Jennifer Kern
Staff Writer

Compared to previous, lengthier discussions at Forest Lake City Council meetings on the topic, the council Monday called for a vote on an annexation petition from Columbus Township landowners fairly quickly.

ìAs difficult as it is, I believe we need to move forward with this request,î mentioned Councilman Rick Ashbach prior to proposing a motion in favor of the petition.

However, the request was voted down.

Though Ashbach and Mayor Terry Smith voted to accept the petition, Councilwomen Susan Young and Judy Bull provided ìnoî votes.

As a landowner that signed the petition as well as a councilman, Dick Tschida abstained from voting.

Without a majority approval, the petition failed on a 2-2-1 vote.

Bull explained her vote mentioning she originally was leaning towards the annexation since the property in question is located on I-35. She changed her mind though when she looked at an annexationís cost to the city.

ìMy concern is the cost and the delays for development,î she said.

Young had similar sentiments.

ìIt would cost every household between $40 to $100 for this annexation,î she estimated.

Smith continued his support for the annexation, reminding the council that a request had been made by the landowners on the petition to become a part of the city of Forest Lake.

ìWe have an obligation to the petitioners,î he argued.

Ashbach noted the city could provide a variety of resources to the landowners through annexation. He also said by approving the petition, that the city would gain as well.

Ashbach mentioned an annexation from Columbus Township would help diversify Forest Lakeís tax base and help address such items as transportation issues.

ìThis would help complete our plans,î he noted.

Plant expansion

The city council awarded a contract for the Water Treatment Plant expansion project to Gridor Construction, Inc., in the amount of $2,995,000.

The expansion will double the current size of the plant, which is located next to city hall. The project will improve the plantís operations, as well as increase water capacity.

With the contract awarded, construction is scheduled to begin immediately.

Lakeside Park

City Administrator Chip Robinson updated the council on the status of the $2.3 million renovation project of Lakeside Park.

ìItís progressing well,î reported Robinson.

He noted the goal for the project is for completion by the end of this year. Robinson said those involved in the renovation want the park to be completely open next summer and the only portion that may not be completed by 2006 is the parking lot.

ìWe want to get the park done,î he said.

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Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605