Friday, July 11th, 2025 Church Directory
THE BIG LAKE ANNUAL MEETING took place March 9. Individuals who helped to run the meeting included (from left to right) Deputy Clerk Jayme Swenson, citizen Eric Rosa, Clerk Brenda Kimberly-Maas, and Treasurer Ken Warneke. (Photo by Katherine Cantin.)
AFTER SOME DEBATE, BIG LAKE TWP DECIDED TO ALLOW RESIDENTS TO SPREAD OUT at the annual meeting, rather than offering to allow residents to attend online. Clerk Brenda Kimberly-Maas said she would have looked into allowing residents to attend remotely, had it been requested. Sitting in the audience is Supervisor Norm Leslie. (Photo by Katherine Cantin.)

BL Twp holds annual & regular meetings

Big Lake Twp. held their annual meeting and regular meeting on March 9 and 10, respectively. 

Annual Meeting

In addition to the board supervisors, clerks, and treasurer, three residents attended the Big Lake Twp. annual meeting. Resident Eric Rosa, who ran an unsuccessful campaign to become a board supervisor last fall, was elected to serve as the moderator of the meeting.

Community Reports

The audience heard a summary about the town’s finances and the Storm Water Pollution Program, both of which reported nothing but regular business. 

Leah Hersh, Big Lake Twp’s representative on the hospital board, gave a presentation on the state of the hospital for the last year. She said that vaccines are available at the Monticello Hospital for eligible patients. Hospital staff is excited to see a plateau in COVID-19 cases in the area, as this will hopefully be followed by a downward trend. 

The hospital is also excited to welcome a new neurologist to its staff, and a new Da Vinci machine. 

In the community, the hospital has helped to implement the Bike Fix-It station at the Northstar station in Big Lake.

On an unrelated note, Hersh encouraged community members to continue to donate their time and supplies to the Big Lake Food Shelf. Anyone interested in volunteering or who has questions about the program can contact the food shelf at 763-263-2432.

She asked for any hospital patients to share feedback about their experiences, whether positive or negative, as such feedback is invaluable to the hospital.

Bruce Aubol next gave a report for the last year in the township. In 2020, 42 new homes were built. Five elections were held over the course of the year. Recycle day was a success, as usual. 

2022 Tax Levy

The assembly tentatively approved the 2022 at $2,228,000. They then recessed the meeting until Sept. 9, 2021, when the final approval of the levy will take place, giving the board time to make adjustments and review the levy as deemed necessary.

The next annual meeting is scheduled for March 8, 2022.

Regular Meeting

The regular meeting took place the next day, getting the board back to regular business.

Sheriff’s Report

Sgt. Aaron Sturn gave a brief report for the Sheriff’s Office. He stated that the department had responded to 174 calls for service so far this year, which is down from 2020.

Skynet

Skynet is putting infrastructure in the area for cable and internet. Clerk Brenda Kimberly-Maas asked if the board wanted to hold the company to the same rules as Midco, regarding how much escrow the township requires to be held during construction projects. Currently, the township requires Midco to have $10,000 held is escrow, while Skynet is only required to have $5,000 held. The board decided to not make any changes to this, as Skynet is working in a smaller area and doing less work.

Board of Adjustment 

Supervisor Bruce Aubol reported that the Sherburne County board of Commissioners is hoping to seat an incorporated representative on the County Board of Adjustment. An incorporated member refers to a city representative, rather than a township representative. Area townships would rather see a township representative on the board, since the issues the board deals with, reviewing variance applications and similar requests, disproportionately involve townships rather than cities. 

Supervisor Larry Alfords suggested that all the board members write letters to the commissioner stating how they feel about the situation. Aubol encouraged township residents to do the same, although he is worried that the commissioners have already made their decision. 

Fish Fry

The Big Lake Lions Club will be holding their annual fish fry this year, but will do it drive-though style. The fish fry will take place next Friday, March 26, from 4 p.m. to  7p.m.

State Road Funding

Treasurer Ken Warneke stated that legislators are considering increasing funding for township roads. This is a good opportunity for citizens to advocate for more funding to their townships.

Townships manage almost 40% of Minnesota roads, and yet, in Sherburne County, the vast majority of road funding goes to the cities. 

Citizens who wish to make their voices heard can visit MNTownships.org/alert/