During last week’s Big Lake Town Hall meeting, it was noted that the primary elections will be held August 9. The township has decreased to three polling locations after redistricting, so polling locations may be different for some township residents. Voters can refer to the image of the precinct map, or contact Big Lake Town Hall to discover which precinct they will report to.
Sheriff’s Report
Sgt. Luke McLean of the Sherburne Co. Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) reported that speeding continues to be an issue in the county. Increased patrols were sent to areas where the SCSO received complaints.
There has been an increase in crimes around radio and TV towers, as suspects have been stealing copper cable and ruining machinery. This has been an issue particularly in Benton and Stearns Counties, but the TV tower in Big Lake Twp. was also affected. Around the county, the SCSO has increased patrols near TV and radio towers.
Finally, Sgt. McLean noted that he issued some warnings to Big Lake Lions Park patrons who had their dogs off leash in the general park area (outside of the dog area). Park patrons are asked to leash their animals when visiting.
Open Forum
Township resident Bret Collier once again spoke during open forum to provide the supervisors an update on election integrity concerns held by himself and several other county residents. Collier noted that he had spoken at the Sherburne Co. Commissioners meeting to raise concerns over a software update on the voting machines. By state law, all new purchases of voting equipment need to be thoroughly tested, and Collier and others maintain that the software update counts as a new purchase, while the county auditor believes it does not count. Collier reiterated his belief that the machines were not trustworthy.
Audit Presentation
Ashley Meagher, CPA, a representative from Schlenner Wenner & Co. presented the annual audit results to the board. She said the company was giving an unmodified (clean) opinion of the township’s finances. This means that the auditor found everything to be in good standing. She did once again note that there was a lack of proper segregation of duties, which is due to the limited number of township employees. This is considered very normal for a township of Big Lake’s size.
Bailey Station Cemetery
Supervisor Bruce Aubol reported that he had looked into electrostatic painting for the fence at the Bailey Station Cemetery, as per the supervisors’ discussion at the previous regular meeting. The vendor he spoke with, Two Guys Painting, didn’t think the process would greatly increase the quality and longevity of the paint job, however. The board agreed to accept the bid from Two Guys Painting for a normal sandblast and paint job. The fence will be blessed with coal slag prior to painting.
In Other Business, the Board:
• Discussed the completion of summer road projects, including the 180th St. extension, which creates another through street for the township;
• Noted a Knick Knack Knoll property offer will be appearing before the board at the next regular meeting;
• Will be working with Eagle Scout Liam as he implements his pollinator garden idea.
