July 2, 2004 at 12:29 p.m.
Straw poll at meeting in favor of Wyoming Township continuing challenge
Straw poll at meeting in favor of Wyoming Township continuing challenge
Expecting a high turnout, for Monday’s meeting, the township called citizens together in the Maranatha Assembly of God Church.
The evening started with Township Board Chair Larry Parker explaining where the council was at in the negotiations required of parties involved in contested case annexations. He went on to explain the choices that would be left to the public to decide.
Township annexation attorney Mark Couri next explained in detail the pros and cons of each choice.
He noted that the land effected by the proposed OAA (orderly annexation agreement) was mostly vacant land. Another positive of an OAA would be avoiding litigation fees which could exceed the budgeted $150,000. He noted that Chisago City could not file for another contested annexation for at least 10 years under this agreement, while at the same time Wyoming Township is free to pursue a merger, if desired, with Wyoming City, Chisago City or remain independent.
Couri then shared a list of disadvantages to pursuing the orderly agreement that Chisago City and mediators put forward. The possibility of two separate “islands” of annexed property could exist within township borders. Chisago City would have complete control over these areas’ planning and zoning. Wyoming would have no representation.
Plus, “This OAA will not stop any annexation attempts by the city of Wyoming” Couri said.
With that said the town board opened the floor for discussion.
Jerry Owens of Wyoming Township declared, “If we say yes we are giving them exactly what they wanted back in January”.
Gary Moe added, “The board has done a good job of looking at our options”.
Another person asked the council “So the question is not whether or not we lose the case, but how bad do we lose by?”
The next move is up to the Wyoming Township board. Supervisors meet in regular session July 13 and plan to determine at that time the township’s official response to the proposed agreement. The supervisors will talk first in closed session under attorney-client privilege and decide (vote as a board) after.
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