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Serving Northern St. Louis County, Minnesota

Wakemup Shores Road blacktop extension slated

Marshall Helmberger
Posted 10/19/16

BEATTY TWP—It looks as if Bruce and Nancy Archibald will get their paved road after all. Following further investigation, township officials here have concluded that the township does, in fact, …

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Wakemup Shores Road blacktop extension slated

Posted

BEATTY TWP—It looks as if Bruce and Nancy Archibald will get their paved road after all. Following further investigation, township officials here have concluded that the township does, in fact, have responsibility for maintenance of the roughly half-mile long Wakemup Shores Road all the way to the Archibalds’ driveway.

As the Timberjay reported two weeks ago, township officials had previously believed otherwise, which had prompted them to end a recent paving project about 500 feet short, a decision that prompted protest from the Archibalds.

Township supervisor Earl Grano, who oversees the township-maintained roads, said it was a question of finding the right documents and confirming that they had been properly recorded with St. Louis County. Grano said he tracked that information down this past week, and confirmed that the road easement map and description is legitimate and filed with the county.

“We told the Archibalds we will assume responsibility for the road right to their driveway,” said Grano. He said the township will need to undertake some improvements to the final 488 feet of roadway to prepare it for paving. “We’ll have to widen it, and maybe cut a few trees,” said Grano. A new culvert might also be needed.

The needed improvements likely won’t take place until spring, but that’s just fine with the Archibalds. “We’re absolutely pleased that it’s been resolved,” said Nancy Archibald.

Grano said the confusion over the road is not unusual for small townships with minimal paid staff. He said the records related to the road didn’t appear to be in the possession of the township. “We have many boxes of old records, but didn’t have these documents,” said Grano. The Archibalds had brought some records from St. Louis County to an Oct. 11 township meeting, and after confirming their authenticity, Grano said the township’s responsibility was clear. “We appreciated their help in bringing this to our attention,” said Grano.

Grano said the township tries to be careful not to incur liability for roads without proper documentation. “We’ve had other cases where people claimed roads should be maintained by the township,” said Grano, and some of those cases were not legitimate.

But that’s not the case, here, acknowledged Grano. “This one came out well for everyone,” he said. “I think this resolves the issue to everyone’s satisfaction.”