TRAL LAKE TWP. - At the Jan. 17 meeting of the township board, security and services were reviewed and confirmed. Residents have many reasons to feel good about their leadershipÕs efforts to maintain and improve living conditions in their township.
A board quorum was present including: supervisor Stan Bean, clerk Judy Kosloski, treasurer Heather Springstead and Facilities Manager/trustee Bill Gadwau. Sheriff Terry Johnson presented a review of 2006, but there was also a look forward to future needs of the township.
Johnson was first to shed light on 2006 security issues. It was a year that saw 1,012 complaints from the township compared to a total of approximately 15,000 in the county. The township total is about the same as previous years. The 15,000 number is up, and Sheriff theorizes the spread of cell phones, making it easier to register complaints, has much to do with that. Some highlights from the township included:
35 animal control responsesl 38 car/deer accidents; 23 civil complaints; 15 DNR assistsl 109 medical calls; 16 property damage reports and 146 traffic stops .
Other security-related issues included a vastly improved portable radio system that allows for a 14 percent expansion in county coverage, new 9-1-1 snowmobile trail signage with GPS charting, and inaugural participation with the Silent Observer tip line, the result of a grant. This will result in faster response time for residents with no cost to the township. The sheriff also cited improvements in animal control services, including free spaying and neutering.
Fire Chief Bill Chapman review ed2006 services. There were 21 total runs last month, with seven fire calls and 14 rescues. The numbers were about the same as 2005. He also cited slow, steady progress in firehouse improvements, and predicted completion in February. New overhead doors are next to go in.
Bean commended his treasurer and clerk for extra hours put in during 2006 working with the new computers and tax requirements. He reviewed an annual audit bid that was deemed reasonable, and was eventually approved. Gadwau included in his review the continuing services at the waste receiving station, maintenance on equipment and improvements at the cemetery including the building there and new iron fencing ordered. He also proposed slight changes in facilities rental fees and procedures that were approved. He emphasized he wants people to continue to use the facility.
On the agenda in the near future for the board are school elections in May. Kosloski reminded that petitions for that election have a February deadline. A decision will be made by next meeting for refuse and recycling services. The meeting concluded with a discussion on the continued positive relationship with the Village board. There are issues between the two boards involving services and the insurance of tax fairness that will be addressed by Bean. He will meet with the Village and report back next month.
