CITY OF NORTH BRANCH
With its earliest beginnings as a small railroad station on the banks of the Sunrise River in Chisago County , North Branch grew steadily under the influence of the Twin Cities , busy railroads , new highways and the strength of its residents . Today it has a population of 11,858 people . North Branch welcomes business growth with a 300-acre industrial park that has development shovel-ready sites . People may access the city easily from I-35 and Highway 95 .
The North Branch Economic Development Authority works to attract and retain commercial business , which helps build local tax base , create jobs and invigorate downtown areas .
City Council
A five-member City Council governs the city and includes the mayor . It meets 7 p . m . on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at City Hall . North Branch city departments include administration , finance , engineering , planning and zoning , police , fire , and economic development . City Council Members and their term-expiration dates : Travis Miles , 2026 ; Mayor Kevin Schieber , 2026 ; Peter Schaps 2026 ; Jeff Goulet , 2028 ; Robert Canada , 2028 .
Polling Places for general elections
Precinct A - Access Church , 4359 392nd St .; Precinct B - Main Street Church , 6500 Main St .; and Precinct C - Firehall , 37917 Forest Blvd .
PUBLIC SAFETY
Police Department
The North Branch Police Department ( 6408 Elm Street ) consists of 14 sworn officers including a chief , two sergeants , investigator and a school resource officer . Police provide continuous patrol services to all citizens of North Branch . The department ’ s non-emergency number is 651-674-8848 .
Fire Department
The North Branch Fire Department ( 37917 Forest Boulevard ) has a history dating back 130 years and a current strength of 24 volunteer members who provide both firefighting and fire-prevention services . While sirens used to call them to an emergency , each firefighter now carries a special beeper , and the department responded to about 240 calls last year . The non-emergency number is 612-562-2249 .
Civil Defense Sirens
People are warned of potentially dangerous weather through eight civil defense sirens within the community : Near 7th Ave .
Page 4 and Elm St .; Ash St . and Ash Ct .; Falcon Ave . and 382nd St .; Harder Ave . and 380th St .; Flink Ave . and 412th St .; Hemingway Ave . and 410th St .; 399th St . and Fawn Ave .; 372nd St . and Forest Blvd . The sirens emit a steady , two-minute tone . Citizens hear the monthly siren test at 1 p . m . the first Wednesday of each month .
MUNICIPAL PARKS AND RECREATION
Parks are open 7 a . m . to 10 p . m .
Central - 6250 Main St ., offers a picnic shelter , playground area and basketball court , as well as such annual events as the Midsummer Days carnival , Fall Harvest Festival , Winter Fest and Concerts in the Park .
Harder - 39260 Harder Pkwy ., includes 40 acres and four ball fields , a picnic shelter , playground equipment and a discgolf course . Main Street Ice Rink - 6773 Elm St ., has a warming house . North Branch Oaks - 5035 366th St ., offers playground equipment .
Northwoods - 39581 Cherokee Ave ., features pickleball courts , tennis courts , cornhole court , a picnic shelter , walking trails , playground equipment , and basketball court .
Riverwalk - 39181 Forest Blvd ., includes scenic walking trails along the Sunrise River , band shell , and a picnic shelter .
Roger Johnson Memorial - 6547 410th St ., has a baseball field , two soccer fields , and a picnic shelter and playground equipment .
Skateboard & Hockey Rink - 38175 Grand Ave ., is a skateboard facility , and a warming house located at the high school .
Tower Fields - 6211 Cougar Tr ., features two ball fields and playground equipment .
Wildridge - 4840 382nd St ., offers a picnic shelter , basketball court , playground equipment , and skating rink with a warming house .
Williams Community Garden - 6400 379th St ., community garden behind the library .
Clayton Anderson Nature Park - 38689 Hemingway Ave ., includes nature walking trails .
30 + miles of sidewalks and trails throughout the community .
CITY OF NORTH BRANCH see page 5 North Branch / Rush City Community Guide • February 2025