By Gary W. Meye,r Editor
The Orrock Township Board is anticipating a jam-packed agenda at their Oct. 25 meeting. They will begin dealing with a proposed list of 2018 road improvement projects, including what could be a testy extension of 185th Street. And - they will resume discussions on a possible purchase of a 40-acre parcel for a future home for their township hall.
Engineer Mike Nielson walked the board through four - perhaps five - 2018 road projects,which if all were accomplished, could add up to $722,762. The work includes portions of 233rd Avenue, 180th Street NW, 145th Street, 248th and 249th Avenues, 150th Street NW, 263rd Avenue NW, 147th Street and 262nd Avenue NW. Other streets being looked at are 260th Avenue, 157th, 158th and 160th Streets. The 185th Street extension is a project the township is supporting, because it would link two neighborhoods so emergency vehicles can access them more easily.
Letters explaining that project will be sent to the approximate 20 affected property owners. The board will wilhold action on reconstruction of 229th Avenue, their jointly-owned roadway with Big Lake Twp., because Big Lake officials reported they do not have funds for a 2018 project. But they will opt for a core sample estimate. The board tabled further discussion on the purchase of a 40-acre parcel owned by Sue Dye, about two miles directly south of the current township hall. She is asking $350,000 for the purchase of the property, which is surrounded by DNR lands.
Supervisor Corrie Silverberg, who was absent Wednesday, stated his concern for the purchase at their August meeting, saying the township did not need all the property. The township has $146,175 in park dedication funds which could go toward the purchase and development of the property.The township could also seek grants to help finance the improvements. Clerk Brenda Kimberly-Maas has asked for action on a new township hall, saying population growth is necessitating a second polling site, if the current one can’t handle resident flow. She reported there are 3,000 to 3,500 eligible voters in the township.
“How close are we to needing a second polling place,” asked Supervisor Bryan Adams. “We’re there,” answered -Kimberly-Maas. Using a local church for a polling site was suggested. The board did offer a kick-start to the project, approving $500 for an appraisal of the Dye land.
In Other Action
In other action, the board:
* Met with Gloria Warzecha and approved an easement vacation hearing on property affecting her home for Oct. 25;
* Met with four persons proposing an ATV trail in the township. They included Rob Doherty, Corine and Dan Berndt and Matt Johanson. The township suggested they meet with the Big Lake Sno-Cruisers to learn procedures in going about development of such a trail;
* Learned they received $5,256 in SCORE funds from the county to offset costs for the May recycling effort with Big Lake.
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