Beltrami County is set to start a road construction project along Irvine Avenue NW between Northern Township and Turtle River Township on Monday, June 9.
The council approved a slew of motions, including a resolution to file a petition to annex a portion of Northern Township, a motion to increase City Manager Rich Spiczka's salary and a bid for a road project.
A Northern Township event gave area residents a public comment to voice questions, comments and concerns regarding incorporation, the proposed wastewater facility and Bemidji's attempt at negotiations.
Northern Township will not reenter wastewater negotiations with the city of Bemidji and will file a petition to incorporate. Bemidji plans to file a counter-petition to annex, in requisite time.
The legislation, which is heading to the U.S. Senate for final passage, includes $1,000,000 for Northern Township and $200,000 for the Nameless Coalition for the Homeless.
After over a year of discussion, members of the Northern Township Board are frustrated that the city of Bemidji has backed away from an offer to extend services into the township and around the lake.
The Bemidji City Council approved a motion on Monday to require annexation if water and sewer services are extended to Northern Township, the most recent update to a months-long discussion.
Their discussion continues after nearly two years since Ruttger鈥檚 Birchmont Lodge approached the city requesting to connect to its water and sewer system back in 2021.
This extension is needed to help protect the water quality of Lake Bemidji and address concerns about several outdated and/or failing septic systems including Ruttger's Resort and the state park.
Residents of Northern Township came together during two meetings on Wednesday, Nov. 2, to discuss the potential of incorporating into a city, an idea recently brought forward by the township board.
In a joint meeting on Monday, Sept. 26, between the Northern Township Board and the Bemidji City Council, Northern Township presented a formal notice to opt out of the Greater Bemidji Area Joint Planning Board.
Northern Township and the city of Bemidji are now one step closer to an agreement regarding the extension of water and sewer services further north after a joint meeting Tuesday night.
A second joint meeting within a week between the Bemidji City Council and Northern Township allowed for further discussion on annexation of the township as well as public comment on Tuesday.
