Jackie Lallier
Wyoming Township Reporter

Two final assessment hearings for road projects were completed at the Tuesday, Nov. 14th Wyoming Town Board meeting.

Town Engineer Mark Erichson presented to the audience the whole process from beginning to end of how road improvement projects are conducted.

In the case of Heath Avenue, the total project cost is $328,070, with the township cost set at $118,484.

The road blacktop aid fund provides $10,000 and the Liberty Ponds developerís responsibility is $143,099.

The total assessable amount is $56,486, making an assessment for each of the 20 units $2824 ($740 less than the feasibility study had determined).

Due to one lot having acreage beyond the designated project, resident Bill Streeter was inadvertently left out of the notification mailing. Streeter was present at the meeting to have his questions answered.

The unpaid bill problem with the developer of Liberty Ponds has been resolved and the township has assurance from the banker that those monies are ready to be paid.

A number of lots have been sold and building is expected to start next summer.

Terry and Susan Gustafson who live at Heath and 250th presented a letter of protest saying they moved to the area two years ago because they wanted to live in a rural setting.

They have been unhappy with the noise of the trucks, the digging, the now speeding cars and feel the new home owners in Liberty Ponds will be the real beneficiaries of the project.

Speed limit controls were discussed and the outcome was that it usually takes the state about six months to put up speed limit signs.

The town board adopted a resolution to proceed with the assessments.

2nd project

The improvement of Itasca Avenue was a petitioned project and involves 35.2 units or lots.

The total cost is $227,571. The township share of the cost is $26,570 and the road blacktop aid fund will submit $74,000, leaving an assessable cost of $127,000 or $3607 to be paid by each unit ($246 less than the feasibility study).

These units were assessed a bit differently because the township community zoning plan is based on land that can be subdivided.

Resident George Shetka voiced an objection to being assessed for two lots and maintains his land would not be divided as he has an extensive, expensive garage on one of the lots.

It was pointed out that the assessment is based on zoning and that it is possible the next owner could take down the garage and put up a residence.

Shetka provided a written objection and the town board adopted a resolution to proceed with the assessments but to follow up on Shetkaís objection.

If it is decided his complaint is reasonable, the extra money will be absorbed by the township, not the other residents.

The town board authorized the bid from Patriot Bank of Minnesota for a sales bond for the financing of the two above projects.

A petition has been received from Diane Blair complaining about the bad shape of Kettle River Boulevard north of CR-22.

The town board said it was not feasible for three to five owners to have a blacktopped road. A calcium chloride compound could be applied to the road but that would involve a certain grade of gravel and it could be a problem when wet.

The Pinehaven Farm business has a heavy amount of traffic during October that probably affects the condition of the road.

The Wyoming Township Board agreed to approach the city of Wyoming for additional gravel to bring the road up to par.

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