233rd Avenue issue again on the table - 2.3.18

   Old news was the new news as the Orrock Twp. Board gathered for its regular monthly meeting Wednesday. On-going discussions with the Minnesota DNR over easement rights to 233rd Avenue and 168th Street came up again. The DNR has promised a turnover of those right of way to the township, but it is yet to happen. And it caused some frustration on the part of Supervisors Bryan Adams and Bob Hassett, who have regularly been in contact with them. “Those higher-ups are avoiding the whole issue,” said Hassett.

   But, there may be cause for optimism, given comments by Resident Bob Hammer, 233rd Avenue resident and a regular to negotiations. He said he believes progress is being made and the township people might best bide their time and let things play out. “We need to work with the DNR,” he said. “We need to get this cleaned up.” With that, the township will await a Feb. 13 meeting with the DNR at the Big Lake Twp. Hall. Intent is to learn a little bit more.

   Hammer maintains, according to records, the DNR provided access from 233rd Avenue to farmers way back - a century ago. And that precedent should be of critical consideration to the present negotiations. (The DNR will be in town for a second meeting Feb. 5, when they meet with Sand Dunes State Forest property owners over maintenance policies at the park. Time of the meeting is 6; set for BLHS.) The board, once again short-handed - Supervisors Charlie Gotzian and Cory Silverberg were absent - so a short agenda was dispatched of in 75 minutes. They agreed to again participate in the township-city recycling day at the Big Lake Maintenance Building May 19. All township costs are to be funded by SCORE funds through the county.

   They also agreed, with proper paperwork, to fund dog catching operations. It isn’t a big issue - only three “catchings” were lodged in 2017. They met with Road Maintainer Darrell Waletzko and agreed to purchase 60 tons of salt-sand for application on icy township roads. The conditions result from the compacting and melting of snowfalls over the winter. The township has a policy of plowing with two inches or more of snowfall; that generally hasn’t happened. A new plowing policy would have to be worked out with Gotzian, who is the township road authority.

   The board approved a new five-year fire protection policy with the Big Lake Fire Dept., which provides services to Sections 19 and 26-35. Zimmerman will continue to provide service to remaining sections. The board met with Brian and Michelle Jensen and approved their request for a property line drainage and utility easement regarding improvements to their property in LG Ridge. They also met with Ryan and Gina Misfeldt and heard their concerns for extension of a driveway through a cul-de-sac to their 38-acre property fronting on Co. Rd. 1. They will consult with an engineer regarding a future course of action. Cpt. Steve Doran of the county sheriff’s department reported 128 calls to the township in December; two calls for domestics and one for an auto crash. “Fairly typical business,” he reported. Sheriff Joel Brott will present the 2017 year-end report to the board at their February meeting.