With Norm Leslie’s resignation, BL Twp. board had a vacancy for their fifth seat which needed to be filled as soon as possible. The vacancy spot would only be for the remainder of Leslie’s term, which still has 19 months left. Once the term is over, there will be a proper seat five election in late 2024.
Although two residents showed an interest, Bruce Aubol elected Laura Hayes for the seat. Aubol explained that his reasoning for that choice was because she showed motivation, willingness to step up for the job, and had experience with the board.
Hayes was actually the previous Twp. clerk of almost 20 years before she had passed the torch to deputy clerk Brenda Kimberly-Maas. She also served as a firefighter from 2013-2016.
When asked about her motivation for coming back Hayes said, “Since moving back to Big Lake Township from St. Cloud, I have wanted to get involved with the township again. I can also bring my knowledge from being Town Clerk to the areas of maintaining the township roads, continuing the good working relationship we have with Sherburne County, and with the governance of the fire department.”
Hayes feels that her history as township. clerk and her knowledge of the township will guide her through being a supervisor on the board. She also expressed her understanding of the changes and growth in the township over the years. The rest of the board passed the motion for electing Hayes for seat five and gave her the chance to join them for the rest of the meeting as board member, Brenda Kimberly-Maas swore her in officially.
Sheriff’s Report
Traffic stops are down 100 from last year’s numbers, 135 for April 2022 and 43 for April 2023.
There were also a couple of incidents that were brought up, one being a two suspect car robbery. Police were thinking the suspects came from out of town. The other is having to do with the Briggs Lake robbery that happened in April. One of the suspects has been living in the area and making the people wary. The police have been keeping their eye out and know the whereabouts, so residents can feel a little more at ease.
Clerk’s Business
BLFD requested a gambling license for the Big Lake Fire Relief Association, to be able to sell raffle tickets. The event takes place October fourteenth 2023 and has been a repeat event. The board passed that motion. There was also a request for an overnight event at BL Twp.’s Lions Park, June 24-25 2023. Ham Radio Operators Annual event takes place during Spud Fest and the request was approved.
Zoning Ordinance
During the regular business portion of the meeting, there was a request to amend zoning ordinance solar restricted section 25 made by resident James Hallila and his wife Mary. Aubol started to talk about why the ordinance was in place and the land having expectations for possibly becoming an industrial area when Hallila, who was present at the meeting, spoke up.
Visibly upset, Hallila questioned Aubol on his change of opinion from what he claimed the supervisor originally stated about solar in a past meeting about the ordeal.
“You think this will be an industrial area, but you’re wrong.” Hallila stated confidently.
He also let the board know that he has owned his land in the section 25 area for 35 years, since 1988, put their own money into their land without help from city and township, and stated he was not even informed of the 2019 ordinance made on section 25 including his property until it was already placed. Hallila explained that he felt stuck now because they could no longer get any money from selling their land, no one wanted to buy land that was stuck in an ordinance that didn’t allow solar.
“You said in a previous meeting that you didn’t oppose solar and would even send someone to come with me to talk with the county,” Hallila expressed his frustration towards Aubol.
The board supervisor gestured to the packet about the issue and let the resident know that they could not see taking all of section 25 off of the ordinance. Hallila explained that there was a misunderstanding between what they talked about with Marc Schneider and what Schneider wrote in the amendment request. Hallila only requested that just their land in 25, 10-325-3200, be removed from the ordinance so they can have the option for solar on their land.
Aubol and the Hallilas came to a middle ground, the supervisors decided to table the issue until Aubol could get together with Schneider and have a meeting about the amendment. The Hallilas will be present for that meeting.
Twp. Roads
Dean Brenteson let the board know that the spring road tour went well, and there were pleasant surprises. The roads were not nearly as bad as they expected them to be. A couple of stretches on 215 need attention and there was quite a bit of sand left over.
There was also some wind damage on the shoulders of the road and the last snow took down a lot of tree debris that needed to be taken care of right away.
They have pricing for two contractors, though one can start right away and there will be a contractor Friday to assess.
Larry Alfords added brushing last year was good. There was a thin overlay put down from 205th to the school to see what condition the road should be in. The board discussed the need for dumping sand, and the road committee should be out and have more information before the next meeting.
Business from the Board
Mark Hedstrom started off with business he had the night before the meeting. Hedstrom went to an Early Childhood Education meeting. Early childhood education is up by 26 children and they are running out of room with overflow of children. He stated, “finding good childcare in BL is hard right now.” There has also been the misunderstanding of the term “waiting list,” and they are trying to find a new term to use.
“Being on a waiting list means that they are just waiting to find a spot for your child, but some people don’t realize that and end up looking for somewhere else to go,” Hedstrom explained.
There will also be an eventful day June seventh with a farmer’s market as well as a child education event.
Aubol had a planning and zoning meeting. The board supervisor also signed off on an Eagle scout candidate, who will be making a shelter for the dog park prior to August. Just a simple shelter with posts and a steel roof.
During Aubol’s business, Leslie’s previous obligations were brought up. The board approved Hayes taking over Leslie’s groundskeeping and old jobs.
Brenteson went to CMRP last month. They had a discussion about becoming a nonprofit, and had a good presentation. There will be more information coming in the future.
Alfords talked about next year’s roundabout to the river road late 2024. Road work has been sensitive to the school needs, which has been a priority.
Treasurer’s Report
Ken Warneke shared balances for the month, $1,993,555.37 being the ending balance so far. A total of $51,000 was spent of the ARPA funds, leaving $617,979 left.
There are not many activities going on this month. The general funds are within budget for the month, and the road fund is close to budget.
Announcements
Aubol made a request for board members to allow Warneke to have a deputy treasurer position. Aubol wants to pass on Warneke’s presence and knowledge on to someone and get assistance for the treasurer with considering his health and age. Aubol said he has been “more than pleased” with the treasurer. Warneke has been the treasurer for 48 years.
Alfords added the praise, “You have a wealth of knowledge.”
The position for deputy treasurer will be a new position. Unless Warneke passes the title of treasurer on to his deputy, when he leaves the board the deputy will also have to leave. The board passed the motion for a deputy treasurer who would oversee operations Warneke does, and capture methods and knowledge.
Recycling Day 2023 Saturday May 20th 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Event forms will be mailed.
Community Produce food distribution will be every third Monday of the month from May until September, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Open to ALL community members- no income limits.
The next regular meeting is Wednesday May 24th, 2023 6 p.m.
