Nisswa: 14 apply for planning/zoning administrator

Nisswa received 14 applications for the planning and zoning administrator position. Interviews are scheduled next week.

In the meantime, the city is contracting with the National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA) in Staples for planning and zoning services on a contractual basis for up to three months at $45 per hour for 20 hours per week.

Justin Burslie, the city's planning and zoning administrator from November-January, is providing those services as a planning and zoning specialist with the NJPA.

Regarding street projects, the council on Wednesday, Feb. 18, approved two construction engineering services agreements with Widseth Smith Nolting engineering firm - for Lower Cullen Lake Road bridge improvements not to exceed an estimated $20,500 and for 2015 street improvements not to exceed an estimated $35,000.

The bridge will be removed, and a 14- by 5-foot reinforced concrete box culvert and end sections will be installed.

Street improvement projects are planned for Lower Cullen Road, Main Street, Lakers Lane and Nisswa Avenue.

Public safety

Police reported 166 calls for service in January. They issued 73 traffic warnings, 12 traffic citations and four criminal citations, made one arrest and responded to 29 agency assists, eight medicals and six alarms.

Firefighters responded to 13 medicals, one car accident, four alarms and one house fire that was a mutual aid call with Pequot Lakes in the past month.

The council approved annual contracts to provide fire protection and first responder services to Pequot Lakes, Lake Shore, Pelican Township and Lake Edward Township.

In other business Feb. 18, the council:

• Agreed to continue with the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program, which the city has been a part of since 2012. This is a free, voluntary challenge, assistance and recognition program to help cities achieve sustainability and qualify-of-life goals. The planning commission recommended the city continue with this program.

There are 78 Green Step Cities in the state, including Nisswa.

• Accepted anonymous donations of $2,000 to the police department, $2,000 to the fire department and $1,000 to the park department. The fire department also received a $500 donation and a $50 donation from individuals as appreciation for calls made to them.

• Learned the Public Works Department received an annual Minnesota Pollution Control Agency report and had no violations.

• Learned the city will need to refurbish its current holiday decorations or buy new decorations, and will seek community and civic organization input and funds to do so. Estimated cost is around $7,900, said public works director Tom Blomer.

• Approved a temporary beer permit for the Brainerd Jaycees for April 25 for the Nisswa Community Center parking lot (Run for the Lakes Marathon) and approved a Central Minnesota Gobblers raffle request for an event March 7 at the Nisswa American Legion.

• Confirmed the Public Works Department can keep its additional maintenance employee, who was hired last year.

• Learned the board of review for residents to question property market value will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, at city hall.

• Adopted amendments to the labor agreement for supervisors regarding employee health insurance and compensation for 2015.