Winter Activities to Get Out & Enjoy The Outdoors this Season - Winter 2021
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Page 2 Letter from the Mayor Residents of Isanti, This has been a fantastic year; full of exciting opportunities for the City of Isanti. The City is growing and will continue to do so over the next few years. The average house and property values continue to rise within our great city. The City invites all residents to look at City ordinanc- es even if you have in the past, some of these ordinances have been changed/updated this past year for the City to become a bit friendlier to its residents. Here are some of our amazing achievements and projects © North 65 Chamber completed this year: • 12,000 sq. ft. new liquor store. We seek to gain 12% market share and grow total revenues by 50% within the first 3 full years of operation. Mayor The revenue captured reduces taxes that would otherwise be passed Liquor store staff and City partners cut the ribbon to officially open the Jeff Johnson onto residents. new Isanti Municipal Liquor Store at 10 6th Ave SE. • Main Street was reconstructed from Whiskey Road to 4th Ave NW. • Eagle Park was modified to add more green space to the Downtown area. City Meeting Dates • Bluebird Amphitheater is a 40’x19’venue able to be rented for concerts, private parties and other community events. All meetings are held at • Well 2 had extensive rehabilitation to pull out 300 cubic yds of sand and a rebuild, making it reliable for another 20 years. City Hall: • With the sale of the Police Department facility to the Isanti Fire District, the PD plans to have a new facility they will make 110 1st Ave NW their home in mid to late 2022. • Chickens, racing pigeons and bees are now permitted animals within City limits. City Council • Implementing technology for efficiency and new capabilities, water meters will be replaced in all homes and businesses in 2022. 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the • Reduced Sewer, Water and Stormwater rates until the end of 2023. month at 7:00p.m.* • The 3rd phase for Legacy Pines was approved in the fall of 2020 and included 94 single family lots. This 3rd addition was developed in three phases (Phase One – 28 lots; Phase Two – 32 lots; Phase Three – 34 lots). Overall 167 lots were platted. City Council • Fairway Greens North has been approved for 167 single family lots. They will be platting and developing in phases. Phase I Committee of the Whole includes 56 lots and the passive park. Held at 5:00p.m. prior to the • Fairway Greens South has been approved for 45 single family lots. 2nd City Council meeting of • Heritage Estates is finishing up development of 50 small lot single family homes. the month* • Villages on the Rum 6th addition was approved for 16 lots and only has 2 remaining. • Bank Site Development which is approximately 16 acres has be rezoned from General Commercial to Low Density Residen- tial with the anticipation of a single family residential development. Economic Development Shovel Ready Sites: Authority • 10 acres has been sold to Wolf River Electric to relocate their current office/warehouse. They have received Site plan 1st Tuesday of the month approval and are working on building permit plans. immediately following the • 5 acres has been sold to BP metals. They are a manufacturer relocating to Isanti from Blaine. City Council meeting* • 2.5 acres has been sold to Special Tools, Inc. • The current liquor store has been sold to Nick & Drews Discount food. Planning Commission • Isanti Family Dental is building their new dental office on Cherrywood Lane (in between Family Dollar and McDonalds) and 3rd Tuesday of the month will be moving out of their current space into this new location with 1800 sq. ft. of lease space available. immediately following the • Caribou Up North completed construction on the corner of Main and 5th. • Serenity Circle Counseling has completed their new office building downtown. City Council meeting* • 102 Dahlin has been sold to Rockstad Relics & Wares Co to relocate their business from the space they lease in town. They will be providing other retail space to lease in their new building. Parks, Recreation and • Total YTD permits is 791. YTD residential building permits is 72. Culture Board The snow is upon us in the beautiful City of Isanti with some frigid days as well. With the cold weather brings fresh new 4th Tuesday of the month at ideas as the Council will hold a Goal Setting session at the end of January, like it does every year. We have high hopes for 6:00p.m.* this meeting as it sets the objectives and direction for 2022 and beyond. This year we have tackled large issues and have been successful in moving forward and in a positive direction. Changes to meetings and special meetings will be The Council and I will be presenting ideas for the Goal Setting objectives. But more importantly, if you have ideas for posted on the city website specific projects or overall goals of the City, I want your voice heard and would love your input as our residents and and at City Hall. taxpayers. I grow more and more fond of this great City each and every day. I am humbled by the great strides we have made and will continue to make for you all in the years to come as we continue to move Isanti into a brighter future. If *Subject to change there are any questions, comments, suggestions, or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me ANYTIME at jeffjohnson@isantimayor.com or call me via cell 612-236-7513. I hope everyone has a safe and fun winter!
Page 3 City Offices & Staff Directory City Council Members Mayor Jeff Johnson 612-236-7513 jeffjohnson@isantimayor.com City Hall Council Member Paul Bergley 763-377-2209 paulmb60@gmail.com 110 1st Ave NW Council Member Dan Collison 763-444-4298 djcollison@msn.com PO Box 428 Council Member Jimmy Gordon 763-587-5633 jimmy.gordon20@yahoo.com Isanti, MN 55040 Council Member Steve Lundeen 612-203-8957 sdlundeen@yahoo.com 763-444-5512 Isanti@CityofIsanti.us www.CityofIsanti.us City Staff City Hall Hours: Administration City Administrator Josi Wood jwood@cityofisanti.us Monday, Wednesday, Human Resources Director Katie Grotte kgrotte@cityofisanti.us Friday City Clerk Jaden Strand jstrand@cityofisanti.us 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Public Services Tuesday, Thursday Public Services Director Matt Sylvester msylvester@cityofisanti.us 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Police Department @CityofIsanti Police Chief Travis Muyres tmuyres@cityofisanti.us Community Development Community Development Director Stephanie Hillesheim shillesheim@cityofisanti.us Community Development Specialist Ryan Saltis rsaltis@cityofisanti.us Building Official Matt Small buildingofficial@cityofisanti.us Permit Technician Candy Conrad permits@cityofisanti.us Police 401 1st Ave N Municipal Liquor Store Isanti, MN 55040 Liquor Store Manager Keith Lusk klusk@cityofisanti.us Non-Emergency 763-444-4761 Finance Emergency 911 Finance Director Michael Betker mbetker@cityofisanti.us After Hours 763-689-2141 Parks, Recreation & Culture Parks, Recreation & Events Coordinator Alyssa Olson isantiparks@cityofisanti.us @IsantiPD City Hall will be closed for observance of the following Public Works holidays: 763-444-0459 ADVERTISE HERE! December 23 & 24 - If you are interested in advertising your business in Christmas Eve, Christmas (Observed) Municipal the Isantian, please contact: December 31 - New Years Day Liquor Store IsantiParks@CityofIsanti.us. NEW LOCATION! (Observed) 10 6th Ave SE Isanti, MN 55040 January 17 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day 763-444-5063 @IsantiMunicipalLiquor February 21 - President’s Day
Page 4 Parks, Recreation & Culture City Parks The City of Isanti Parks, Recreation & Culture team organizes community events and family programs Academy Park throughout the year. Most activities are FREE to enjoy, and provide fun and engaging ways for kids and 6th Avenue Court NE adults of all ages to get out of the house to explore our City with members of our local community. Details about upcoming programs can be found at CityofIsanti.us. If you have an idea for a future Bluebird Park 201 Isanti Parkway NW program or would like to connect about ways to get involved, contact IsantiParks@CityofIsanti.us. Eagle Park Get Ready for Christmas with FREE Broadway St SW & Short St activities at the Isanti Community Center! Isanti Hills Neighborhood Park 518 Dogwood Street SW December 10 4:30pm-9pm Legacy Park 1043 Bellaire Boulevard Mattson Park Photos with Santa 311 5th Avenue NW Holiday Crafts Hot Cocoa & Cookies Santa Claus Riverside Park 503 Rum River Drive NW is Coming to Town River Bluff Preserve 1111 Rum River Drive SW 4:30-6:30PM Rum River Meadows Park 1108 South Passage SW Unity Park 420 3rd Avenue NW Plus... MOVIE NIGHT Whisper Ridge Park 795 3rd Avenue SW Non City Parks Sanbrook Golf Course 1261 Heritage Boulevard NE Jingle All the Way Movie starts at 7pm Key Basket- Dog Softball Doors open at 6:30pm ball Park Field Fishing Pavilion Tennis Court Picnic Toddler Hosted by Northern Elements All Stars Garden Tables Equip. Golf Play- Trails Course ground Horse- Skate Volley- shoes Park ball Join us on Friday, December 10 from 4:30-6:30pm for an afternoon with Santa! Get your photo taken, grab Amphi- Sledding a cup of hot cocoa, and create some holiday crafts to take home. Then stick around for the Isanti Movie theater Hill Night, featuring Jingle All the Way! Movie starts at 7pm. All activities are FREE and open to all ages!
Page 5 Parks, Recreation & Culture, Cont... The City of Isanti strives to offer the facility for reasonable fees Private Reservation Rates Special Events 50+ ppl, full-day $295.28 inc. tax Private Event
Page 6 Parks, Recreation & Culture, Cont.. Exciting New Feature in Bluebird Park The brand new Bluebird Amphitheater in Bluebird Park was officially opened on October 23, 2021 with a special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, featuring a live perfor- mance by Roger Allen Band. This grand feature has been a Council initiative for more WINTER PARK RULES than a decade and will provide the City and Isanti parks are open daily Isanti community with opportunities to create from 7:00a.m.-10:00p.m. and enjoy exciting events and programs in the year-round. Winter park park. features may only be ac- The space will also become available as a cessed during park hours. private rental this coming Spring. Local orga- nizations, residents, school groups and more SLEDDING HILL will be able to use the venue for weddings, • Use caution & be ceremonies, outdoor programs and more! considerate of others. • No abusive behavior, Rental information will become available at CityofIsanti.us in the coming months. Contact IsantiParks@ either verbal or CityofIsanti.us with questions. physical. • Children must be supervised by an Winter in the Parks adult. Bluebird Park is the place to be for outdoor winter activities! • Do not sled when icy. • Do not alter the • Snow for the new Sledding Hill will be produced as soon as the temperatures stay below freezing. sledding hill. Community members are invited to use the hill throughout the season during park hours of 7:00a.m. - • Walk up the side of 10:00p.m. the hill, not the center when others are • The Pleasure Rink in the southeast edge of the park will be created as well once temperatures remain sledding. below freezing. The rink is available for leisure skating - hockey nets or sticks are not allowed. The • Exit the base warming house and restrooms at the Isanti Indoor Arena (Rum River BMX) will be open daily during park promptly. hours. • Isanti park trails are not plowed during the winter, but are a great option for winter hiking, snowshoeing PLEASURE RINK and cross-country skiing. • No abusive behavior, either verbal or Don’t let the cold weather keep you inside! Get out and enjoy all the fun that the Isanti parks have to offer. physical. • No hockey or broomball while people are open skating. • No bikes, sleds, cars or snowmobiles on the ice. • No fighting or snowball throwing. • No pushing other skaters.
Page 7 Public Works Snow is in the Forecast The weather is getting colder and for us Minneso- tans this means snow. We do our best to keep the city clean and functional during the winter season and your safety, as a resident, is our priority. Public Works maintains 35 miles of road and 30 miles of walks and trails. Snow removal will begin when road conditions pose a risk to the traveling community. TIPS FOR HOME © Eerie Insurance SNOW REMOVAL Public Works has 3 plow trucks and a road grader that all have their own route to plow. They also 1. Shovel often to use a frontend loader to clear parking lots, alleys, downtown, and also assist with the clearing of some cul-de-sacs. They use two skid steers to clear side- prevent ice from walks, as well as snow removal around buildings. Public Works uses a pickup truck to clear walking trails. forming. Typically snow removal will begin at 3:00a.m. and will take approximately 5 hours to complete. Snow Emer- 2. Do not shovel snow gency Routes are cleared first along with the Police Department and Fire Department. First Day Sidewalks into the street. are primarily sidewalks to schools. Some bike paths are cleared first day because they are used as a direct 3. Avoid placing snow route to schools. Some cul-de-sacs are cleared at the end because of the equipment that is needed to place near your foundation the snow in the best spot. to prevent freezing pipes and foundation Salt is our primary treatment against snow and ice, but regular salt will only work down to about 12°F. cracks. When the temperatures are colder than 12°F beet juice is mixed with the salt. The beet juice allows the salt 4. Use sand instead to work at temperatures as low as -25°F. As a resident, here are some tips to help with snow removal: • Use snow stakes to line your sidewalks, curbs and mailboxes of salt if temps are • Put your garbage can next to your house/in your driveway, off the street below 12°F. • Be mindful of the winter parking restrictions 5. Use pet-friendly salt • If possible, wait for the plow to come by before cleaning out your driveway where animals are able to walk. 6. Place a wooden stake in the ground at the Winter Parking Reminders end of your driveway to designate where it As we’ve encountered our first snow fall of the winter season, begins. it is a good time to remind you of Isanti’s City parking restric- 7. Flaky snow can be tions throughout the winter months. removed from steps Under Ordinance 227.4 Winter Parking, unless permitted by or decks easily with a the City Council or Police Department: leaf blower. 8. Shovel deep snow No person shall stop, stand, or park any vehicle or permit it in layers to prevent © Michael Vesia to stand on any City street, including the snow emergency injury and fatigue. routes, from November 1 through March 31 of each year, 9. Push the snow between the hours of 1:00a.m. and 8:00a.m. instead of lifting it. 10. Use a roof rake to Parking will be permitted on the streets between the hours of 6:00a.m. and 8:00a.m., provided that the remove heavy snow snow removal has been completed for the full width of the street or in the absence of snow. from the roof and Parking will not be permitted in the City’s downtown municipal parking lot or City facility parking lots be- gutters. tween the hours of 1:00a.m. and 5:00a.m. The Police Department may order the vehicle towed at the owner’s expense. We appreciate your assistance in making sure the roads are clear for our emergency teams to operate when needed.
Page 8 Community Development Help Prevent Stormwater Pollution at Home Consider implementing these simple practices during winter weather to prevent ‘stormwater pollution’ -surface run-off water is a major source of pollution in our waterways. • Shovel snow first to remove it from paved surfaces, like driveways and sidewalks, before applying snow melt and deicing products. It is your responsibility as a • Pile shoveled snow downslope of paved surfaces to help prevent icy and slippery conditions on pet owner to clean up after your pet. When taking pavement as snow melts and refreezes. your pet for a walk, please • Shovel snow onto lawn and vegetated areas where melting snow can soak into the ground. show courtesy to other • Limit the use of deicing chemicals and products on sidewalks and driveways since they can readily public and private property owners by removing the flow into storm drains and streams as ice melts. When deicing products that contain salt and other excrement deposited by constituents, dissolve, they seep into ground water and flow into streams where they can impair your pet. water quality, diminish soil fertility, damage plants, and harm aquatic life. City Code 87-5.1 requires • Use environmentally-friendly alternatives, such as clean clay cat litter, sand, or fireplace/stove ash, pet owners to immediately to avoid the need for products that can have damaging impacts and be harmful to the environment. collect and remove dog • Take a ‘Snow Day’ - work at home or postpone errands on snow days avoiding trips on the road to feces deposited by their animal on public or private help your community clear roads safely, possibly limiting the need for excessive road salting and property. A container, deicing. equipment, or other device • Sweep up after snowmelt - sweep and dispose of residual sand, grit, and litter to help prevent is required for transport of the fecal material to accumulation in streets and roadside ditches; clogged storm drains and culverts; and sediment an appropriate disposal pollution in streams. receptacle located on the • Keep gutters and drainage pathways clear and free of debris to prevent snowmelt from backing up property of the pet owner. Please help keep our and forming ice in places where you want runoff to flow freely. neighborhoods and public • Direct, or route, snowmelt runoff into nearby gardens and vegetated areas before applying salt and spaces clean and sanitary. deicing products. Dog Park Hours 7:00a.m.-10:00p.m. The City dog park is located within Bluebird Park, along Isanti Parkway, east of the Isanti Indoor Arena. The dog park has approximately 1-acre of open space to provide an off-leash area for dogs to exercise and socialize. Even in the winter, please continue to clean up after © Watershed Foundation your pet with each use.
Page 9 Community Development, Cont... The Importance of Completing Building Permits Since the inception of the statewide MN State Building Code in 1972, countless buildings and structures have been inspected to ensure that a minimum set of construction standards are met to help ensure that buildings are safe to occupy. Minimum building code standards also significantly reduce property damage and provides for a higher level of protection for firefighters and emergency personnel when responding to emergencies. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT It has been widely known that permits are issued to homeowners, contractors, and building owners who plan to construct, alter, repair, demolish, or to replace including mechanical and UPDATE electrical equipment that is regulated by the code. These permits are typically issued by the City. Isanti Family Dental has broken Although some permits need to be reviewed by the State or other government agencies, you ground on their 4,500 square can contact the building department if you have questions on where to apply. Before considering foot building. The dental a project, it is always best to contact the building department to determine if any permits are office will occupy 2,700 sq. ft. needed. For some exterior projects such as fences, yard sheds, and swimming pools, the City with an 1,800 sq. ft. tenant issues a zoning permit to ensure that these structures are placed correctly on the property and space available located at 401 will comply with city ordinances. Cherrywood Street NE. BP Metals has started dirt work While most people and organizations are diligent in obtaining the necessary permits, many for their 9,600 sq. ft. building permits are not completed and closed out. This may include final inspections not being located at 825 East Dual Blvd. requested such as for a deck, basement finish, or a remodel activity like roofing or siding. This development is part of the Construction projects can be time consuming and sometimes stressful as homeowners deal Shovel Ready Site Program. with various contractor schedules or just have to make the time to do the work themselves. In the course of juggling all of these activities and worrying about completion dates and cost over The current liquor store is under runs - inspections can be neglected and often go un-noticed until a home or building is sold or is contract for purchase by Nick detected by an insurance company as part of a quote inspection or an insurance audit. & Drew Discount Grocery the sale is anticipated to close in December. Permits that have had the proper inspections completed and passed are the easiest to close out. However, the longer a permit stays open or has become expired, the more difficult it can be to The city-owned vacant lot at complete the permit. This may be due in part to concealed work that was not inspected, or a 102 Dahlin is under purchase new code has been adopted. In this case, a new permit may need to be obtained and the work agreement with Rockstad Relics would have to conform to the new code requirements. In today’s fast paced real estate market, and Wares Co to build and homeownership changes are occurring more frequent. For example; if a permit was obtained relocate to downtown. by a previous homeowner and never closed out, the new homeowner would be responsible for obtaining a new permit and complying with current code requirements. This can bring frustration The city has entered into a purchase agreement with and liability concerns for both the buyer and the seller. Thus, resulting in closing delays and Special Tools Inc for a 2.5-acre increased costs that were never planned for. Shovel Ready Site. Special Tools makes custom tools. They In certain cases where accidents or property damage has occurred, many insurance companies design and produce a variety will investigate permit history as a result of a claim being filed. Depending on the severity of the of custom cutting tools that situation, an insurance underwriter may deny a claim if negligence was found that a permit was are used to manufacture many never obtained for certain work and/or unpermitted work was completed resulting in a cause different products across a wide of the accident or claim. This is most common when electrical fires occur due to unpermitted or variety of industries. These faulty work being performed resulting in injury or property damage. products range from hydraulic components, automotive and industrial equipment and These are just a few examples of why it is so important to not just obtain the proper permits, but accessories, to medical and to also ensure that all inspections are completed and any violations rectified so the permit(s) can defense components that you be closed out. MN State Building Code allows for permits to be good for a period of 180 days. The may use on a day-to-day basis. permit does become invalid if the work is suspended or abandoned for a period of more than 180 days. However, an extension of a maximum of 180 days can be granted for permits in which Learn more about these the applicant can show justifiable cause for the extension. For any questions regarding building businesses and other Isanti permits please contact Matt Small, Building Official at buildingofficial@cityofisanti.us. businesses by visiting our Business Directory at www. CityofIsanti.us
Page 10 Police Special Vehicle Operator Guidelines Special Vehicle Operator Permits are required for the use of golf carts and class 1 ATV’s on City of Isanti streets. The yearly permit is $25 available online or at the police department. Operators are required to operate those special vehicles in a safe and responsible manner. Motorized golf carts and all-terrain vehicles are permitted to operate only on City streets, not county, state or federal highways, except to cross at designated intersections. Operation on county and state roadways are subject to applicable state laws. Isanti City Code regulates golf cart and class 1 ATV operation as follows: • Motorized golf carts and four-wheel, all-terrain vehicles may only be operated on designated roadways from sunrise to sunset. • Motorized golf carts shall display the slow-moving vehicle emblem provided for in Minn. Stat. § 169.045, as BEWARE OF THIN ICE it may be amended from time to time, when operated on designated roadways. • Motorized golf carts and all-terrain vehicles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror to provide the driver with adequate vision from behind as required by Minn. Stat. § 169.70. Minnesota is the Land of 10,000 • The operator of a motorized golf cart or all-terrain vehicle may cross any street or highway intersecting a lakes and the City of Isanti runs designated roadway. along the Rum River system and • All occupants riding on an ATV must wear a DOT approved helmet several other smaller bodies of • All other state laws regarding operation must be followed water. Snow is starting to blanket our city. The snow cover gives opportunity for snowmobiles. Please reference all You can’t judge the strength State snowmobile laws, as well as City ordinances prior to operation. Snowmobiles may be operated on direct of ice just by how it looks, age, route to and from grant and aid state trails. thickness, temperature, or if the ice is covered with snow. Except as otherwise specifically permitted and authorized, it is unlawful for any person to Strength is based on all of these operate a snowmobile within the corporate factors -- plus the depth of boundaries of the City of Isanti in the following water under the ice, size of the locations: water body, water chemistry and • On private property without express currents, the distribution of the permission from the owner or lessee. load on the ice, and local climate • On public school grounds, municipal parks, conditions. or any other publicly owned property without express permission from the The answer is: Ice is never 100% © Wikipedia proper public authority. safe. • On any public sidewalk or walkway. • On nonpaved portion of municipal road right-of-way. Where permitted, snowmobiles shall not be operated as follows: • On or across any street within the City at a speed in excess of 20 miles per hour or in any location at a speed greater than deemed reasonable for the conditions. • In a careless, reckless or negligent manner or heedlessly in disregard of the right or safety of others, or in a manner so as to endanger or be likely to endanger or cause injury or damage to any person or property. • In a manner which, due to faulty equipment or careless operation, produces excessive noise and/or smoke which unreasonably annoys or disturbs members of the public. Please enjoy all that the City of Isanti has to offer for winter activities. Chief Travis Muyres | Police Chief/Emergency Management Director Isanti Police Department
Page 11 Isanti Fire District The Sounds of Fire Safety FIRE ESCAPE CHECKLIST Greetings, Isanti. ◊ Do you have working smoke alarms in your “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety” was the message home? we shared with daycares, pre-k and kindergarten students in Isanti this year. If you had children ◊ Is there a smoke alarm in one of our presentations, you were hopefully in every sleeping room involved with the homework we sent many of and outside each them home with- to find the smoke alarms in their sleeping area? homes and point them out to you. This was our effort to raise awareness, hopefully trigger some ◊ Is there a smoke alarm annual maintenance, and start conversations on each level of the about what to do if they start beeping. home, including the basement? Did you change smoke alarm batteries when you changed your clock back for daylight savings? ◊ Do you test your smoke alarms at least As you know, smoke alarms are a vital tool to pro- Isanti Firefighter Tony Brown connects with kindergarteners at Isanti Primary. once a month? tect our lives from toxic smoke, physical burns and building collapse. ◊ Do children know the According to the reporting 754 fire departments in Minnesota, 19 house fires occurred in 2019 in which peo- sound of the smoke ple were inside and did not have working fire alarms. 31 percent of these fires resulted in fatalities, (MN State alarms? Fire Marshal- Fire in Minnesota, 2019). A $9.99 investment at a local hardware store would greatly offset these graphic statistics. ◊ How old are the smoke alarms? If they are At this time, we are excited to be undergoing our 2021-22 hiring process with several great paid on-call appli- more than 10 years cants. If you are interested in helping your community, being part of our team of hard working, dedicated and old, replace them. heroic individuals check us out! We would love to hear from you. We can be reached at isantifiredistrict.org, by visiting the fire station in person or by calling (763) 444-8019. ◊ Does your family have a home fire escape Stay safe and have a great holiday season. plan? ◊ Does your family know Alan Jankovich | Fire Chief two ways out of each Isanti Fire District room in the home? ◊ Are all the exits in the home clear of obstructions? Keep Fire Hydrants Clear of Snow ◊ Has your family picked Every year with heavy snow fall, fire hydrants in residential areas can become covered and a meeting place inaccessible to firefighters. If there is an active hydrant on your property, please remember it is outside the home your responsibility to clear away snow to keep the hydrant accessible in an emergency. where everyone can go Every second counts and this small act could help save a life. when they’ve escaped a fire? ◊ Does everyone at home know how to call the fire department once they are outside? ◊ Does the family practice the escape plan at least twice a year?
Page 12 City Safety Tips Home Efficiency & Safety Tips for Winter Winter in Minnesota can be unpredictable. Winter storms come through quickly and temperatures can drop to extreme lows. These tips can not only help you and your family stay safe through the winter, but they can also help you save money on your energy bills without sacrificing your comfort. • Program your thermostat to fit your daily schedule, increasing warmth when you are home. WINTER FUN FACTS • Open your curtains and blinds during the day to allow the sun to warm your home. Close them at night to keep the warm air enclosed longer. • The official winter • Replace old or worn weather stripping around your exterior doors to ensure there is a tight seal season lasts from to keep cold drafts out. December 21 - March 20. • Change the direction of your ceiling fans to force warm air down in the winter months. • Wool is one of the • Once a year, have a professional clean out your chimney to remove build-up and debris. warmest fabrics & can • Never pour hot water on your car’s windshield to remove ice. The drastic temperature change also resist water & can easily crack your window. absorb moisture from your skin. • Don’t shovel snow after eating or while smoking. These can lead to quick exhaustion after a heavy snow fall and put your heart at risk. • Warm drinks don’t raise body temperature, but • Make sure your carbon monoxide detector is in good working condition and never use your oven a warm mug can be a to heat your home. great hand warmer! • Turn off outside water valves and use heat tape to wrap pipes that may freeze. • Hard wood logs produce • Keep your roof and gutters clear of snow and other heavy debris that put them at risk of less immediate heat, collapsing. but will burn slower and longer in your fireplace. • Make sure you have an easily-accessible working fire extinguisher - and learn how to use it. • Snow falls at a pace of 1 to 6 feet per second. • The Earth is closest to the sun during the winter. • More than 22 Million tons of salt are used on U.S. roads each year. • The snowiest city on Earth is in Japan. • Wet, heavy snow is the best for making snowmen.
Page 13 Community Programs Isanti Community Garden The Isanti Community Garden at River Bluff Preserve provides an opportunity for Isanti residents to plant vegetables, flowers, or even their own pumpkin patch outside of their home. With in-ground plots, raised and elevated beds, produce in the garden flourishes each year in a variety of planting environments. 10 FUN FAMILY ADVENTURES FOR WINTER IN MN 1. Go ice skating at the Pleasure Rink. 2. Build a snow fort. 3. Go sledding at Bluebird Park. Do you want to plant a garden but don’t have the space at home? Rent a plot at the Garden to manage your 4. Have a winter bonfire. own produce for the season while meeting and connecting with like-minded area residents, sharing tips and tricks to creating the best harvest each season! 5. Go cross-country skiing The Community Garden is open May - October each year. Registration opens in February on a first-come, first- or snowshoeing along served basis. the Isanti trails. Ground Plots: $15 per 10x10’ 6. Warm up with a drink at Raised and Elevated Beds: $20 per 4x8’ our hometown brewery Priority for these plots is given to those with mobility needs. and distillery. 7. Visit an ice castle. More information and registration options will be available in early 2022 at CityofIsanti.us and at City Hall. 8. Try out a new winter sport. 9. Go snowmobiling on Minnesota trails. 10. Do the Polar Plunge!
Page 14 Community Events, Cont... Friends of the Isanti Area Library Fundraiser The Friends of the Isanti Area Library is a nonprofit group (IsantiLibrary.org (IsantiLibrary.org)) that helped to establish and continues to promote our Isanti Library Out- reach Site, doing our part to guarantee access to Planning an Event? high-quality educational resources for everyone. Located inside Isanti City Hall, the Outreach Library City code 278 “Special offers books, movies, audiobooks, and e-books on Events” requires event Wednesdays. Check with the Librarian about special producers to acquire a Special events, too. Event Permit with approval by the City Council and Public Did you know you are welcome to request items by phone or on the East Central Regional Safety personnel for any Library website (ecrlib.org) to pick up here in Isanti? Checking out DVDs for three weeks event anticipating more than makes it easy to catch up on past seasons of your favorite TV show, or have entertainment 75 attendees on either public on hand without a last-minute return rush. or private property. Friends accept and actively “recycle” donated items back into our community and pro- A Special Event Permit mote literacy all year long. Our Give & Take boxes and bookshelves are strategically application is not required for placed around town. Give a few books or take some to read from any of them, and let places of worship; stadiums us know if you would like to sponsor one at your home or business. Books for sale at the or athletic fields; family Library Outreach Site and the Used Book Sale are still a great deal at only 25¢ each, and gatherings, including family other items are available. reunions, graduation parties, religious ceremonies, Watch for our upcoming spring Romance Novel Sale (date TBA) and our next Annual Used weddings, and similar events Book* Sale October 14-15, 2022. 2022. All held on private property; proceeds and donations are used for garage sales; and events projects promoting the Isanti Outreach established through the City. Library and encouraging literacy and learning in our community. A permit application must be submitted to the City Parks, Help us spread the fun! We greatly Recreation & Events need and appreciate volunteer help Coordinator for approval a with various projects, community minimum of 30 days prior to events, and even helping from home, the event. and we are actively seeking new members. Interested adults are always Visit CityofIsanti.us to welcome to attend our monthly plan- download an application and ning sessions. Contact Susi McCune learn more about the Special for more information or to arrange a Event Code and permit donation drop-off: requirements. Susi@IsantiLibrary.org or 612-345- 0311. Contact IsantiParks@City- ofIsanti.us with questions.
Page 15 Community Events, Cont... Join the Conversation The City of Isanti is always looking to build spaces, THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, SHOP LOCAL. programs and events that Did you know that for every $100 spent at a locally-owned business, $68 stays in the local meet our community’s needs. economy? Unique gifts, delicious food, personal services, holiday décor, party supplies If you have an idea for an and more can be found right here in our local community. Not sure what to choose? Give activity, park enhancement or the gift of Chamber Bucks! Visit www.north65chamber.com for more information or to program, please contact the search our online business directory. Parks, Recreation & Culture team at SAVE THE DATE IsantiParks@CityofIsanti.us. April 28, 2022 9am-Noon at City Center Mall - Spring Senior Fair JULY 7-10, 2022 - ISANTI RODEO & JUBILEE DAYS JULY 8 & 9, 2022 - ISANTI FIREFIGHTERS RODEO Business Owners: The City of Isanti has a number of partnership opportunities for your business to get involved with community programs and events. Whether it’s being recognized as a supporter of an event, selling your products or services onsite, sharing your knowledge in a group demonstration, or volunteering your time, the City can work with you to drive traffic and recognition to your platform. Contact IsantiParks@City- ofIsanti.us to learn about upcoming and year-round opportunities and get involved with the Isanti community!
Page 16 Isantian • Winter 2021 City of Isanti 110 1st Ave. NW, PO Box 428 Isanti, MN 55040 Phone: 763-444-5512 Fax: 763-444-5560 isanti@cityofisanti.us www.cityofisanti.us
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