The Fish Lake Karpa

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign........

2012-01-25T11:19:00.000-08:00

Time for a change in leadership at Fish Lake Township.

Dump Diane!

Vote for Elvin Norling for Fish Lake Township Supervisor on March 13, 2012.

Dump Diane?

2012-01-25T11:00:00.000-08:00

Can Fish Lake Township tolerate three more years of Supervisor Diane Larkin?
Vote for Elvin Norling for Fish Lake Township Supervisor on March 13, 2012!

Solid Support for 5th District 2012 Election?

2011-10-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

Tim O’Keefe has expressed his gratitude and appreciation of the overwhelming positive response to his candidacy announcement to run in the 2012 Chisago County District 5 Commissioner race. Over 1500 generous offers of help and support have flooded in from Rush City to the City of Harris, and Nessel and Fish Lake Townships. Many well-wishers offered kind words of encouragement to persevere in the lofty pursuit to change “politics as usual.”

2012 Election Spells Change in 5th District?

2011-10-16T15:59:00.000-07:00

A Chisago County District 5 Commissioner candidacy kickoff event for Tim O’Keefe on Saturday, 10/15/11, drew a crowd of over 200 supporters. Held at a rural Fish Lake Township farm, the grass roots movement was seeking change in “politics as usual.” Many supporters expressed their anger over continued increases in local taxation while their roads crumbled and fell into ruin. They also discussed two failed attempts by Fish Lake Township supervisor Bob Carter to unseat the current 5th district commissioner. Supporters believed that Bob Carter was further “tainted” by the Fish Lake Township political corruption scandal and that he lacked the honesty and integrity to run a viable 2012 campaign.

Tim O’Keefe was highly commended for his courage and endurance to expose political corruption and institute honest, open government in Fish Lake Township. Although several supporters agreed that the current district 5 commissioner had “caused no harm” during his eleven year tenure, he failed to manage government spending or propose innovative solutions to resolve ongoing county issues. If elected, Tim O’Keefe agreed that he would also work to bring integrity and dignity to the county board on behalf of district 5. Supporters were encouraged and motivated to rally behind Tim O’Keefe, calling him a “harbinger of change.”

Time for a Change in the 5th District?

2011-10-15T09:42:00.000-07:00

Tim O’Keefe announces his candidacy today for the 5th district Chisago county commissioner race in 2012. He states that he is looking forward to the challenges ahead and welcomes voter input. Tim O’Keefe can be reached at npnf@ecenet.com or at 763-689-3872.

The Fish Lake Karpa is dedicated to bringing important local government issues to the public and will provide more candidate information as it becomes available.

Thank you for your continued readership.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Solidarity?

2011-07-12T10:32:00.000-07:00

The Fish Lake Township official web site www.fishlaketownship.com has once again disappeared. When this previously occurred in May 2009, the web site re-emerged after major reconstruction which included the removal of all official meeting minutes prior to 2008. As with many secret proceedings at Fish Lake Township, one can only surmise the nature of the current web site disappearance. Perhaps the inability to access the township website is simply another management oversight to timely pay the Internet service invoice as apparently happened on at least one other occasion. Then again, are Fish Lake Township supervisors demonstrating their “solidarity” to the current Minnesota State government shutdown?

FLT Annual Meeting Matters a Secret?

2011-03-30T11:08:00.000-07:00

This year Fish Lake Township (FLT) held its annual meeting on Tuesday, March 8th, as required by law. The annual meeting provides township residents the opportunity to participate in local government by voicing their concerns, proposing resolutions and collectively voting to give direction to the town board for the upcoming year.

Traditionally, most Fish Lake Township supervisors have discouraged or attempted to limit and control annual meeting attendance so that they could freely promote their own personal agendas. Township supervisors have also resisted voter attempts to move the township elections from March to coincide with the general elections in November because such a change would allow the annual March meeting to begin at an earlier time of day when more residents could attend. Currently, the annual meeting begins about 8:10 p.m. on a Tuesday, following the annual township elections held the same day. Township supervisors such as Bob Carter have even gone so far as to single out, chastise and bully annual meeting participants who did not support their personal agendas. Other supervisors have orchestrated dealings behind the scenes to insure their supporters were prepared and organized to attend and dominate the annual meeting.

This year, in an unusual fashion, the annual meeting did not conclude after “burning the midnight oil” the night of March 8th. The Fish Lake Township web site indicates that a re-convened annual meeting is scheduled on Tuesday, September 13th at 7:00 p.m. to “approve the budget for 2012.” Short of ever publishing an agenda prior to any annual meeting, there may be other unfinished business as well.

The annual township meeting is the only meeting whereby area residents can collectively vote and direct the town board each year. Annual township meeting matters should be available and accessible to anyone seeking such information. For a web site that boasts it was “created as a public service for the residents of Fish Lake Township,” why aren’t annual meeting minutes or agendas ever posted?

Letter to the Editor

2011-03-06T09:55:00.000-08:00

Next Tuesday, March 8th, Fish Lake Township will have the opportunity to elect the first African-American township supervisor, John L. Cook
Jr.
I am writing to endorse Mr. Cook and to encourage other voters to support diversity in our township. You can read more about Mr. Cook in his brief submission published in the Fish Lake Township Spring 2011 Newsletter. I have also provided a photograph of Mr. Cook when he was recently elected as the newest Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota Masonic Charity, a testament to his education, qualifications and integrity.

In my humble opinion, if elected, Mr. Cook would be the only sitting town board member with any integrity. Please cast your vote for John L. Cook.

Tim O’Keefe, Former Fish Lake Township Supervisor

The Fix Is In?

2011-03-02T18:04:00.000-08:00

Next Tuesday, March 8th, is the local election day for Fish Lake Township. In addition to selecting a township supervisor and treasurer, voters will need to decide on a ballot question initiated by Supervisors Carter and Larkin; “Shall the position of Treasurer of Fish Lake Township be changed from an elected to an appointed position?”

Since the December 20th decision to add the treasurer question to the ballot, Supervisors Carter and Larkin have actively promoted the plan to hire instead of elect a township treasurer. The township web site currently describes the “need” to change as follows; “Due to the complexity of the duties of Treasurer the board is asking residents for their approval to appoint/hire the Treasurer. If approved, the position will no longer be an elected term.” Supervisors Carter and Larkin have also spent taxpayer money to publish and distribute a “Township Newsletter” to further describe and promote their perceived need to implement change.

At the December 20th re-convened meeting in 2010, minutes indicate that in the absence of Supervisor Cupit, Supervisors Carter and Larkin discussed “new business” to hire/appoint a township treasurer instead of elect one. Meeting minutes state “the Treasurer position is much more involved with today’s technology and requires the knowledge of computers, bookkeeping programs, internet and online banking that not everyone voter is qualified for.” (If the clerical skills of the hired township clerk are any indication of the financial competence voters can expect from a hired treasurer, perhaps the treasurer position should best remain an elected one.) Shortly thereafter, the meeting minutes state, “The current Treasurer, Sharon McAndrew, has indicated that she will accept the appointed position if the questions passes.”

Why would Supervisors Carter and Larkin instigate and actively promote a hired treasurer position under the guise of retaining qualified help, then assure the public that the current treasurer has agreed to re-assume the position if the ballot question is approved?

Furthermore; why would Fish Lake Township residents vote to approve such a ballot question thereby forfeiting their future rights to choose?

FLT Citizens Beware?

2011-01-27T10:25:00.000-08:00

Fish Lake Township (FLT) has finally updated its web site to provide information about the upcoming March 9th local election. In addition to listing the candidates running for township supervisor and treasurer, a seemingly untimely ballot question has also been included.

At an unusual re-convened meeting on Monday morning, December 20th, Supervisors Carter and Larkin implemented several sweeping changes in Supervisor Cupit’s absence. One such sweeping change was to include the following ballot question on March 9th; “Shall the position of Treasurer of Fish Lake Township be changed from an elected to an appointed position?”

At a time when Fish Lake Township is being sued for misappropriation of funds and official misconduct, and Supervisor Cupit has mysteriously disappeared from township meetings, why now to pose the elected versus hired treasurer question?

FLT Election Candidates a Mystery?

2011-01-16T10:29:00.000-08:00

In an unusual move, Fish Lake Township posted an upcoming election notice on the township web site in December. One Township Supervisor position (currently held by Robert Cupit) and the Township Treasurer position (currently held by Sharon McAndrew) are up for election in March 2011.

Although affidavits of candidacy had to be filed by January 11th, Fish Lake Township has not posted the candidates for the upcoming election.

After finally making a step in the right direction, why the mystery to post the candidates?

FLT Non-Snowplow Policy?

2010-11-18T10:47:00.000-08:00

In the past, Fish Lake Township (FLT) was very responsive and reliable to promptly plow snowfalls and salt/sand roadways in a logical, efficient manner. However; in more recent years, Fish Lake Township’s snow removal work performance has suffered and digressed to the point of negligence. In fact, Fish Lake Township has not only provided decreased and diminished snow removal services over recent years, but attempted to justify and support their reduction of service as well.

Perhaps motivated by complaints, Fish Lake Township took the rare step to document its “Snow Removal Policy” in December 2003 when Supervisors Cupit and Larkin served on the town board. The policy documented the change in township procedures to plow snowfalls exceeding 3 inches instead of 2 inches as per previous practice. On April 13, 2009, the policy was “ammended” by Supervisors Carter, Cupit and Larkin to change township procedures once again to plow snowfalls exceeding 4 inches instead of 3 inches as previously documented in 2003. While the change in procedure may sound insignificant, 4 inches of blowing, drifting snow on winding country roads can and does cause winter travel safety issues especially for emergency vehicles such as ambulances or fire trucks. Although Fish Lake Township routinely leaves gravel roads unplowed for snowfalls up to 4 inches, it preferentially plows paved roads under the same circumstances. Perhaps the residents who live in the small developments with paved roads deserve better service than those who live on gravel roads. Current town board supervisors, Carter, Cupit and Larkin, are quick to point out to complainers that they all live on gravel roads and are receiving the same (poor) service levels as the majority of residents. However; Carter, Cupit and Larkin each live a stone’s throw away from a well-maintained, paved county road or state highway which is plowed during or immediately following any measurable snowfall. They have no need to navigate treacherous, snow-drifted township roads which turn to glare ice with the compaction caused by constant traffic.

Each year after the first measurable snowfall, Fish Lake Township publicizes its “Snow Removal Policy” on the township website. This year, Fish Lake Township received about 8-9 inches of wet, heavy snowfall in the season’s first major snow event occurring on Saturday, November 13th. Although the township recently purchased a new, high-tech Caterpillar road grader to the tune of $246,025 to plow such snowfalls, no gravel roads were plowed after the record-breaking snowfall. Apparently, Supervisors Carter, Cupit and Larkin ignored their own “Snow Removal Policy” and instead subscribed to the “Meltdown Theory” of winter snowfall “management” in Minnesota. With November overnight temperatures dropping into the twenties, the 8-9 inches of wet, heavy snow froze upon the gravel roadways into icy piles and treacherous ridges.

Managing and maintaining safe township roads is the single, most important responsibility of a town board and the primary reason a town board exists. Considering the current level of non-service, what will the next snowfall bring for Fish Lake Township residents?

Welcome to Fish Lake Township?

2010-10-02T06:25:00.000-07:00

Fish Lake Township recently installed a custom-made sign near the corner of North Pine Lake Road and Little Pine Lake Trail. The hand painted sign reads, “Welcome to Fish Lake Township.”

On the surface, the message appears to welcome newcomers to a kind and neighborly way of life in Fish Lake Township. However; the three town board supervisors who erected the sign, Carter, Cupit and Larkin, are well-known for their anti-development reputations and fierce opposition to residential growth.

The “Welcome” sign is erected at the original “battlefield” site of Prairie Fields, a contentious development which Supervisor Cupit publically vowed that Fish Lake Township was not going to set a precedence to allow. However; a lengthy court deliberation and landmark opinion published by the Minnesota State Court of Appeals eventually cleared the way for the Prairie Fields development to be established and exist as a residential neighborhood today.

When the first residential group home proposal was brought before the Fish Lake town board, Supervisor Larkin vehemently opposed the operation. Her main concern appeared to be focused on the nearby proximity of the proposed facility to her home. By the time another residential group home proposal was under consideration, new Minnesota State laws had removed local government control over group home operations and Fish Lake Township no longer had input. Ironically, the second residential group home was established in Prairie Fields, right next door to Supervisor Larkin’s home. Not even the obtrusive, bully tactics of Supervisor Carter audaciously knocking on the group home door could thwart the new facility from opening.

So next time you drive by the “Welcome” sign, will you be fooled by the township facade which stands in stark contrast to the truth?

Independence Day?

2010-07-04T10:08:00.000-07:00

An ongoing lawsuit by a former township supervisor accuses Fish Lake Township supervisors of acting in excess of their authority and violating Minnesota State Statutes. The lawsuit (Chisago County case #13-CV-09-737) seeks to remove current Fish Lake Township supervisors Carter and Cupit from office.

A new lawsuit filed on 6/30/10 by a local, non-profit environmental group and a private party accuses Lent Township supervisors and Chisago County commissioners of acting in excess of their authority (ultra vires acts) and violating local ordinances and Minnesota State Statutes. The lawsuit (Chisago County case #13-CV-10-761) seeks to reverse and nullify Development Agreements between Sunrise River Energy, LLC and Lent Township and Chisago County.

Both the Fish Lake Township and Lent Township / Chisago County lawsuits seek to hold local governments accountable to abide by the same laws that govern all others.

On this 4th of July, the question begs to be asked;
Is the above-the-law “leadership” of Chisago County and its townships destined to be the targets of future lawsuits seeking independence from governance that is not by the people, for the people and of the people?

FLT Gambling with Taxpayer Dollars?

2010-06-23T11:48:00.000-07:00

“FDIC hits Cambridge bank with consent order” read the headlines in the 6/3/10 County Star newspaper. The story described how the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has taken drastic legal measures through a court order to bring the Cambridge State Bank into financial compliance before it fails.

At the Fish Lake Township (FLT) re-organizational meeting in April 2009, Supervisors Carter, Cupit and Larkin voted unanimously to designate the Cambridge State Bank in Isanti County as the official depository for the township. They made no changes to the designated township bank at the FLT re-organizational meeting in April 2010.

As of March 2010, FLT records show that more than $345,000 taxpayer dollars are presumably held by Cambridge State Bank for Fish Lake Township. Are these taxpayer monies adequately protected by the FDIC if the Cambridge State Bank fails? Current FDIC regulations provide for a standard maximum deposit insurance amount (SMDIA) of $250,000 per depositor per bank. Monies held in excess of $250,000 by a failed Cambridge State Bank would be lost to Fish Lake Township taxpayers. Recent FDIC regulation changes in the SMDIA will also reduce the current $250,000 per depositor figure to $100,000 effective January 1, 2014.

Given current warning signs and persistent economic instability, why would Fish Lake Township continue its risky business relationship with the financially unstable Cambridge State Bank?

Let Them Eat Cake?

2010-05-11T10:18:00.000-07:00

Amid an economic crisis of national proportions, Fish Lake Township residents are losing their jobs, losing their homes and losing hope. Despite the worsening depression, Fish Lake Township supervisors not only voted to raise property taxes again, but to purchase a new road grader, too.

What “urgent” need has driven Fish Lake Township Supervisors Carter, Cupit and Larkin to sign a recent agreement with Ziegler Caterpillar to purchase a brand new 140M road grader at a cost of $246,025 to the taxpayers? Why has the township’s 2001 140H Cat road grader suddenly become unusable? Could the answer lie in part in the inability of the township’s self-proclaimed “Grader Operator” to change even a light bulb in a road grader which is no longer under factory warranty……a “Grader Operator” who is a 14 year employee earning in excess of $44,000 plus benefits each year?

Has the self-absorbed town board become oblivious to the plight of their fiefdom?

Clandestine Public Hearing at FLT?

2010-05-03T10:43:00.000-07:00

Once again Fish Lake Township’s website has failed to inform the public of a public hearing to be held on May 10 at 7:10 p.m. at the town hall. In fact, the Fish Lake Township website currently shows; “May 10, 2010 Monthly Meeting Agenda” as “None at this time.” For a township whose website purports to be “created as a public service for the residents of Fish Lake Township,” why has the public hearing notice to vacate a township road not been posted for the public? Neighboring townships such as Lent and Sunrise provide excellent website service to their residents by routinely posting public notices in advance of any actions. So why not Fish Lake Township whose clerk is paid in excess of $750 per month? Why the secrecy about informing the public of an upcoming public hearing to give away a portion of Cedarcrest Court to David Baker and Sherry Hropko? Perhaps Fish Lake Township should instead proclaim their website was “created as a public service for some residents of Fish Lake Township.”

No Shame in Their Game?

2010-04-21T09:46:00.000-07:00

A front page news article published in the Chisago County Press on 4-8-10 has left many questioning the motivation and timing of “Court date set next month for Fish Lake Twp. civil lawsuit” (www.chisagocountypress.com). The sketchy article provides inaccurate and selective information regarding a civil lawsuit filed nearly one year ago on 6-18-09. For instance; if Chisago County Press Managing Editor, Denise Martin, had merely verified the title of the article before publication, she would have found that the May court trial date had been cancelled.

Some readers view the newspaper article as a blatant attempt to influence public opinion and taint the jury pool just before the upcoming trial. Others believe the article was politically motivated by Commissioner Ben Montzka because it illustrates another example of his ongoing covert efforts to unseat rival Commissioner Mike Robinson. They argue that Commissioner Montzka intends to insure the viability of his Robinson-opposition candidate, Bob Carter, for the next District 5 commissioner race. Commissioner Montzka’s close political ties to Editor Denise Martin are also widely well-known.

What journalistic Code of Ethics would justify the Chisago County Press to publish such political propaganda? Is there no shame in their game?

Property Tax Amnesty Program?

2010-03-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

Chisago County is on the brink of financial disaster. While pages and pages of home foreclosures and delinquent property tax records have been published in the local newspapers, Chisago County continues to discuss and evaluate emergency cost saving measures. Although staff layoffs and down-sizing county departments and public services have been considered, the urgency to implement creative financial solutions becomes more critical with each passing day.

A Property Tax Amnesty Program is one financial strategy which would help improve immediate cash flow into the county coffers. It would also provide taxpayers with a positive incentive to bring current their delinquent property taxes. At a time when many taxpayers are anticipating and receiving state and federal income tax refunds, implementing a Property Tax Amnesty Program could help resolve Chisago County’s urgent financial shortfalls.

More specifically, Chisago County commissioners should act quickly to adopt and implement a resolution whereby any Chisago County taxpayer who is currently delinquent on their property taxes could make a lump sum payment to the county for all past due taxes. The Property Tax Amnesty Program would allow the county to uniformly waive all late fees, interest and penalties in lieu of a lump sum payment which brings the net property taxes current. Once implemented, the Property Tax Amnesty Program could run for a fixed period of time, such as 6 months, 9 months or one year. At or near the end of the amnesty time period, commissioners could evaluate the program success to determine if the amnesty time period should be extended.

Implementing a Property Tax Amnesty Program today will help preserve the future of Chisago County.

Polishing Your Own Apple?

2010-03-17T10:17:00.000-07:00

Perhaps inspired by the Fish Lake Karpa, Fish Lake Township has finally posted March 9, 2010, local election results on the township’s website. Fish Lake Township has previously posted election results only once in its website history; when incumbent Bob Carter narrowly defeated newcomer Pat Wortham. At that time, Fish Lake Township posted a large, streaming banner proclaiming Bob Carter’s triumphant victory in a brazen fashion described by some as “polishing your own apple.”

Will the Fish Lake Township website inform the public prior to the next township election who will be appearing on the ballot? Will the public be supplied with a sample election ballot or will the secrecy to inform only the “chosen few” voters continue to control the destiny of Fish Lake Township?

Ignorance is Bliss?

2010-03-11T09:55:00.000-08:00

Fish Lake Township local election results are not available on the township’s website, nor have they ever been except once. For a township whose website purports to be “created as a public service for the residents of Fish Lake Township,” why have sample election ballots and local election results not been provided to the public? Neighboring townships such as Lent and Sunrise provide excellent website service to their residents not only by providing sample ballots prior to their local elections, but by promptly posting election results by the end of the next day. So why not Fish Lake Township whose clerk is paid in excess of $750 per month? Why the secrecy about informing the public prior to an election who will be appearing on the ballot? Why the secrecy that incumbent Boob Carter was re-elected to serve yet another term by defeating Tim O’Keefe 78 – 3 on March 9, 2010? Perhaps Fish Lake Township should instead proclaim their website was “created as a public service for some residents of Fish Lake Township.”

March Town Elections: Voter Accountability Day

2010-01-16T13:41:00.000-08:00

Tim O’Keefe and Bob Carter have filed for the upcoming Fish Lake Township Supervisor election according to Clerk Andrea Nekowitsch. Incumbent Carter is currently the subject of a lawsuit which alleges his misconduct as a public officer, violation of Minnesota’s Open Meeting Law, and abuse of process. Challenger O’Keefe is campaigning to restore honesty, integrity and accountability to Fish Lake Township governance.

In a township with historically low voter turnout at annual town elections, the open supervisor position may be determined by as little as one vote. Your vote could make the difference in the future of Fish Lake Township.

Dare to make a difference!

Vote on Tuesday, March 9, 2010.

We the PEOPLE

2009-12-16T16:37:00.000-08:00

Letter to the Editor;

During the week of December 14 the good citizens of Lent Township got to witness and experience the BEST and the WORST of Representative Government.

Monday, December 14 saw over 200 citizens of Lent Township and nearly 100 citizens of nearby communities gather at the Lent Town Hall for a Special Town Meeting. The meeting was called by a petition signed by 132 Township electors, who wanted their first REAL opportunity to hear, discuss and vote on the proposed 726 megawatt Sunrise River Energy Station. That Meeting was moderated by a citizen selected by the electors attending and was conducted in a courteous and professional manner. All sides of the issue were presented and discussed. At the close of the meeting 80% of the electors voting (163 souls) said NO to the Town Board signing and approving a Development Agreement that would allow Sunrise River Energy, LLC a 90% reduction in their personal property taxes for the proposed power plant. The meeting seemed a triumph for “grass roots government”.

The very next night, December 15, the 3-wise men serving on the Lent Town Board met to vote on the fate and well-being of the good citizens of Lent Township. Two pre-prepared resolutions were presented to the Board by their special attorney, whose fees were being paid by LS Power/Sunrise River Energy, LLC, whether or not the Town Board approved the Development Agreement. The draft resolution approving the Agreement was lengthy and convoluted. It declared that the good citizens of Lent Township had been given 2 separate and adequate opportunities to publicly hear and discuss their concerns. The first was held on July 22 at a meeting totally under the control of the special attorney whose fees were being paid by LS Power/Sunrise River Energy, LLC. The second was conducted on October 19 at a meeting hosted by the Chisago County Board of Commissioners. The hundreds of citizens from Lent Township and greater Chisago County that attended those meetings surely came away with a different understanding of “adequate opportunity” than the special attorney for the Township.

The resolution seeking approval of the Development Agreement went on to state that the Special Town Meeting called by the petition of 132 electors of Lent Township was unnecessary and illegal… since they had already been given adequate opportunity to hear, discuss and voice their concerns and desires. Following a motion by Supervisor Lyle Johnson and a second by Supervisor Mike Olson, the resolution to adopt and approve a Development Agreement and a Host Agreement was passed by a 3 to 0 vote by the Board.

Following the Board’s action, Supervisor Lyle Johnson then offered a motion to individually charge the person who delivered the petition signed by 132 electors of Lent Township to call a Special Town Meeting a total of $742.85 to cover the Township’s expenses and fees for allowing an unnecessary and illegal meeting to be held in the Town Hall. Supervisor Mike Olson quickly seconded the motion. However, Chairman Gene Olson wisely suggested that the Board should discuss this matter further at a later date. It remains to be seen if that messenger will be charged for delivering the message.

There is ONE paramount question that needs to be asked and answered… Is this the kind of government the good citizens of Lent Township deserve and expect? Do “We the People” give just 3 elected representatives the sole authority, discretion and power to decide our collective fate? That’s exactly what the Township’s special attorney alleges in his printed “opinion” to the Board… and remember, his fees were being paid by LS Power/Sunrise River Energy, LLC, whether or not the Town Board approved the Development Agreement.

The good citizens of Lent Township will have THREE opportunities to answer this question in the next 3-years: Tuesday, March 9, 2010; Tuesday, March 8, 2011; and Tuesday, March 13, 2012. These are the dates for the next 3 annual Township elections and Town Meetings. Will “We the People” choose to keep these 3 individuals or will we choose 3 new individuals with more consideration, courage, vision and wisdom? This time, the choice will be ours… NOT THEIRS.

David Milles
A proud citizen of Lent Township for over 35-years

LS POWER’S PROPOSED SUNRISE RIVER ENERGY STATION INFORMATION

2009-10-15T18:00:00.000-07:00

Guest Commentary by Concerned Citizens of Chisago County

There has been a lot of misinformation going around about the proposed LS Power Sunrise power plant. The information included here is factual and can be verified. This information is provided by concerned citizens of Chisago County who are opposed to the building of this power plant.

LS Power, a large private investment firm with principal offices in New Jersey, is taking steps to develop a 780 megawatt mixed fuel electric generating plant in Chisago County, Lent Township. The plant, which would be the fourth largest in the state, would use both natural gas and fuel oil. It will include one, and more likely two, emissions stacks in the range of 200’ high as well as large storage tank(s) for backup fuel oil. Fuel oil would likely be used during the winter months and other times of the year due to limited capacity of natural gas supply lines. As well, there are market fluctuations that make fuel oil the more profitable choice.

To gain perspective on what this plant would look like, see the photo of LS Power’s 837MW power plant in Batesville, MS. This plant is located in a heavy industrial park - there are no homes, schools, county or state park lands, anywhere adjacent to the area. The site of the proposed Lent plant is clearly a rural, residential/agricultural area – not an industrial park. The proposed plant would be located on a 40-acre parcel behind the old mink farm, next to the Chisago Co Electrical Substation on County Road (CR) 14, between CR 15 and CR 18, in Lent Township.

WHY YOU SHOULD BE CONCERNED

1. The plant would drastically change the rural character of Chisago County. Most residents of Chisago County place great value on its rural character. Chisago County’s Comprehensive Plan reflects this: “County residents have consistently expressed a desire for preservation of natural resources, rural character, cultural and historic resources, wildlife habitats and general open space.” The Plan states that the County will “prevent incompatible land use in agricultural areas”. The plant is also incompatible with the Lent Township Comprehensive Plan. Lent’s overall vision is to “apply sustainability principles and active citizen participation to preserve its individuality and natural resources, and to remain a rural community.” Lent Township’s plan strives to “protect and preserve the quality and quantity of water resources within and flowing through the Township.” A power plant in this location is clearly incompatible with both plans! The plant would significantly affect the rural quality of the landscape for miles in every direction. The night sky would be impacted by security lighting. Noise will be an issue, at a minimum, for some of the residents within a considerable distance of the proposed site. Supplying fuel oil would require a steady stream of tanker trucks on now lightly traveled rural roads. It would not be an unreasonable stretch to anticipate a scenario which would have the plant operating at peak capacity on fuel oil. In this event it would take more than 100 tanker trucks per day – traveling either through Stacy business district (CR19/Hwy 30/61) and/or downtown North Branch (Hwy 95 and CR14), passing by most of the public schools in North Branch. The use of fuel oil is certain to have impacts in this regard, as well as others such as noise and stack emissions. While the plant will require relatively minor new power lines to interconnect with the overall grid, the presence of this plant will serve as a major piece for the justification of implementing the construction of any-and-all of three already proposed large capacity transmission lines. The county would be further impacted by wastewater and gas pipeline corridors that would be required to serve the project. Power plants belong in industrial settings, not in the middle of rural landscapes.

2. It will consume enormous amounts of water. LS Power says that the plant will need up to 5 million gallons per day (MGD) of water to cool the plant when operating at peak capacity, an amount equal to all other water uses/day in Chisago County. “Typical requirements” would be 3.5 MGD. A fraction of this water would come from Chisago Lakes Joint Sewer District treatment plant (1.1 MGD) and possibly from the North Branch Waste Water Treatment Plant (another 0.4 MGD). The remaining water needs would come from groundwater. LS Power will be applying to withdraw an average of 2 MGD of groundwater, four times more than North Branch now uses. Moreover, this groundwater would be withdrawn from the high-quality Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer. Minnesota State law now protects the Mt. Simon Hinckley aquifer in the Metro counties for drinking and domestic use ONLY. This legal protection which prohibits industrial use does not include Chisago County. The proposed plant site lies over some of the most vulnerable sandy soils in the area. The Chisago County Comprehensive plan “Figure 3” actual shows the site in question as being in an area of “high to very high sensitivity” to aquifer pollution (pages 2-16). North Branch has recently begun drawing city drinking water from the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer.

3. The plant would in reality have little positive economic impact for residents of Chisago County. It would, of course, generate enormous profits for LS Power, which is based in New Jersey. However, it would have little positive impact in Chisago County over the long run. LS Power claims that the plant would have “up to” 25 high-paying jobs, but admits that the most skilled operators would be hired from outside the county. For perspective, 25 jobs would be less than 0.2% of total employment in the county (based on the 2002 U.S. Economic Census). Payments to the County, Lent Township, and the North Branch School District in lieu of personal property tax would be $600,000 per year (with no inflationary increases). In addition, Rep. Kalin and Sen. Olseen introduced legislation (which passed) on behalf of LS Power this spring. This will, in effect, reduce LS Power’s tax bill from $9 million/year to only $900,000 per year. Combined, this adds up to less than 2% of the combined expenditures of local units of government within the County (the County itself, cities, and townships). However, the plant will decrease local property values (hence property taxes) for current residences and prevent future residential development. It would consume groundwater that could be used for other purposes, and shorten the lifespan of roads due to additional truck traffic. It might even reduce Chisago County’s $49 million/year (in 2006) tourism industry.

4. Wastewater from the plant could pollute the Sunrise River. The Sunrise River, less than a mile from the proposed plant, is a unique and valued resource to citizens of the County. Kost Dam Park is one of the most widely used and enjoyed parks in the county (swimming, fishing, paddling). The Sunrise River flows into the St. Croix National Wild and Scenic Waterway. The National Park Service recently expressed its concerns in a letter to the Public Utilities Commission (July 28, 2009) regarding the impacts of the proposed plant to the Sunrise River as a major tributary to the St. Croix. The Sunrise River is also legally “impaired” for phosphorus. The proposed power plant would discharge wastewater from its cooling towers to the treatment plant outfall at Blomquist Creek which flows into the Sunrise River. LS power now acknowledges that the wastewater will contain descalers (phosphates) and biocides (such as copper, chlorine). The power plant will require a state permit that would theoretically require LS Power to meet all water quality requirements, but experience has shown that meeting these requirements can be difficult.

CAN IT BE STOPPED BY LOCAL ACTION? YES!

Under a provision in Minnesota’s 2009 Omnibus Bill, both Lent Township and Chisago County must pass development agreements by a 2/3 majority before the plant can be built. Either entity could simply not approve any development agreement, preventing the plant from being built. Either entity could add restrictions to the development agreement (like requiring a full-scale Environmental Impact Statement to be done). The County, Lent Township, and LS Power are working on the development agreement NOW and could vote on it as early as late September.

Here are two things you can do:

1. Become informed. Read the local papers – there have been many informative letters and columns about the plant. Watch the North Branch and Chisago City papers for notice of public meetings about the plant. Go to Lent Township or Chisago Co. Commissioners meetings to get information, ask questions, share your knowledge, and make your opposition known in a simple, less than 3-minute, statement. County Commission meetings will be held on Sept. 16, Oct. 7 and 21, 6:30 pm, at the Chisago County Government Center, Center City. Sign in at 6:30 to speak at 7:00 during Citizen’s Forum. Lent Township Board meetings are open to the public and will be held on Sept. 15, Oct. 20, 7:00 pm, at the Lent Town Hall, on CR 18. A special workshop is planned for Oct. 19 at the Lent Town Hall.

For meeting schedule information and to download the Comprehensive Land Use Plans, go
to: http://www.co.chisago.mn.us http://www.lenttownship.com/

2. Contact your elected officials! Meet them in person, call them, or email them. A short email or phone call simply stating your opposition is easy to do and very important. If they don’t hear from you, they probably assume that you either support the plant or you don’t care. Here are the addresses and contact information for Lent Township Supervisors and Chisago County Commissioners who will be voting on this issue.

LENT TOWNSHIP OFFICE AND SUPERVISORS:

Office: Stacy, MN 651-462-3009
Lyle Johnson lylejohn@frontiernet.net 651-462-1358
Gene Olson (chair) clerk@lenttownship.net (address to Gene Olson) 651-587-3507
Mike Olson mike@mikesauto.net 651-248-0975

CHISAGO COUNTY OFFICE AND COMMISSIONERS:

Office: Center City, MN 651-257- 1300

District 1. Lora Walker lorawalker@hotmail.com (w)651-213-8831 (p) 651-462-2268

District 2. Rick Greene rgreene@co.chisago.mn.us
randijgreene@yahoo.com (w) 651-213-8832 (p) 651-583-2513

District 3. George McMahon geomcmahon@aol.com (w) 651-213-8833 (p) 612-964-6450

District 4 (chair). Ben Montzka montzka@aol.com bjmontz@co.chisago.mn.us(w) 651-213-8834 (p) 651-4624200

District 5. Mike Robinson mdrobin@co.chisago.mn.us mdrobin@wdemail.com (w) 651-213-8835 (p) 320-358-3223

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS:

City councils are working on developmental agreements also, regarding the use of wastewater for cooling the proposed plant. They need to hear from residents as well. Attend the City Council meetings of North Branch, Chisago City, Lindstrom, Center City, Shafer, and Wyoming.

What’s REALLY going on with Xcel Energy and the LS Power Project?

2009-08-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

Guest Commentary by David Milles

Several "comments" on the Post Review’s article reporting about the July 22 Lent Township information meeting for the proposed LS Power plant have clearly labeled me as an opponent to this project. These comments were placed by Lent Town Supervisor Mike Olson and an anonymous party called "Really". The problem with these two observations is that I have never declared a position either supporting or opposing this project. As with other citizens of our community, I have MANY unanswered questions and I made an honest attempt at the July 22 meeting to raise those questions and offer constructive comments.

Mr. Olson made it clear in his posted "comment" that he and other officials know more about this project than anyone on the "outside". That leads me to ask why he and the other Lent Supervisors sat like the 3 deaf, dumb and blind monkeys at the July 22 public information meeting which they convened? The only public official that had the courage to address the group about the project was State Senator Olseen. Our local County Commissioner also showed up, but remained silent at the back of the room.

I would like to take this opportunity to share what I know about the evolution of this "project" and why I am seriously skeptical about the actions and motives of Xcel Energy and our elected officials. The involvement and enlightenment of the general public have clearly been side-stepped by both of these entities.

While I was serving on the Lent Town Board in the fall of 2007, the Township was approached by Mr. Rick Robinson from Indeck Energy, Inc. out of Rockford, Illinois (you can see their website at http://www.indeckenergy.com/index.php). Indeck was preparing a project proposal in response to a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a 160 Megawatt, natural gas powered, "peaker" plant issued on September 11, 2007 by Xcel Energy (doing business as NSP). Mr. Robinson told us that Xcel had a need for up to 40 such plants scattered around Minnesota to keep up with "peak" energy demands during summer cooling and winter heating seasons. He also told us that the Kost substation and 2 interstate natural gas pipelines located in the northeast corner of the Township were the "sweetest" spot in the State for such a facility. In fact, Mr. Robinson told me that even if Indeck didn’t win the bid, SOMEONE would definitely build the peaker plant at that location.

Indeck Energy was extremely forthcoming with the Township and prepared a detailed presentation that they offered to a joint meeting of the Town Board and Planning Commission on November 14, 2007. Mr. Robinson told us that it was Indeck’s operating philosophy to work from the "bottom-up" when dealing with local government and intended to deal with Lent Township BEFORE approaching any higher units of Government. I still have the PowerPoint presentation from that meeting and would be happy to provide copies to any interested party. Mr. Robinson told the Town Board that he expected to find out if they won the bid on NSP’s request by early 2008. He also told us that Indeck Energy had approached several landowners in the vicinity of the Kost substation to acquire options on a possible construction site. That was the last we heard from Indeck Energy.

Early in 2008, I started hearing from concerned Township residents that Xcel was literally "scalping" all of the vegetation off of a portion of the Kost substation property adjoining County Road 14. They told me that Xcel personnel informed them that the land clearing was to allow additional "cropping" of the land. However, this was the exact location that Indeck Energy had identified in their proposal for building a peaker plant on existing Xcel property.

In early February 2008, I called Mr. Robinson to find out what happened with their bid and ask if they knew why Xcel was already clearing the land. He said that Indeck had heard nothing from Xcel since submitting their proposal and had no idea why the substation land was being cleared. He also told me it was common practice for some power companies to put out Requests for Proposals and then decide to proceed with a project "on their own" (i.e. get free engineering and planning out of their RFP and then do the project themselves).

My next action was to contact Xcel Energy directly. After being bounced around by their switchboard operator for over a half-hour, I was eventually connected with one of their Company "environmental lobbyists". I fully identified myself and explained what I knew about their RFP, Indeck Energy and the proposed Lent Township site, and asked for additional information and the name and phone number of a knowledgeable Xcel contact person. The lobbyist got very nervous and said he had never heard about any of this, but would get me a "contact". After keeping me on HOLD for another half-hour, he told me he couldn’t release any information but would have someone that was handling the matter "get back to me".

I heard NOTHING from Xcel for over 2-weeks. Then, one afternoon, I got a phone call from the Xcel district maintenance manager out of Forest Lake. He said he had received an e-mail chain that started with an Xcel Vice President and ended up on his PC. The "chain" directed him to call me and see if he could answer my questions. After I explained what my questions were and why I had called Xcel, he became VERY apologetic and basically told me I had been given the classic Xcel "bum’s rush". He was very concerned about what I told him and said he would do whatever he could to get me to the right person at Xcel. Within the hour, he called back and told me he couldn’t find out anything about a peaker plant in Lent Township, but was told that the reason the vegetation was removed from the Kost substation site was that Chisago County had "ordered" Xcel to do it to control Oak Wilt on the property.

So, I called the Chisago County Office of Environmental Services to confirm that they had "ordered" the removal of the trees. They told me they had NOT ordered or suggested any vegetation removal for that site. Now I was getting angry, so I called Rick Robinson at Indeck Energy one more time. I asked him if he would send me a hardcopy of the NSP Request for Proposals that they had responded to. He said that would be no problem and I received it in the Mail within 2-days. I still have that document and would be happy to provide copies to any interested party.

The RFP I received from Indeck Energy clearly identified Mr. Rick Peterson, a Resource Analyst for Xcel, as the manager and contact person for this project. It even had his direct phone number and e-mail address. Great, now I could finally talk to The Man with the Plan.
Except, when I called Mr. Peterson I got a VERY nervous and less than candid reception. He did acknowledge that an RFP had been "put out" and that several proposals had been submitted. However, he said that the entire project had been put on HOLD and that he wasn’t sure exactly how it would proceed. He assured me that "some kind of facility" would eventually be placed on the site and that the time-frame for final planning was circa 2011. That was ALL he either could or would tell me. That was the last contact I had with anyone from either Indeck Energy or Xcel Energy.

I subsequently resigned from the Lent Town Board in early May 2008 over a totally unrelated matter. Shortly after that, I was recruited to return to work for the DNR Division of Waters for a special project. While at the DNR, I had an opportunity to visit with an old colleague that had ascended to a senior management position with a large environmental and engineering consulting firm. When I told my friend about the peaker plant story, he got a very large grin on his face and said he "knew all about it". He also either couldn’t or wouldn’t give me any details about what he knew (I think his Company had business connections with Xcel), but he did tell me that the project was most definitely NOT on hold and was, in fact, moving ahead. Since I was no longer active in Township affairs, I didn’t pursue the matter any farther.

The next time I heard anything about a power plant in Lent Township, it was from a few short news stories in the Post Review in early 2009. From that point on, I only know what little information has been provided to the general public from subsequent "news" stories. If Lent Township officials or Chisago County officials knew anymore, they certainly never communicated it to the "public"... nor did our enlightened State Senator or State Representative.

As far as my personal opinion of this project, here’s how I REALLY feel:
First off, something just doesn’t SMELL right about the way in which this project has been proceeding. I have worked as a State geologist/hydrologist on MANY sensitive and controversial environmental issues in Minnesota since 1969. I have never seen a situation with so much deliberate obfuscation and lack of public involvement. During my years of government service I worked with the environmental staff at the former NSP many times. They were always forthright and honest. The present incarnation of NSP as Xcel Energy does not strike me as operating with that same level of public awareness, commitment and involvement.

Second, I have absolutely no doubt that we will eventually have a major power generation facility at the "sweet spot" in Lent Township. The BIG question is how much we, as the voters and residents of Chisago County and Lent Township, will really have to say about it. One of the Ten Commandments of Government that I learned and saw first-hand at the DNR is that... "the BIG people do what they want and the LITTLE people do what they’re told". NSP/Xcel has been in the power generating business for 100-years and knows exactly what it’s doing. You don’t need to have Gypsy blood to read these tea leaves. Somewhere there is a senior Xcel Vice President chomping on a cigar over the big Monopoly board. He’s already put 4 houses and a hotel on Boardwalk and has a get-out-of-jail-free card from the Legislature. Indeck Energy and LS Power are simply shills for Xcel Energy’s long-range plans for the Kost substation site.

Finally, there should be no doubt in anyone’s mind that our elected officials have been worshipping at the feet of the BIG money interests that promise to take us all to the land of milk and honey. Why haven’t they been asking the hard questions and soliciting the information their constituents are asking for? Any one of them could request, or even demand, that LS Power and Xcel Energy directly provide them with the answers and information the citizens want. It doesn’t matter whether the County or Township has any "legal" authority to approve or disapprove of this project... they have the "moral" authority to advise and inform their constituents! Why has it taken a small group of concerned citizens (the Friends of the Sunrise River) to do all the heavy lifting on this matter? As far as I can tell, they are the ONLY entity trying to seriously gather information and inform the public. Our elected representatives need to lead from the front of the room, not the sidelines. Perhaps the real question for us all to consider the next time we step into the ballet booth is: Is this the Government we deserve?

Now, let the "comments" commence.

Dave Milles
Lent Township Resident

FLT Clerk Files for Bankruptcy

2009-08-04T10:49:00.000-07:00

Fish Lake Township (FLT) Clerk Andrea Nekowitsch has filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy protection on 7/1/09 (U.S. Bankruptcy Court case #09-34537). At a time when Clerk Nekowitsch is named as a defendant in a lawsuit against Fish Lake Township, perhaps she can avoid scrutiny and criminal prosecution by using a strategy similar to that previously used by FLT road maintenance worker Gary Guse, Jr. When Gary Guse’s wife Crystal was under criminal investigation and subsequently charged with check forgery (see 1/28/08 story titled, “Fish Lake Township the next mark?”), Gary filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy protection on 5/22/08 (U.S. Bankruptcy Court case #08-32478). Criminal actions were not pursued against Gary Guse, Jr. in connection with the $12,535 check forgery scheme.

Although Andrea Nekowitsch has served as the hired clerk of Fish Lake Township for many years, is her personal integrity and accountability above reproach? Apparently Supervisors Carter and Cupit think so. They both voted recently to approve and provide Nekowitsch with a township debit card, carte blanche for check-less purchases and cash withdrawal opportunities. Could this alarming situation be a recipe for disaster?

FLT Response to Lawsuit?

2009-07-27T07:21:00.000-07:00

The Fish Lake town board has released its carefully crafted “official statement” in response to Tim O’Keefe’s lawsuit. Posted on the Fish Lake Township (FLT) web site at www.FishLakeTownship.com, the statement reads as follows;

FISH LAKE TOWNSHIP INVOVLED IN FRIVOLOUS LAWSUIT

Former supervisor Timothy O’Keefe has initiated a lawsuit against Fish Lake Township, two current supervisors and the town clerk. O’Keefe has alleged a number of violations of state law, that have absolutely no basis in fact or law. Indeed, the Chisago County Attorney’s Office has found no basis to investigate the matter further. Nonetheless, O’Keefe seems inclined to waste the taxpayers’ money on pursuing frivolous claims.

For instance, O’Keefe alleges the Township improperly approved payment of a fire contract in 2006, despite the fact he voted to approve its payment and was present for the discussion of it as a supervisor. In short, O’Keefe fails to provide any facts to support his spurious claims. The Township and its officials look forward to being vindicated in this litigation and will be seeking their attorney’s fees and costs against O’Keefe for having to respond to these claims.

The Township and its officials are represented by Bloomington attorney Paul D. Reuvers from the firm of Iverson Reuvers, LLC. Reuvers has advised all Township officials to defer comment to him at 952-548-7205.

Fireworks Fly in Fish Lake Township

2009-07-04T08:28:00.000-07:00

Fish Lake Township (FLT) is the subject of a lawsuit filed on June 18th by former FLT Supervisor and Plaintiff Timothy O’Keefe (Chisago County District Court file #13-CV-09-737). Current FLT Supervisors Robert Carter and Robert Cupit, and Clerk Andrea Nekowitsch are named individually as Defendants. While the lawsuit does not name the third township supervisor, Diane Larkin, she is implicated in the legal action as part of Fish Lake Township collectively.

The precedent-setting, landmark case filed on behalf of Fish Lake Township taxpayers is based upon Minnesota Criminal Statutes including §609.43 regarding misconduct of public officers as well as Minnesota Open Meeting Law. It charges Defendants Carter, Cupit, Nekowitsch, and Fish Lake Township with three causes of action; Count I: Misconduct of Public Officer; Count II: Violation of Minnesota’s Open Meeting Law; Count III: Abuse of Process. The lawsuit seeks removal of Defendants Carter and Cupit from the Fish Lake Town board and Defendant Nekowitsch from the hired clerk position.

In the lawsuit, Plaintiff O’Keefe describes criminal acts he witnessed and encountered while serving as an elected official on the Fish Lake Town board. Pursuant to Minnesota State Statutes, Plaintiff O’Keefe believes that he is obligated to report and remedy the routine official misconduct that occurred in Fish Lake Township. According to the lawsuit, Defendants Carter, Cupit and Nekowitsch "engaged in intentional actions to restrict the Plaintiff’s access to Township records and documents" and "failed to include the Plaintiff on communications that were necessary to governance of the Township." The lawsuit further states that Defendants Carter, Cupit and Nekowitsch "regularly engaged in business outside of open public meetings and in the absence of the Plaintiff" and that "duly noted Township meetings were merely a ‘show’ for voting on Township issues that had previously been decided outside of a public meeting. Despite being excluded from discussions regarding Township matters and limited access to Township records, the Plaintiff uncovered documentation and information that Township funds were misappropriated" by Defendants Carter, Cupit and Nekowitsch. The lawsuit states that the actions of Defendants Carter, Cupit and Nekowitsch "represent a consistent pattern of intentionally failing or refusing to perform mandatory, nondiscretionary and ministerial duties of their office in a manner required by law." The lawsuit further states that the actions of Defendants Carter, Cupit and Nekowitsch represent "a pattern of knowingly and intentionally acting in excess of their legal authority" and "consist of a pattern of intentionally and unlawfully interfering with the rights of the plaintiff as a fellow board member."

As fireworks fly this 4th of July, what does the future hold for Fish Lake Township government?

The Fish Lake Karpa is committed to keeping its readers informed of this news story as more information becomes available.

FLT Politics as Usual?

2009-06-21T10:11:00.000-07:00

Inside sources report a lawsuit recently filed against Fish Lake Township names Supervisors Robert Carter and Robert Cupit and Clerk Andrea Nekowitsch, individually and collectively, as defendants. The complaint alleges numerous wrongdoings including misappropriation of township funds.

What revealing evidence could possibly expose "politics as usual" in Fish Lake Township?

The Fish Lake Karpa is working to provide its readers with the complete story.

Supervisor Carter Refuses to Respond

2009-06-13T05:42:00.000-07:00

Fish Lake Township Supervisor Robert “Bob” Carter has refused to respond despite repeated attempts by the Fish Lake Karpa to obtain his input and comments on the following questions:

1.) Can you provide more details regarding the alleged criminal complaint against you (i.e. Chisago County case #09004652)?

2.) Have you been in contact with the Chisago County Sheriff’s department and/or the County Attorney’s office regarding the alleged criminal complaint against you?

3.) If any of the criminal allegations have merit, and you are charged with a crime, how will you respond?

4.) Have you retained an attorney at this time?

5.) Can Fish Lake Township taxpayers expect to pay for your attorney and defense?

6.) What prompted your recent resignation from the Fish Lake Township Board Chair position?

7.) Under your leadership, the Fish Lake Township official web site was recently reconstructed. Why were all official meeting minutes prior to 2008 cleansed from the web site?

8.) Do you have any further comments you would like to provide?

Supervisor Carter prides himself as a “great communicator,” and in his own words has stated, “E-mail and web sites are incredible tools for communicating and involving people.” As a public official, he is also held to a higher standard of public trust and personal integrity.

Why won’t Supervisor Carter answer the Karpa’s questions and provide an explanation to the public?

FLT Deprived of Honest Government?

2009-05-10T08:05:00.000-07:00

Inside sources have confirmed an ongoing investigation by the Chisago County Sheriff’s Department into criminal allegations made against Fish Lake Township (FLT) Supervisor Robert D. Carter. Criminal case #09004652 is apparently centered on Supervisor Carter’s "ultra vires acts" of routinely exceeding his elected authority as a public official. The complaint may implicate township employees as well.

According to the Minnesota Association of Townships 2008 Manual on Town Government, § 5-6 Exceeding Powers; "……knowingly exercising a power the board does not have or knowingly exceeding a power it does have is criminal and will likely be treated harshly. Any knowing abuse of power is punishable as a gross misdemeanor. Insurance policies towns and their officers would normally rely upon to provide a defense to suits do not provide coverage for criminal acts. Officers found to have violated a criminal law may not have their defense costs or any fines reimbursed by the town or its insurance companies. When officers or boards act without or beyond their authority, it is called ultra vires. Courts strictly apply the ultra vires doctrine against local governments in order to protect the public. An act found to be ultra vires is considered to be without legal force or effect."

One example of a Minnesota State Statute that pertains to township officials and employees is §609.43, "MISCONDUCT OF PUBLIC OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE" which states;
"A public officer or employee who does any of the following, for which no other sentence is specifically provided by law, may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than one year or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both:
(1) intentionally fails or refuses to perform a known mandatory, nondiscretionary, ministerial duty of the office or employment within the time or in the manner required by law; or
(2) in the capacity of such officer or employee, does an act knowing it is in excess of lawful authority or knowing it is forbidden by law to be done in that capacity; or
(3) under pretense or color of official authority intentionally and unlawfully injures another in the other's person, property, or rights; or
(4) in the capacity of such officer or employee, makes a return, certificate, official report, or other like document having knowledge it is false in any material respect."

Will Chisago County Commissioners Lora Walker, Rick Greene, and/or Ben Montzka attempt to obstruct the legal process of this criminal investigation because of their close, personal relationships with FLT Supervisor Carter?

The Fish Lake Karpa is committed to keeping its readers apprised of this developing news story.

Two Versions of the Truth?

2009-05-07T10:43:00.000-07:00

The Fish Lake Township official web site recently re-emerged after major reconstruction. Conspicuously missing from www.fishlaketownship.com are any official meetings minutes dated prior to 2008. In addition, the following “disclaimer” has now been posted on the web site;

“Every attempt is made to ensure the information on this site is accurate and current. Official hard copies of government policies, minutes and resolutions are available at the town hall and take precedence over the material found on this site. Please contact the township if you should discover any inaccuracies.”

Not provided is the current township “procedure” to obtain “official hard copies of government policies, minutes and resolutions.” Interested persons must first complete a written request form which is reviewed by the town board. The town board, currently comprised of Supervisors Carter, Cupit and Larkin, will review the request and determine whether or not the township will provide the requested information. If the township decides to withhold the information, the requestor’s only other alternative is to sue under Minnesota State Statutes, Chapter 13, “Government Data Practices.”

Why would Fish Lake Township suddenly be concerned about open public access to township information and documentation?

When Bad Men Combine……

2009-03-17T09:32:00.000-07:00

Diane Larkin made her first debut to public office in March 2003 when she was elected as a Fish Lake Township supervisor on a stealth campaign. In a township where apathy was the political norm, no one came forth to declare their candidacy for the Fish Lake town board position in 2003. Larkin cleverly waged a behind-the-scenes write-in campaign and easily became the first woman elected to the Fish Lake town board.

After serving three years in office, Supervisor Larkin became known as a woman who stirred controversy, angered and mislead township residents, and made unethical, arbitrary and capricious decisions. Larkin was most notorious for being the first local area resident to develop a portion of her farmland into two small residential lots, then working hand-in-hand with a developer to subdivide 80 acres of adjoining property into what is now called “Prairie Fields.” The developer rewarded Supervisor Larkin by providing a paved access road to connect to her residential lots. As a result of her controversial actions and decisions, Supervisor Larkin was the target of the first formal written complaint ever served upon Fish Lake Township. Soon after, Supervisor Bob Cupit resigned his town board position. Supervisor/Board Chair Larkin quickly replaced Cupit by appointing her long-time friend and political ally Bob Carter to complete Cupit’s remaining 3 month term until the next election. By 2006, a backlash of public outrage unseated incumbent Larkin in an unprecedented election loss to newcomer Tim O’Keefe.

By 2009 township election time, apathy and ignorance once again reigned in Fish Lake Township. Larkin narrowly defeated incumbent O’Keefe 41 to 34, garnering the lowest voter turnout in recent years. In a township of approximately 1723 residents and 1200 registered voters, Larkin was re-elected on March 10th by 0.03% of the voters. After simmering on the side-lines for three years, Diane Larkin has returned to re-join forces with Supervisor/Board Chair Bob Carter.

On this St. Patrick’s Day, perhaps a famous quote by Irish political philosopher Edmund Burke best describes the tumultuous future of Fish Lake Township;

“When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle.” Edmund Burke 1770

Cooperation & Collaboration or Calamity?

2009-01-29T12:50:00.000-08:00

November 2008 elections concluded with the turnover of two of three Chisago county commissioners. Lora Walker replaced District 1 Commissioner Lynn Schultz and George McMahon replaced District 3 Commissioner Bob Gustafson. District 5 Commissioner Mike Robinson was re-elected to serve a third term. District 2 Commissioner Rick Greene and District 4 Commissioner Ben Montzka will be up for re-election in November 2010.

District 1, 3 and 5 county commissioners were sworn in immediately preceding their first board meeting on 1/6/09. With a new county board comes a change in dynamics and business relationships. Voters have great expectations of a county board faced with major cutbacks in Local Government Aid, dwindling tax revenues and a recession likened by some to the Great Depression.

Will the newly seated Chisago county board set aside personal biases and power struggles? Will they make a fresh start and focus on public service, overcoming challenges and achieving positive results?

Will the newly seated Chisago county board cooperate and collaborate in unity to ensure that all Chisago county residents are fairly represented and equally served?

New Horizons?

2009-01-26T07:01:00.000-08:00

Fish Lake Township Supervisor Bob Carter suffered another defeat on 1/6/09 when the newly seated Chisago County board voted unanimously to re-appoint Craig Mold to another 3-year term effective 1/16/09 as the District 5 representative to the Chisago County planning commission. This is the second time that Carter has unsuccessfully applied for a county planning commission appointment.

Carter has previously applied for a county appointment to the East Central Regional Library (ECRL) board as well. He lost his bid for the at-large position when the prior Chisago County board voted on 12/26/07 to re-appoint Verna Hoppe for another 3-year term effective 1/1/08. Carter’s application for an ECRL board seat was preceded by his “strategic” letter to the editor published on 12/20/07 in the “The Chisago County Press” newspaper titled, “Robinson didn’t support library.”

After three failed attempts to transcend from township to county government, would it be prudent for Carter to explore new horizons?

FLT Fiefdom for Sale?

2008-12-26T07:14:00.000-08:00

After suffering a major defeat in the November District 5 Chisago County Commissioner election, Fish Lake Township (FLT) Supervisor and Board Chair Bob Carter has set his sights on a new target. Carter is challenging incumbent Craig Mold of Rushseba Township for appointment as the District 5 representative to the Chisago County planning commission.

The Chisago County planning commission is comprised of seven county residents, one from each of the five geographical districts and two “at-large” members. One county board member serves as a planning commission liaison, but without voting rights. Planning commission members are appointed by a majority vote of the county board and serve a three-year term. In January 2009, Districts 3 and 5 terms expire and will be up for re-appointment. District 2 and both “at-large” positions renew in January 2010, while Districts 1 and 4 renew in January 2011. County board members have traditionally supported the planning commission citizen appointee choice of the corresponding district commissioner.

Seven members who reside in diverse regions of the county exceptionally balance the current planning commission geographically. Representation includes some current township supervisors such as the “at-large” member from Fish Lake Township. As the second of three Fish Lake Township supervisors, what would Bob Carter bring to the county planning commission?

1.) A quorum of FLT supervisors
2.) Redundant representation of FLT
3.) Conflicts of interest for FLT
4.) Open Meeting Law violations for FLT
5.) Public disclosure of financial contributors to Carter’s county commissioner campaigns?
6.) Adversarial interactions with District 5 County Commissioner opponent and current planning commission liaison Mike Robinson?
7.) A dark cloud of suspicion regarding Carter’s planning commission appointment despite the vote against him from his home District 5 Commissioner Robinson?

In the recent words of District 4 County Commissioner and attorney Ben Montzka, “Open Meeting Law has been interpreted to bar any quorum of duly sworn-in elected officials from meeting together…..…I heartily support the idea of open government that our Open Meeting Law is designed to protect.”

Appointment of Carter to the county planning commission would result in a quorum of Fish Lake Township supervisors present at every county meeting. To circumvent this issue, will Carter relinquish his Fish Lake Township supervisor “fiefdom” for a county planning commission seat?

Candidate Carter Epilog

2008-11-05T06:50:00.000-08:00

Won the Battle, but Lost the War

Although Candidate Carter narrowly won the battle for his home township of Fish Lake (524 to 500), he suffered another major defeat in the 11/04/2008 District 5 Chisago County Commissioner race. In stark contrast to an election year where “change” was a universal campaign statement and ousting incumbents was the political norm, incumbent Robinson delivered a resounding 2525 to 1420 defeat of Candidate Carter.

Once again the District 5 voters have spoken and once again history repeats itself. Incumbent Mike Robinson has been re-elected to serve a third, four-year term as District 5 Chisago County Commissioner.

What does the future hold for defeated candidate Bob Carter?

Carter Campaign “Strategy” #11

2008-11-03T12:25:00.000-08:00

Save Face

District 5 Candidate Carter initially joined forces with District 3 Candidate Jonathan Glassel to launch a military style campaign aimed to oust incumbents. Their combined campaign marketing blitz first began in March 2008 as a blog titled, “South County Epitaph.” After many on-line articles, a “special edition” hard copy publication was distributed in late September to incumbent Robinson’s home town of Rush City. Indeed the initial public reaction was one of shock and awe, but quickly turned to anger and disgust over the obvious and repugnant smear campaign. Candidate Carter quickly responded to the backlash of negative public feedback by updating his campaign web site with a written apology and his personal “assurance” that he had absolutely nothing to do with Jonathan Glassel or his publication. Shortly thereafter a second wave of “Epitaph” mailings were circulated in District 5, some delivered to the same persons who had received the first mailing. The resurgent outcry of angry residents caused Candidate Carter to offer profuse “apologies” for the SNAFU at every public opportunity.

Perhaps the “shock and awe” campaign stirred the hearts and minds of uncommitted voters, or perhaps it reaffirmed the public’s negative image of Candidate Carter. Whatever the impact, the bold and blinding truth will be revealed by tomorrow’s historical election results.

Carter Campaign “Strategy” #10

2008-10-30T10:18:00.000-07:00

Public Forum

Provided with an opportunity to outshine each other in the public eye, Candidate Carter and incumbent Robinson recently appeared at a local public forum. A moderator asked each candidate several prepared questions in alternating fashion and allowed them to respond within a specified amount of time. Two of the discussion issues were particularly noteworthy.

The first such issue was the contentious new jail/courthouse. Candidate Carter was first to provide a quick response stating that building a new jail/courthouse was “bad timing” due to the current economic climate. He further added that “it should be located in North Branch” not Center City. Candidate Carter did not provide any explanation or description of the lengthy legislative process required to move the county seat from Center City to North Branch in order to meet the legal requirements of building a new jail/courthouse in North Branch. Incumbent Robinson responded next by informing the public that whether the antiquated Center City jail was remodeled or a new jail was built would ultimately cost taxpayer dollars to resolve the current problem of an overcrowded, non-compliant jail. He did not believe the issue or costs should be compounded by attempting to relocate the state mandated county seat a few miles further north.

On the second noteworthy issue, each candidate was asked what measures they would propose to reduce or eliminate crime and vandalism plaguing the local area. Incumbent Robinson answered in part by suggesting that the creation of more local jobs would help alleviate the situation. When asked the same question, Candidate Carter initially responded, “I wish I knew.”

Carter Campaign “Strategy” #9

2008-10-27T09:23:00.000-07:00

Evade, Evade, Evade

Recent editions of the Cambridge Star, North Branch Post Review, and Chisago County Press newspapers published a “Letter to the Editor” from Robert Pearson of Rush City and Candidate Carter’s response. In the letter, Pearson asked Candidate Carter to answer some disturbing questions about a ~$234,000 joint road paving project between Nessel and Fish Lake Townships. To accomplish the Joint Powers Board (JPB) project, Supervisor Carter served as the JPB representative for Fish Lake Township and Supervisor McKenzie served as the JPB representative for Nessel Township.

One particularly poignant question from Pearson asked, “Why did Supervisors McKenzie and Carter approve and sign a paving contract to spend ~$234,000 outside of an open public meeting?” Candidate Carter responded, “Supervisor McKenzie and I, acting under the Joint Powers Agreement, authorized by our respective town boards, signed the paving contract after it was reviewed by both boards. I signed the agreement on June 11, 2007 at a regular township board meeting. Mr. McKenzie signed it at a properly noticed meeting on June 19, 2007.”

A comprehensive review of the approved, Fish Lake Township meeting minutes for June 11, 2007 reveals some inconsistencies with Candidate Carter’s recollection of the facts. While the meeting minutes do not document any board decision or action taken on a ~$234,000 paving contract, they do state, “Chair Carter signed the agreement and notice to proceed on the Blue Heron Trail Paving Project..”

A simple review of the two disputed documents and time lines removes all doubt. The Blue Heron Trail paving contract was signed by both Supervisors Carter and McKenzie on November 15, 2006, approximately 7 months before the Joint Powers Agreement document was signed by either in June 2007.

Perhaps an even more disturbing question arises;
Why would Candidate Carter attempt to mislead the public?

Carter Campaign “Strategy” #8

2008-10-11T09:46:00.000-07:00

Ask the Tough Questions

The onslaught of Candidate Carter’s campaign to unseat incumbent Robinson has raised many political issues. Candidate Carter has supplied voters with a list of 10 questions and challenged them to ask incumbent Robinson for answers. Perhaps Candidate Carter could answer the following 10 questions regarding his 11 year reign as a Fish Lake Township Supervisor and Board Chairman;

1.) Why did you sign a $234,000 paving contract for Blue Heron Trail outside of an open public meeting?

2.) Why did you ignore $50,000 offered by the DNR to help pay for paving Blue Heron Trail? Why weren’t the subordinate service district (SSD) taxpayers that were paying for this project informed or consulted?

3.) How can you criticize the county for the recently completed shouldering work on Stark Road when you compromised the engineering plan for Blue Heron Trail by using black dirt instead of Class I for shouldering?

4.) Why have people coined 437th Street, the road you live on, as “The Million Dollar Road?” Why did you trade a township dump-truck in partial payment for this non-budgeted road improvement project?

5.) Why have you approved and signed final development hard shells (such as Andrews Acres) outside of open public meetings and without required town board decisions?

6.) Why have you routinely approved and signed township fire coverage and fuel contracts without required board decisions and outside of open public meetings?

7.) Why did you hide and lock away township records and documents from another elected township supervisor?

8.) Why has graveling township roads dwindled from 14,000 to 6,000 cubic yards from 1996 to 2006 while the number of gravel roads has remained unchanged during your reign?

9.) Why have township services been reduced during your reign while taxes have continued to rise at a rate of 7% per year for the last three years alone?

10.)Why have you never provided a vision for the future of Fish Lake Township or Chisago County?

Carter Campaign “Strategy” #7

2008-10-11T07:21:00.000-07:00

One Chance to Make a First Impression

The impact of Candidate Carter’s campaign web site has reached 161 hits to date. While recent revisions and corrections have remedied most of the typographical and grammatical errors initially launched, today’s version of “www.bobcarterdistrict5.com” can not change the on-line public’s first impression of Candidate Carter.

Carter Campaign “Strategy” #6

2008-09-22T06:26:00.000-07:00

Honesty is the Best Policy

After nearly two weeks of suspense, Candidate Carter’s campaign web site was finally launched. Riddled with typographical and grammatical errors, “www.bobcarterdistrict5.com” provides a telltale testament of Candidate Carter’s credibility.

Carter Campaign “Strategy” #5

2008-09-15T03:22:00.000-07:00

Mobilize the Internet

Candidate Carter campaign signs began sprouting up along Chisago county roadsides on 9/8/08 bearing the brief message, "Bob Carter Commissioner" followed by "www.bobcarterdistrict5.com."
Lured by the expectation of lofty campaign promises and endless personal accolades, a quick glimpse at the web site revealed all. A simple, three-line message read, "Vote For Bob Carter for Chisago County District 5 Commissioner. We are working hard to bring you an informative and complete website. Check back soon."

Carter Campaign “Strategy” #4

2008-09-11T09:42:00.000-07:00

Mass Marketing

“Dump the Good Old Boys. Elect Bob Carter” was the message printed in bold, half inch letters on a private publication of the “South County Epitaph” recently distributed in the Rush City area. Why its author Jonathan Glassel, a District 3 Chisago County Commissioner candidate, would team up with District 5 candidate, Bob Carter, is unclear. What is clear is that Glassel suffered a major defeat in the District 3 primary election on 9/9/08 and will not appear on the general election ballot in November. Not only did Glassel finish last in a field of six District 3 primary candidates, he garnered only 5% of the vote (77 of 1496). Apparently Candidate Carter hitched his wagon to a falling star.

Carter Campaign "Strategy" #3

2008-07-24T12:33:00.000-07:00

Rebuild Burned Bridges

The Precipitous Event
When Fish Lake Township (FLT) Board Chair and Supervisor Bob Carter voted to re-key the town hall and outbuildings and change the “key holder” policy in April 2007, he had no foresight or vision of the future. Supervisor Carter’s angry, knee-jerk reaction came in response to a “Letter to the Editor” published in the Cambridge Star newspaper titled “Special Treatment for Special People?” Supervisor Carter blamed new-elected Supervisor O’Keefe for “leaking” information to the letter’s author and audaciously challenging his integrity and authority. Supervisor Carter vowed to prevent any further access to township documents and records by Supervisor O’Keefe.

The Conundrum
With only four months to go before the November 2008 Chisago County District 5 Commissioner election, candidate Carter needs all the political support he can muster to unseat two-term incumbent Mike Robinson. How can candidate Carter regain Supervisor O’Keefe’s trust, but more importantly his voter-based support?

The Solution
At the June 2008 FLT monthly meeting, the unwritten township “policy” of key holders was discussed. Supervisor Carter suggested that he and Clerk Andrea Nekowitsch purchase and install a large, new safe in the town hall at a cost of ~$2500. All township records and documents would be assembled and locked inside for “safe-keeping.” Supervisor Cupit agreed and made a motion to re-distribute keys to the town hall and outbuildings to all three supervisors (including O’Keefe) once the safe was installed. Supervisor Carter seconded the motion. The caveat; only Clerk Nekowitsch would have keys for the new safe and retain sole access to all township documents and records locked inside.

Carter Campaign "Strategy" #2

2008-07-22T07:59:00.000-07:00

Amass the Anti-Incumbent Vote

Candidate Bob Carter initially challenged incumbent Mike Robinson for the District 5 Chisago County Commissioner seat in 2004. At that time, the anti-incumbent sentiment netted Carter 1083 votes against Robinson’s 2692. Surely after serving two consecutive terms, Commissioner Robinson will have accumulated more dissatisfied voters in 2008 than in 2004.

Carter Campaign "Strategy" #1

2008-07-16T06:47:00.000-07:00

Put All Your Eggs in One Basket

This year there will be no primary election in the District 5 Chisago County Commissioner race. Candidate Bob Carter missed his window of opportunity to mandate a primary election by soliciting a third party to enter the race. Instead of procuring two opportunities to unseat two-term incumbent Mike Robinson, candidate Carter has only one, in the November 2008 general election.

......try, try again.

2008-07-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

Once again Robert “Bob” Carter is challenging (second-term) incumbent Mike Robinson for the District 5 Chisago County Commissioner seat. Carter’s first attempt in 2004 resulted in a dismal defeat by Robinson (1083 to 2692). In fact, Carter even failed to carry his home township of Fish Lake (405 to 562).
What audacious campaign strategy will Carter employ to succeed over Robinson in the November 2008 election?

Fish Lake Township the next mark?

2008-01-28T06:27:00.000-08:00

Appearing in the 1/19/2008 Cambridge, Minnesota, STAR newspaper "Area Crime Report," Chisago County Sheriff section, is the name of “Crystal Lee Guse.” Crystal, of Harris, Minnesota, is the wife of the only full-time Fish Lake Township maintenance worker, Gary Guse, Jr. On the surface, the crime report entry “writing a worthless check” appears rather unremarkable, perhaps just an unfortunate circumstance for Crystal. However; the true story is revealed in Chisago County criminal court file #13-CR-07-2454.

According to the criminal complaint, Crystal obtained employment in June 2007 with “Nature Rental Properties, LLC” of Forest Lake, MN. In mid-July, she began creating and forging computer-generated company checks made payable to herself. This continued until mid-August when she abruptly quit her job. Court records show Crystal created and forged 9 checks for a total amount of $12,535.55.

Crystal was subsequently charged with “offering a forged check–value greater than $2,500 in violation of 609.631 Subd. 3; 609.631 Subd. 4(2)” which is punishable by up to “10 years imprisonment and/or $20,000 fine.”

The court record summary states; “On or about July 12, 2007–August 15, 2007, Defendant, with intent to defraud, offered or possessed with intent to offer, a forged check(s), in an amount greater than $2,500, whether or not it was accepted, namely check number(s) nine checks in an amount(s) of totaling 12,535.55. These offenses occurred in Chisago County and Washington County, Minnesota.”

On a converging front, at the April 2007 Fish Lake Township monthly meeting, the two attending township supervisors (Bob Carter and Bob Cupit) voted to re-key the town hall, shop and garage, to keep township assets “safe.” The supervisors’ decision was, in part, prompted by an unsubstantiated complaint from Gary Guse, Jr. himself, who claimed to have witnessed an unauthorized person rifling through the clerk’s desk in her absence. The two supervisors also voted to provide new building keys to only the township employees; groundskeeper, hired clerk, and maintenance worker (Gary Guse, Jr.). Township supervisors would no longer have access to township records or equipment unless a hired employee accompanied them. Township employees would be “managed” using the hands off concept of “self-directed work activities,” a situation subsequently likened by others to “the nuts running the asylum.”

Will Fish Lake Township taxpayers be horrified and outraged when they discover and make the connection of Crystal Lee Guse to Gary Guse, Jr.? Considering the facts, would an investigative audit of Fish Lake Township be prudent? Does the township of ~2100 residents even maintain and manage an asset list? Are the township records and assets truly protected, or has Fish Lake Township unwittingly poised itself to be ............ the next “mark?”

Pay to Play?

2007-10-18T16:17:00.000-07:00

The Fish Lake town board has many unwritten “policies.” One includes the arbitrary solicitation of “donations” from developers. More specifically, persons developing land located near town board members’ homes have been required to “donate” an impact fee of $1000 per lot to the township. Developers who refuse to “donate” are subjected to strong-arm tactics. The “donation” is allegedly intended for repairs, improvements and maintenance of township roads adjacent to the corresponding new development. Previously affected developments include Prairie Ponds ($23500), Goose Lake Meadows ($9000) and Pheasant Crest ($30000+).

Township road repairs and improvements were recently completed on 437th Street, the site of the new Andrews Acres development. Although 437th Street was not included in the fiscal 2007 township road maintenance plan, Fish Lake taxpayers have paid a private contractor $7600 for “necessary” repairs and improvements. The total cost to the taxpayers actually exceeded $9000 including gravel and roadbed matting supplied and delivered to the site by the township. Considering Andrews Acres’ close proximity to Fish Lake Township Supervisor Carter's home, why wasn’t its developer required to “donate” $1000 per lot to the township to pay for these timely road repairs and improvements?

Higher Taxes for Fish Lake Township?

2007-09-26T10:37:00.000-07:00

The Fish Lake town board has been paving the way to establish a township planning and zoning commission. They first announced their intent in the March 2007 township newsletter; “At a minimum, the Township is going to organize a planning commission.” They “tested the waters” at the March annual township meeting by raising the issue. The public responded with a resounding “no” to “redundant government.” Although the idea of creating and establishing a township planning and zoning commission did not rise to the level of a public vote that night, the town board never-the-less forged ahead spending time and taxpayer dollars without providing due process to the public.

Since the annual meeting, individuals have been solicited by the town board to provide “testimony” at monthly meetings to document and support the establishment of a planning and zoning commission. Why hasn’t the town board advertised and conducted a public informational hearing to request input from everyone?

An experienced local attorney warns it will be “very expensive” to create a township planning and zoning commission. Our town board purports the costs would be a “wash” because they would be recovered in the form of “fees.” What exactly would it cost Fish Lake township taxpayers? How much would the township pay the new, full-time “Planning and Zoning Director” to administer the plan and the new, full-time “Compliance Officer” to enforce the plan? What job qualifications would the township require in order to apply for the new positions?

Chisago County already provides the opportunity and requests input from affected townships as a routine part of due process. In such a capacity, the county is frequently sued over their planning and zoning decisions. Why would Fish Lake taxpayers want to accept the immense risk and cost of liability for a township planning and zoning commission? How much would such a commission actually cost taxpayers in the long run?

New Beginnings

2007-09-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Fish Lake Karpa!
This blog site is dedicated to the improvement of local government.