During last week’s board meeting, the Big Lake Twp. supervisors prepared for the annual Recycle Day. The annual Big Lake Recycle Day will take place next weekend, Saturday, May 15 at the Big Lake Recycling Center on 166th St. off of Marketplace Dr. (20150 166th St.) All residents of Big Lake City, Big Lake Twp., and Orrock Twp. are welcome to bring in items for recycling, such as appliances, gas grills, exercise equipment, tube televisions/monitors, rear projection/wood console TVs, computers and electronics, tires, lawn mowers, CFL & LED bulbs, ballasts, propane tanks, lawn tractors, snow mobiles, scrap metal and vehicle batteries. Most of these will have a fee for recycling, and residents may pay by cash or check. 

The board renewed their recycle day vendor contract with Metro Appliance Recycling. The renewed contract will last five years.

Public Hearning

The board opened a public hearing on their intent to consider a franchise, but, since the franchise had not yet provided necessary information to the board, the hearing was closed immediately.

Open Forum

Two individuals spoke during open forum with questions regarding their own properties. The board agreed to remain in communication with the individuals to work out the issues. 

Later in the meeting, one couple approached the board asking for a variance on a house they are building, setting it back 20 feet from the right of way. The board saw no issues with the request, and approved the variance.

Another resident wished to rezone their land from agricultural to rural residential, with an intent to divide the parcel in the future. The board again saw no issue, and sent positive comments about the request to the county.

Hiring a Handyman

The board decided to hire Westwood Repair Plus to serve as the town’s much needed handyman. The township had been looking to hire an individual to fill this role, but without much luck. One resident suggested the township look into hiring Westwood Repair Plus.

Supervisor Norm Leslie said that he used to tackle a lot of handyman-type projects himself. After speaking to the gentleman who owns the business, Leslie thought the hire was a good move for the township.

The board decided to engage Westwood Repair Plus on an as-needed basis, paying time and materials.