During last week’s regular meeting, Big Lake Twp prepared for election day, and discussed plans for snow removal.

Voting Information

While early voting and vote-by-mail is available to residents who wish to use those services, all four township precincts will be open on election day, Nov. 3, for in-person voting from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. In fact, all Sherburne County precincts will be open on election day.

Question on Taxes

One Big Lake Twp. resident, Mr. Collier, approached the board asking about the increase in township taxes over the last few years. He said that, after comparing with a neighbor, he noticed a dramatic increase over the last few years. Treasurer Warneke reiterated that the increase is due to the roads in the township reaching the end of their lifecycle. As the roads come up on 20 years of age, it takes more and more money to maintain them and to, eventually, replace them. Of course, the township would prefer to simply maintain the roads as long as possible, since it is much cheaper than redoing all the roads at once.

Snow Removal for New Developments

On the subject of roads, the town board will be offering new developments in the township, including Two Rivers, Knick Knack Knoll, and Wheat Fields, the opportunity to have the township provide winter-specific maintenance services for those areas (namely snow-plowing) since the residents living in those areas do pay taxes to the township. Of course, this does not mean that the township will be assuming ownership of those roads, at least not at this time. The goal here is simply to make sure township residents are not stranded in their houses after a particularly heavy snowfall.

New Equipment at Town Hall

Big Lake Town Hall will be getting some new equipment installed. New air purifiers and furnaces will be installed to replace the outdated ones. In this matter, board members and residents can actually be grateful for COVID-19, for a change, since the equipment and the installment should be covered by CARES funding, and not by tax dollars.

CARES Funding

Any business applying for CARES funding from the township needs to do so before 3 p.m. on Nov. 5. So far, the township has not received many requests for funding. If funds are not used, they may need to be forfeited back to Sherburne County. Naturally, the board would prefer to use the money within the township. Businesses can apply for funding by going to www.BigLakeTownship.com/CARES.

Building Dilemma

Mr. Danielowski, a retired Big Lake firefighter, has been trying to get a permit to build a home in the lot next to the fire hall, but has been running into some issues from the county. He approached the township board during open forum to see if anything could be done through the township. The problem is that there is already a house on the lot, and so the lot is considered finished by the township, according to Supervisor Aubol. Danielowski asked board members to take a look at his plans later on, and to let him know if they find anything out.