Winter Activities to Get Out & Enjoy The Outdoors this Season - Winter 2021

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Winter Activities to Get Out & Enjoy The Outdoors this Season - Winter 2021
Winter 2021

                       Winter Activities to
                      Get Out & Enjoy The
                      Outdoors this Season
www.cityofisanti.us
Winter Activities to Get Out & Enjoy The Outdoors this Season - Winter 2021
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!
Winter Activities to Get Out & Enjoy The Outdoors this Season - Winter 2021
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
Winter Activities to Get Out & Enjoy The Outdoors this Season - Winter 2021
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                             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!
Winter Activities to Get Out & Enjoy The Outdoors this Season - Winter 2021
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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
Winter Activities to Get Out & Enjoy The Outdoors this Season - Winter 2021
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          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.
Winter Activities to Get Out & Enjoy The Outdoors this Season - Winter 2021
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                                                     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.
Winter Activities to Get Out & Enjoy The Outdoors this Season - Winter 2021
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                            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.
Winter Activities to Get Out & Enjoy The Outdoors this Season - Winter 2021
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           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
Winter Activities to Get Out & Enjoy The Outdoors this Season - Winter 2021
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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