Posted: 11/20/02

Linwood says no to Greenway plan

Alice Pickering
Linwood Area Reporter

By consensus the Linwood Town Board decided not to participate in the Anoka County Conservation District Greenway Project at this time.

According to Supervisor Marie Holm the group contacted Linwood about participating, because ìthey think weíre prime for this.î

The collective opinion of town board members on Nov. 12 is the township does a good job on its own and with its ordinances to regulate development and maintain green space. Holm will convey the decision.

Town road work

As requested by Engineer Craig Jochum, the town board approved a prioritized list of street repairs and improvements for the next year. By consensus, supervisors agreed to the proposed list of projects.

The first is repair of the culvert on Hornsby, then completion of street work on 237th and Thames associated with the Typo Creek Estates development. There are funds in an escrow account earmarked for completion of the street work.

While plans for culvert repair on Hornsby must be reviewed by the state and Anoka County, Jochum anticipates no problems. The project would be ready to go to bids in January 2003.

Supervisor Rudi McCurdy urged, ìDo it and get it out of the way.î The township share of the repair and upgrade is $20,000, with state funds picking up the balance of the $105,000. Funds become available once plans are approved.

Jochum reported street improvements on 225th are completed. All that remains is to put up a number of reflector signs along edges of the street, because drivers tend to drive close to the trees.

The pay estimate for the job is likely to be presented at the next meeting. This will be full payment for the job, less the contingency, reserved until the grass grows along the street.

Gabrick reports

Fire Chief Rich Gabrick reported Linwood firefighters responded to 17 calls in September. Eight were medical emergencies and nine were for fires. In October the department had 21 calls. Of those 11 were medical responses and 10 were fires.

The department has responded 151 times through Oct. 31, 2002.

The department also participated with the Wyoming Department in a controlled house burn at the former Mattsfield home. Because of the solid construction, it was a good exercise for Level 1 and Level 2 burns.

According to Gabrick, crews from both departments were able to gain valuable experience in controlling and putting out house fires.

Gabrick reported the 800 MHz radio system, designed to link Anoka County emergency response and public safety communications, is moving forward. He anticipates the system will be operational by mid-2004.

The department continues its work in correcting addresses in the township so personnel can respond to the appropriate site in an emergency. Some addresses of once-existing houses remain in the system and can be confused with new homes on lots nearby.

Firefighters used the Safe House demonstration unit for safety presentations and drills for Linwood students during Fire Prevention week. Department volunteers are to participate as Salvation Army bell ringers Dec. 7 at a Forest Lake site.

The department has adopted the basic physical ability test as part of annual training for volunteers. Picture ID has been secured for all regular firefighters.

Other business

In other business, the board:

ïCanceled the meeting scheduled for Dec. 24, with the last regularly scheduled meeting Dec. 10.

ïLearned from Supervisor Marvin McCormick, the snowplow maps and contracts are completed and the township is ready for the first snowfall. All the outside fall work that can be done has been completed.

ïPostponed, until the next meeting, a decision on a quote to enlarge the overhead door in the south end of the old fire hall until review of parking scheme for township road and maintenance equipment is completed.

ïIn response to a written complaint, directed Dave Thompson and Mike Budde to inspect septic system being installed at the Oakwood Club, to be certain it is in compliance.

ïPlaced ìWinter Street Parkingî on the agenda for the next meeting.

ïAt the recommendation from Surveyor Frank Kvidera, approved a no-snow-plowing policy for 213th Lane, because the easement for the street is not certain.

ïLearned the next park board meeting is January 22, 2003.

ïAccepted the resignation of Tony DeChaine from the road and bridge committee and directed Clerk Judy Hanna to advertise that openings are available on the committee.

ïAccepted a bid of $550 from Beckman Construction for removal of a tree and stump along West Martin Lake Drive.

ïApproved the purchase of a 2003 pickup truck from Lake Country with the plow package, contingent on final approval of the eight-foot plow package from Mike Budde. Funds for the purchase are to come from building permit funds.

ïDirected Clerk Judy Hanna to advertise about positions available on the road and bridge committee and the parks commission.

ïApproved Angela Kittelson as a new member of the park board and learned Jim Garrison was elected chairman of the group. As a formality, supervisors approved the appointment of Paul Stevens to the Linwood Community and School Forest Committee.

Top of Page