During their recent meeting, the Big Lake Town Board received a request for payment for property damage. 

A motorist was reputed to be driving through a road work zone on 178th St. where some crack filling was being completed. A worker directed the motorist to drive in the left lane where work was not being done. The motorist originally went into the left lane, then turned back into the right lane, whereupon their tires were destroyed. The motorist sent a bill for the new tires to the board for payment. The board discussed the situation and agreed that the motorist was in the wrong and they were not interested in paying the bill.

In other road news, work will begin soon on a pedestrian bridge over the Elk River along Co. Rd. 5. The Co. Rd. 15 bridge is under construction, which should continue through the fall to the end of November. Other road projects are continuing throughout the township.

Supervisor Dean Brenteson noted that there is a link on the township website where the public may share input on Hwy. 25 corridor improvements. This is not related to the new bridge project over the Mississippi. Several improvement projects are slated for the next few years.

Variance Request

The board heard a variance request for a home addition. The home, at the intersection of Co. Rds. 43 and 14, is currently not in compliance with the ordained setback. However, the new setback was created after the home was built. The board gave favorable comments to the idea, though it will ultimately be up to the county for final approval.