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226th Lane work in Linwood has review |
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Wednesday, 20 February 2008 |
Alice Pickering
Linwood Area Reporter
Engineer Craig Jochum presented proposed plans for the improvements of 226th Lane to the Linwood Town Board on Tuesday, Feb. 12.
The diagrams show necessary road alignment to the north and elevations on the road that is a lot lower at its west end. One of the engineering problems is drainage for the area. One possibility is negotiating with one or more property owners to create an infiltration pond. Another is to direct overflow to a storm water sewer leading to Martin Lake.
Cost estimates for the project range from $40,000 to $52,000 depending on how storm water drainage is handled.
Another concern is the cul-de-sac at the west end of the street. Supervisor Scott Bailey believes it needs to be larger than proposed in the drawings. He observed school buses having difficulty turning there now.
There is also limited room for emergency vehicles, he said. Increasing the size of the turning area would require more land, which could be secured by purchasing enough for easements. Fire Chief Joe Dolphy suggested that rather than fixing problems here piece-meal, the problems on this, and streets that are similar, be fixed when each is scheduled for improvements.
Before any work is begun, there will be meetings with residents. The first was scheduled 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 25, before the board meeting.
Jochum indicated there is one payment to be made to Jay Brothers for work completed on 226th Ave., to close out the project. The town needs proof the company has paid state taxes for employees. The forms are required as part of Linwood’s audit.
Fire report
Dolphy reported the proposed 2009 fire department budget has been completed, in the amount of $206,750. In addition there is a request for $60,000 for the capital budget. Dolphy said the 2009 proposal is less than the 2008 approved budget. The department received a FEMA grant which supplemented the equipment budget; however, there was also a decrease in the amount of state aid received for the Fire Relief Association.
Minnesota DNR has asked Linwood Fire Department to assume ownership of the J-5 Bombardier and trailer. This is the fire fighting equipment that can go into areas where trucks and larger units cannot travel.
While this unit is a 1963 model, Dolphy is certain the department can trade up to a newer model as one becomes available. The department would inspect other units to determine if it can get an upgrade. Taking ownership of the equipment means the township would be responsible for maintenance costs. The DNR would also contract with the township to provide service for other fires on an hourly basis.
The department will have a presentation about the possible installation of six emergency warning sirens distributed through the township. The recommendation comes from Anoka County to enhance the emergency management plan.
Dolphy said the department has received automatic electric defibrillators units, one of which will be installed at the Linwood Senior Center. The wage and compensation committee continues its work on the standard operating procedures.
The department responded 16 times in January. Nine were medial emergencies and seven were fire related.
Other business
In other business, the town board:
•Postponed until the March 25 meeting, a final decision about township building permit fees.
•Approved payment of the bills in the amount of $21,293.61. One of the checks is reimbursement of $5,665.77 to the Met Council for a septic monitoring program grant.
•Learned the Sunrise River Watershed budget was set at $20,000.
•Approved the petty cash and animal control reports.
•Learned the parks commission worked on its 2009 proposed budget at the last meeting.
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