The Orrock Township Board met Wed., Oct. 22. Board Chair Anne Felber, Supervisors Paul Ellinger, Bryan Adams, Dalton Keiderling and Peter Owen, were present.
Steve Mockenhaupt spoke on behalf of the Ann Lake Improvement Club (ALIC) and requested assistance with the maintenance of the area on Lake Ann comprising of the beach and boat landing. ALIC requested the township take over garbage service, electricity, parking lot maintenance, restroom maintenance, and mowing. ALIC would still maintain the lake against invasive species and would pay for the insurance for the aeration of the lake. Because of a loss of Department of Natural Resource funding, the ALIC can no longer afford everything.
After much discussion, it was decided that the current agreement, made in 2016, be dissolved. Discussion of future arrangements will be done after receiving cost estimates for potential improvements at the upcoming November meeting.
Homecoming Hijinks
Sergeant Alex Dehn presented the Sheriff’s report for September to the board. He reported 123 calls for service in the township, which was down slightly from the previous year. Dehn highlighted a number of incidents that included property damage, a hit-and-run, and a missing person.
In an incident Sherburne County Sheriff’s believe was related to Big Lake Homecoming, a house was TP’d and furniture was discarded in their yard. Damage occurred when the perpetrators were leaving the home and overturned a nearby stop sign. A vehicle parked in the Sand Dunes State Forest parking lot was damaged in a hit and run incident by someone entering the state forest. A search for a lost hunter was resolved. Big Lake Police, a State Patrol helicopter, and drones were used to help find the missing man.
Sherburne County
Mitch Glines from the Sherburne County Zoning Department updated the board about the current county project to update its zoning and subdivision ordinance and reminded the Township of their role in assisting the county. Dalton Keiderling represents Orrock Township on the Steering Committee and Internal Partners Committee that was formed for that purpose. The updated ordinances will receive a public hearing in March of 2026 and should be voted on by the County Board some-time in April of 2026.
Jillian Carlson from the Sherburne County Solid Waste Department explained that the county has identified a need for a permanent household hazardous waste facility because of increased population. Mobile events are no longer sustainable. At a recent Sherburne County Special Collection Event held on Sept. 6, the county collected 908 mattresses, 900 lbs. of cardboard, and four cubic yards of film plastics.
After speaking about septic compliance, Carlson shared that grants and loans are available for qualifying low-income residents who need to upgrade failing septic systems. Interested citizens can contact her directly at (763)765-4460.
Roads Update
Township Engineer, Kevin Kruger, reported that the 2025 overlay project came in under budget with a final value of $336,000. He also presented a quote to the board for removal of trees and brush that obstruct visibility at certain intersections. The board approved the quote not to exceed $24,999 to hire Waletzko, LLC to perform the work.
