The council’s approval of a resolution to award a contract to Min Art Construction LLC for the repair of the Isanti indoor arena’s roof was a focal point of the meeting. Two bids were considered, with Min Art Construction’s $41,500 proposal being favored due to its five-year warranty on workmanship. A representative from the construction company, Chase, attended the session to discuss the project timelines and contractual details. Concerns were raised regarding the absence of specific project dates and times, highlighting the need for a swift completion to avoid disruptions.

A significant aspect of the conversation involved the implications of closing the arena during the repair work. The city attorney advised closure to mitigate liability risks, prompting discussions about the impact on Rum River BMX, a key user of the facility. Chase suggested that a complete closure could expedite the project, but council members weighed this against the potential financial losses and schedule disruptions for the BMX organization. A compromise was proposed, allowing BMX activities to proceed on weekends if no construction was underway, pending the city attorney’s approval.

Concerns about equipment storage were addressed, with assurances given that the city would manage the relocation of bleachers if necessary. The council emphasized the importance of safety and liability. The building official’s oversight of the project was noted, although a permit was deemed unnecessary for the repair work.

The potential loss of rental income for Rum River BMX due to arena closures was another point of discussion. The council considered waiving rental fees for the affected days, acknowledging the need for collaboration between the city, the contractor, and the BMX organization. This cooperative approach aimed to balance the repair work with ongoing community activities, emphasizing safety and minimizing disruptions.

Another development was the announcement of Mayor James Gordon’s intended resignation on December 31, 2024. This would leave a two-year term remaining, necessitating a special election scheduled for August 2025. The council outlined the interim appointment process and potential primary election dates in a resolution. Mayor Gordon reflected on his tenure, expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts with city staff and fellow council members. He acknowledged the honor of serving Isanti residents and praised the staff’s contributions to city operations.

The council also engaged in a discussion about board and commission attendance policies. Discrepancies in attendance requirements between the Planning Commission and the Park Board were highlighted, with current city code allowing for different absence thresholds. One council member expressed frustration over certain members missing numerous meetings without proper notice, stating that it was unfair for individuals to “just miss every meeting.”

The council debated the need for equitable attendance policies across all boards, suggesting that all absences should count equally, regardless of the reason. There was a call to amend the city code to align these policies, with a focus on preventing the retention of members who do not participate. Suggestions included bringing the issue to the Committee of the Whole for further evaluation.

Concerns about some board members’ lack of commitment, particularly in terms of attendance and contributions, were voiced. The council proposed establishing uniform policies to prevent future issues and ensure consistent standards for all members.