The City Council of Isanti convened on March 9, 2024, to discuss several key topics, primarily focusing on the ongoing roundabout project and the preliminary budget for 2025.

The meeting began with an update on the roundabout project at the intersection of Heritage Boulevard and Minco Drive. City officials reported that the project has moved into the design phase, following the collection of new traffic counts. Adjustments to the original design were made to accommodate increased heavy vehicle traffic, resulting in a larger roundabout diameter. The new design aims to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion, particularly for larger vehicles like semis. The council discussed the importance of adding a left turn lane into Credit Union Drive to further alleviate traffic pressure on the roundabout.

Council members expressed concerns about potential bottlenecks, particularly during peak traffic hours, and discussed the feasibility of adding acceleration lanes to improve vehicle movement. The city engineer assured the council that the updated design would still align with budget estimates and funding plans. The next steps include moving into 3D design and initiating land acquisition processes.

In addition to the roundabout discussion, the council reviewed the preliminary budget for 2025. The proposed budget includes a slight increase in the general fund levy, with a focus on maintaining a steady tax rate. The council emphasized the importance of long-term fiscal planning and the need to balance budgetary constraints with community needs.

The meeting also addressed the approval of a conditional use permit for Winter Greens to add pickleball courts, which received unanimous support from the council. Furthermore, a contract with DigiTicket for a new records management system was approved, transitioning from the previous system to ensure continued support and functionality.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to improving infrastructure and managing city finances effectively while responding to community needs. The next council meeting will continue discussions on these topics and further refine the budget and project plans.