Shared street project hits dispute as township wants to opt out

After Oak Lawn Township supervisors stated they were opting out of paying for a street project on the jurisdictional line with Brainerd, city council members were considering their options.

Pastors at Faith Baptist Church, which is in Oak Lawn Township, also wondered how they would be affected if the township does opt out. The question is who is going to pay and how that is going to be divided up, said Council President Dale Parks.

The state statute that addresses such streets with shared jurisdiction noted either party can petition the county board for dispute resolution.

The council voted 4-2 to have the city attorney start the process on the dispute resolution and to find out if the city can go ahead with half the property in Oak Lawn Township. Council members Gary Scheeler and Chip Borkenhagen were opposed. Council member Dave Pritschet was absent.

Waiting to fix the road comes with its own expenses in trying to maintain it, said City Engineer Jeff Hulsether.

At issue is 28th Street, between Oak Street and Highway 25. The total project cost is estimated to be $419,000 with $147,000 assessed to property owners in Brainerd and $42,750 charged to Oak Lawn Township.

Council member Kelly Bevans asked if the township opts out if the city is left picking up those costs. Bevans also questioned if the city could pave the street without Oak Lawn Townships consent. Bevans said he was reluctant to go forward without having those questions answered.

Council member Mary Koep said she thought Oak Lawn Township was in favor, at least for the street, but didnt understand why they were opting out now.

I dont think Ive heard anybody say that road doesnt need to be done, Koep said. ... Im really puzzled tonight.

Koep said she couldnt vote for it and lay the assessment on the people of Brainerd. We cant assess the church because they are in Oak Lawn.

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Shared street project hits dispute as township wants to opt out