Haven Township residents came out for the annual meeting in lower numbers this year, with less than 20 attendees.
Roger Schloper was nominated moderator, and Clerk/Treasurer Mike Zniewski reviewed the treasurer’s report.
Supervisor Mark Knowles gave the road and bridge report, explaining projections had been made for the next 10 years based on the engineer’s report.
He informed attendees the board was suggesting an increased levy of $30,000 for 2018, as if they continue with the current levy they won’t be able to do the projects they need to do in order to keep township roads in good repair.
Knowles was asked why roads didn’t have lines painted on them. He explained all the township roads are rural resident, and if they start painting lines they have to go on a maintenance schedule. The board decided to wait until they got caught up with major road projects first.
He was also asked about signage for the newly named Haven Road. Knowles replied he was looking into it, as Stearns County believes the street signs are the township’s responsibility, and the township believes they are the county’s.
Supervisor Jeff Schlingmann discussed the proposed budget and levy for 2018, explaining the levy was divided into three parts, the general fund, road fund and fire fund. Due to the road projects discussed by Knowles, the levy was increased to $401,000 versus $370,000 last year.
The budget and levy passed unanimously.
Knowles gave the fire report, explaining the township was a two-year contract cycle with the Sauk Rapids Fire Dept. He informed attendees Supervisor Kathi Sims-Kosloski was looking at areas for locating dry hydrants in the township.
A resident asked if people who threw refuge out along the township’s roads were ever caught. Knowles replied they usually weren’t, and clean up day had been put into place to help with the issue.
The gopher bounty was again set at $2 per gopher, and clean up day was set for May 13.
The next Haven Township annual meeting was set for March 13, 2018 at 7 p.m.
