Board returns donation, votes against master park planning

By Robert Williams

Editor

Representatives from the Toad Mountain area and Toad Lake township returned to the Becker County Board of Commissioners to put an end to the Toad Mountain Park project, again.

The project was voted down and dismissed in September only to be brought back to life by an anonymous donation to cover costs of a master plan weeks later. 

This time, Toad Lake residents and township members brought a one-year moratorium signed the weekend prior prohibiting the project and public comments showing a growing disapproval and distrust of the board of commissioners.

In October, the board voted to accept the donation of just over $50,000 and brought the project back to life with a 3-2 vote to complete a master plan. According to County Administrator Carrie Smith, the donation money has been received, but has not been committed.

Tuesday, the township was represented first by Roxanne Zick, a Toad Lake resident who has been one of the staunchest detractors of the project, and she did not mince words with the board to begin comments during the open forum.

“I am very appalled at Becker County commissioners,” said Zick. “Shame on you. There have been many meetings regarding the Toad Mountain project when the people of the township and the county said no at this project.”

Zick reiterated the commissioners had already voted the project down.

“Then money came into play and everything the Toad Lake township board, the other people in the county have worked on went out the windows like it had never happened.”

Zick continued by accusing the commissioners of not listening to the people of the county and the township.

“It’s like we never even were able to voice our opinions because the money came in and it’s back on the table again,” she said.

Biologist Willis Mattson, representing the Izaak Walton League of America, continued his support for the project and the League’s support. He announced the local chapter voted to support the acquisition of the property and the development into a low-impact, passive-use recreation area for restoration and preservation.

Mattson also discussed the League’s national endowment program and the chapter’s willingness to submit an application to that endowment to assist in the restoration and conservation and environmental education components should the project move forward.

“There is available, to us, between $25,000 and $50,000 for that kind of endeavor,” Mattson said.

Mattson offered the League’s expertise in creating a technical advisory committee regarding trail creation and ecological restoration.

Mattson was greatly outnumbered by residents who wanted the project killed again.

Scott Hilde reiterated Zick’s comments regarding the effect of money on a project that was already voted down.

“I don’t see why we’re throwing money down a rat hole?” he said.

Former Commissioner Larry Knutson gave a precise timeline of the past few months including:

• July 16 – the project was tabled;

• Aug. 20 – the board was informed the township board voted the project down and wanted no part of the county being involved;

• Sept. 17 – the board made a motion to reject all service providers offers and bids and discontinue the pursuit of the purchase of Toad Mountain.

“The township board, in my mind, was bullied into doing this,” he said. “We had several meetings at the township level; they did not want to pass a moratorium; they just didn’t do it and didn’t want to do it. I’m a capitalist; I don’t like this kind of thing either. This is a drastic measure, but that’s what it seems like it takes to get you people to listen!”

Dave Knopf, who lives in Lakeview Township, spoke on behalf of county taxpayers calling the anonymous donation a $50,000 carrot and his beliefs against the growing nature of government taking over private land across the country.

Knoof also discussed the grassroots nature of township government and the growing divide between it and local county government.

“Townships don’t need more burdens; the county should be helping them,” Knopf said. “When you don’t trust your county commissioners to continue to help townships so they don’t have to spend more of their own money, planning their own zoning, you’re going to create another animal for these township supervisors and people to manage and cause more stress on the budgets of those smaller townships.”

Erie Township Supervisor Gerry Schram reiterated the lack of communication between the board and Toad Lake township on this project.

“We’re not listening to the townships and you have told us that you would listen to them,” he said. 

Toad Lake Township Chairman Randy Wurst spoke briefly, reiterating the stance of the township and the backing of supporting townships asking the commissioners to stand at their word and vote no.

Clark Lee attended by videoconference explaining the special meeting that was held Saturday, Nov. 2 regarding the township’s adoption of a moratorium on land use in Toad Lake Township. 

Lee reiterated his desire for the board to vote no against continuing with the master plan, regardless of the donation.

He also noted multiple commissioners having stated that they cannot support the project if area residents do not and how it is obvious the residents are against it.

“Please vote no and live up to what you promised us as commissioners,” Lee said.

After the Oct. 1 decision to move forward with accepting the donation and master park planning, staff had issued a request for proposals for master park planning and the SRF Consulting Group, Inc. (SRF) was selected and recommended by the Recreational Advisory Committee (RAC) as the firm to complete the master plan to develop Toad Mountain Park not-to-exceed cost of services of $52,791.50.

The board discussed the township’s moratorium prior to any talk about the master plan with Environmental Services Administrator Steve Skoog.

Commissioner Erica Jepson reiterated her stance that she cannot support the project without the township’s support.

“To me, the fact that they had to go to the length of a moratorium speaks loudly and clearly about what they want,” Jepson said. “I have to follow what the town board wishes. I am not in support of us moving forward with master planning for this project.”

Commissioner Richard Vareberg discussed community feedback he has heard that only a few people in the room support the project. 

“Out in the county, I can’t find any support for it,” Vareberg said. “I’m against it and I would like to let these people rest and go home and I think we should put it to rest and move on.”

Commissioner Barry Nelson proposed a partnership with the township.

Jepson explained that a restoration project has some support, but the majority of people have mistrust between the township and the county, additional expenses falling back on the taxpayer and the township.

“The (township) meeting in October, it was clear that I don’t think there is anything we can do, even partnering with them, to make any difference in the process,” Jepson said. 

Commissioner Dave Meyer also attended the October meeting and reiterated that the township board is not in support of the project.

Nelson was the lone commissioner to speak in favor of proceeding with the project with the caveat he would respect the wishes of the board if they think otherwise.

Vareberg made a motion to not accept the contract for the master plan and to return the donation, seconded by Jepson. 

Prior to a vote, Delta Daggett informed the board that the present owner of the Toad Mountain properties is returning to Minnesota this month. Daggett discussed potential ideas for the project including a retreat for veterans, and made a final statement in favor of the project on behalf of his wife Karen, a project supporter.

“Are you shutting this down for good?” Daggett asked. “That’s my only concern.”

Jepson answered in the affirmative as far as county involvement.

“At this time, the county is not wanting to move forward in any ownership of Toad Mountain; that is my opinion,” she said.

Chairman Okeson explained he cannot support the project with all the township opposition before going to the vote.

The vote was 4-1 to not accept the contract for the master plan and to return the donation, thereby stopping the Toad Mountain Park project a second time. Commissioner Nelson was the lone vote against.