Thursday, March 28th, 2024 Church Directory

MotoHaven interested in Big Lake Twp.

John Thompson approached the Big Lake Town Board to gauge their interest in a new project he would like to develop called MotoHaven. MotoHaven would be a facility to store cars, like a luxury “man cave” for car lovers. The facility will also feature a SP.E.D.E. track, which is a 29-acre open driving track where drivers can let loose without worries of crashing into objects. 

Thompson said he was inspired to create this project due to his passion for “auto cross,” which is precision racing in a large, open parking structure, through cones, with only one vehicle at a time. He says there are other applications for which the track could be used, such as training first responder drivers and new teen drivers in a safe environment. 

Thompson is currently working with the county to determine zoning requirements for the project. 

Chairperson Bruce Aubol said that there are few projects that receive no opposition, but that the board didn’t see any initial issues with the project and encouraged Thompson to continue working with the county.

Sheriff’s Report

Sgt. Luke McLean of the Sheriff’s office updated the board on the activity for the past month. Traffic stops are up on Co. Rd. 14 and 11, and there will be increased enforcement in the area. 

A deputy on patrol spotted a suspicious vehicle driving up out of a ditch onto the road ahead of the police vehicle. The driver was a juvenile who had been spray painting bridges. 

A resident on Co. Rd. 30 once again submitted complaints of littering near their home, specifically empty alcohol bottles. This individual has complained in prior years as well. There will be increased enforcement in the area. 

Recent hail caused property damage throughout the county, with the worst of it being concentrated in Orrock and Zimmerman. 

GRRL Update

Jeanette Burkhardt, director of both the Becker and Big Lake branches of the Great River Regional Library (GRRL) visited to give the board an update on the past year at the library. 

At the Big Lake Library, there were almost 54,000 items checked out last year. The branch hours were adjusted slightly based on feedback from patrons. 

Last year’s fundraising event (March 2021) was successful, raising over $500 to fund prizes for the summer reading program and craft supplies.

Last year, the library partnered with Sherburne County to bring “Story Strolls” to local parks. Pages of a children’s book are posted on sign posts and put up alongside a park trail. Families can talk a walk as they read the story. Burkhardt says this promotes both mental and physical literacy. Last year, four titles following a theme were offered on four park trails. Kids who visited all four trails and stamped a bookmark to show their work received a prize at the library: a copy of one of the four books read. 

The city of Big Lake helped the library in purchasing some new, kids’ furniture for the library. 

Fire Department 

The board approved a change order for the roof replacement for the fire station. The only change was an update in the wording of the agreement, providing for a two year warranty on the roof. 

Lupulin Brewing will hold a fundraiser today (Saturday, May 21) to raise money for the fire department to purchase extrication equipment. 

Lion’s Park

Supervisor Norm Leslie shared photos of the new trail signs in place. Leslie also noted that the playground was closed from May 16-20 to spread the new wood chips and make other improvements. 

Trails were redone with new granite, and a new trail was added, heading up to the ball field. 

Leslie said the local boy scout who had wanted to create a pollinator garden was still planning to do so, although things were taking time to come together. Another boy scout had shown interest in creating birdhouses for the park, but he is still in the early planning stages.