During the recent Orrock Town Board meeting, representatives of two local organizations approached the board for assistance.
Lori Watson of the Orrock Cemetery Board approached the town board to ask for assistance with the cemetery. While the organization didn’t need any financial assistance, they wanted some help in finding a new sextant and keeping records. Their current sextant is wanting to train his replacement after holding the position for 13 years, and would be happy to help a new person learn to manage the approximately three burials the cemetery sees each year. The board also requested that the township take over maintaining cemetery records, instead of the current situation, where they are held on a private computer.
The board responded they would be happy to help locate someone interested in the sextant role, but they would have to ask about maintaining the records at their annual meeting in March, as the electorate would need to approve the position.
A gentleman from the Ann Lake Association also approached the board to ask for assistance.
The association has faced several issues lately, including an increasing number of invasive species found in the lake (which are costly to fight) and oversized boats destroying the landing. The board asked the association to create a wishlist of how exactly they wanted the township to help and continue the discussion.
Bischoff Variance
The Bischoff family asked for a variance to plat his property. Mr. Bischoff noted that he and his wife hoped to create two plats out of their land and sell them as a part of their retirement plan, but they were told that doing so would go against planning and zoning ordinance because there would be too many residences off a dead end road. The road is unable to be made into a pass through. The town board gave positive comments, but expressed some concern for access by emergency vehicles.
Easements
A resident who lives on 230th Ave. approached the board at the July meeting to request that the board turn over their easement on his property to him, as a currently existing structure sits on it, as well as part of his driveway. The board did not wish to give up the easement, but would grant the gentleman an official right to be on the easement.
The board had their attorney draw up an agreement, and the resident was very upset about a termination clause in the agreement. He was concerned that a future board would force him to move his structure if they so desired. The board moved to remove the clause and make a couple other changes, pending lawyer approval.
Also as a follow-up from the previous meeting, Road Engineer Kevin Krueger presented quotes to add a drainage system to a property on 233rd Ave. NW to help prevent water collecting on the road. A question was raised about the legality of completing the project, however, as the township does not currently maintain the road, and performing the work may indicate they are taking responsibility for it. The board decided to ask their attorney about it.
A resident who lives next to the Eagle Lake Boat Landing also asked for an easement so he could build another house on his land. He requested to have access to his own property, across the township’s easement, to help move the process along. The resident was given a few options to pursue, but no formal action was taken.
In Other Business,the Board:
• Discussed an old safety deposit box;
• Heard an update on township IT, including that board members have now all received their new tablets for township work;
• Received a grant from the county reimbursing them $9,000 for Recycle Day costs;
• Accepted an increase in legal fees from their attorney;
• Heard an update regarding the prairie area near town hall, which is doing well;
