Alice Pickering
Linwood Area Reporter

Linwood Town Board supervisors June 13 agreed to move ahead on road projects for the summer that will have total cost of nearly $776,000. Bids for four projects were opened on May 22.

Supervisors accepted the bid of Dunaway Construction for road improvements for 226th Ave. NE. The bid was just over $64,321.94.

The Hornsby Bridge project bid from Midwest Contracting was accepted. It was $152,346.50. Birchridge Estates and Thames Street resurfacing was awarded to Bauerly Companies, in the amount of $210,275.

The Ryan Lake Drive project was awarded to Dressel Contracting. The bid was $349,039. 80.

The total for all four projects, $775,983.70, was accepted by a 4-0 vote. Supervisor Dave Tryon was not at the meeting.

Of the total bid cost, $447,250 will come from developer funds and state bridge funds.

The townís total obligation is $328,733. The amount in the township budget for road repairs for 2006 is $212,000.

Clerk Judy Hanna was directed to consult with Auditor David Stene to determine from which departments the money can be borrowed until the next yearís budget. Money can then be repaid.

Reductions in the levy left the road and bridge department short of funds for this year.

Engineer Craig Jochum told the town board there are deadlines and penalties associated with these projects. The Hornsby project will likely be completed in the fall when water levels are down.

Other street work will be completed during this summer.

Water topics

East Martin Lake Drive residents came to ask for help a solution to storm water problems on the east side of the lake. The water structures and 12-inch culvert have not been able to handle the volume of water that is draining off the street.

In addition, since the road improvements have been made, there have been subtle changes in the slope of the street so it no longer drains both east and west, but rushes to the lake-side of the street.

Culverts have been blocked with debris and then water drains over them as well. Residents suggested a sump space and possibly a skimmer to help with this. Jochum was asked to check the area, during the daylight right after the meeting.

Supervisors granted permission for the state to complete repairs on a water control structure in the Carlos Avery Wildlife Area. This also include variance from the township requirement that concrete pipe be used in the culvert. The purpose of the repair is to stabilize the water level of the pools.

Dan Rhode, area manager, explained that during the repair, some changes will be made in the structure which was originally placed in 1978. The height of the culvert will be set to the desired level, so opening and closing it to control water will no longer be required.

The request is to use 30-inch corrugated pipe which will hold up better under road maintenance and will not sink in the mucky soil as concrete pipe will.

With the completed work, the state will sign a maintenance agreement with Linwood Township in which it has the authority and assumes responsibility for maintaining the structure. The water-control structure is Carlos Avery WMA area, just west of the north-south border of Section 14, along 205th Street.

Other topics

Attorney Gerald Randall reported a number of the property nuisance complaints have gone to court. Letters have been written giving deadlines for clean-up.

One of the problem homes on 225th Ave. is now state property as a result of tax forfeiture. It may be possible to get permission from the state to raze it or use it as a controlled-burn practice for the fire department. He outlined the status of other properties on the complaint list.

Ken Minske, assistant fire chief, reported two of the National Incident Management System training dates for the township have been finalized. The session for ICS 100 is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 23 and the session for ICS 200 is Wednesday, Aug. 30. The NIMS 800 date is still to be determined. At least two supervisors will need to attend these training sessions, along with the firefighters.

Two supervisors approved new fire department officers. They are: Joe Dolphy, fire chief; Minske, 1st assistant chief; Darryl Ballman, 2nd assistant chief; Steve Erickson, fire officer; Jim Stockinger, fire officer; Tom Lukkonen, medical officer; Jeff Wilcocks, assistant medical officer; Mike Sonnek, assistant safety officer; Adam Dohm, secretary; Dan Tautant, treasurer; Tom Bever, Adam Dohm and Bob Gore, auditing committee.

The position of safety officer is currently unfilled.

The fire department responded to 15 calls in May. Four were for fires and 11 were medical emergencies.

Linwood residents can celebrate National Night out locally. Family events are scheduled 6:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 1 at Broadbent Park. Jeff Baumgartner shared this information with the town board at its most recent meeting June 13.

Rick and Vicky Savage gave an update of the activities for Linwood Family Fun Day. Activities are planned for kids of all ages, among these, a pie-eating contest at 3 p.m.. Fireworks are planned for the evening. Rumor has it that Elvis will make an appearance.

There are many events and tournaments, consignment auctions, music, games, and food. Scout groups are scheduled to have booths for traditional food items, farmersí market, and other activities. The fire department will prepare its traditional booya.

Many events require pre-registration. Volunteers are still needed for some activities. Those who wish more information should call the Savages at 651-462-1908 or Judy Hanna at 651-462-2812.

A June 1, letter from the Metropolitan Council, estimates the population of Linwood Township at 5112 in 1738 households. Average size of household is 2.93 people. The estimate is for April 1, 2005.

Other business

In other business, the board:

ïPassed a resolution approving Stacy Lions selling non-intoxicating beer at the fire departmentís annual dance on Sept. 30.

ïAccepted the resignation of Sean Peterson from the fire department.

ïAccepted the bid for salt from Cargill Company at $52.97 for 2006-2007. This is a savings of $3.31 over the next higher bid and includes delivery. It is anticipated the township will use about 25 tons.

ïLearned street sweeping is completed for the year.

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