Alice Pickering
Linwood Area Reporter

Linwood Township officials have approved a final extension for the completion of a paving job associated with Lyon’s Den development. The preconstruction meeting was July 23.

Town board supervisors had questions about what was taking so long to get at the paving part of the work. Tom Carlisle said “It’s not just me,” who is holding up the project. He claims difficulty either contacting or working with Engineer Craig Jochum.

Carlisle said it would take about two weeks for utility companies to review the projects. Some of the utilities need to be buried deeper in the easement. This applies to the gas company which told him it would take five weeks to move the gas line. It was not clear if this includes the review.

Mike Parker, town board chair, said, “We shouldn’t be in this predicament.” There was not an approved plan until three plans had been submitted. A proposed development district never got off the ground. Carlisle said he “can’t do the work because I can’t get the utilities moved.”

Supervisor Phil Osterhus made a motion to extend the deadline for completion of the paving on Lyons until Sept. 28, and increasing to $300 the daily fee for work completed beyond the deadline date.

Attorney Gerald Randall suggested extending the completion date until the end of September and agreed about the increased fine for non-completion.

Carlisle asked that the project completion date be tied to three weeks after the utilities have been moved. The amended motion was approved 5-0. Jochum is to coordinate the extension and verify work.

Other actions

Supervisors approved the vacation of part of the drainage and utility easement over Lot and Block 1, Boettcher Farm Preserve First Addition. Steve Strandlund, developer, made the request. There was no opposition.

A map shows there is plenty of drainage for the area, directed to the ditch, and west to another drainage area. Frank Kvidera, surveyor, has looked at the land and the area map. “There is no reason why it shouldn’t be vacated, because the direction of the flow,” he said. The vote was unanimous.

Osterhus recommended lines on specific streets be re-painted. Anoka County crews can do the work. Cost for the work is $0.16 a linear foot. According to Osterhus, the total linear distance is about 7500 feet.

The board accepted the price of $.16 a linear foot for striping on sections of Viking Blvd. and Fawn Lake Drive. The board approved re-painting the stripes with the cost an estimated $1200.

Osterhus reported that the East Martin Lake Drive culvert had backed up again with the last rain. Residents had attended meetings earlier in the year to complain about overflow. This time Dwight Erickson complained about the water. Osterhus said the pipe is 15 inches, not 12 inches. Supervisors directed a township employee to check the area every two months. The vote was 5-0.

Supervisors approved the change in language for the cemetery ordinance. The term perpetual care fund was changed to care improvement fund. The text of the resolution outlines how money given to the cemetery can be used.

Change in the language of the ordinance allows funds to be used for their intended purpose, care and improvement of the township cemetery. Retaining the perpetual care language would mean only interest could be used for that purpose.

Supervisor Howard Holm recommended Linwood join the Minnesota Association of Cemeteries. He said this will give the township access to resources and advice of the organization. The annual fee is $50. Approval was unanimous.

The board learned Lent Township intends to work cooperatively with Linwood to cover costs of street work on Lyons Street. Lent must incorporate the project into next year’s levy.

The township’s one-ton truck needs work. Supervisors approved up to $2500 for sensor pump.

Supervisor Robert Johnson anticipates a lot of participation in the car show associated with Linwood Family Fun Day. There are no other car shows north of the Twin Cities on the weekend of Sept. 8-9.

Among the events planned to date are: a French toast breakfast sponsored by Forest Lake Masons, pony rides for children, and a request to the Linwood Fire Department for more booya.

Other business

In other business, the board:

•Were reminded that Karen Skepper, community development manager for Anoka County, will attend the meeting 6:30 p.m., Aug. 13.

•Approved payment of bills in the amount of $25,014.34.

•Learned that Randall will miss the next meeting.

•Approved waiver of the septic system permit fee for the township, for installation of the new septic system.

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