Ground breaks for Spirit River Crossings

Lowe's & Kohl's will be first to locate in new retail area.

Ground broke on Monday, Sept. 15, 2008 for the new retail development that will house Lowe's and Kohl's.
Site work actually began last week when trees along Highway 95 and a portion of Second Avenue were torn out.
Lowe's intends to begin erecting its building as soon as possible. It is scheduled to open in October or November 2009.
Kohl's will follow the next spring.
Other businesses are expected to open up near the two major retailers, but developer Opus Northwest has not locked in anyone else at this point.
The two new stores will be located east of Target on land formerly occupied by the Cambridge ballfields.
Attending the ground breaking at the site on Monday were representatives from the city of Cambridge, Opus Northwest, the Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce, NorthMarq (a marketing firm), and Alliant Engineering.
"This is really an exciting day," said Mayor Marlys Palmer.

New sod vandalized at Sandquist Park

City asks that anyone with information to report it.

The freshly laid sod at Cambridge's new Sandquist Park was torn up by vandals.

The damage was discovered on Wednesday morning, Sept. 10,2008.

"Whoever is doing this is just taking away opportunities from our kids," said Cambridge City Administrator Lynda Woulfe. "The traveling football program may not be able to have home games because of this damage."

Cambridge Community Development Director Dave Carlberg echoed her comments, stressing that is is the Three Rivers Youth Football program which is being hurt by this vandalism. The fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade players have their first home game scheduled for next Tuesday, Sept. 16 at the new field.

"The city can recover and restore and repair, but it's the kids' ability to play on the fields that was damaged," said Carlberg.

He asked anyone with information on the crime to please call either city hall at 763-689-3211 or the Isanti County Sheriff's Department at 763-689-2141.

"We want to find out who did this and bring them to justice."

TO A POINT: When the whistle blows, I'll be on that train

I love the ease of riding a train. It's not like flying these days, which is a complete hassle. At the Beijing airport recently, I went through three (yes, THREE) security checks before I was allowed to board. As soon as I debarked at my next destination, I was routed through another security check. Overkill? you might ask. I certainly think so.
When you fly, you have to get to the airport two to three hours early to allow for standing in line. Then you wait to check in. You wait to walk through security. You wait to board. And you wait for the plane to taxi to the runway. Flying is a whole lot of waiting. It's a waste of time if you ask me.
Now trains, on the other hand, are easy. While in China last month, we took a high-speed train from Nanjing to Shanghai. We got there a little early as we weren't sure about traffic. (Plus, when you're traveling in a place where you don't know the language you have to leave time for possible delays and taking the wrong turn.) We waited for about 1/2 hour and then walked towards the platform. The train got there and we hopped on. We stowed our luggage, then sat down. My husband napped while I read a book and checked out the scenery. A few hours later we were at our destination. It was hassle-free.
I can't wait until we have that option here in east central Minnesota. Hopefully, within five years we'll be able to board a passenger train in downtown Cambridge and head either north to Duluth or south to Minneapolis. You can bet I'll be on the Northern Lights Express -- in fact, I'm hoping to be one of the first onboard.
A few years later, we may also get a specific commuter rail line, one that will be attached to the Northstar line (which will soon be running between Big Lake and Minneapolis). Those trains will run more frequently, not travel as fast and stop more often.
The Northern Lights Express is for high-speed travel. You'll be able to go faster than if by car. Say goodbye to those traffic jams on I35. Goodbye to road rage. Goodbye to stupid drivers and weather-related issues. Say hello to a relaxing way to travel.
The passenger rail task force, which was created by the Cambridge City Council, met for the second time last week. On the agenda was narrowing down the location of the Cambridge depot. According to the TEMS (Transportation Economics & Management Systems, Inc.) report, the depot needs to be downtown Cambridge to take advantage of foot traffic and transportation options. There aren't a whole lot of options within the downtown area (defined as being bordered by Sixth Street on the north and south sides). One can either go to the south or the north. Because of the slant of the tracks, there is more space to the north, which is where the task force members are leaning.
The Cambridge Business Development Corporation submitted the concept of transforming the Cambridge mall into the new depot. It has many advantages, one of the biggest being that the city already owns the building. Thus, no additional money would need to be spent to acquire property. This is good news for the city, as it has to bear the cost of providing a depot; federal funds for the train will only cover the tracks and cars. The depot could be constructed at the rear of the mall building. The space within the mall could be remodeled and retail shops added that cater to travelers, or the space could stay the same -- depending on the market.
Task force members think that it is very important to keep to the TEMS report. This report was commissioned by the overall St. Louis and Lakes Counties Regional Railroad Authority and cost thousands of dollars. The decision by the Passenger Rail Task Force to endorse the TEMS report was unanimous on Sept. 9.
While task force members are leaning towards the mall location, other input is always welcome. To register your point of view with the city, contact Dave Carlberg at 763-689-3211 or email dcarlberg@ci.cambridge.mn.us. After the task force has officially made a recommendation to the city and listed out pros and cons, a public meeting will take place. That meeting could be held as early as November or in January. At that meeting, citizens will be able to ask questions and give their opinions on the choice. Only then will the city council make an official determination on where the depot will be located.
Meanwhile, I'm counting down the days until 2012.

Nov. 3 isn't real deadline for farmers regarding Green Acres

Rather, farmers have until Jan. 2 to declare an intent to withdraw or not from the program. They then have until summer to decide for sure. And they may not have to make that decision if the Legislature reforms the law.

Farmers are getting a break from the Department of Revenue.
Following an outcry across the state about changes to the Green Acres law, the Department of Revenue has issued a letter to counties stressing a few important facts.
First, farmers do not need to decide within one or two months whether they are pulling their property out of the program or not. They are asked to share their intent to do so or not with the county by Jan. 2. But this is not binding.
Second, if a landowner decides to leave his or her land in the Green Acres program, there will be no change in the property taxes on the land. That said, there could be some impact in the future if the property is sold or transferred.
Third, none of the changes will affect property taxes paid in 2009. However, taxpayers may be subject to additional taxes in November 2009 if they decide to withdraw some or all of their land from the Green Acres program.
New information
After visiting with Isanti County board members on Sept. 3 and listening to their concerns about the changes made to Green Acres, local state representative and farmer Rob Eastlund returned to the board on Wednesday, Sept. 17. He brought along with him a letter the Department of Revenue had just issued in response to the "misinformation" circulating throughout the state.
Like many other counties, Isanti County sent out a letter to taxpayers last week informing them about the changes to the Green Acres law. The letter was modeled off one written by the Department of Revenue (DOR). This letter was not clear, and the DOR acknowledged that in a follow-up letter on Sept. 12.
The biggest clarification regarded deadlines. Isanti County, along with several other neighboring counties, asked landowners to notify the assessor's office by Nov. 3 as to whether they intended to keep their land in the program or remove it.
This was done to allow the assessors time to begin calculating the change in taxes before the new year.
"This is no fault of the assessors because they were operating under a memo from the Department of Revenue that wasn't clear," said Eastlund. "The result was that there were things that happened that shouldn't have, and they are realizing that now."
He stressed that the only deadline that should have appeared in the letter was Jan. 2. And that date is a soft date. Under the law, no property owner has to make a final decision until next summer. Deferred taxes will be due Nov. 15, 2009.
Legislative changes
Under the changes approved by the state legislature earlier this year, a new class of property was created. This rural vacant land is defined as being undeveloped rural land that is not being used for agricultural production. At this point, rural vacant land will be taxed at the same rate as agricultural land, so it should not result in any changes in tax burdens. It will just be categorized and tracked separately for valuation purposes, according to a memo issued by the Minnesota House of Representatives Research Department.
Land that is classified as rural vacant land will no longer be allowed into the Green Acres program. This is also how land in government-sponsored conservation programs, such as RIM and CRP, is handled.
It is important to note that as long as property stays under its current ownership, it will be grandfathered into the Green Acres program. However, once it is removed, it will be subject to a seven-year payback, versus the three-year payback under the old law. Additionally, in the future, landowners will not be allowed to withdraw small tracts of rural vacant land in a "piecemeal" fashion, but will have to do all or none.
Landowners may opt to remove all their land in 2009 and then pay only the three-year penalty written into the old law.
Why reform the Green Acres law?
According to Eastlund, the main force driving the change to the Green Acres law was the fact that each county administered it differently.
A report issued in February 2008 by the Office of the Legislative Auditor found a fundamental problem with the law. It was created to protect agricultural landowners by ignoring other factors influencing the value of the property and tax the property based only on its "agricultural value."
But, according to the recent report issued by the House Research Department, a significant portion of the land in the program had little to no agricultural value. It was wooded or marshland, or in other ways unsuited for farms.
Eastlund asks governor to bring issue back before legislature
In addition to researching the issue in more depth, Representative Eastlund has also sent a letter to Governor Pawlenty.
"This Green Acres change has created more reaction among my constituents than any issue during my eight years in the Legislature," wrote Eastlund.
He asked the governor to use his executive authority to suspend implementation of the changes to the Green Acres law.
"The Department of Revenue has provided incorrect information to county assessors, and that information is being passed on to local farmers and landowners causing great concern. The reaction of many is anger and a feeling of being betrayed by the state of Minnesota," said Eastlund.
He told the Isanti County Board of Commissioners, "The governor is very open to recognizing this has implementation issues we didn't understand."
He encouraged the board to send their own letter to the governor's office.
Commissioner Kurt Daudt thinks they should take it a step farther. "We should not only do this ourselves, but we should ask other counties to barrage the governor's office with these." He also recommended soliciting the help and lobbying power of the Association of Minnesota Counties.
His fellow commissioners agreed with the action.
"This is a sleeping giant," said Eastlund. "I'm confident that there is going to be a pretty big outcry for change to this policy."

Farmers: Expect higher taxes next year

Minnesota changes Green Acres law. Farmers will be charged penalties along with higher tax rates.

ISANTI COUNTY – Farmers are facing a significant tax increase next year.
Why? Because the state has changed its laws regarding Green Acres.
These changes go into effect immediately in 2009.
Farmers have the option of staying in the program or opting out. Either choice will come with a bill.
Whereas farmers could previously include land that was "non-productive" such as swampland and heavy woods if it was contiguous to farmland, they can no longer do so. That land must be taken out of the program, and a penalty paid. The payback amount will equal the average deferred taxes for the current year and two previous years times three. In addition, farmers will then be paying a higher tax rate on the land in the future, upping their total tax bill.
Farmers can choose to "grandfather" their non-productive acres into the new system to avoid the increased tax bill. However, this cannot be done without conditions, according to Isanti County Assessor Michelle Bolen.
If the land is ever withdrawn, sold, transferred or subdivided, the owner must pay back deferred taxes for the current year and two previous years times seven for all the land.
This means that if a person who owns 100 acres wants to divide off five acres to give to his/her daughter, the person must pay back the penalty on the entire 100 acres, not just the five acres.
Or, if the county wants to purchase right-of-way to widen a road, the landowner will be required to pay back the penalty.
"This doesn't seem quite fair," observed Isanti County Commissioner George Larson during the Sept. 3, 2008 county board meeting.
"We are taxing people out of their family farms," said Isanti County Commissioner Susan Morris. "My parents will not be able to hold onto their farm."
She expressed concern about how this will affect the open space the county is trying to preserve.
The market value used by the assessor on swampland is currently $2,000 an acre.
This market value is based on actual land sales, pointed out Bolen.
LANDOWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED SOON
The county intends to send out letters notifying over 1,000 affected landowners of the changes in a few weeks. The assessor's office is now working on computing the approximate paybacks in order to answer that pressing question when landowners call. "Obviously, we are going to get inundated with phone calls after the letters go out," said Bolen.
"The payback issue will be the biggest problem," she added.
The county is requesting that folks notify them by Nov. 3 as to whether they are leaving property in the Green Acres program or removing it.
A person who does not return the paperwork to the county will automatically be grandfathered in.
LEGISLATOR'S RESPONSE
Isanti County Commissioners discussed the issue with three local legislators attending their meeting on Sept. 3.
State Representative Tim Faust told commissioners that the changes to the Green Acres law were done based on a State Auditor's report. The program hasn't been doing what it is intended to do, he said. There were concerns that in many places land was being included that was not part of the agricultural industry.
However, Faust said he's not convinced that the changes made solve the problem.
State Representative Rob Eastland acknowledged that the state legislature should have phased the project in over a four-year window in order to evaluate potential problems with the new regulation. "Based on what I've heard from Chisago County and you, this is a nightmare," Eastlund said.
"I think we're hearing from you loud and clear, and we will be hearing from citizens like a tidal wave," said Senator Rick Olseen.
The three legislators agreed that the Minnesota Legislature will be looking at this issue again as soon as the Legislature reconvenes in January.
But by then, it will be too late for landowners who had to make their decision.
* Editor's note: There are federal programs available through the Department of Agriculture that citizens can qualify for that will help preserve open space.

TO A POINT: A firsthand glimpse of China broadened my viewpoint

I was awestruck standing there on the Great Wall of China two weeks ago. I thought of the millions of people who had walked there before me. The thousands of years this sight had amazed. The many who had died to erect such an imposing structure.
Even on that day, I was just one of hundreds and hundreds walking along its sturdy walls. This wall, upon which construction started before Christ, is still strong enough that we could walk upon it. Truly, it is remarkable. It is well deserving of the distinction of being one of the Seven Wonders of the (Medieval) World. I gazed out at the meandering lines, and marveled at the tenacity it took to build a wall on a mountain ridge. It's not just one gatehouse on the top of a peak or one section of wall, but hundreds of miles perched in a spot few could hike if they tried. Just walking along the wall itself was no easy task. Our section at Badaling just outside of Beijing was so steep at parts we traversed the wall via stairs that seemed to go straight up. Coming down could be more treacherous than going up, as it was easy to lose one's grip on the stones wind, rain and people have worn away.
The section of wall we saw that second-to-last day of August has not withstood thousands of years without some help. It is one of several sections that have painstakingly been restored. There is much in China (city walls, temples, tombs) that is the same. As the nation which was hidden from the eyes of the world for so long emerges into the limelight, it has revealed some of the historic jewels of the world. The government seems to recognize the treasures it has and has poured millions into renovations projects. The Olympics was a time to showcase the country to the entire world, and I think we can all agree China did a spectacular job.
Many of us have been suspicious of this communist-led country. My earliest memories of China center around the Tian'an Men Square Massacre in 1989. When I think of China, I conjure up the cruelty of the one-child-per-family rule, the lack of rights the people endure, and a massive population living in poverty.
Since spending 18 days there, I think of China differently.
The cities I visited (Nanjing, Shanghai and Beijing) were busy, thriving places. I saw more cranes than I ever have before. Industrialization has been rapid, and the country is facing pollution problems that accompany that, but the standard of living is increasing overall. I was amazed to see a cell phone in the hands of most people I passed. Folks did not seem weary and beaten down. Rather, it was the opposite. The entire country was excited in August. The Olympics were shown on every public television, and banners promoting "One world … One dream" were strung across canals and draped down the sides of skyscrapers. They must have made thousands of those banners.
My husband saw firsthand the industrial side of China. He was there on business, and observed the effort the Chinese citizens put into their jobs. They work hard and it's easy to see why so many companies have chosen to locate plants there. China has the manpower and the desire to grow. It is a time of great change. It's an exciting time to be in China.
Personally, I'm glad I got the opportunity to see it for myself.

Health insurance driving Isanti County levy up

County's bill for employees and retirees will hit $2 million next year.

In 2009, there will be no new computers in Isanti County's government offices. There will be no new staff members. There will be no new equipment. Only those who need certification will be allowed to attend conferences. And the county will not put away money to buy future park land.
Despite all that, the county's budget is up $1.5 million over 2008. The property tax levy is increasing 3%.
What's driving it up?
Health insurance costs, according to Isanti County Coordinator Jerry Tvedt.
Next year, the county will pay over $2 million to cover its employees and retirees.
"It's huge," said Tvedt.
"Positions will be eliminated if health insurance changes aren't made," he added.
The county board hopes that between now and December, when the final budget and levy is due to the state, that the county's health care plan will be modified. If that happens, the county has a "Plan B," a budget that adds in much of what was eliminated.
Between now and December, the county will be meeting with its six various unions. Negotiations about health insurance coverage will be top priority. The county is unable to make any adjustments to its health insurance coverage without prior approval by the unions.
The county is considering several different options for health insurance coverage. One criterion is that the increase each year be set in advance. For the past few years, the county has had no idea each year what the percentage increase will be, and most years it has been in the double digits. In 2009, the increase is slightly lower than it has been in the past, but it is still nearly 10%.
Plan A: worst case scenario
The budget approved by the county board on Monday, Sept. 15, 2008 is set at $34,542,274. That is up from $32,975,026 in 2008 and $30,725,928 in 2007.
Of that, only $300,000 was set aside for capital outlay. That entire figure will go towards overlaying a section of roadway. No new computers, other equipment or vehicles are included. In 2008, the county budgeted $885,589 for capital outlay.
There is nothing set aside to hire additional staff, compared to $359,132 in 2008.
The amount the county contributes to various non-profits and other agencies, such as the Isanti County Historical Society, humane society, agricultural society, and soil and water, has been reduced from $326,717 in 2008 to $279,687 in 2009.
Overall operations are up $1.5 million. This is where the health insurance increase, along with fuel and utility increases, are factored in.
On the revenue side, the county anticipates pulling in $16,489,952 through various fees and grants. To earn a little more in 2009, various fees, such as those charged by the zoning department, will be going up.
Another $50,000 will come in through rental at Oakview. State aid in the form of HACA accounts for $1,899,673, which is up $237,000 over 2008.
The property tax levy will generate $15,322,285. It is slated to increase 3% over 2008.
Some county board members had hoped to keep that figure closer to 0. "I would still like to see it go lower," said Commissioner Larry Southerland. "I think there is a real perception that we be closer to 0 with the way things are out there."
Factoring in the 1% increase of new construction, the impact on tax payers will be closer to 2%.
Residents along Green Lake will be paying the last of five levies that paid for a flood control device. The last $12,539 will be spread out over all lake property owners.
Those along Long Lake will see a slight decrease in the amount they pay towards the lake improvement district. It is going down from $300 a property owner to $250 in 2009. This total $53,900 levy was approved by the county board.
Plan B
For the first time ever, this year the county put together two budgets.
"This is so significant, with the health insurance issue, that I and the board agreed we had to be prepared for it happening both ways," said Tvedt.
The "Plan B" budget adds back in some of the things "Plan A" takes out. Among those are conferences and $50,000 for park land acquisitions, as well as additional payments to non-profits and other agencies.
Plan B is still lean in that nothing has been set aside for equipment or additional staff, however.
The Plan B budget is set at $34,483,446.
The county may also decide to lower its tax levy, if possible.
Plans to remodel the government center have been put on hold, and the county is holding onto the capital improvement bonds it took out this year to pay for that work. The funds might not be better used to purchase squad cars, or to cover an emergency.

Harris levy on way up

City hit by drop in housing market, unexpected loan payments, rising fuel costs, and a lack of increase in LGA funds.

HARRIS – Harris is facing tough times.
Unless the city can negotiate deals with the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and Lakes Area Bank, residents may see a steep increase in their 2009 taxes.
On Monday night, Sept. 8, 2008, the city council approved a preliminary tax levy that is 66% higher than the 2008 figure. With that will come increases in utility bills, as well.
WHY THE INCREASE?
Mayor Rick Smisson explained the major factors entering into this increase.
Unlike surrounding cities, Harris did not receive a bump in local government aid. The city had expected to receive about $60,000 more, but the figure was instead left static.
This is due to a state designation of Harris as a "wealthy city" versus "poor city", which is what Cambridge is listed as, noted Smisson. This new formula means that Harris will not see additional funds in years to come, unless the formula is modified, meaning the city will continue to suffer.
Another big impact on the budget is the reversal DEED made concerning the city's payback of the PFA loan it received for the wastewater treatment plant. The city had initially been told it would not be responsible for either interest or principal payments until 2009. Instead, the city has been saddled with $140,000 in bills – which it didn't budget for. This means that in 2009 the city must essentially pay for two years worth of payments in one.
The city is fighting back against both issues. City workers are in contact with the state trying to pinpoint where they got their figures for the formula.
Smisson also intends to meet with representatives of Lakes Area Bank in Harris to negotiate a $122,000 short-term loan to cover the city's budget shortfall.
Also contributing to the issue is the fact that money did not come in from the Highlands of Harris housing development as the city had planned on, which put its 2008 budget out of whack.
"The housing market has changed everything," said Smisson. "Between the housing market and the cost of fuel it's been an incredible kick in the teeth."
SITUATION MAY BE RESOLVED
Hope is in sight. Although the housing market has collapsed, one developer still intends to build a resort in the city. Bruce Fagen plans to bring his request before the city's planning commission this fall. If his plan for a resort on 350 acres along County Road 9 is approved, he will pay the city $500,000 in various fees over three years.
That money would pull the city out of its hole, pointed out Smisson.
However, the budget the city put together for approval on Monday night did not factor in that $500,000. Instead, it was a "worst-case scenario," according to Smisson.
"It's going to be painful if we don't make right decisions," he added.
2009 BUDGET
The city made cuts in many areas for 2009. Basic services such as utilties, police and fire are up, however.
Factored into the budget are 1% increases for city staff.
Once again, the city has had to shelf a hoped-for increase in police hours.
Pushing the budget up is rapidly increasing fuel costs.
Harris is still paying for mistakes made in the past, said Smisson. "We ran up things. We didn't save for things. We allowed overtime to accrue."
The preliminary budget as approved on Monday night is set at $895,981.88, a 5.36% increase over the 2008 figure.
The preliminary levy was set at $520,000, compared to $312,400 in 2008 and $278,928.96 in 2007.
The city will set its final budget and levy in December. It cannot raise the figures at all, but can decrease them. Last year, a decrease was made between September and December.
Next year will mark the first year in three that the tax rate in Harris has dropped or remained the same. In the past three years, the tax rate has decreased by 11%.

BUDGET CLOSE UP
Revenues:
General fund +33.98%
*includes LGA and levy
Fire +822.22%
Building/zoning +35.87%
Park development -40%
EDA -60%
Water -42.28%
Sewer -49.02%
Cemetery +63.64%

Expenses:
Council +7.52%
City clerk - 9.93%
Elections -100%
City hall general -22.26%
Police +13.02%
Fire +5.69%
Public works -8.58%
Street lighting -4%
Parks -33.59%
Building/zoning -71.04%
Park development -40%
EDA -60%
Water +27.68%
Sewer +38.08%
Cemetery +27.32%
TOTAL +5.36%

Cambridge freezes levy

Recognizing the tough economic times, the city council holds the line at 2008 level.

CAMBRIDGE – Cambridge is not increasing its total levy amount in 2009.
Instead, the levy will remain frozen at the 2008 figure of $4,479,087.
"I think council did an excellent job of being sensitive to the economic times while being sure core services are continued without interruption," said Cambridge City Administrator Lynda Woulfe.
She pointed out that council members heard from citizens that they're having trouble making ends meet. Thus they decided to freeze the levy.
Citizens may or may not see an increase in their total property tax bills, depending on whether their valuation is adjusted and how much the county and school district levies change.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE CITY?
This freeze means the city will stay at its current staffing levels. To accommodate a maintenance person at the new Armed Forces Readiness Center (AFRC), Cambridge will eliminate an administrative assistant position at city hall.
Holding the line is softened by the increase this year in local government aid. It will be $198,000 more than the $603,000 the city received in 2008.
City staff also anticipate that building permits will slowly pick up, adding $95,000 to the city's coffers in 2009.
TOTAL BUDGET INCREASING
Overall, the city's general fund budget is increasing in 2009 over the 2008 figure. It will be $5,682,809 in 2009 compared to $5,440,113 in 2008 and $5,265,356 in 2007.
General government expenses (such as administrative, legal and community development) and parks will be down, while fire, police and public works are up.
"The council placed a high priority on public safety and public works," said Woulfe. Items such as snow plowing and police response time will not be affected by this year's budget.
Major expenses in 2009 include: new squad car and computers ($37,000), park upgrades and tennis court rehabilitation ($35,000); maintenance equipment for the parks and public works departments ($235,000); computer and printing equipment for city hall ($10,000); pumper truck for the fire department ($360,000); sewer system upgrades including the rehabilitation of the high school lift station ($100,000); and street repairs ($420,000).
The city will pay back $381,028 on debt it has incurred for construction projects. Of that, $200,000 will go towards the Cambridge Opportunity Industrial Park. This is a decrease in what was initially planned. However, the city has a total of seven years to repay the entire amount.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Staffing levels are the same. However, an administrative assistant position will be eliminated to add a maintenance position at the new community center. Part-time staff will be added as needed at the liquor store. The city planner position will continue to remain vacant.
• Local government aid increased by $198,000.
• Building permits are expected to pick up.
• Proceeds totalling $285,000 will be transferred from the liquor store fund to the city's general fund.
• The city will switch to an every-other-year schedule for road improvements, rather than do a major project every year. Work will be done in 2009 and then again in 2011, and so on.
• The city will not put as much towards repaying the debt on the Opportunity Industrial Park.

MAJOR EXPENSES
• Squad car and computers for police department ($37,000)
• Park upgrades and tennis court rehabilitation ($35,000)
• Maintenance equipment for the parks and public works departments ($235,000)
• Computer and printing equipment for city hall ($10,000)
• A pumper truck for the fire department ($360,000)
• Sewer system upgrades including the rehabilitation of the high school lift station ($100,000)
• Street repairs ($420,000)

ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK
• 1 squad car replacement
• $15,000 of park improvements
• $10,000 reduction in a marketing contract for the economic development authority
• East Cambridge welcome sign lighting at night
• Machine shop upgrades
• Equipment for the emergency operation center (The city is working with the county to locate a central one at the government center)
• Emergency weather siren near Sandquist Park (The existing one can be heard there)
• $50,000 of council contingency funds
• Comprehensive plan update
• Cell phones for staff members that do not need them for safety

PICKING UP STEAM

Isanti County endorses Cambridge as site of passenger rail depot

CAMBRIDGE – Recognizing that Cambridge is a regional trade center the Isanti County Economic Development Authority has endorsed locating the new train depot there.
There is competition for the site of the new Northern Lights Express depot, particularly by those in Isanti County's southern township, Athens.
Resolutions such as the one the county EDA approved on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008 will help solidify the Cambridge location, pointed out Cambridge Business Development Corporation President Bob Guetschoff. He was speaking to the recently formed task force that is evaluating the best location for a depot. The group met for the first time on Aug. 12.
"The more resolutions we can have from county groups, cities and chambers that support this train the easier it will be to get this accomplished," Guetschoff said.
Cambridge City Administrator Lynda Woulfe noted that Cambridge receiving the depot "is not an absolute 100% deal." But the city is dedicated to making it impossible to pick any place but Cambridge. "We are trying to be in front of the train," she said.
"It is ours to lose," remarked Guetschoff.
Towards this end the city hopes to identify a depot location and solutions to the congestion on Highway 95 by the end of this year.
EDA SUPPORT
The resolution passed by the county EDA pointed to the fact that the city of Cambridge, particularly the downtown area, was identified by the consultants hired by the St. Louis & Lake Counties Regional Railroad Authority.
TEMS, Inc. favors a downtown location due to the depot being within walking distance to major trip generators, employment and activity centers. These include the Cambridge Medical Center, which employs over 900 people and treats 131,000 outpatients annually; the Cambridge Campus of Anoka-Ramsey Community College which enrolls 4,876 full-year equivalent students; and GracePoint Crossing senior living community which employs 508 people.
Another advantage to the Cambridge location is the dedicated city bus which is part of the bigger Heartland Express system that stretches out over two counties.
Cambridge is bisected by two heavily traveled state highways, 95 and 65, which carry an average of 23,000 and 13,000 vehicles a day.
Cambridge has been identified as a regional trade center, pulling in shoppers from a trade area that includes 103,645 people and stretches up to Pine City.
NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPRESS
The idea of reinstating the passenger train from Duluth to Minneapolis has been in the cooker for several years. However, it is only within the last year and one-half that it really began to pick up steam.
A group of county commissioners (including Isanti County Commissioner Larry Southerland) and city representatives from Duluth to Minneapolis began meeting once a month. Each entity chipped in money to help fund a feasibility study. An environmental impact study (EIS) is being done this summer.
This inter-city rail line is different from the commuter rail also being proposed that would link Cambridge up to the Northstar line running between St. Cloud and Minneapolis.
The project is supported by Congressman Jim Oberstar, who heads up the House Transportation Committee.
The Northern Lights Express Line will be part of a larger system, linking to Chicago and then crisscrossing the United States.
The Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act has been approved by both the House and the Senate. A few details (such as whether to privatize the system) remain to be worked out in committee meetings once the Legislature resumes session. The bill will pour $850 million into rail projects across the county, grants which the Northern Lights Express line is eligible for. Federal funds will pay for 80% of the estimated $362 million it will cost to upgrade the tracks and purchase the trains.
Each community where a depot will be located is responsible for paying for the construction of a depot.
This is one reason using the existing city-owned mall is so attractive. Transforming the mall into a depot is being proposed by the Cambridge Business Development Corporation, which intends to present its plan to the task force in September.
POTENTIAL DEPOT LOCATION: CAMBRIDGE MALL
Guetschoff briefly explained why the CBDC chose the mall. It is the largest space between Main Street and the railroad tracks. It is close to the Highway 95/Main Street connection. And the mall is already a city-owned building, which would cut down on the costs of establishing a depot.
The plan being proposed would add onto the building in the back to create a platform next to the train tracks and an enclosed waiting area. The front of the mall would be renovated and a large clock tower added. The inside could remain the same, with the exception of cutting in a hallway through to the back. Or, it could also be renovated to make way for shops that would cater to travelers.
The neighborhood to the north of the mall could be redeveloped with additional parking, restaurants, offices and condominiums.
Since the idea was made public in July only one negative call was made to city hall about the idea, according to Cambridge Community Development Director Dave Carlberg. Several home owners in the area being proposed for possible redevelopment called to ask for advice on whether to re-roof or re-side their homes. One asked if the city wanted to purchase their land now.
"I was amazed," said Carlberg. "I expected some fall-out."
NEXT STEPS
The task force intends to work fast to identify a location. The group will meet the second Tuesday of each month at 3 p.m. Members include Susan Morris, George Larson, Bob Voss, Pat Johns, Nicki Klanderud, Jon Ward, Bob Guetschoff, Greg Carlson, Kim Erickson, Mark Anderson, Jackie Forner, Marlys Palmer, Dave Schornstein and Tesha M. Christensen.
Criteria for site selection will include a location in the downtown area with enough space for parking. The group intends to follow the TEMS report as closely as possible. The task force will also consider how traffic will be affected by potential depot locations, and whether there are links for pedestrians.
First steps will include defining who the users of the train will be and where they will be going once they hit Cambridge. The group will also list options for transporting people once they alight from the train to where they want to go, be it the college, medical center or canoeing on the Rum River.
Guetschoff suggested that a future step for the group be identifying tourist destinations throughout the entire county.
"I think this will be outstanding for our downtown area," said George Larson, the Isanti County Commissioner who represents the city of Cambridge.
Along with picking a specific depot site, the task force will also evaluate how to solve the congestion along Highway 95. Members intend to review the information gathered by the Highway 95 Task Force last year, specifically focusing on a possible railroad bridge.


ABOUT THE INTER-CITY PASSENGER TRAIN
• The line will begin with eight trains
• Trains will travel at a maximum of 110 miles per hour. High speed will be in remote areas; trains will sow down in highly-populated towns.
• Crossings between Duluth and Minneapolis will be double-armed, and no vehicle will be able to sneak through.
• Train line is expected to bring $40-60 million in economic benefits to Cambridge.
• Federal funds will cover 80% of the project.
• Each city is responsible for providing its own depot.
• An estimated 100,000 people will get on and off the train in Cambridge each year. This number does not include anyone using the train to commute daily to work.
• The passenger rail line is expected to change its function and perform more as a commuter line from Cambridge south. However, this line is not the same as the Northstar commuter train being proposed. The cost to ride this high-speed line will be higher than the commuter train which will have more stops.
• There will be 6 stops: Minneapolis, Coon Rapids, Cambridge, Hinckley, Superior and Duluth.
• At the south end, passengers will debark at the new Twins stadium.
• A loop may bring riders straight to the casino in Hinckley.
• The ride from Duluth to Minneapolis will be two hours, less than the time it would take to drive a car. The ride from Cambridge to Minneapolis will be 35 minutes.
• The cost of riding from Cambridge to Minneapolis will be an estimated $15.

Explore alternative options to lower heating bill this winter

Choose from geothermal systems to air source heat pumps to wind to biomass stoves to coal stoves. Options available for all price ranges.

Dreading your heating bill this winter? The members of St. John Church of Weber aren't.
The church is in the process of switching over from a propane system to a ground source heat pump. With the change, the heating bill will drop from $19,000 a year to $3,500. That's good news – especially when propane is expected to increase again this winter.
The decrease in the bill is due to the efficiency level of geothermal heating. The system the church is installing will have a 200% efficiency rating, according to church member Scott Kittelson. Not even an all-electrical system rate can compare to that; such a system reaches half that rate at 100%.
Darren Lemmerman has long been a proponent of geothermal heating. Church members drew on his expertise when making their decision to convert the existing system over.
Three years ago, Lemmerman switched from an outdoor wood boiler to underground geothermal coils at his home, which also serves as his office.
He kicks himself for not installing the system right away when he built his house 12 years ago. "I was young and foolish," he says now. With the price of energy going up, he decided it was time to convert.
His boiler was operating at an 85% efficiency rate. Compared to the 350% efficiency available through a geothermal system, Lemmerman said converting was a "no brainer."
The cost of the ground loop system was about the same as purchasing a new wood boiler. As an engineer himself, Lemmerman did all his own work, saving some money.
He also tapped into the federal tax deduction of $300, and qualified for an $800 rebate through his electrical company.
"It's paid itself back already," said Lemmerman. "As any business owner knows, a three-year payback on an investment is awesome."
He feels that the system has also increased the value of his home.
Whether or not you believe in global warming, geothermal heating systems certainly generate less carbon emissions, pointed out Lemmerman. "As a living person walking on the planet, you are expected to be a good steward," he said.
"I'd put geothermal heating in the category of common sense," said Lemmerman.
HOW IT WORKS
With a ground source heat pump, water and an anti-freeze solution circulate through a series of ground loop pipes that are buried an average of six to eight feet. The ground loops transfer heat, taking advantage of underground temperatures which remain stable throughout the year. The system can be either closed-loop or open-loop.
When heating, the pumps use a typical refrigeration system to extract heat from the ground loops, concentrate the heat, and circulate the heat through standard ductwork. The system also works easily with in-floor heating. With radiators, some efficiency is lost.
The system reverses in the summer to provide air conditioning, again using standard ductwork to circulate the cool air.
There are several ground loop systems to choose from. When there is limited space, the best option is a looped well system. This is the option Lemmerman took because he wanted to preserve his 20 acres of trees.
When more space is available, a property owner can pick from either a freon-gas system or a water-loop system. The water loop system takes up the most space, and is used when the underground loops will be located 100 or more feet from the building they are heating and cooling.
This is the system St. John is using. Neighborhood Plumbing of Foley is installing 33,000 feet of pipe 10 feet deep.
PROS AND CONS
In evaluating whether or not to switch the system at St. John's the main concern was whether members could afford it. The cost of installing the system there is significantly higher than what a homeowner pays, and will be about $125,000 when all is said and done. Church members were leery about taking out such a large loan, until learning that it would be a wash. Payments on the 10-year loan would be the same as they had been paying monthly for propane.
"We will have no increase in our budget," said Lemmerman.
The Isanti County Historical Society chose to install a geothermal system when it built five years ago. As a small non-profit organization, it was especially important to them to use their resources wisely and to keep their heating and cooling bills as low as they could.
The center's part-time executive director, Kathy McCully, has been so impressed with the system she has now elected to install one at her 79-year-old home in Bradford Township.
"Because we would like to stay in our home as long as possible after we retire, we realized that with the rising cost of propane we may not be able to afford to heat our home," noted McCully. "I see how difficult it is for those on fixed incomes to make ends meet, and I think it will only be getting worse and more expensive.
"Therefore, we have made the decision to convert our heating system now, when we are still working."
Priority Air Mechanical of Isanti (which also installed the system at ICHS) will be putting in the McCully's system this fall, eliminating the $1,500 per winter they've been spending on heat. In all, it will cost $17,500 to install the new system, factoring in rebates from Connexus Energy.
"While geothermal seems to be very expensive to install because of the up-front costs, the system will pay for itself in cost-savings in five to seven years – in less time if the cost of fuel continues to rise," said McCully. "The savings in the long-term far outweigh the cost of installation."
Like many others, McCully also sees a benefit to using a renewable resource rather than taking from the earth.
That may be the biggest benefit of alternative systems, according to Bob Olsen of Windcor Energy. "Politically and for our kids, it's the direction we have to go from an environmental standpoint."
ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS INCREASE VALUE OF HOME
Olsen has seen an increase in the popularity of geothermal and other alternative heating systems as the cost of natural gas, propane and fuel oil rise.
"Fossil fuel energy is going by the wayside," said Olsen. Today's customers have many options, whether it is geothermal systems, biomass stoves, wind power or solar energy.
"You can say no to the big guys and give yourself a chance to reduce your dependence on some of the larger companies," he noted.
Of course, some companies are strong supporters of renewable energy, including East Central Energy located in Braham. ECE offers a rebate to those who switch their systems over, as well as reduced pricing for electricity, noted Olsen.
To learn about the state and federal incentives offered for switching to renewable systems, browse www.DSIREUSA.org.
Rebates and tax deductions help make the installation of new systems more affordable. "There's stuff out there. You've just got to go find it," encouraged Olsen.
The benefit of the alternative systems extends beyond individual homeowners. The value of a home is increased by a geothermal system or a biomass stove, Olsen said. "A lot of times it's the deciding factor for purchase."
Olsen encourages everyone to check out alternative heating and cooling options.
"I think everyone owes it to themselves to go out and investigate the products and find out what they can do for you," said Olsen.
"I see it as the right choice for years to come."

~ Tesha M. Christensen,
news@cambridgemn.

OPTIONS TO TRADITIONAL HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS
Air source heat pumps: In the heating mode, air source heat pumps transfer heat from the outdoor air into your home. When the outdoor temperatures fall below 20º, your primary heating system takes over. In the cooling mode, the air heat source pumps works like a standard central air conditioner and transfers heat out of the building.
Ground source heat pumps: water and an anti-freeze solution circulate through a series of ground loop pipes that are buried an average of six to eight feet. The ground loops transfer heat, taking advantage of underground temperatures which remain stable throughout the year. When heating, the pumps use a typical refrigeration system to extract heat from the ground loops, concentrate the heat, and circulate the heat through standard ductwork. The system also works easily with in-floor heating. The system reverses in the summer to provide air conditioning, again using standard ductwork to circulate the cool air.
Biomass stoves: Radiant heat is generated by the burning of pellets, whether they be corn, wood or other. With a direct-vent system, they are easy to install and don't require chimneys. Many have been scared off in recent years by the rising cost of corn, but Bob Olsen of Win-Core encourages people to investigate stoves first. Corn is still cheaper than the cost of fuel oil or propane. "It's still a good option." There are other benefits to installing a stove than the reduced price of fuel. A homeowner can put the heat where they need it, and the heat is a warmer type than forced air. He added that insurance companies look more favorably on pellet biomass stoves than they do on wood stoves.
Coal stoves: Today's coal stoves burn cleaner with anthracite pellets. The stoves go without tending for up to 36 hours. The ash removal systems require little effort by the consumer, and there is no creosote build-up in the chimney. Representatives at Tradewinds in Isanti point out that the United States produces over one-quarter of the world's coal, which is enough to last over 500 years. Even better, the cost of coal is currently cheaper than corn or biomass pellets.

INCENTIVES
Rebates: East Central Energy (ECE) and Connexus Energy offer a $200 per ton rebate for ground source heat pumps. ECE rebates for air source heat pumps range from $30 to $430 based on the seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER).
Discounted rates: ECE charges a reduced rate of 6.4¢ per kilowatt hour for geothermal systems and 5.9¢ per kWh for air source heat pumps. Connexus charges a discount of 5.82¢ per kWh for air conditioning and 4.5¢ for heating needs for air source pumps.

FIND OUT MORE

www.DSIREUSA.org
List of state and federal incentives
eastcentralenergy.com: List of rebates and reduced rates; list of local installers
connexusenergy.com: List of rebates and reduced rates
www.econar.com: List of frequently asked questions about the geothermal systems.


INSTALLERS
Mentioned in this story:
Windcor Energy:
www.windcor-energy.com
651-277-0540
Neighborhood Plumbing:
1-800-570-4328
Priority Air Mechanical:
763-444-3500
Tradewinds:
www.hvacandfireplace.com
763-434-8887