Last week’s Big Lake Township meeting was uneventful, with a lack of actions needed from the board. So the board members took the opportunity to hear updates and upcoming events from around the community.
BLFD Update
Fire Chief Seth Hansen gave an update for the department. He informed the board on calls for service and the medical refresher training the firefighters went through last month.
He also gave the board an update on the chili cookoff from the weekend before. The event had an excellent turnout with 18 chili entries, and the department was able to raise just over $500. The money will be used towards purchasing extrication equipment for the new engine scheduled to arrive next year.
The board approved a permit for gambling at the Fire Relief Association Dance which will take place August 13.
Business from the Board
Supervisor Norm Leslie reported that the new trail signs at the Lions/Township park would but put up soon, as the town handyman was on standby for when the ground is thawed enough to do so.
Supervisor Bruce Aubol reported that the planning and zoning committee heard that the county had raised park dedication fees. Previously, these fees were $800 per lot. This has increased to $1,200, or 10% of the land area (meaning that, rather than paying the park dedication fee, developers may instead opt to dedicate 10% of the land area in question to become a new public park.)
Supervisor Dean Brenteson noted that there would be a CMRP (Central Mississippi River Regional Planning Partnership) forum April 6 at Pebble Creek in Becker. Attendees would be given an update on group activities and what the future will bring. The forum will run from 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Spring road restrictions are in effect. All township roads have a five ton limit unless otherwise posted. A map of the township roads and their weight limits is available on the township website, BigLakeTownship.com.
Roads
Trimming is expected to begin soon.
Supervisor Brenteson raised a concern about sweeping the roads. He wanted to make sure that the roads would be safe for the motorcyclists using the township roads. He asked that the other board members keep an eye out and let the road committee know if any areas of the township needed extra attention in this regard.
Announcements
Clerk Brenda Kimberly-Maas noted that the audit of the fire department would be held soon.
The board of appeal and equalization will be held April 6 at the township hall beginning at 4 p.m. Taxpayers with concerns can use this time to ask questions.
The SCAT (Sherburne County Association of Townships) meeting will also be held April 6, with the meeting beginning at 7 p.m.
Recycle day is scheduled for May 21 from 8 am.. to 1 p.m. at the Big Lake Twp. Maintenance Building.
Kimberly-Maas concluded by asking that residents please pick up pet feces. If the mess is left, it can contaminate soil and water. This is an issue that can be difficult to enforce, so it falls upon the residents to clean up their pets’ messes. This has especially been an issue at local parks.
