Alice Pickering
Linwood Area Reporter

Linwood Township is sharply reducing the number of trips made by the Linwood Traveler, a van used to provide transportation to older residents who cannot drive. Notices will be sent to riders to make other arrangements for transportation.

Beginning in 1985 the Met Council provided money to help purchase and operate the vans for those with a low income, and who are handicapped. Anoka County has also provided support earlier in the program, according to Judy Hanna, senior coordinator and town clerk.

At the Oct. 23 town board meeting, Hanna said the senior van is one of the only one of its kind in this part of the county. The program also serves residents from other townships and cities.

However, regulations and paperwork are no different for the township than they are for the Met Transit buses. Each year funding has been reduced. This year officials opted to turn down any financial aid from Met Council.

Supervisor Howard Holm said the 2007 budget for two vans is in trouble because in 10 months almost the entire year’s budget has been spent. With some reductions required because of a smaller-than-requested levy for 2008, things will not be improving soon, he said.

Looking at the trips made, Holm was able to provide a break-down of who gets rides and for what reasons. About nine Anoka residents get rides to Trinity Adult Day Care Center in St. Francis, three days a week. Right now, none of these are Linwood residents. Cost is about $1800 a month.

In effect Linwood is subsidizing transportation for riders in the rest of Anoka County, but with no financial support coming back to the township to help cover the costs of this service. Another group uses the vans to get to medical appointments. Holm wants to leave open the possibility to expand later on.

There is the possibility that Linwood seniors could provide some funds to support the transportation program for the rest of 2007. According to Holm, there is about $8300 in their budget.

One sore point with supervisors is the use of the vans to make bi-monthly recreational trips to a Hinckley casino. A round trip is 180 miles. Riders make contributions for the trip, but typically not enough to cover the cost of the ride.

The township cannot subsidize transportation for other Anoka County residents. The decision to suspend the bus service, except for essential trips for medical care, is for the rest of the year. There is the possibility for expansion in 2008.

The vote was 5-0 to discontinue all but the most essential transportation. The action takes effect Nov. 12.

Other topics

Planning and zoning recommended a land division for Great River Energy so a purchase can be made for the power substation.

Frank Kvidera, surveyor, thought the request looked fine, but he was concerned about the legal description of the land and the fact that the DNR had not yet signed the document.

Supervisors tabled a decision on a liquor license for The Country Store. Liquor licenses are issued by Anoka County, but the township must also approve the request. The business is under new management, but the board will wait to consider the request until after a certificate of occupancy is issued for the store.

Anoka County Sheriff’s Department Capt. Dave Jenkins sent a memo to the town board proposing schedule changes for some days of the week.

One of the concerns with having contract police protection is that residents can and do learn the patrol schedule. Jenkins anticipates this will improve the effectiveness of the officers in crime prevention.

At the request of the Wildlife Science Center, a joint for meeting the board and planning and zoning commission was scheduled for 6:45 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 13.

Other business

In other business, the board:

•Congratulated Hanna on being recognized by the Minnesota State Council on Disability and her award as a distinguished volunteer.

•Approved the appointments of Joe Dolphy and Tom Searing to the reactivated building study committee.

•Decided to wait until spring to evaluate the standing water in Boettcher Farm Estates.

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