I thought it might be interesting in this issue to look a little closer at who we are as a City. I have used information from the state demographer, U.S. Census and City facts. I also want to highlight some of the great events and groups that make living in Isanti such a joy.
Isanti is approximately 4.4 square miles with 34.54 miles of road, 22 miles of sidewalk and 4.5 miles of trails. We have 8 City parks, a soccer complex, BMX track, Skateboard Park, indoor ice arena, outdoor hockey rink, rodeo grounds, Redbirds baseball and recreational access to the Rum River.
Isanti has grown considerably in the last couple years. In 1970 Isanti had a population of 679, in 1980 it was 858, 1990 1,228 and the 2000 census had us at 2,324. Our current population, per the state demographer, is 5,485 living in approximately 1,550 households, 403 of which are verified rental properties. Our median age is 28 as compared to the county at 35.7 years and the state average of 35.4 years. Isanti’s median household income is $58,419 as compared with $55,802 for Minnesota and $41,994 for the nation as a whole.
Isanti has an estimated 125 employers with over 1,400 employees. Our largest employer has approximately 260 employees. Three of our newest businesses - Isanti Retail Meats on Main Street, Charisma on Highway 5 and Ever Cat Fuels in the Industrial park help to grow these numbers. The City of Isanti currently has 40 employees including the Municipal Liquor Store staff.
I now want to shift to our second topic. Isanti has a plethora of events and activities this summer that make us a destination of tens of thousands of visitors. Our biggest event is the July 9th through July 12th Rodeo/Jubilee Days. The Rodeo is a great fund raiser for our Fire District. To learn more go to www.isantifiredistrict.org. To learn more about Jubilee days and the best parade in the state go to www.isantichamber.com.
Rum River BMX has flourished the last few years. Isanti will be hosting the Land O` Lakes National Trials for the 2nd year in a row. The normal track races bring in over a 100 riders, the National’s bring thousands of racers and spectators to our City. If you get a chance take a look at this new Olympic Sport. To learn more go to www.rumriverbmx.com.
The Isanti Red Birds are a City treasure. The games are free to the public and the quality of baseball is terrific. If you have not seen them play, give it a try. To learn more about the Redbirds and their great start to the 2009 season go to http://hometeamsonline.com/teams/?u=ISANTIREDBIRDS&t=c&s=baseball&p=home
The Soccer complex is buzzing with activity each week during the season. Hundreds of players on game nights and even more during tournaments throughout the summer make Isanti a focal point of soccer talent.
My space is limited so I unfortunately could not cover everything but I wanted to give a brief glimpse of who we are as a City and some of the great things going on in Isanti this summer.
If you have any questions please contact me at george@georgewimmer.com or 763-444-7158 or my cell 763-442-8749.
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.
Showing posts with label Speeches. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Speeches. Show all posts
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Isantian Article
We have quite the year ahead of us. I want to first welcome our newest member to the Isanti City Council, Ross Lorinser. He was appointed to fill the remaining two years of former Council Member Duff’s term.
The City Council held its annual Goal Setting session and established the following goals:
We have a few items to complete on the LTFP and creating a reader friendly summary to communicate to our Citizens and Taxpayers. Increasing our commercial tax base is a key to our future development as a City. The Disaster Plan is a tool that helps us operate during crisis situations of all types such as a natural disaster but also if we lose key personnel. A new personnel policy is needed to deal with the many changes Isanti has experienced in the past few years. Having the appropriate policies in place saves us time and money in the long run. The City multi-model transportation plan is intended to make sure all of our transportation issues are addressed. This includes a road frontage system on the west side of 65, park & rides, integrated transit system linking to the metro, railroad and pedestrian uses.
The other major area I wanted to touch upon is the City’s budget situation. We should all be aware of the state deficit crisis and how it has trickled its way down to Isanti. The state certified Local Government Aid (LGA) payments have been cut for 2008 and the foreseeable future. Isanti has already dealt with an $112,000 cut at the end of 2008 and the Governor’s budget cuts a further $140,075 in 2009 and $292,591 for 2010. This lost revenue coupled with over $274,620.44 in delinquent taxes and $220,069.55 in deliquent special assessments makes budgeting difficult. The Governor’s budget balanced a $4.8 billion deficit which is anticipated to grow to over $7 billion so these numbers may get worse.
When a city is told the certified LGA amount they put that number into their budget. In past years Isanti would have budgeted the certified amount into the current year and the state would have paid the full amount to the City by the end of that year. With the state failing to live up to its obligation, twice in the past 5 years, it would be a dereliction of duty if the Council continued to trust the state’s ability to fulfill its responsibility.
In response to this situation I have proposed and the Council enacted a fundamental shift in how we use LGA. I call it the LGA Flip for lack of a better term. We are flipping the LGA ahead a year. To do this we have cut spending, increased the liquor store transfer and borrowed from our ample fund reserves. The loan will be paid back on a 5 year no interest term. This allows us to use whatever amount the state finally decides to pay Isanti in 2009 for the 2010 budget. This will be cash in hand and a true number to budget with. This process will forever eliminate the devastation caused by any future unalloment. The LGA Flip gives Isanti greater control of our budgeting process.
We face difficult times but as proven by our recently attained A+ credit rating our disciplined fiscal approach is working. We have already saved roughly $130,000 by leveraging our improved credit rating. Our service level continues to rise even in these challenging times. I look forward to the grand openings of our nearly completed economic development projects, Ever Cat Fuels and Isanti Retail Meats, which will provide dozens of new good paying jobs.
There is so much more to discuss but my space is limited. I hope to continue hearing from our Citizens and Taxpayers through email, phone calls and visits during my office hours.
If you have any questions please contact me at george@georgewimmer.com ,763-444-7158 or 763-442-8749.
The City Council held its annual Goal Setting session and established the following goals:
- Complete the Long Term Financial Plan
- Increase Commercial Tax Base
- Disaster Plan
- New Personnel Policy
- City Multi Modal Transportation Plan
We have a few items to complete on the LTFP and creating a reader friendly summary to communicate to our Citizens and Taxpayers. Increasing our commercial tax base is a key to our future development as a City. The Disaster Plan is a tool that helps us operate during crisis situations of all types such as a natural disaster but also if we lose key personnel. A new personnel policy is needed to deal with the many changes Isanti has experienced in the past few years. Having the appropriate policies in place saves us time and money in the long run. The City multi-model transportation plan is intended to make sure all of our transportation issues are addressed. This includes a road frontage system on the west side of 65, park & rides, integrated transit system linking to the metro, railroad and pedestrian uses.
The other major area I wanted to touch upon is the City’s budget situation. We should all be aware of the state deficit crisis and how it has trickled its way down to Isanti. The state certified Local Government Aid (LGA) payments have been cut for 2008 and the foreseeable future. Isanti has already dealt with an $112,000 cut at the end of 2008 and the Governor’s budget cuts a further $140,075 in 2009 and $292,591 for 2010. This lost revenue coupled with over $274,620.44 in delinquent taxes and $220,069.55 in deliquent special assessments makes budgeting difficult. The Governor’s budget balanced a $4.8 billion deficit which is anticipated to grow to over $7 billion so these numbers may get worse.
When a city is told the certified LGA amount they put that number into their budget. In past years Isanti would have budgeted the certified amount into the current year and the state would have paid the full amount to the City by the end of that year. With the state failing to live up to its obligation, twice in the past 5 years, it would be a dereliction of duty if the Council continued to trust the state’s ability to fulfill its responsibility.
In response to this situation I have proposed and the Council enacted a fundamental shift in how we use LGA. I call it the LGA Flip for lack of a better term. We are flipping the LGA ahead a year. To do this we have cut spending, increased the liquor store transfer and borrowed from our ample fund reserves. The loan will be paid back on a 5 year no interest term. This allows us to use whatever amount the state finally decides to pay Isanti in 2009 for the 2010 budget. This will be cash in hand and a true number to budget with. This process will forever eliminate the devastation caused by any future unalloment. The LGA Flip gives Isanti greater control of our budgeting process.
We face difficult times but as proven by our recently attained A+ credit rating our disciplined fiscal approach is working. We have already saved roughly $130,000 by leveraging our improved credit rating. Our service level continues to rise even in these challenging times. I look forward to the grand openings of our nearly completed economic development projects, Ever Cat Fuels and Isanti Retail Meats, which will provide dozens of new good paying jobs.
There is so much more to discuss but my space is limited. I hope to continue hearing from our Citizens and Taxpayers through email, phone calls and visits during my office hours.
If you have any questions please contact me at george@georgewimmer.com ,763-444-7158 or 763-442-8749.
Friday, January 23, 2009
City of Isanti Letter to the County Board
I am posting the letter to the County Board that the City Council sent regarding our concerns about the proposed Comprehensive Plan.
The City of Isanti has received notification that the Isanti County Board of Commissioners will be holding a public hearing on January 26th, 2009, on the Draft Isanti County Comprehensive Plan. The City of Isanti City Council has reviewed and discussed the proposed plan. By consensus, the City Council would like to express the following concerns and provide comments on the proposed Isanti County Comprehensive Plan:
1. In review of the draft plan, the charts and graphs; which are the basis for the plan utilize data and statistics that were collected in 2000. Isanti County, along with its cities and townships, has seen significant growth and development since this information was collected. The data provided within the plan no longer provides an accurate representation of Isanti County. For instance, on page 23 Table 4.6 Population Profiles, the City of Isanti has exceeded the population projections noted for 2030. As a result, much of the data provided within the plan is already “out dated” before the plan has even been adopted or implemented.
The City of Isanti had expressed this concern in a memo, which was sent to the Isanti Board of Commissioners on April 16th, 2008. It would appear that this particular concern has gone unrecognized at this point. Again, the County should consider and obtain more up-to-date information from other sources, which more accurately reflects the changes that have taken place within the County.
2. The City had requested a Future Land Use Map, which would show the proposed locations of the land use designations provided for within the Comprehensive Plan. The maps that were sent to the City would appear to be Existing Zoning Maps for Isanti County. As a result, the City of Isanti does not know where or how increased residential densities, commercial or industrial districts may affect future development within our expansion areas. In addition, the maps provided do not contain a key, depicting and clarifying what the various colors represent. The City also has concerns regarding the maps accuracy as they pertain to the City boundaries for the City of Isanti. Overall, it is very hard determine what is being represented on the maps.
3. The City continues to have concerns regarding the proposed density increases and the potential location of these increased residential density developments as well as the additional commercial / industrial development that is being proposed. As mentioned in the City’s previous concern memo to the Isanti Board of Commissioners, with increased residential densities, commercial and industrial development; there will be a higher demand for County services; to include, infrastructure, police and fire protection, etc. When growth and development occur within the County, everyone pays. City residents and businesses pay taxes to both the City and the County. Those living within the County, pay taxes only to the County. The residents of the City of Isanti will want to know what the County is willing to give to support the type of growth that is being promoted. The County needs to ensure that those individuals living within the City limits are not unduly burdened and required to pay for the additional growth and development of the overall County. The County must be able to ensure that it is able to pay, its own way, for the additional growth and development that has been proposed.
4. The City has concerns regarding how the Rural Service Centers will be administered under the new plan. In one portion of the plan, the “existing rural service centers will retain current ordinance status and requirements”; however, later within the document new standards are to be developed for this particular district. The understanding is that these areas are to expand and new uses are to be added. Where are they going to be located? What types of uses will be permitted?
5. The proposed plan would appear to have the sentiment that the Comprehensive Plan can be changed on a whim to provide areas for Commercial and Industrial development, on a case by case basis. While the market and goals of the County may change over time and amendments may be necessary, the intent of the Comprehensive Plan is to provide decision-makers and staff with a guide for making future development decisions. In many ways, the language provided within the County Comprehensive Plan would appear to allow outside parties to drive the future development of the County. As a result, business and commercial development could locate almost anywhere conditions seem warranted.
6. There is a section that focuses on Smart Growth, its definition, history, rationale, and principles (begins on page 32). This would appear to be more of a reiteration of information provided within a planning textbook. While this information is helpful, there does not appear to be a rational reason as to why it is necessary to be included within the plan itself. The City questions how the information actually shapes the plan.
7. Again, the process in which the plan was developed is rather disjointed. The land use portion of the plan has been drafted after the adoption of the Transportation Plan. The land use plan has proposed increased residential densities, rural service centers with different types of uses as well as expansion of commercial and industrial areas. Transportation and land use are intertwined. The City questions whether the transportation portion will be able to support the land uses and density ranges that have been proposed.
This point had been questioned previously, the response from the County in a memo dated 4.22.2008 was that “this comprehensive plan update references the preparation sequence of land use and transportation plans and the desire for land use to inform planned and future transportation decisions. It is anticipated that the Isanti County Transportation Plan 2006-2030 will require modification to respond to changes in land use.” Obviously, there are concerns that the development will take place without having a new transportation plan to accommodate such growth.
8. The County has proposed residential densities that could potentially double within future City of Isanti growth areas. This increase in densities will make it cost prohibitive for the City to extend utilities (sewer and water) within the future to these areas. Rather than trying to coordinate and work with the future development recommendation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, the type of development proposed by the County would appear to work against the City’s future plans.
9. Much of the information provided within the Comprehensive Plan will require amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and / or Subdivision Ordinance, to ensure that the County is developing in accordance with the goals and objectives of the plan. Will the County enact a moratorium on development? The County has spent a great deal of time drafting this plan. Rules and regulations should be in place to guide development in the direction that has been identified within the plan.
10. The City strongly encourages that definitions be added, which accurately describe and characterize the planning and land use concepts that have been presented and identified within the plan. In recent general discussions of the County Board of Commissioners concepts or words, such as “conservation easement” have been provided; however, there are various ideas or perspectives as to what is actually meant or intended by this term. Providing definitions or explanations for these terms within the plan would be helpful to those administering the plan, as it provides direction when making difficult land use decisions.
The City of Isanti City Council would like to thank the Isanti County Board of Commissioners for considering their comments and concerns regarding the proposed Isanti County Comprehensive Plan. If the Board has questions or concerns surrounding any of the comments provided within this memo, please contact Isanti City Hall at (763) 444-5512.
The City of Isanti has received notification that the Isanti County Board of Commissioners will be holding a public hearing on January 26th, 2009, on the Draft Isanti County Comprehensive Plan. The City of Isanti City Council has reviewed and discussed the proposed plan. By consensus, the City Council would like to express the following concerns and provide comments on the proposed Isanti County Comprehensive Plan:
1. In review of the draft plan, the charts and graphs; which are the basis for the plan utilize data and statistics that were collected in 2000. Isanti County, along with its cities and townships, has seen significant growth and development since this information was collected. The data provided within the plan no longer provides an accurate representation of Isanti County. For instance, on page 23 Table 4.6 Population Profiles, the City of Isanti has exceeded the population projections noted for 2030. As a result, much of the data provided within the plan is already “out dated” before the plan has even been adopted or implemented.
The City of Isanti had expressed this concern in a memo, which was sent to the Isanti Board of Commissioners on April 16th, 2008. It would appear that this particular concern has gone unrecognized at this point. Again, the County should consider and obtain more up-to-date information from other sources, which more accurately reflects the changes that have taken place within the County.
2. The City had requested a Future Land Use Map, which would show the proposed locations of the land use designations provided for within the Comprehensive Plan. The maps that were sent to the City would appear to be Existing Zoning Maps for Isanti County. As a result, the City of Isanti does not know where or how increased residential densities, commercial or industrial districts may affect future development within our expansion areas. In addition, the maps provided do not contain a key, depicting and clarifying what the various colors represent. The City also has concerns regarding the maps accuracy as they pertain to the City boundaries for the City of Isanti. Overall, it is very hard determine what is being represented on the maps.
3. The City continues to have concerns regarding the proposed density increases and the potential location of these increased residential density developments as well as the additional commercial / industrial development that is being proposed. As mentioned in the City’s previous concern memo to the Isanti Board of Commissioners, with increased residential densities, commercial and industrial development; there will be a higher demand for County services; to include, infrastructure, police and fire protection, etc. When growth and development occur within the County, everyone pays. City residents and businesses pay taxes to both the City and the County. Those living within the County, pay taxes only to the County. The residents of the City of Isanti will want to know what the County is willing to give to support the type of growth that is being promoted. The County needs to ensure that those individuals living within the City limits are not unduly burdened and required to pay for the additional growth and development of the overall County. The County must be able to ensure that it is able to pay, its own way, for the additional growth and development that has been proposed.
4. The City has concerns regarding how the Rural Service Centers will be administered under the new plan. In one portion of the plan, the “existing rural service centers will retain current ordinance status and requirements”; however, later within the document new standards are to be developed for this particular district. The understanding is that these areas are to expand and new uses are to be added. Where are they going to be located? What types of uses will be permitted?
5. The proposed plan would appear to have the sentiment that the Comprehensive Plan can be changed on a whim to provide areas for Commercial and Industrial development, on a case by case basis. While the market and goals of the County may change over time and amendments may be necessary, the intent of the Comprehensive Plan is to provide decision-makers and staff with a guide for making future development decisions. In many ways, the language provided within the County Comprehensive Plan would appear to allow outside parties to drive the future development of the County. As a result, business and commercial development could locate almost anywhere conditions seem warranted.
6. There is a section that focuses on Smart Growth, its definition, history, rationale, and principles (begins on page 32). This would appear to be more of a reiteration of information provided within a planning textbook. While this information is helpful, there does not appear to be a rational reason as to why it is necessary to be included within the plan itself. The City questions how the information actually shapes the plan.
7. Again, the process in which the plan was developed is rather disjointed. The land use portion of the plan has been drafted after the adoption of the Transportation Plan. The land use plan has proposed increased residential densities, rural service centers with different types of uses as well as expansion of commercial and industrial areas. Transportation and land use are intertwined. The City questions whether the transportation portion will be able to support the land uses and density ranges that have been proposed.
This point had been questioned previously, the response from the County in a memo dated 4.22.2008 was that “this comprehensive plan update references the preparation sequence of land use and transportation plans and the desire for land use to inform planned and future transportation decisions. It is anticipated that the Isanti County Transportation Plan 2006-2030 will require modification to respond to changes in land use.” Obviously, there are concerns that the development will take place without having a new transportation plan to accommodate such growth.
8. The County has proposed residential densities that could potentially double within future City of Isanti growth areas. This increase in densities will make it cost prohibitive for the City to extend utilities (sewer and water) within the future to these areas. Rather than trying to coordinate and work with the future development recommendation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, the type of development proposed by the County would appear to work against the City’s future plans.
9. Much of the information provided within the Comprehensive Plan will require amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and / or Subdivision Ordinance, to ensure that the County is developing in accordance with the goals and objectives of the plan. Will the County enact a moratorium on development? The County has spent a great deal of time drafting this plan. Rules and regulations should be in place to guide development in the direction that has been identified within the plan.
10. The City strongly encourages that definitions be added, which accurately describe and characterize the planning and land use concepts that have been presented and identified within the plan. In recent general discussions of the County Board of Commissioners concepts or words, such as “conservation easement” have been provided; however, there are various ideas or perspectives as to what is actually meant or intended by this term. Providing definitions or explanations for these terms within the plan would be helpful to those administering the plan, as it provides direction when making difficult land use decisions.
The City of Isanti City Council would like to thank the Isanti County Board of Commissioners for considering their comments and concerns regarding the proposed Isanti County Comprehensive Plan. If the Board has questions or concerns surrounding any of the comments provided within this memo, please contact Isanti City Hall at (763) 444-5512.
Monday, December 01, 2008
My Isantian Article
We have a few new items to discuss. I would like to congratulate Mr. Kolb and Mr. Kennedy on their election to 4 year terms on the City Council. I would also like to congratulate Mr. Duff on his election to the County Board representing Bradford Township and the City of Isanti. This leaves an opening on the City Council for 2009-2010; the Council will determine the best way to fill this vacancy at the first meeting in January. Go to www.cityofisanti.us for the complete election results of Mayor and Council.
The Council will hold a Goal Setting session at the end of January. I have high hopes for this meeting as it sets the Agenda for the next 2 years. The Goals we set in 2007; Long Term Financial Plan, 3 centering on economic growth and our Water Treatment Plant have all been great successes. We have been able to cut taxes and City spending in the last 2 budget cycles and will continue to work towards fulfilling our Long Term Financial Plan. We have grown existing businesses and attracted new ones to our City accomplishing our 3 economic growth goals which diversifies our tax base and should continue to allow us to ease our tax burden. Our Water Treatment Plant is being constructed and will be in operation by the summer of 2009, providing clean and safe drinking water for generations to come.
I will be presenting my agenda at the Goal setting session but more importantly I want to hear from you. I want the input of our Citizens and Taxpayers. If you have ideas for specific projects or overall goals of the City please contact me at George@GeorgeWimmer.com, write to P.O. Box 25 Isanti, MN 55040 or call me directly at 763-444-7158. I want your voice heard as we continue to move Isanti into a brighter future.
We face significant challenges in these tough economic times but we have developed processes to manage the home foreclosure issue and non-payment of taxes and assessments. Our process of handling the effects of home foreclosure is being hailed as a model for the region. From a high of 116 occupied foreclosed homes at the end of August we now have 74 in November – a 36% decrease. Our financial planning the last 2 years has allowed us to cut spending and taxes while developing healthy fund balances. This is important in tough economic times as we face the non-payment of taxes and assessments. We continue to work diligently to help existing businesses grow and recruiting new companies to Isanti. The methods we developed over the last two years to attract businesses brought us the recognition of the Economic Development Association of Minnesota when Isanti was awarded the prestigious Business Recruitment Award in June. The City of Isanti is well placed to handle the tough economic times we face.
I will be delivering the State of the City address at the February 18th Isanti Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon and March 7th I will be jumping at the Arctic Plunge on Long Lake. The Plunge Committee raised over $20,000 last year for Isanti Search and Rescue. One last item, don’t forget you can listen to the audio of past Council meetings by going to the City website and clicking the link.
The Council will hold a Goal Setting session at the end of January. I have high hopes for this meeting as it sets the Agenda for the next 2 years. The Goals we set in 2007; Long Term Financial Plan, 3 centering on economic growth and our Water Treatment Plant have all been great successes. We have been able to cut taxes and City spending in the last 2 budget cycles and will continue to work towards fulfilling our Long Term Financial Plan. We have grown existing businesses and attracted new ones to our City accomplishing our 3 economic growth goals which diversifies our tax base and should continue to allow us to ease our tax burden. Our Water Treatment Plant is being constructed and will be in operation by the summer of 2009, providing clean and safe drinking water for generations to come.
I will be presenting my agenda at the Goal setting session but more importantly I want to hear from you. I want the input of our Citizens and Taxpayers. If you have ideas for specific projects or overall goals of the City please contact me at George@GeorgeWimmer.com, write to P.O. Box 25 Isanti, MN 55040 or call me directly at 763-444-7158. I want your voice heard as we continue to move Isanti into a brighter future.
We face significant challenges in these tough economic times but we have developed processes to manage the home foreclosure issue and non-payment of taxes and assessments. Our process of handling the effects of home foreclosure is being hailed as a model for the region. From a high of 116 occupied foreclosed homes at the end of August we now have 74 in November – a 36% decrease. Our financial planning the last 2 years has allowed us to cut spending and taxes while developing healthy fund balances. This is important in tough economic times as we face the non-payment of taxes and assessments. We continue to work diligently to help existing businesses grow and recruiting new companies to Isanti. The methods we developed over the last two years to attract businesses brought us the recognition of the Economic Development Association of Minnesota when Isanti was awarded the prestigious Business Recruitment Award in June. The City of Isanti is well placed to handle the tough economic times we face.
I will be delivering the State of the City address at the February 18th Isanti Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon and March 7th I will be jumping at the Arctic Plunge on Long Lake. The Plunge Committee raised over $20,000 last year for Isanti Search and Rescue. One last item, don’t forget you can listen to the audio of past Council meetings by going to the City website and clicking the link.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Isantian Article
I write to talk about two important topics which affect us, the foreclosure crisis and upcoming Isanti summer events.
The City is taking steps to manage the foreclosure problem. City staff has compiled a list of all residential properties within Isanti that are in the foreclosure process. The city is monitoring the properties to prevent any blight, vandalism and other negative impacts to your neighborhood. You may assist us by monitoring your neighborhood. If any unusual activity occurs, please contact our Police Department at 444.4761, if an emergency 911.
We are taking a proactive approach to ensure that all of our property values are protected.Many of us live close to homes that are in foreclosure. I announced at the May 20th Council meeting that we had 101 residential properties in some state of foreclosure.
By taking actions to prevent foreclosed properties from sliding into disrepair, we maintain a healthy vibrant city that will be among the first to rebound out of the current crisis. I have attended mortgage foreclosure roundtable discussions with local leaders, community groups and state wide agencies.
The goal is to partner with numerous resources to help prevent homeowners from falling into foreclosure and helping those that are already there with counseling and options. The success rate for those that reach out for help is good.I encourage you to seek help if you are in need. If you do not know where to start, you are not alone. Minnesota Home Ownership Center at 651-659-9336 or http://www.hocmn.org/ is a good place to start. Together we will work our way through the current crisis to a better future.
Our excellent commercial growth will give us the tax base diversity to weather residential housing issues.
I also wanted to keep Isanti updated on summer events. The crown jewel of our summer of activities is Rodeo/Jubilee Days. This year, Jubilee Days starts a day earlier with the July 9th parade and ends July 13th with the Isanti Ambassador Coronation. The Isanti Rodeo Association in the past 31 years has raised over $900,000 for local fire and rescue activities.
The Isanti Redbirds are our hometown baseball team. Their schedule started May 4th and I will have the honor of throwing out the first pitch at the Redbirds' home opener on May 30th. Redbirds baseball is free to the public so I encourage everyone to catch a game and enjoy some hometown baseball.
On June 11th we have invited all our employers and their employees to a picnic lunch at 30 West Main Street to celebrate Isanti's heritage. I have declared the week of June 8th Isanti Employer Week. It is important that we draw attention to the nearly 1,500 jobs we have in our community. These include Faith Lutheran, which has been here for 130 years, Landmark Bank for 107 years and Isanti Hardware Hank for 93 years. I will be presenting our great businesses with Anniversary Awards. We will have local notables serving our hard-working employers and employees. Our generous business community will have donated most everything needed for the picnic.
I need to mention the exciting addition to our fast-growing downtown, the planned future home of Isanti Retail Meats. This project couples a local bank, Community Pride Bank with a local existing business, Isanti Custom Meats, to create a future cornerstone of Main St. I hope everyone has a chance to get out into the community and have fun this summer.
George Wimmer
www.georgewimmer.com
www.georgewimmer.blogspot.com
763-444-7158
763-442-8749 mobile
The City is taking steps to manage the foreclosure problem. City staff has compiled a list of all residential properties within Isanti that are in the foreclosure process. The city is monitoring the properties to prevent any blight, vandalism and other negative impacts to your neighborhood. You may assist us by monitoring your neighborhood. If any unusual activity occurs, please contact our Police Department at 444.4761, if an emergency 911.
We are taking a proactive approach to ensure that all of our property values are protected.Many of us live close to homes that are in foreclosure. I announced at the May 20th Council meeting that we had 101 residential properties in some state of foreclosure.
By taking actions to prevent foreclosed properties from sliding into disrepair, we maintain a healthy vibrant city that will be among the first to rebound out of the current crisis. I have attended mortgage foreclosure roundtable discussions with local leaders, community groups and state wide agencies.
The goal is to partner with numerous resources to help prevent homeowners from falling into foreclosure and helping those that are already there with counseling and options. The success rate for those that reach out for help is good.I encourage you to seek help if you are in need. If you do not know where to start, you are not alone. Minnesota Home Ownership Center at 651-659-9336 or http://www.hocmn.org/ is a good place to start. Together we will work our way through the current crisis to a better future.
Our excellent commercial growth will give us the tax base diversity to weather residential housing issues.
I also wanted to keep Isanti updated on summer events. The crown jewel of our summer of activities is Rodeo/Jubilee Days. This year, Jubilee Days starts a day earlier with the July 9th parade and ends July 13th with the Isanti Ambassador Coronation. The Isanti Rodeo Association in the past 31 years has raised over $900,000 for local fire and rescue activities.
The Isanti Redbirds are our hometown baseball team. Their schedule started May 4th and I will have the honor of throwing out the first pitch at the Redbirds' home opener on May 30th. Redbirds baseball is free to the public so I encourage everyone to catch a game and enjoy some hometown baseball.
On June 11th we have invited all our employers and their employees to a picnic lunch at 30 West Main Street to celebrate Isanti's heritage. I have declared the week of June 8th Isanti Employer Week. It is important that we draw attention to the nearly 1,500 jobs we have in our community. These include Faith Lutheran, which has been here for 130 years, Landmark Bank for 107 years and Isanti Hardware Hank for 93 years. I will be presenting our great businesses with Anniversary Awards. We will have local notables serving our hard-working employers and employees. Our generous business community will have donated most everything needed for the picnic.
I need to mention the exciting addition to our fast-growing downtown, the planned future home of Isanti Retail Meats. This project couples a local bank, Community Pride Bank with a local existing business, Isanti Custom Meats, to create a future cornerstone of Main St. I hope everyone has a chance to get out into the community and have fun this summer.
George Wimmer
www.georgewimmer.com
www.georgewimmer.blogspot.com
763-444-7158
763-442-8749 mobile
Friday, April 04, 2008
My Spring 2008 Isantian Article
I would like to welcome you to your new Isantian. The City of Isanti has been striving to improve communication with our Citizens and Taxpayers. In this effort we first reformed our City website, http://www.cityofisanti.us/, last fall. The new website not only provides a wealth of information to residents and visitors but has been a boon for economic development. Improved communication at all levels of government is critically important to our success as a City. I wanted to make sure our City quarterly news letter would be a part of this communication renaissance.
The Isantian has always provided good information to our Citizens and Taxpayers but has cost the City too much staff time and equipment wear and tear. City staff would compile, edit and copy the issues using the City Hall’s copy machine. The black and white Isantian would then be mailed out. I wanted to reshape the Isantian into an eye catching news letter since it does not matter how good the information is inside if no one takes the time to open it. The Isantian is now professional published in brilliant color to attract more readers. Now another main goal of mine is to be fiscally disciplined. We were able to accomplish the improved Isantian and save valuable staff time and money by selling advertisements. This allows us to showcase an excellent marriage of lower cost to our Taxpayers and yet provide a superior service.
I have received many questions about our exciting revolutionary technology driven Ever Cat Fuels bio-diesel project. To learn more please go to http://www.cityofisanti.us/ under press releases to view the Ever Cat Fuels Power Point presentation. With state media, the state legislature and Congress now jumping on board I thought it would be a good time to cover a few items. This project was a great nexus of Landmark Bank, Ever Cat Fuels and the City of Isanti. Kevin Johnson of Landmark Bank brought the project to our attention in March of 2007 and is the foundation of Ever Cat Fuel’s interest in our great City. City Staff, Landmark’s staff and I spent hundreds of hours working on making it a reality with numerous trips to the testing and small scale production facility, working with state wide agencies, funding institutions, answering local concerns and guiding the project through City committees and the Council.
Not only will we gain excellent paying jobs but Isanti will be put on the green technology map and will bring in thousands of visitors to the demonstration plant as the technology is replicated throughout the country and beyond. Seeing the technology in production I can confidently say there is no adverse smell or noise and there is no water usage in the process. My space is limited here so I hope if you have any questions you will contact me at george@georgewimmer.com or call me 763-444-7158.
The Isantian has always provided good information to our Citizens and Taxpayers but has cost the City too much staff time and equipment wear and tear. City staff would compile, edit and copy the issues using the City Hall’s copy machine. The black and white Isantian would then be mailed out. I wanted to reshape the Isantian into an eye catching news letter since it does not matter how good the information is inside if no one takes the time to open it. The Isantian is now professional published in brilliant color to attract more readers. Now another main goal of mine is to be fiscally disciplined. We were able to accomplish the improved Isantian and save valuable staff time and money by selling advertisements. This allows us to showcase an excellent marriage of lower cost to our Taxpayers and yet provide a superior service.
I have received many questions about our exciting revolutionary technology driven Ever Cat Fuels bio-diesel project. To learn more please go to http://www.cityofisanti.us/ under press releases to view the Ever Cat Fuels Power Point presentation. With state media, the state legislature and Congress now jumping on board I thought it would be a good time to cover a few items. This project was a great nexus of Landmark Bank, Ever Cat Fuels and the City of Isanti. Kevin Johnson of Landmark Bank brought the project to our attention in March of 2007 and is the foundation of Ever Cat Fuel’s interest in our great City. City Staff, Landmark’s staff and I spent hundreds of hours working on making it a reality with numerous trips to the testing and small scale production facility, working with state wide agencies, funding institutions, answering local concerns and guiding the project through City committees and the Council.
Not only will we gain excellent paying jobs but Isanti will be put on the green technology map and will bring in thousands of visitors to the demonstration plant as the technology is replicated throughout the country and beyond. Seeing the technology in production I can confidently say there is no adverse smell or noise and there is no water usage in the process. My space is limited here so I hope if you have any questions you will contact me at george@georgewimmer.com or call me 763-444-7158.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Isantian Article
Hello from the Desk of the Mayor
By: Mayor George A. Wimmer
2007 has been a transformative year for Isanti. We started the year with five Council goals, three centered on improving commercial growth, another on a Long Term Financial Plan and lastly a Water Treatment Plant. I am happy to report success on each front. Isanti has experienced two major business expansions and at least 15 new businesses opening their doors this year.
Main Street Revitalization has moved forward this year. I want to highlight the Qwest Expansion along with Bear Books and American Family Insurance. The Qwest expansion was needed because of our past and future growth. The Qwest building was beautifully built and landscaped to fit Main Street’s historic architecture. The new Bear Books store is a model of future Main Street businesses. Mark Rojas of Bear Books has created a wonderful book store and has gone the extra step of cross marketing with Rendezvous Coffee on Highway 5. This type of entrepreneurship is what makes a Main Street vibrant. Stop in and see his wide variety of books for all ages. Jaysen Guthmueller of American Family Insurance has moved to Main Street. He is the Isanti Area Chamber of Commerce President and has taken the lead on Main Street revitalization. He believes in it so much that he is buying the building he recently occupied on Main Street and being the change he envisions.
I want to highlight one of the new businesses which came to Isanti this year. Ever Cat Fuels is a project brought to the City by Landmark Community Bank. In March, staff and I started working on locating this cutting edge, green technology bio-diesel Company to Isanti. The partnership of the City, Landmark and Ever Cat is a model that has brought great results. High paying jobs, numerous spin off potentials, $5,000,000 facility investment keeping our construction workers busy, clean & green technology, are all reasons we worked very hard to make it a reality. This facility puts Isanti on the leading edge of the green and alternative fuels wave. Over 50 people attended the ground breaking December 6th along with representatives from Congressman Oberstar, Congresswoman Bachman as well as State Senator Olseen.
I have dedicated myself to increasing commercial growth so we can provide the products/services, jobs and property tax revenue needed to build a fiscally healthy Isanti. I look forward to an even greater 2008 in commercial growth.
This folds in nicely with the next success of 2007. Isanti was able to cut property taxes. Isanti faced several thorny financial realities. The drop off of development and builder fees along with a 21% cut in Local Government Aid made budgeting difficult. A Staff position was cut in Building Inspections. The Council did fully fund a Police Lieutenant position, a replacement patrol officer and the Community Service Officer position.
We held City spending level with last year. Keeping Isanti affordable through lower property taxes helps residents as well as attracting new businesses to Isanti. Commercial property pays about 50% more in taxes and uses less City services than residential property. The more businesses we attract the lower our taxes will go. My first year as a Council Member in 2005 our City tax rate was 74.21%. The levy for 2008 passed this year at 59.91%.
The last City Council Goal I want to update you on is the Water Treatment Plant. There has been a lot of planning and discussion on this topic. The Council approved the Water Treatment Plant and revenue source at the December 4th Council meeting. The plant is planned to come on line at the end of 2009 and providing water by early 2010.
I wanted to thank the Citizens of Isanti for letting me serve you as Mayor. There has been a tremendous amount of work this year to make our goals a reality and I have loved every minute of it. It is an honor and a privilege to represent our great City.
Please contact me at George@GeorgeWimmer.com or 763-444-7158 with any questions, comments or concerns.
Friday, January 05, 2007
State of the City
My fellow Isantian’s I am speaking to you today about our future. A future that is bright an exciting as it unfolds before us. We are at a pivotal point in our history. Isanti has passed the 5,000 population mark, expanded east of highway 65 and is working on a Comprehensive Plan for the next decade of growth. The decisions we make will affect not only us but the generations to come as previous decisions affect us today.
We must first be honest with ourselves and acknowledge past mistakes and endeavor not to make them again. Lack of planning, poor economic development, exploding city budgets and apathetic city government has left us many challenges to conquer.
The lack of planning and poor economic development has placed a heavy burden on Isanti’s tax payers. We must accelerate commercial growth in the next two years. Our small business community only generates 16% of our current tax base. Residential property generates 75% with another 5% coming from apartments. Growing our business community will lower our over all property tax rates. I will be vigorously working to bring in new businesses and helping current companies expand.
The City of Isanti paid to bring utilities and major roads to the east of highway 65 with an almost $5,000,000 bond. The promised commercial development has been slow to materialize. This is coupled with extensive road and brick sidewalk improvements to Main St in 2003 which more than doubled City debt. We unfortunately have seen a net loss of businesses along Main Street since this investment. This is a prime example of poor planning. An investment this large should never have been made unless it was part of a comprehensive economic plan to revitalize Main St. I was not on the Council at that time but sometimes we make the right decisions and other times we must make the decisions right.
As a new member of Isanti’s Economic Development Authority I will be calling for a comprehensive business development strategy for all of Isanti. This includes the current industrial park and all business districts focusing on Main St and the lack luster commercial growth east of highway 65. I look forward to partnering with the Isanti Area Chamber of Commerce in these efforts. Only through this process can we ensure greater business growth that will help lower all our property taxes.
Isanti’s City Budget grew by over 40% in the last two years. This unprecedented growth can not be allowed to continue in future years. A key problem has been Isanti’s lack of Long Term Financial Planning, (LTFP). One of my first acts as Mayor was to create a Finance Committee. I will be tasking this Committee, on which I serve, with creating the frame work of LTFP. The 1, 3,5,10 and 20 year budgets that will be generated out of this process will give every citizen of Isanti a view into the future of our City. The budget frame work will bring greater discipline to city spending. We will be able to prioritize city projects and expenses and properly plan for the first time. The Council will no longer make a spending decision without knowing how it will affect the current or future budgets and projects.
This is critically important when we are faced with several extremely expensive capital projects in the coming years. The list includes, liquor store expansion, industrial park expansion, city library, new city wells, water tower, sewer plant expansion, road improvements and water treatment plant to name a few.
We already have seen city debt person rise over 500% with our population increasing only 100% in the past 5 years. This equates to $400 in 2001 and well over $2,500 per person in City debt today. Our current city debt severely limits our options and adds weight to the need for LTFP especially considering no exiting debt is retired until 2014.
LTFP will also give us the frame work to lower property taxes and city fees. I will be working this year as I have in the past two years to lower property taxes. My first year on the Council, in 2005, I was proud to vote for an 8.7% tax reduction. In 2006 my 12% tax cut plan was rejected. I will again present a budget with a significant tax cut and hold the line on City spending this summer.
Economic growth, LTFP and lowering property taxes are the most important items of my agenda. There are other agenda items that I will also be working on in the next two years. These include the following; Tougher Conflict of Interest Policy, Residential Handbook, Safe Routes for Children, Safe Guarding Distinct Isanti Neighborhoods, completion of the Development Impact List, Board and Commission Reform, Environmental Protection, Traffic Mitigation and Mosquito Control.
I have asked the City Council to add several items to our Current Conflict of Interest Policy. This includes members leaving the chambers when conflicts arise and a one year moratorium on voting on matters arising from the conflict. This last item will end the practice of declaring a conflict one week and then after a specific transaction start voting at the next meeting. The added items will also make it clear that the conflict is not project based but rather person or company based.
My Residential Handbook will include the following:
· List of Pertinent City Ordinances
· List of City Fees and Taxes
· List of key Definitions including Easements and Right of Way
· Chart showing where your Property Taxes are Spent
· Copy of City Budget
· List of City Officials with Contact Information
· City Map with Government Buildings and Trails & Parks clearly marked
There will be other items added as well but I wanted to highlight some of the areas covered. This will be a communications tool to help all, but especial newer citizens.
Safe Routes has been a priority my last two years on the Council. I have fought for sidewalks along major road ways including county highway 5 and 23. I have made a pedestrian bridge across 65 a top project. I have also been a proponent for walking school buses. School District 911 does not provide busing within certain distances of school. Walking school buses can help provide greater safety for students at a minimal cost. I would prefer we offer safe busing everywhere but I also understand in tough situations we must find some alternatives to solve safety issues.
Isanti has a few remaining distinct neighborhoods, some of which date to the City’s founding. We must protect these areas of our city to ensure our history is not forgotten and provide a diversity that is all too often lost in cookie cutter development.
The Development Impact List will drive the creation of planning tools to calculate the impact of development. The planning tools will then dovetail into the short and long range budget and planning process. The goal of these tools is to bring a clearer focus to both the positive and the negative issues of our Rapid Residential Growth. It will ensure that future Planning Commission Members, Council Members, and Isanti Citizens will know the impact and cost of our planning decisions. The list currently includes the following:
· Road construction and maintenance cost
· Traffic impact
· Water capacity
· Sewer capacity
· Police protection
· Fire protection
· City staff time
· Park and trail maintenance
Board and Commission reform revolves around two key points, elimination of conflicts of interest and training for our members to ensure they are making the best decisions possible.
Traffic mitigation is one of the toughest problems for a growing city. We have tremendous growth and then seem surprised by traffic congestion. We need to provide and educate our citizens about alternating routes, establish more noticeable school zones and provide better pedestrian crossings of our county and state highways that divide Isanti.
I want to talk about environmental concerns. Isanti needs to look at opening up and changing landscaping and drainage standards along with developing a storm water ordinance. This could include varying landscaping or the use of rain gardens to help control water run off.
Permeated materials for driveways and parking pads instead of concrete and asphalt. We must seriously explore all solutions to our environmental concerns. Wildlife corridors and environmentally sensitive development will ensure a city that will be prosperous, safe and beautiful for generations to come. Once a structure is built it will in all likelihood never revert to an open area ever again. I believe being a good steward of the land God has given us is a sacred duty.
Seems like a long list I know. If we have the will and a Council that will act it is all achievable. We have a lot of work ahead of us but the reward is great. Our time is now. Seneca once said “If a man does not know to what port he is sailing no wind is favorable”. I know the port I want to sail to. I ask you to join me in the great journey we are now beginning.
We must first be honest with ourselves and acknowledge past mistakes and endeavor not to make them again. Lack of planning, poor economic development, exploding city budgets and apathetic city government has left us many challenges to conquer.
The lack of planning and poor economic development has placed a heavy burden on Isanti’s tax payers. We must accelerate commercial growth in the next two years. Our small business community only generates 16% of our current tax base. Residential property generates 75% with another 5% coming from apartments. Growing our business community will lower our over all property tax rates. I will be vigorously working to bring in new businesses and helping current companies expand.
The City of Isanti paid to bring utilities and major roads to the east of highway 65 with an almost $5,000,000 bond. The promised commercial development has been slow to materialize. This is coupled with extensive road and brick sidewalk improvements to Main St in 2003 which more than doubled City debt. We unfortunately have seen a net loss of businesses along Main Street since this investment. This is a prime example of poor planning. An investment this large should never have been made unless it was part of a comprehensive economic plan to revitalize Main St. I was not on the Council at that time but sometimes we make the right decisions and other times we must make the decisions right.
As a new member of Isanti’s Economic Development Authority I will be calling for a comprehensive business development strategy for all of Isanti. This includes the current industrial park and all business districts focusing on Main St and the lack luster commercial growth east of highway 65. I look forward to partnering with the Isanti Area Chamber of Commerce in these efforts. Only through this process can we ensure greater business growth that will help lower all our property taxes.
Isanti’s City Budget grew by over 40% in the last two years. This unprecedented growth can not be allowed to continue in future years. A key problem has been Isanti’s lack of Long Term Financial Planning, (LTFP). One of my first acts as Mayor was to create a Finance Committee. I will be tasking this Committee, on which I serve, with creating the frame work of LTFP. The 1, 3,5,10 and 20 year budgets that will be generated out of this process will give every citizen of Isanti a view into the future of our City. The budget frame work will bring greater discipline to city spending. We will be able to prioritize city projects and expenses and properly plan for the first time. The Council will no longer make a spending decision without knowing how it will affect the current or future budgets and projects.
This is critically important when we are faced with several extremely expensive capital projects in the coming years. The list includes, liquor store expansion, industrial park expansion, city library, new city wells, water tower, sewer plant expansion, road improvements and water treatment plant to name a few.
We already have seen city debt person rise over 500% with our population increasing only 100% in the past 5 years. This equates to $400 in 2001 and well over $2,500 per person in City debt today. Our current city debt severely limits our options and adds weight to the need for LTFP especially considering no exiting debt is retired until 2014.
LTFP will also give us the frame work to lower property taxes and city fees. I will be working this year as I have in the past two years to lower property taxes. My first year on the Council, in 2005, I was proud to vote for an 8.7% tax reduction. In 2006 my 12% tax cut plan was rejected. I will again present a budget with a significant tax cut and hold the line on City spending this summer.
Economic growth, LTFP and lowering property taxes are the most important items of my agenda. There are other agenda items that I will also be working on in the next two years. These include the following; Tougher Conflict of Interest Policy, Residential Handbook, Safe Routes for Children, Safe Guarding Distinct Isanti Neighborhoods, completion of the Development Impact List, Board and Commission Reform, Environmental Protection, Traffic Mitigation and Mosquito Control.
I have asked the City Council to add several items to our Current Conflict of Interest Policy. This includes members leaving the chambers when conflicts arise and a one year moratorium on voting on matters arising from the conflict. This last item will end the practice of declaring a conflict one week and then after a specific transaction start voting at the next meeting. The added items will also make it clear that the conflict is not project based but rather person or company based.
My Residential Handbook will include the following:
· List of Pertinent City Ordinances
· List of City Fees and Taxes
· List of key Definitions including Easements and Right of Way
· Chart showing where your Property Taxes are Spent
· Copy of City Budget
· List of City Officials with Contact Information
· City Map with Government Buildings and Trails & Parks clearly marked
There will be other items added as well but I wanted to highlight some of the areas covered. This will be a communications tool to help all, but especial newer citizens.
Safe Routes has been a priority my last two years on the Council. I have fought for sidewalks along major road ways including county highway 5 and 23. I have made a pedestrian bridge across 65 a top project. I have also been a proponent for walking school buses. School District 911 does not provide busing within certain distances of school. Walking school buses can help provide greater safety for students at a minimal cost. I would prefer we offer safe busing everywhere but I also understand in tough situations we must find some alternatives to solve safety issues.
Isanti has a few remaining distinct neighborhoods, some of which date to the City’s founding. We must protect these areas of our city to ensure our history is not forgotten and provide a diversity that is all too often lost in cookie cutter development.
The Development Impact List will drive the creation of planning tools to calculate the impact of development. The planning tools will then dovetail into the short and long range budget and planning process. The goal of these tools is to bring a clearer focus to both the positive and the negative issues of our Rapid Residential Growth. It will ensure that future Planning Commission Members, Council Members, and Isanti Citizens will know the impact and cost of our planning decisions. The list currently includes the following:
· Road construction and maintenance cost
· Traffic impact
· Water capacity
· Sewer capacity
· Police protection
· Fire protection
· City staff time
· Park and trail maintenance
Board and Commission reform revolves around two key points, elimination of conflicts of interest and training for our members to ensure they are making the best decisions possible.
Traffic mitigation is one of the toughest problems for a growing city. We have tremendous growth and then seem surprised by traffic congestion. We need to provide and educate our citizens about alternating routes, establish more noticeable school zones and provide better pedestrian crossings of our county and state highways that divide Isanti.
I want to talk about environmental concerns. Isanti needs to look at opening up and changing landscaping and drainage standards along with developing a storm water ordinance. This could include varying landscaping or the use of rain gardens to help control water run off.
Permeated materials for driveways and parking pads instead of concrete and asphalt. We must seriously explore all solutions to our environmental concerns. Wildlife corridors and environmentally sensitive development will ensure a city that will be prosperous, safe and beautiful for generations to come. Once a structure is built it will in all likelihood never revert to an open area ever again. I believe being a good steward of the land God has given us is a sacred duty.
Seems like a long list I know. If we have the will and a Council that will act it is all achievable. We have a lot of work ahead of us but the reward is great. Our time is now. Seneca once said “If a man does not know to what port he is sailing no wind is favorable”. I know the port I want to sail to. I ask you to join me in the great journey we are now beginning.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Response to Mr. Duff's Concentration of Power Concern Letter to the Editor
“A concentration of power”, sounds quite scary. Mr. Duff’s letter to the Editor makes an interesting argument that no Council member should be on an advisory board. Our friends to the north in Cambridge actually have their City Council as the Economic Development Authority. There are no non-elected officials on this Board.
The Isanti advisory boards that he is referring to are simply that, advisory. They have no power at all. They are to give their advice by majority vote to the Council, which holds all the power. If this were not true Mr. Duff’s own private pond initiative would have died in the Planning Commission were it was reject on a 6-1 vote, Mr. Duff being that one vote. It was presented to the Council the very next week and passed 4-1, were I was the one vote. If there is a concern of power concentration then the Citizens would need to pick the appointed members not the Council.
Mr. Duff’s Founding Fathers statement was a considerable leap. They created the Federal Government who’s Senate and House committees are made up completely of their own members. The checks and balances are elections. Not appointing someone else to do your job.
Any business owner or Citizen may attend, write a letter or provide information to any of our boards, commissions and committees.
Elected officials are responsible for their decisions to the voters. It is that simple. Boards, commissions and committees sift through the presented information and refine it down to a final recommendation to the Council. The Council then looks at their recommendation and makes a decision.
One of the many benefits of having a City Council member in this process is to have them report the details of the conversation and decision making process to the full Council. Elected officials have the supreme responsibility to the Citizens and taxpayers of a city.
I have a grave concern with conflicts of interest. I fought hard last year to remove Isanti’s largest developer from our Economic Development Authority. This is the concentration of power that causes me concern. Great economic power coupled with political power. The mix of the two can have terrible consequences.
This is the real problem in Isanti. I propose that the City of Isanti adopt the highest standard Conflict of Interest Policy and Practices presented. This would mean that if any conflict exists the member leaves the chamber until the discussion and vote are over. I would also like to see a one year moratorium on the member voting on any issue were the conflict existed. An example is if you have done business with a company, you have to wait one year after your last financial transaction to discuss or vote on their items.
The Isanti advisory boards that he is referring to are simply that, advisory. They have no power at all. They are to give their advice by majority vote to the Council, which holds all the power. If this were not true Mr. Duff’s own private pond initiative would have died in the Planning Commission were it was reject on a 6-1 vote, Mr. Duff being that one vote. It was presented to the Council the very next week and passed 4-1, were I was the one vote. If there is a concern of power concentration then the Citizens would need to pick the appointed members not the Council.
Mr. Duff’s Founding Fathers statement was a considerable leap. They created the Federal Government who’s Senate and House committees are made up completely of their own members. The checks and balances are elections. Not appointing someone else to do your job.
Any business owner or Citizen may attend, write a letter or provide information to any of our boards, commissions and committees.
Elected officials are responsible for their decisions to the voters. It is that simple. Boards, commissions and committees sift through the presented information and refine it down to a final recommendation to the Council. The Council then looks at their recommendation and makes a decision.
One of the many benefits of having a City Council member in this process is to have them report the details of the conversation and decision making process to the full Council. Elected officials have the supreme responsibility to the Citizens and taxpayers of a city.
I have a grave concern with conflicts of interest. I fought hard last year to remove Isanti’s largest developer from our Economic Development Authority. This is the concentration of power that causes me concern. Great economic power coupled with political power. The mix of the two can have terrible consequences.
This is the real problem in Isanti. I propose that the City of Isanti adopt the highest standard Conflict of Interest Policy and Practices presented. This would mean that if any conflict exists the member leaves the chamber until the discussion and vote are over. I would also like to see a one year moratorium on the member voting on any issue were the conflict existed. An example is if you have done business with a company, you have to wait one year after your last financial transaction to discuss or vote on their items.
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