During their recent meeting, the Big Lake Twp. Board heard their annual audit report. The township’s annual audit report came back clean. The auditor, Ashley Meagher from Schlenner & Wenner, did note there was a lack of proper segregation of duties, meaning the township doesn’t have as much staff looking over town financials as they would like, but since townships have small staffs anyway, this is considered pretty normal and is not a major concern. Meagher did note the township segregated duties as much as possible, which does limit any risk to the township.

Public Hearing

A public hearing was held in regrads to the vacation of the proposed township road on the north end of Birch Lake. With no comments being submitted, the board approved the vacation. This will allow the Alfords family to move forward in their process to build a second home on their land.

Fire Report

The fire department has responded to 186 calls for the year so far (through the end of May). Calls of interest for the month included four fires (two grass fires).

The department has been taking the new ladder truck on as many calls as possible so the firefighters get used to its operation.

Chief Seth Hansen was excited for the fire department to take on the police department again in their annual softball game during Spud Fest. The fire department was hoping to retain their title from last year’s win.

Post Office Letter

The town board once again discussed sending a letter to the post office regarding their search for a new location. Some changes requested by the board were made. The general opinion of the board was that they wished to see the post office stay in Big Lake, instead of moving to Monticello, as has been proposed. The board approved sending the letter voicing their concerns.

Roads Report

Supervisor Dean Breteson noted there will be a delay in road work due to rain. They had hoped to begin in early July, but it will likely be more towards the end of July now.

Moving will begin soon.

Open Forum

Laurel Mertin, the director of the Big Lake Ambassador Program, spoke during open forum. She asked the board for an opportunity to renew their contract to use the garage at Lions Park. She laid out a few issues they had with getting a key to access the garage. She argued to be able to keep the key longer in order to give the group more time for cleaning and holding meetings. 

The board agreed that the group could keep the key for a week and a half during Spud Fest, and would look into renegotiating the contract with the group to allow the same in the future.

County Commissioner Raeanne Danielowski spoke to report that a final report regarding a new bridge over the Mississippi is complete and available for public review.