Commentary; Posted: 12/6/06
As a township, Scandia has built a solid foundation
Dennis Seefeldt
Guest Columnist
As the citizens of New Scandia township transition to the city of Scandia I would like to provide a brief status of the township report.
In ordering the Dec. 12th election, Administrative Law Judge James LaFave concluded that New Scandia Township was in fact functioning as a city, was very well managed and deserved the management tools available to them and therefore in fact should become a city.
In the annual township audit independent auditor David Stene of Eide-Bailly reported that New Scandia was very well positioned financially and that the township had been very responsible in their financial management.
During the past 10 years we have continued to blacktop our roads, add a state-of-the-art kitchen and heritage room to our community center, build new facilities for our fire department and public works department, upgrade the lighted ball field, replace fire trucks and maintenance equipment, develop a comprehensive parks and recreation plan and add a full time contract deputy to improve public safety.
All of this has been done while keeping our local taxes in the bottom third of all the municipalities in the seven county metropolitan area.
Our fire department has the best rating that can be earned without a hydrant system. This translates to the best rates you can possibly get on your home owners insurance.
After becoming overgrown and useless, the ìLions Parkî is in the process of being cleaned up and the Scandia Park and Recreation Committee is developing a plan that can be used by the school as a learning place, will be handicapped accessible and a ìwelcoming entryî to Scandia.
As I write this the town board and planning commission have approved a draft of a new open space conservation subdivision ordinance and a draft of a tree preservation ordinance.
Both are designed to enhance our rural character, preserve open space and improve the protection of our environment. The open space ordinance also encourages protection of agricultural land and small agricultural operations.
As we transition to a city there are some housekeeping tasks that need to be done, but we have an excellent foundation as we continue to build community, retain rural character and open space, preserve the environment and maintain public safety.
Seefeldt is chair of the town board and a candidate for mayor on Dec. 12. Newspaper policy does not allow candidate letters, but Seefeldtís comments will be printed as a response to letters in the Nov. 30th issue that attacked the integrity and honesty of the current town board.
Forest Lake Times
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Forest Lake, MN 55025
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