Haven Township’s annual meeting was well attended with 25 residents present to include their voice, Tuesday.

 

Penny Weihrauch was nominated moderator, and the meeting began with the clerk-treasurer’s 2105 report. 

 

Supervisor Jeff Schlingmann explained the Haven Township levy of $370,000 is the lowest levy of all Sherburne County townships. He pointed out the year-end cash reserve was higher than expected due to lower expenditures.

 

The proposed 2017 budget and levy of $370,000, unchanged for past six years, was approved by the voters. It includes $71,000 for the general fund $55,000 for fire, and $244,000 for road and bridge.

 

Supervisor Mark Knowles gave the road and bridge report, telling residents the township’s asphalt roads for the most part are in good shape. He explained the significant year-end cash balance was due to a project that was budgeted for but not completed. 

 

“We make our roads and bridges budget based on our engineer’s recommendation of priority,” Knowles said. “We will continue to do what’s in the budget until they’re all done.”

 

Supervisor Kathi Sims-Kosloski gave the fire report. She explained there has been a 10 to 11% increase in the contract with the Sauk Rapids Fire Dept. partially due to upgrading some of their trucks are in need of. 

 

“Different options have been investigated,” she said, “Financially it’s our best ‘bang for the buck’ to use them.”

 

Sims-Kosloski also told voters the township is looking into areas to locate dry hydrants, which are permanently installed pipes that go into a strong water source which fire trucks are able to pump from, saving them time and lowering nearby residents’ insurance.

 

“It costs $5,000 to $7,000 to install each dry hydrant, but the good part is that once they’re in and paid for they’re there to stay.” she said.

 

Resident Georgia Thienes approached the board to ask what the process was to get a walking bridge over the Elk River to replace the one that was taken out, explaining residents miss having it and nearby property values have decreased due to it.

 

Knowles replied the state is aware the township is interested in replacing the bridge, but right now it’s a low priority for them. He stated he would call the county and find out what programs may be open to help fund the project.

 

Clean Up Day has been set for May 14 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the township hall. They were advised not to show up before 8 a.m., because nothing would be accepted before then.

 

Other agenda items included keeping the gopher bounty at $2 per pocket gopher, and setting the 2017 annual meeting date as March 14 at 7 p.m., both of which were approved by voters.