歪歪漫画

NORTHERN TOWNSHIP 鈥� After years of discussion and numerous meetings, Northern Township is one step closer to implementing its proposed sanitary sewer system.

During its Monday meeting, the Northern Township board approved a motion to order wastewater project improvements alongside ordering plans and specifications.

Such a measure comes after a Dec. 9 public hearing where township residents voiced their support, opposition and concerns for the project.

What will eventually envelop the boundaries of Lake Bemidji, a feasibility report approved at a Nov. 12 meeting detailed the gravity flow design of the system. According to the report, gravity service connections are inherently more cost-effective and easier to maintain for users than pump-assisted systems that require ongoing energy use and equipment maintenance.

This approach minimizes the need for residents to invest in and maintain lift or grinder pumps, thereby reducing long-term costs and simplifying system use, the report adds.

The total anticipated cost for the project is estimated at $12.8 million, which includes expenses related to design, construction, treatment facility development and infrastructure installation.

The township has received $6 million in federal grants to offset the cost to local property owners, who would be responsible for 60% of the assessment value of non-treatment plant components of the project. Estimated assessments clock in at approximately $5.7 million.

All costs address phase one of the project, which would service properties extending from Northwoods Access on the northwest side of Lake Bemidji to Lavinia Access on the east side.

Phase two of the project would complete the remainder of the shoreline to the edge of Bemidji鈥檚 Ward 5. The mechanical plant would have already been installed east of the lake along Big Bass Road.

During discussion, board supervisor Mike Kelly alluded to potential plans to meet with the city of Bemidji in the New Year to discuss the project. Though ambiguous, the project could be fleshed out even further given conversations with the city.

鈥淲e鈥檙e really not 100% committed to the project until we advertise for bids, the bids come back and we accept the bids, which may be in late 2025,鈥� Kelly said. 鈥淲e have quite a bit of room to move in the next few months to further study this, discuss this and work with any partners that come forward.鈥�

Just prior to the motion鈥檚 approval, board chair Jess Frenzel expressed his support for the project, keeping in mind the diversity of opinions from township residents.

鈥淔rom the studies I鈥檝e seen going back to the 1970s, I haven鈥檛 found anything that says a project like this is not the best option for our soils, our lot sizes on the lake,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 think we鈥檝e ever shut the door on anybody to find the best solution. It鈥檚 a huge deal for the residents who are paying for this, but I hope they see the benefits.鈥�

Board supervisor Curt Blumhagen shared similar sentiments, adding, 鈥淚 truly believe this project is needed, but I鈥檓 really torn when I hear so many people are against it. In saying that, I think this is something that we need to move forward with.鈥�

After more discussion, the board approved ordering the project with board newcomer Rhonda Dockendorf abstaining.

The only other item of new business was to consider ordering an incorporation study, which the board approved unanimously.

This study would detail the possibility of the township incorporating as its own city, a topic that took off in 2022.

Becoming a city would provide Northern Township with more opportunities for funding through programs that are only available to municipalities, such as Local Government Aid and Municipal State Aid.

Another benefit of incorporation would be the end of further annexation by the city of Bemidji, something that has been a hot topic at previous meetings. A majority of township residents have expressed support for incorporation.

鈥淭his is something our residents told us they really want us to do,鈥� Blumhagen added. 鈥淚 really feel good about this.鈥�