The Orrock Twp. Board this week debated whether to approve funding as requested by the Becker-Big Lake Ice Association for an ice arena.
Brad Butalla presented information to the board as he requested a resolution allowing them to use Orrock's $327,900 Landfill Legacy Grant (LLG)
Since Sen. Lisa Fobbe was successful in lobbying the state legislature to secure
a $500,000 earmark for "shovel ready" projects in the pending Job Creating Bonding Bill at the Capitol, the association has scurried to the City of Big Lake, Big Lake Schools as well as Big Lake Township for fund approval.
"Six local hockey players live in Orrock Township," informed Butalla.
"And it would also contribute to the economic revival in this area," he said.
Board Member Julie Berg, who is in favor of using the LLG monies, was appointed Orrock's representative to the newly-created hockey association in January.
"I felt that since we hadn't received a formal request from anyone else (for funds) there was no reason to 'save' any of the funding for a rainy day," she says.
But Boardmembers Mike Wocken and Jerry Petersen voiced concerns.
"Can the LLG be split
and used for more than one project?" asked Wocken, because the township recently said they would support the Zimmerman Library.
Wocken proposed more research on the decision.
Petersen voiced concerns about other school districts that lie within the borders of Orrock and groups that may think they should have access to the same funds. "Should these funds stay within the borders of Orrock?" he asked.
The board tabled the decision until April's meeting for the reason of researching if the monies can be split between two entities.
Butalla said the association was seeking a decision that evening as deadline for the LLG application is April 27, two days before the regularly-scheduled township meeting.
The meeting date was then moved from April 29 to April 22 at 7 p.m.
"We will be voting on this at that meeting," says Berg.
"We need to give the association an answer and if it is passed, we apply for the grant before the 29th."
