Discussion of the annual levy and budget to be presented to the March annual meeting, a decision to terminate membership in the Area Planning Organization and a report on the 54th st. bridge demolition were among the items on the agenda at the regular meeting of the Haven Township Board Monday night.

 

The proposed 2016 is $370,000 according to a summary from Treasurer Randy Linn, a total that has remained the same since 2011, according to Chairman Jeff Schlingmann.  The proposed budget includes receipts of $90,025 in the general fund compared to $90,575 in disbursements for a deficit of $550, $292,000 in receipts for roads and bridges and $$287,000 in disbursements for a surplus of $5,000, $45,000 in receipts for the fire fund compared with disbursements of $44,000 for a surplus of $1,550 and a total of $427,375 in receipts and $421,575 in disbursements for a surplus of $5,800 for the 2016 budget.

 

The proposed budget for presentation at the annual meeting Tue., March 10 at 7 p.m. was approved unanimously.

 

Schlingmann proposed the annual meeting discuss having a single refuse hauler for all of Haven Township.  Vice-Chairman Mark Knowles said that the system has resulted in cost savings in other areas in which it has been implemented, and that he believed that it would save money in the long run as well through less wear and tear on township roads. Haulers would have to enter bids for the township routes, Schlingmann said, and all township residents would have to participate to make the system work, and public hearings would have to be held before the process could begin.

 

The board approved a positive comment on Sherburne County’s draft solar ordinance, with prohibitions regarding wild and scenic areas, setbacks for irrigation, a boundary survey, trees along the perimeter, airport issues and power line placement.

 

The 54th st. Bridge demolition has been completed, Schlingmann reported to the board, and “road closed” signs are in place.

 

The board approved a motion to send a notice of termination to the Area Planning Organization, and agreed to not pay the $1,000 fee required for continued membership.  The board will send an observer without voting rights to future meetings.  Six months notice is required for official termination of membership.

 

The sheriff’s report for January indicated 52 calls for service in Haven Township, including 21 traffic stops, one theft, three accidents and one fire report.