Sgt. Luke McLean with the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) reported an increased number of traffic stops in the township, returning to a more normal, pre-COVID amount.
The SCSO received a couple of dumping complaints and McLean encouraged anyone who sees a suspicious vehicle at night to call the SCSO. It’s deer season, and McLean encouraged residents to slow down, especially during morning commute and when driving in the evening.
Several incidents of “car shopping” (criminals opening unlocked vehicles and stealing items inside) have occurred in Zimmerman, but fortunately have not occurred outside of the city. Still, it is prudent to lock vehicle doors at night and bring valuables inside.
Finally, McLean reminded residents that city ATV permits are good only in the city, and when in the township or on county roads, the rules of those jurisdictions apply, meaning ATVs may not use county or township roads, they must use the ditch.
Chief Seth Hansen of the Fire Dept. gave his monthly update for September, as well. He noted the department had very successful 9/11 and open house events, and they worked to inform the force about cancers that affect firefighters.
Updates from the Board
Supervisor Norm Leslie noted that new trail signs were in the process of being made at the time of the meeting. He hopes to have the signs up for trail and park patrons before the ground becomes frozen.
Supervisor Mark Hedstrom stated that he attended the opening of a new park near Monticello (on 187th St.). The land was donated by a local, Ron Hoglund, who also owns the Hoglund Bus Company.
Supervisor Bruce Aubol followed up on some items that appeared before the board previously. The new owners of Big Lake Auto were successful in getting their land rezoned. The gentleman who wished to build a house on a bluff off of Co. Rd. 75 was not successful in his endeavor, and the planning commission did not believe there was a sufficient setback.
Clerk Brenda Kimberly-Maas reminded the board and the audience that there would only be one meeting for both the months of November and December due to holidays.
In Other Business, the Board:
• Created a formal agreement with the county attorney to have the county enforce the township ordinances;
• Rescinded their COVID-19 resolution allowing board members to attend meetings remotely;
• Recommended the county appoint Supervisor Bruce Aubol to the planning commission, with Mark Hedstrom as an alternate;
• Renewed the HRA program for township employees;
• Motioned to send out a mailer with information about the township and its services to residents (this information is also available on the township website at BigLakeTownship.com).
