Pat Tepoorten

Wyoming Township Reporter

With warmer temperatures imminent, the Wyoming Township Board Tuesday, April 26 received a report from engineer Mark Erichson regarding Heath Ave. ongoing drainage issues. Erichson reported to the board the existing culvert is running at half capacity and, in fact, ìis operating better than Iíve seen it.î

The holding ponds planned by Liberty Ponds will help control the rate of run-off, but will not increase the amount of water the pipe is allowed to discharge.

Despite the fact that there will be no increased demand on the culvert to move water, Erichson said ìthere will always be fluctuationsî in the water level, presumably more prevalent in the spring, that will cause lowlands to swell.

Merger update

There was little progress to report in regards to consolidation talks with the city of Wyoming, according to Board Chairman Roger Elmore. He said the two entities await further correspondence with attorneys. He did assure the town board though, that legal guidance as to the process of consolidation was expected ìshortly.î

As of Monday, Elmore planned to meet with city representatives as scheduled on Tuesday, and noted he expected city and township residents would get a chance to attend town-hall style meetings on the proposed consolidation in the relatively near future.

Elmore also reported to the board that concerns the city of Stacy was planning to impose city zoning on Wyoming Township lands within two miles of their border were in error. State statute, however, prohibit Stacy from imposing zoning unless the township in question lacks zoning ordinances of its own, which is not the case in Wyoming.

According to Elmore, Stacy is now considering zoning options for landowners who wish to annex, but it took no action regarding this matter.

Other news

In other news, the township board approved $6800 in contracts for services spending for the 2006 budget, which is $3200 less than last year.

Noticeably fewer organizations requested consideration for funds this year, which accounts for the reduction.

The board did discuss maintaining the $10,000 figure with the unused portion to be available for any future requests, but it was decided that, with the reduction in the tax base as a result of annexation, and the questions it poses for fashioning the 2006 budget, it would be prudent to approve only the amount requested.

Receiving $1500 in contract for services funds will be Partnership for Youth and Families, the Chisago County Senior Center, the Youth Service Bureau and Family Pathways. Northwoods Humane Society will receive $800.

The condition of July Ave., which is being used to haul material in and out of the Preserve at Birch Lake development, was discussed by the board as well. Erichson was instructed to see that developers pay closer attention to the maintenance of the road, which is in need of more frequent grading.

The town board approved an internet service upgrade in internet to direct satellite link (DSL) noting ìdial-upî service had become inefficient and caused long periods in which fax service to the township was interrupted.

The town board also approved an Emergency Management Resolution as required by the federal government and updated its Emergency Management Operations Plan.

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