Jackie Lallier
Wyoming Township Reporter

Twenty plus people attended the Wyoming Township Board meeting Jan. 10th for the public hearing on proposed improvements for Itasca Avenue from the Chisago City limits to the Washington County line.

The total estimated cost is $241,500 with the township responsibility being $27,600, the road blacktopping aid fund being $70,000, leaving an assessable cost to property owners of $143,900. Engineer Mark Erichson presented three options: (1) Unit assessment (21 units at $6852 per unit); (2) Unit assessment based on number of parcels that could have frontage (30 units at $4797 per unit); (3) Area wide assessment (36-2/5 units at $3953 per unit).

A number of residents commented on the pros and cons of gravel roads versus paved roads and talked specifically about the bad condition of 242nd, 243rd and 244th that join Itasca.

It was pointed out that 244th is falling apart because it was completed by the developer and it was not done to proper specifications.

Some residents were concerned because the traffic will speed up (Itasca is a straight-away and so far this winter during three weeks, three cars went off the road) and kids will not be able to ride bikes on the road, people will not be able to walk on the road and it might be dangerous to cross in order to reach mailboxes.

On the other hand, some residents feel a paved road is safer than gravel because of skidding. Most felt getting away from the dust is a big factor.

By a show of hands, Option 3 was felt to be the most fair proposition. Previous opinions from local realtors is that property values would go up with this improvement. Another resident raised the question of what would happen if a water and sewer system would come in. He was told the right-of-way may be used for that purpose.

Traffic counts will be done before the project is started, weight restrictions will be posted, soil borings and gradation will be done and if a project improving 243rd, 244th and Heath Avenue can be done at the same time, the costs would be lower. Plans and specs for Itasca could be completed by Feb. 14, bids could be received by March 10, the project could start in May and be completed in July. The board passed a resolution ordering the plans and specifications.

Other topics

The board was presented with a recommendation by the planning commission for approval of rezoning the property at 24689 Hamlet Ave. from RRII to highway business because there would be no undue stress and traffic concerns. The board approved this request as well as the preliminary plat for Witzel Estates.

A MNDOT resolution was reviewed concerning maintenance of existing traffic control signals on US- 8 at CR-36 (East Viking Boulevard)-Johnson Lane and US-8 at CR-23 (Green Lake Trail/Pioneer Road).

These lights are in the area annexed by Chisago City. The resolution was approved to transfer the maintenance to Chisago City.

The Treasurerís Report (unaudited) for the period ending Dec. 31, 2005, showing a checking account balance of $937,143.28 was accepted.

The Forest Lake Fire Department has asked for a time schedule for withdrawing from the fire contract that now includes an area of Wyoming Township.

Since it is not known at what point and when a ìnewî Wyoming city will be formed, nothing can be done at this time.

Board member Pat Fandel announced Ken Banta will be resigning from the watershed district and asked if anyone knew of a possible replacement. If so, Pat or Ken would appreciate a call.

A brief discussion involved the provisions of the orderly annexation agreement reached by the town board and the Wyoming City Council that primarily addresses taxes, land use and municipal services.

Town Board Chair Roger Elmore announced the city of Stacy has contested the resolution which may mean the state might force the township into mediation.

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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