During the recent Big Lake Town Board meeting, Supervisor Norm Leslie shared some photos of some paths in Bridgeview Park. The paths are created from gravel, but a heavy machine compresses the gravel to the point that the trails are accessible to vehicles such as bikes, strollers, or wheelchairs, rather than just pedestrians. He noted that the trails at the Lions Park were wearing down to the point that they need attention. Leslie suggested that the board use available park funds to redo the trails and make them more accessible to the public. 

Sheriff’s Report

Sgt. Luke McLean reported that there was a large increase in traffic stops for the township in the last month. He was unable to state any real reason for the increase. 

There will be increased patrols along Hwy. 10 in response to a spike in robberies in St. Cloud. 

McLean once again warned residents against scams. One scammer recently tricked a local by claiming to be a bitcoin investor who could invest the local’s money, only to cash the check and disappear. McLean noted that this particular scam was unusual, as the scammer kept communicating with the victim for a long period of time, over two weeks, while most scammers look for targets that fall for their schemes more quickly. 

The sheriff’s office is planning to monitor traffic on Co. Rd. 14 in the near future, in the section near Monticello where the speed limit is lower. This operation will be announced on social media as well. McLean noted that a lot of drivers do not slow down in that section, though there are driveways so it is important to drive at the correct speed. 

In Other Business, the Board:

• Awarded the fire dept. re-roofing work to a St. Michael company, the low bidder for the project;

• Approved an overnight camping request for the Ham Radio Group, as part of Spud Fest activities;

• Increased their contribution to the Sherburne History Center for the year by $200, for a grand total of $1,200;

• Scheduled the spring road tour.