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By Jon Tatting
jon.tatting@ecm-inc.com
Mayor Marlys Palmer on Nov. 2 presented a proclamation in recognition of East Central Regional Library’s 50th Anniversary, which is being celebrated this month.
According to the proclamation:
The library, established in 1959 by Isanti, Mille Lacs and Pine counties, became the second multi-county library system in Minnesota.
It expanded to six counties when Aitkin joined in 1964, Kanabec in 1967 and Chisago in 1970. The library now consists of branches in Aitkin, Cambridge, Chisago Lakes, Hinckley, McGregor, Milaca, Mille Lacs (Isle), Mora, North Branch, Pine City, Princeton, Rush City, Sandstone and Wyoming.
In addition, “the library plays a vital role in connecting people with the resources they need to live, learn and thrive in the 21st Century,” stated Palmer.
Financing news
The council certified $16,502 worth of delinquent utility bills and other municipal charge debts (more than 90 days past due) to Isanti County for collection with property taxes.
Involved are 16 individual customers for delinquent utility bills (water and sewer) and five businesses with debt on such things as mowing bills and fire calls.
In addition, the council approved write-off of $847 worth of uncollectible accounts, involving those with vehicles fires, waste handling, and sign and fire hydrant damage. The accounts will be or have been turned over to collection agencies.
“We have been fortunate to keep our uncollectible accounts receivable to a minimum,” noted Finance Director Caroline Moe in her report to the council.
The council also revised the 2009 general fund budget, reflecting a revenue increase of $252,368 due in part to higher-than-expected building permit revenues and higher-than-budgeted for Local Government Aid (LGA).
Yet the city also expects a decrease of $100,000 in tax revenue due to pending tax appeals on several properties.
Budget changes in spending plans reflect a decrease of $17,632 in general government and the following departments: pubic safety, public works, and parks & recreation.
In other action, the council...
• authorized hiring for a part-time transcriptionist position, to also assist with front office duties, at the Cambridge Police Department. Council members also assigned pay equity points for the position, which is expected to be filled and begin by Jan. 4, 2010.
• agreed to purchase a 2010 Crown Victoria squad car, quoted at $22,703, from Elk River Ford. The vehicle will not arrive until 2010, due to the demand of black and white cars, noted Police Chief Dave Pajnic in his report.
• appointed Councilwoman Lisa Iverson to serve on the Central Minnesota Community Land Trust Board.
• Tabled action on amending city ordinance regarding dog regulations/running at large issues.
• agreed to close various streets—along stretches of Second Avenue, Main Street, Fern, Elm, Dellwood, Cypress, Birch, Ashland, Third Avenue, Fourth Avenues SE and SW—in the downtown area for the annual Snowflake Parade, scheduled from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21. Questions on if this will affect you? Call city offices at 689-3211 for a detailed map.
• amended the city’s code enforcement policy by allowing city staff the ability to enforce city codes during site inspections/investigations. Past policy called for violation investigations to be primarily complaint-driven.
• denied a parking appeal request from the Henly family living at 311 6th Ave. SW in Cambridge.
• agreed to have city staff restripe Second Avenue SW, where it crosses the Rum River Bridge between city park land and just east of the Cambridge Campus, with a wider shoulder and narrower traffic lanes. A “Watch for Peds” caution sign may be added in each direction if the city desires additional signing.
— The next city council meeting will immediately follow the city’s Economic Development Authority meeting held at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16 at Cambridge City Center.
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