By MaryHelen Swanson

Township officers in Chisago County have until Dec. 6 to make comments about a proposed parks and trails land acquisition and development funding policy.

The county commissioners were ready to put the stamp of approval on the policy last week, but a host of public comments during the open forum made them take a step back.

The policy is designed to provide a way to give money that is generated by development in the townships back to the townships for use in land acquisition and park development. And it involves working around state law (MS 394.25) that outlines how this money can and cannot be used.

Townships would have to go through an application process to access their money for planned projects or land purchases. The county park board would then determine if the project is eligible for funding.

But the policy is not completely clear and is somewhat confusing, said the speakers, particularly about what constitutes park development and improvement versus maintenance.

Confusion over the stateís intent comes from seemingly ambiguous wording: ìFunds must not be used for ongoing operation, maintenance or redevelopment of parks, recreational facilities, playgrounds, trails, wetlands or open space. The funds must only be used for the acquisition and development or improvements of parks, recreational facilities, playgrounds, trails, wetlands or open space.î (MS 394.25)

Even some commissioners felt that components of the policy were unclear and confusing.

Most importantly, the public speakers said the townships need more time to review the policy and should be allowed to give some input.

According to one speaker, delay in adopting the policy is holding up at least one township park project.

Those asking for more time to review the policy included Jim Froberg, Gene Olson, Lent Township and Chisago County Township Officers president, and LeeAnn Vande Kamp and Lin Strong from Amador Township.

Environmental Services Director Mary Darragh Schmitz had no problem with delaying the policy adoption for a short while, but did remind the commissioners that the subject has been on the table for a long time and that something needs to be put into place.

Before the Dec. 6 meeting, townships are encouraged to meet, review the policy and mark up their copies for discussion.

Commissioner Bob Gustafson said he would like to see that every township signs off so the board knows they have read the policy through.

Gene Olson anticipates that the townships will discuss the policy at the monthly officers meeting Nov. 29.