Jackie Lallier
Wyoming Township Reporter

Two days before the scheduled hearing on the Wyoming City and Township consolidation and the annexation petitions filed by Stacy and Chisago City, the District Court in Ramsey County cancelled the appointment with no reason given, leaving a very frustrated Wyoming Township Board.

The decision was announced by the town board at its regular meeting in April. Officials said the matter will be further discussed with the township attorney to see what happens next.

Agencies seek funds

Various non-profit health, social and recreational organizations were in attendance to present their requests for funding:

Lynn Kirk of Family Pathways in Wyoming, asked for $1750 for the next year, a $250 increase over the previous year. She cited an example of a 46 percent increase in holiday meals alone from the year before and talked about the new tech center in Stacy open to youths ages 10 to 15. It is their intention to build a stronger community starting with youth.

Shellene Johnson of the Refuge Network (a domestic violence program), based in Center City, has a 24-hour crisis line. There are 400 clients in Chisago County.

They also work with Isanti and Kanabec Counties and last year assisted with 80 to 100 protection orders in Chisago County.

Johnson advised the town board that Minnesota passed a felony strangulation law last year to aid in enforcement procedures.

Pam Trudeau from the Youth Service Bureau in Forest Lake introduced Angela Walker, a high school teen on the Youth Advisory Board that meets monthly to handle youth and family issues.

Walker has been active in the organization the last five years and was awarded the ìOn Behalf of Youthî Award in 2005. She explained the intent and work of the YSB.

In response to questions by the township board, Trudeau explained that the loss of funding plus many employees over the last three years necessitates the request for $2500 ($1000 over last yearís request).

The Chisago County Senior Center, based in North Branch, will be happy with any amount of money that can be donated. One of their biggest programs is Meals on Wheels. It is run by all volunteer work except the coordinatorís job.

A representative from Community Partnership with Youth was unable to be present but sent an e-mail outlining the intentions of the organization. Town board members will each review the requests personally and form recommendations for enactment at the next meeting.

Interim Wyoming Police Chief Scott Dexter updated the board on funding for a new squad car.

Currently Wyoming is getting their cars through state leasing that includes fuel and maintenance but not tires or body damages. The initial cost for set up and equipment would be $9000. It is recommended that a four-wheel drive vehicle would be appropriate for township use and a Ford Durango can be obtained.

It would be less money than the usual Crown Victorias normally used by the police department. The earliest the car would be available would be July so the cost for the rest of 2006 would be $5800 and then $11,700 for 2007. The lease would be for 100,000 miles and a four-year period. The board passed a resolution making a commitment toward this purchase.

Chairman Roger Elmore expressed a profound ìThank Youî to the City of Wyoming for the opportunity for two township board members to participate in the interviewing process for the new city administrator, Craig Mattson from East Grand Forks, who should begin the new job within 30 days.

Other business

It was business as usual at the April 11th meeting with setting up general spring road tours to define problem areas and scheduling the annual Wyoming Township Board of Review for 7 p.m., tonight (Thursday) at the town hall.

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