During the recent Big Lake Town Board meeting, Eagle Scout Sebastian Gaida presented his completed project for town board approval. He built 12 “bee hotels” that were put up in Lion’s Park. These bee hotels serve as shelter and mating areas for “solitary bees” that don’t live in hives. These bees are excellent pollinators and very beneficial to the environment.
The hotels are situated in three clusters of four, as Gaida was advised to situate them by his expert consultant, a biology professor, and made of natural wood.
The board agreed Gaida did an excellent job and signed off on their satisfaction, which Gaida will use to earn his Eagle Badge.
Sheriff’s Report
Sgt. Barrett of the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office noted a steep uptick in traffic stops this past month over what they had last year, jumping from around 40 in 2023 to over 100 this year.
Barrett also reported a theft of auto parts from a property on Hwy. 10. The case is still under investigation.
Sherburne County EDA
New Sherburne County Economic Development Coordinator Brian Fleming came to the meeting to introduce himself. He said he wished to get to know the townships in the county.
Some of the projects Fleming is planning to take on include local business visits, addressing the lack of childcare in the area, and looking at housing needs in the county.
Speed Signage Increase
Speed signs around the township have increased from 30mph to 35mph. This is the result of state legislation and out of the hands of the board. More information will be available soon on the township website.
In Other Business, the Board:
• Provided commentary on a proposed solar farm ordinance from the county, asking that terms in the ordinance be better defined and the decommissioning fee be reviewed regularly to keep up with costs;
• Gave approval for the county to manage the cannabis ordinance which applies to the township, and stated desire to keep the number of cannabis vending licenses to the minimum amount;
• Approved snow removal contracts for the 2024-25 winter season;
• Approved an increase in engineering services rates with Bogart-Peterson;
• Approved an increase in administrative fees for employee benefits through Benafica.
