The gallery was full for the Nov. 19 meeting of the Orrock Township Board. Twenty people were in attendance, many of them residents and homeowners from around Ann Lake. They came to ask questions of board members about what was happening at the boat landing. Seven of them spoke.
Most of the speakers expressed concerns over more traffic on the lake and how that would disrupt the lake. One woman worried about wood ducks and loons that spend their day floating around what she named, “Lilly Pad Bay” and another worried about the area where children fish at the dock throughout the summer. Another man about was concerned about the costs of the township taking over the landing.
All their concerns were unfounded regarding the recent termination of the agreement between the township and the Ann Lake Improvement Club. The termination was necessary so that the board could begin removal of an outhouse on the beach and boat landing area before winter. That removal was one of several requests made by the ALIC to the township that were discussed during last month’s meeting. The requests included assistance with the maintenance of the beach and boat landing and that the township take over garbage service, electricity, parking lot maintenance, restroom maintenance, and mowing. ALIC wrote that it would still maintain the lake against invasive species and would pay for the insurance for the aeration of the lake. No formal agreement was made at that Oct. meeting.
Later, when discussion about Ann Lake resumed, Chair Anne Felber proposed creating a board with the lake association to come up with the details of a new agreement. The board would consist of two Township Supervisors and a few residents of Ann Lake. The motion passed unanimously and the newly created board would meet as soon as possible.
County Update
County Administrator Bruce Messelt updated the board about a few items of distinction in Sherburne County, the first being the termination of Northstar Rail service which will end on the day of the final Minnesota Vikings home game, either Saturday, January 4 or 5. A two-year pilot program will begin on January 5. Metro Transit Bus Route 882 will provide service between Big Lake, Elk River, and downtown Minneapolis on weekdays. Metro Transit will operate this service under an agreement with MnDOT and will have three southbound trips in the morning and three northbound trips from downtown Minneapolis.
Messelt also spoke about data centers and nuclear power. He then finished his update talking about road construction on Hwy. 169. When completed, Messelt contended that Orrock residents will be able to go “from Chicago to the casino without hitting a stoplight.”
Other News
The township board approved an exempt gambling premises permit to Ducks Unlimited Zimmerman #309 for their one-time bingo and raffle event to be held on January 10, 2026 at the Getaway Bar in Orrock.
A motion was approved for the Joint Community Meeting between the City of Big Lake, Big Lake Township, Orrock Township, Sherburne County Board of Commissioners, and ISD 727 to meet in the Big Lake City Council Chambers on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026 at 6 p,m.
