Alice Pickering
Linwood Area Reporter

In Linwood Township the new sheriffís patrol has begun. Town Clerk Judy Hanna reported to the town board Jan. 11 the deputies have been setting up their office in the old fire hall.

The squad car parked in front of the town hall has generated positive calls about the police presence, she said. Residents have called from different areas of the township, noting the patrols.

The police committee has begun its budget work for 2006. A joint application submitted by Columbus and Linwood townships was not successful in securing a grant to help pay for the jointly-shared school resource officer.

One criterion was at least 51 percent of the population being below the poverty level. The townships were shy of this by 12 percent. Anoka County will bill each township for its share of the SRO after the July and December tax draws.

Property complaints

Property complaints are still a problem in the township. Supervisors with the help of attorney Gerald Randall are trying to streamline the timeline for handling complaints.

With the relatively large number of complaints about junk in yards or on lots, Randall suggested action that could quickly result in a resolution. The township could file the complaint as a misdemeanor violation.

Supervisors are working on a speedier and more efficient process for handling complaints. The 3-0 decision Jan. 11 was to have the township send letters to those residents whose yards need to be cleaned, citing ordinance violations. Copies are to be sent to Randall.

On some new complaints, Randall asked that township employees take pictures for documentation.

Supervisor Marie Holm agreed the township needs to have a ìstraight forward procedure,î cite the ordinances, then send a copy of the ordinance to violators.

Randall may represent the the township with regard to notifying residents about complaints. Among common complaints are unlicensed vehicles parked in yards. One concern is pollution from leaking fluids.

Randall said the key to enforcement, is constant checking on the status of the cleanup.

The building inspector or township employee needs to keep tabs on the work, he said.

Supervisors also identified a new property complaint on Martin Lake Road.

More reports

Bob Beckman told the board that the last road and bridge committee meeting was devoted to budget discussions. He estimated a budget increase of about eight percent over the 2005 budget. The written proposal will be reviewed by auditor David Stene before presentation at the annual meeting.

Light snow cover has kept plow trucks idle, so employees have used time to catch up on brush trimming in rights-of-way.

The Linwood fire department responded to 202 emergency calls in 2004. Of the 13 December responses, four were for fires and nine were for medical emergencies.

Supervisors approved Bob Bohen as a new firefighter.

Fire Chief Rich Gabrick recommended the action based upon Bohenís satisfactory completion of probationary training.

Gabrick told the board he is waiting for the East Bethel mutual aid agreement to be sent to the department. There was no report from the fire marshal. Gabrick reported donations to the department from Wal Mart, the First State Bank of Wyoming of $1000 and donations from the Killian and Osborne families. The $1,900 total will be used to purchase a PowerPoint projector to be used for departmental training.

Gabrick also reported that the departmental cell phones have been updated. Gabrick is working on a disclaimer for the older radios which are to be sold. Randall will review the statement.

Hanna reported the Community Development Block Grant funds can be used to purchase a new senior van. The quote of $55,000 that the senior center has for the van is good through April 2005.

Hockey and pleasure skating rinks have not opened. Volunteers preparing the ice said the weather had not been cold enough. Rink attendants have been contacted, but have not yet been needed.

Mike Budde and Mike Parker are the two residents who have filed as candidates for supervisor Seat C. Vicki Erickson is the only candidate running for township treasurer.

Other business

In other business, the board:

ïLearned auditor David Stene will audit the books Feb. 7.

ïApproved the final plat for Shadow Ridge, subject to completion of a satisfactory development agreement, that the developer pay any costs associated with possible appeal of EAW.

ïApproved a $4000 service contract with the Forest Lake Area Youth Service Bureau. Supervisors also approved $1000 to the Anoka County Mediation program.

ïApproved payment of Vicki Ericksonís notary fee.

ïApproved the park dedication fee for 2005 at $2000 a lot for new developments.

ïApproved action to revoke a sign permit for an individual who was granted a permit in 2002, but has failed to pay fees, despite repeated requests to do so.

ïLearned the cemetery committee has its next meeting January 24.

ïAuthorized the ordering of seedling trees for recycling day in April and Arbor Day.

ïLearned that by 2006, at least one supervisor must attend a board of review training session. The next session is Feb. 7.

ïApproved membership and payment of $35 dues for the Land Stewardship Project.

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Forest Lake Times
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Forest Lake, MN 55025
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