During August’s meeting, Board Member Gregg Felber asked the board to consider becoming a second-amendment supportive township, similar to the resolution adopted by the city of Big Lake earlier this summer. This would have been a completely symbolic resolution as the township has no policing force. When Felber first suggested the adoption at an earlier meeting, some board members were concerned that such an adoption would be needlessly political, given the symbolic nature of it. During last week’s meeting, Felber made a motion to adopt the resolution, but the motion failed when no other board member would second it.
Sheriff’s Report
Sgt. Luke McLean reported fewer traffic stops on township roads for the month, with the new speed limit sign put up last month really helping to keep motorists informed on how fast they should be driving. McLean did report an unfortunate death resulting from a motorcycle accident in July.
He also reported a complaint of a scam. An individual attempted to purchase a car online. The seller told the individual to pay in gift card codes. Then, of course, never brought the car. McLean reminded the audience to never make a purchase or payment using gift card codes. It is always a scam.
ARPA Funding
The board again discussed using ARPA funding to expand on town hall. The growing township needs a larger space to hold elections and the annual meeting. ARPA funds may be used for an expansion, though not to construct a new town hall. Board Member Bryan Adams brought some preliminary design ideas before the board, but the board agreed to have the plans reviewed by a committee before making any formal decisions on how to proceed.
Parking Ordinance
The board discussed the parking ordinance which had recently failed and the issue behind the proposed ordinance. Some county residents are unhappy with large numbers of vehicles cluttering their neighbors’ yards. When an ordinance was proposed to limit the vehicles on platted parcels, the ordinance was met with strong opposition. County staff asked townships to give recommendations on how to solve the issue without restricting the rights of county residents.
Township handyman and go-to guy for projects, Daryl Waletzko, suggested the county loosen accessory building restrictions so residents with lots of vehicles could erect a garage to store them. Other township staff suggested, on a similar note, allowing higher privacy fences.
Adams suggested residents who had a real issue with their neighbors’ storage of vehicles could pursue a lawsuit, rather than looking to the government for the solution.
In the end, the board sent comments to the county suggesting fewer restrictions on fencing and accessory structures but were unsure of any other possible solutions.
In Other Business, the Board:
• Increased coverage in the case of lawsuits against township staff (at the cost of an addition $100 per year);
• Moved to clean out catch basins around Eagle Lake and Lake Ann;
• Awarded a road trimming contract to Wruck Excavating for $27,400;
• Asked the treasurer to look into money market accounts where township funds can be kept, which may yield a larger interest rate than the township’s current accounts.
