Isanti City Council Reviews Employee Compensation and Budget Challenges Amidst Community Concerns

Overview: The recent Isanti City Council meeting focused on financial management and community issues, including employee compensation adjustments, budget discussions, and public concerns. Key highlights included the council’s decision on the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for city employees, budget implications, and community feedback on property taxes and lighting issues.

Maplewood Town Council Tackles Health Insurance Crisis Amid Community Concerns

Overview: The Maplewood Town Council meeting addressed issues including a health insurance crisis impacting local residents, particularly independent contractors in the entertainment industry, and concerns about healthcare access. The council also discussed environmental safety at a busy intersection, and community events, while adopting new ordinances.

Stillwater School Board Reviews Boundary Changes and Calendar Amid Tax Levy Discussions

Overview: The recent Stillwater Area School Board meeting focused primarily on proposed boundary adjustments, the school calendar for the upcoming academic year, and discussions about the district’s financial levies and their implications for property taxes. Emphasizing community involvement and strategic planning, board members and community participants engaged in a comprehensive dialogue about how these changes would impact families and students.

Monroe Zoning Board Approves Two Solar Projects, Emphasizing Community and Environmental Benefits

Overview: The Monroe Zoning Board approved two significant solar energy projects during its recent meeting, highlighting benefits for low and moderate-income households and aligning with the township’s renewable energy goals. The projects, presented by Solar Landscape, involved installing rooftop solar panels at two different sites in Monroe, requiring use and bulk variances due to zoning restrictions.

Gardner City Council Addresses Open Meeting Law Complaints and Approves Infrastructure Upgrades

Overview: The Gardner City Council meeting on December 1, 2025, addressed matters, including the resolution of open meeting law complaints, approval of infrastructure projects, and new ordinances regarding parking regulations. One focus was on the complaints filed against the council, which were reviewed by the Massachusetts Attorney General. Additionally, the council approved significant National Grid projects to modernize the city’s electrical infrastructure and discussed amendments to the city code and staffing issues.