pays 25% of the budget then Isanti has 25% of the votes. The proposed agreement gives one vote to the City and one vote to each of the 6 Townships. This is not fair to the taxpayers of Isanti. This will be an evolving process to reach a proper agreement. I will as always keep you updated.

Alarming news from School District 911

On October 25th the Isanti Park and Recreation Board was informed of the decision by School District 911 that a playground was not to be built at the new school in Isanti. The School district had committed to building this last year. Superintendent Novak approached Isanti City staff with a request to build this playground. This was part of the bonding issue that was approved last year. Mr. Novak stated that increased construction cost led to the removal of the playground.

This was discussed at the October Park and Recreation Board meeting. The board instructed staff to ask Superintendent Novak to provide us with the proposed playground equipment cost. The board discussed several options including a community build to lower cost. We also wanted to know what else was cut from the District’s budget. We did not feel it is proper to pay School District expenses with City of Isanti funds. We have an obligation to protect the interest of our citizens. A deadline of November 16th has been set for a response to our questions.

The City of Isanti did not require any park land dedication from the Sun Prairie development because of this commitment. Last fall the School District made the City of Isanti blindly commit to having sewer and water connections to the new school location by 2006. The City of Isanti is fulfilling its commitment and yet District 911 is not living up to theirs.

I am angry that the City of Isanti was not asked to partake in the cost cutting process since it has such a dramatic effect on City Planning. As a partner with the School District, I believe these arbitrary actions will lead to further anxiety in the relationship between the Citizens of Isanti and District 911.

Bombarded with information on the growing obesity epidemic in school age children, I find it hard to fathom how this School District would eliminate this exercise option from our children. I am extremely angry with this decision. This playground would have fulfilled the park requirement in the comprehensive plan — which affects the area south of 5 and east of 65. I don’t believe it’s fair that the Citizens of Isanti must bare the cost of this School District expense.

As always, I will keep you updated.

Planning Commission

We will be meeting for the last time in the old City Hall tonight. The Planning Commission will be discussing the important issue of Tier One Ordnances. Tier One is the territory that surrounds the City of Isanti that has been designated for future City limit expansion. The City of Isanti has zoning control of this land.

The issue arises when Isanti tries to develop ordnances that regulate behavior and establish precedent. We had an issue recently when a dog daycare and training business in Tier One applied for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). This business did not meet the requirements for such a permit from Isanti County. The City of Isanti has no ordnance regulating this type of business.

Since this property is in Tier One the landowner applied for a CUP from Isanti. This was denied by the Planning Commission and City Council. However, this process did reveal the underlining weakness. The City of Isanti appears to be able to approve such a CUP but has no mechanism to enforce existing noise and nuisance ordnances in Tier One.

This brings us to the current need to establish a policy of enforcement in Tier One. This will be a long involved process that requires both County and City officials to work together in a collaborative manner.

The Planning Commission will be receiving an update at tonight’s meeting. I would like to hear from anyone interested in this issue.

Rapid Residential Growth

The sewer and water rates are the first indication of the high cost of rapid residential growth. I have been successful in driving property taxes lower but the 7.81% reduction is only a fraction of the increased sewer and water rates.

The water and sewer rates had to rise to cover the ill-advised partial rate reduction last year and new city growth. I continue to stress that new developments pay for themselves. Current city tax payers should not subsidized new growth.

We must always ask how any new development will affect Isanti’s tax base and City Budget.

The new development impacts the following:

Road construction and maintenance
Traffic impact
Water capacity
Sewer capacity
Police protection
Fire protection
City staff time
Park and trail maintenance

These are just an example of all the cost associated with growth. If this is properly understood and budgeted, then Isanti will be successful. We must also bring in new development that only improves Isanti.

We can not continue to destroy neighborhoods to benefit new development. Hillock Court is only one example of an existing neighborhood being irreversibly altered to the financial benefit of a developer.

I will, in my capacity on the Planning Commission and City Council, make sure we have answers to all these questions. A majority of the City Council however must make the correct decisions.
Development must pay for itself.