The BL Twp. Board of Supervisors met March 22 at 6 p.m. and started off with the BLFD monthly report.

In February, the fire department had 37 calls. 26 of those calls came from the city, six from the twp., two from Orrock, and three were mutual aid (two in Elk River and one in Monticello). There were also five fires, five hazardous conditions (gas leaks/electrical) and eight medical assists. The BLFD also had some training at Centra Care for medical training. They went through ambulance familiarity, airways, and Aeds among other things. The fire department also expressed their thanks to the Twp. as well as the community for all of the support they received for the new ladder truck. They were also grateful to Spud Fest for the added donation they received.

Regular Business

BLHS Trap team will be holding an end of season banquet at the town hall community center. The Trap team booster club requested a gambling license from the Twp. in order to be able to sell raffle tickets during the banquet. For fundraising, the raffle tickets will be used for prizes such as: shotguns, cleaning kits, shells, ammo bags, and other trap shooting related items. Because the banquet is being held on township property, they are required to have the license in order to legally sell raffle tickets, and the board approved.

Roads

2023 UTBWC Sealed Bids were opened March 13 at 10 a.m. at the town hall. Town engineer Wes Davis, town supervisor Dean Brenteson, town treasurer Ken Warneke, and town clerk Brenda Kimberly-Maas as well as Lance Bemboom from ASTECH Corp. were in attendance. Davis recommended the board accept the submitted bid from ASTECH for $291,826.80. The board passed the motion to accept the bid.

Business from the Board

Supervisors Norm Leslie and Mark Hedstrom had nothing to note during the meeting, however Bruce Aubol and Dean Brenteson had some things to share. Aubol shared that four housing sites in the pine edge area will become part of the twp planning commission. Brenteson attended the Sherburne County comprehension meeting, which broke down three housing segments; rural residents, agricultural, and higher density areas. The meeting talked about ideas on how to handle and make more useful for homeowners especially in the more agricultural areas. The meeting also went over economic development. The two have at home businesses, small industrial workshops. They want to look at the growth areas and policies for  where they think hotspots would be in 20 years for transportation needs. There were few in attendance and the community should hear about the outcome in the future. It was also made mention that there is a website that people can go to for more information.

Treasurer Report

Ken Warneke discussed the start of the monthly budget being 2,848,445 with the  ending balance being 2,254,518. Warneke talked more about the road funds and expressed his concerns over the possibility of the 2024 Levy being adjusted due to the snow plow budget being over. He wants to wait to see what the months of March and April look like before he can make any further adjustments. Warneke also recommended reconsidering some of the projects coming up depending on the numbers. Better news, the general funds are where they should be at this time. The motion to accept the report passed.

Other Business

Boy scout Liam Royce was awarded his Eagle scout badge by the board’s own Supervisor Bruce Aubol. Congratulations Liam!

SCAT (Sherburne County Association of Townships) meeting will be held Wednesday April 5 at 7 p.m.

Regular board meeting will be held Wednesday April 12 at 6 p.m.