The Forest Lake City Council was stopped again in their efforts to annex Columbus Townshipís I-35 corridor.

On Friday, July 21, Administrative Law Judge Beverly Jones Heydinger denied the cityís request for a motion for reconsideration. In Heydingerís second ruling she states ìEven if the evidence that Forest Lake seeks to add to the record supports its claim, it would be insufficient to change any of the critical findings and conclusions or the ultimate order granting incorporation.î

The city claimed in their request for reconsideration, rehearing and an amendment that new information provided by Columbus Townshipís engineer after the trial hearings revealed that the Township ìis unable to meet the water demands and needs for fire suppression and commercial development in the I-35 corridor.î

However, the judge disagreed with the cityís claim. She states, ìAlthough the water system was an important factor, Columbus demonstrated at the hearing that it had plans and financing in place to develop a water system for the I-35 corridor and Forest Lake did not.î

Forest Lake still has an opportunity to appeal the judges original ruling. The city has stated they will discuss a ìpossible actionî concerning the Columbus Township annexation ruling at their next council meeting on Monday, July 24 at 7 p.m.

Top of Page

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