In 2018, dubbed the year of engagement, a dedicated and enthusiastic group of residents and business owners participated in the preparation of the city’s Comprehensive Plan and in the Minnesota Design Team visit. 

2019, dubbed the year of implementation, proved that ideas can be turned into actions.  Many of the Design Team’s recommendations came to life.  We saw an expanded concerts in the park series, pop up park spaces in the downtown, and area businesses were promoted during the MS 150 and Ragnar Run.   

Most notably, the city adopted a new logo.  The process took several meetings and the better part of one year, but the new logo represents the values and vision of the city’s residents and business owners.  It can be found on the city’s website and it will be rolled out to vehicles, street signs and uniforms over time.  So what will be the theme for 2020?  Riding the wave of momentum, the city is working on its strategic goals and working to improve the overall economic climate of the city.  In the coming months, you will see articles that highlight the work of the council and the city’s committees and commissions.  January 2020 marked the opening of the first of two new Kwik Trips. 

I don’t want to overshadow the other business openings – any new or expanding business in North Branch should be celebrated.   But Kwik Trip’s openings are a striking example of the economic development that has eluded North Branch for so many years, and I see it as just the first of many good things to come.  2020 is our year of advancement and improvement and everyone can be a part of that wave.  Shop local, support your neighborhood businesses, and celebrate all of the good things that are happening around town! Happy New Year!

City Administrator, Renae Fry

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City Administrator Fry stated, “I was excited to see so many community members, representing a variety of opinions, come together over the course of several months to share their experiences and work towards single image that embraced their goals and ideals for the City.”

Updating the logo on the City’s vehicles, equipment and signs will take time.  The logo will be utilized on all electronic media right away.  The change on other city assets will be made as equipment is replaced and as new supplies are ordered and all as the budget allows. 

City of North Branch Mayor Jim Swenson reflected on the level of citizen engagement during this collaborative process.  “There are so many peo­ple to thank who have got­ten us to where we are today. From the indi­vid­u­als who participated in the meetings, to the members of the Minnesota Design Team who continue to support our efforts, to Keech Media, Poste Haste, Prism Design, the North Branch Area Chamber, and most importantly the residents and business owners in the City of North Branch who collaborated to design a logo for which we should be so proud.”

The North Branch Industrial Park is a great place for a new or expanding business to call home. Financing options and design  assistance is available.

New release regarding MnDOT’s I35 unbonded project and delay of work until next year. Due to the proximity of the work MnDOT wanted to point the suspension of work for the remainder of this year with traffic resuming to full capacity for the rest of Aug, Sept and October 219 with work on NB resuming next spring 2020 until early summer. Check the website for the updated schedule.

http://mndot.org/metro/projects/i35harris/index.html

Utility Installation and Detour

The contractor plans to begin the installation of watermain and sanitary within the Flink Avenue and 400th Street intersection during the week of August 12th. During this time, the intersection will be closed to traffic, and a detour will be posted to redirect traffic to alternate routes. The detour is anticipated to last for up to two weeks, weather permitting. Adjacent property owners and travelers should use care when driving in and near 400th construction activity, observe and follow posted detour and road closures.


Click here for more Complete Details

North Branch, Minnesota — North Circle Online Farmers Market is now accepting SNAP/EBT at Sprouted Branch in North Branch, one its 11 pickup locations.

North Circle, a program of Women’s Environmental Institute (WEI), allows area residents to order fresh produce, eggs, meat, and other products online from over 24 local farmers every week and pick up their orders at locations throughout East Central Minnesota.

More more details click here Complete Details

Attention North Branch Residents!!

HELP US HELP YOU

This is a friendly reminder to all the residents of North Branch. No individual or organization is allowed to sell door-to-door within the city limits without an approved Transient Merchant License issued by the City Of North Branch.

Please ask for proof of license by the City Of North Branch before accepting any offers and if they do not have it please ask them to either call City Hall to get an approved transient merchant license or please call and report of any such activity at City Hall at 651-674-8113.

Please try to gather as much information of the non-compliant individual or organization as possible such as their name, phone number, car license plate number or anything that might be helpful.

Have A Great Summer Everyone!!

Dr. Mark Thomas, Director of the Center for Addiction Neuroscience at the University of Minnesota, will speak to the North Branch Area Chamber of Commerce in June. Dr. Thomas is leading a team of researchers whose aim is to curb addiction where it starts-in the brain. He will discuss the unique research being conducted at the U, and the potential applications (and implications for our society if addiction could be cured). He will also discuss the reasons why Minnesota is the perfect place for this research to take place, as yet another example that the University of Minnesota brings tremendous value and pride to our community.

The event will take place at the North Branch American Legion (6439 Elm St, North Branch, MN 55056) on June 11 at 12:00pm.  Registration for the luncheon is recommended by calling 651-674-4077 or online by June 7: https://cca.northbranchchamber.com/EvtListing.aspx?dbid2=MNNB&evtid=20328&class=B

Interstate 35 Road Resurfacing project in Chisago County.  I’m emailing today to provide nearby communities a project update and to also ask for your assistance on getting the word out about the 2019 construction.

An eight-mile section of I-35 between the City of Harris and the Chisago/Pine County line will undergo concrete pavement work beginning April 2019.  The project work will also include replacing cable median barriers, installing rumble strips and updating drainage and lighting.  The improvements will enhance safety, improve traffic flow and provide a smoother riding surface. I’ve attached an I-35 project fact sheet outlining the work for your convenience.

During the construction, I-35 will be restricted to a single lane of traffic in each direction with construction occurring in two stages (see attached fact sheet for anticipated schedule).

The Rush City interchange ramp access will be maintained in both directions with two exceptions.  In June 2019, crews anticipate a 2-4 week closure to reconstruct the southbound exit and entrance ramps.  Additionally, crews anticipate closing the northbound exit and entrance ramps for 2-4 weeks in September 2019 for reconstruction. Detour signage will be posted during the ramp closures. The project is expected to be complete by fall 2019, weather permitting.

Please encourage your employees and residents to stay up-to-date on specific closure dates and traffic impacts by signing up for email updates at the project website:  www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/i35harris/index.html

If you have print or online newsletters and/or a utility bill mailing, please consider including information regarding this construction project.  If you need a short article, I’d be glad to assist.

Thank you for your cooperation and assistance during this much needed work. 

For detailed information please click here Detailed Information

Sincerely,
Denise
Denise Workcuff :: Metro Communications & Engagement ::

Minnesota Department of Transportation :: Phone-voice: 651.234.7502

Denise.Workcuff@state.mn.us

The North Branch Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Police Reserve Officer.  Police Reserve Officers are non-licensed and non-paid volunteers who are willing to provide volunteer hours at the North Branch Police Department on a regular basis.  This position provides for a great opportunity for those considering or currently pursuing a career in law enforcement and for those who are in other careers and wish to serve their community by volunteering.  For More information and how to apply, please click here.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewzb_xKIi9E

You can help your community! Apply for one of thousands of temporary #2020CensusJobs. Census results determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives as well as how funds are spent on roads, schools and hospitals.

Chisago County pays up to $22 per hour plus 57.5 cents/mile!

Apply online at 2020census.gov/jobs.