|
|
County considers role in Wyoming annexationBy Danielle Strenke At the Dec. 17 board meeting, he proposed a resolution to ìencourage the city council of Chisago City to reconsider its proposed hostile annexation proceedingî and continue to negotiate with the Wyoming Township board to solve the issue. ìI think itís important to encourage both parties to step back and take a look at this,î Montzka said at the meeting. Commissioner Bob Gustafson said he was not pleased to receive the resolution immediately before the meeting, with no time for review and opposed the resolution. ìI donít think itís appropriate for a county board to take that position when itís out of our jurisdiction,î he said. ìWeíre overstepping our bounds. I donít think the board has ever gotten in the way of cities and townships.î Montzka said it was the first time that a hostile annexation proposal had involved a Chisago County city as well, and ìitís the right thing to do.î ìThe county is out of line and itís inappropriate to get involved,î he said. ìThis is something weíve been working on for seven years. I donít think youíd like us to pass recommendations on your internal county business.î Gustafson agreed. ìWe have no authority to do this,î he said. Commissioner Mike Robinson said the board members can voice their individual opinions only, but should not get involved in this way. ìThe full board has no business dealing with this,î he said. Commissioner Rick Olseen said the resolution was drafted loosely by using the word ìencouragingî instead of dictating a formal decision be made by Chisago City. The resolution passed by a 3-2 vote, with Montzka, Olseen and Walker voting for and Gustafson and Robinson against. DuBose said he felt ìinsulted by Commissioners Montzka, Olseen and Walkerî for voting for the resolution. After the vote, Lent Township Supervisor and Chair of the township association Gene Olson said it was an unwise move for the county to get involved. ìYouíve now taken sides,î he said. ìMy concern now is that the county will have to get involved and spend legal fees to do so.î Montzka said he had not considered that possibility when proposing the resolution. Montzka then rescinded the motion until he can check with the county attorney to explore any legal responsibilities the county may have after adopting the resolution. ©ECM Post Review |