Lakeland PBS
❤ Donate
  • Home
  • Support
  • Watch Now
    • Livestream
    • Local Shows
    • Watch Online
    • Schedule
    • Our Channels
    • Webcam
  • Lakeland News
    • News Feed
    • Featured Segments
    • Watch a News Story
    • Watch a Sports Story
  • Shop
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • State Legacy Funding
    • Meetings & Public Filings
    • Education
    • Employment
  • ❤ DONATE

Bemidji and Northern Township Discuss Water/Sewer District at Latest Meeting

Mary Balstad — Apr. 6 2023
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

The city of Bemidji and Northern Township finally met during a special session this week to discuss a topic that has been on the table for years: connecting the township to the city’s water and sewer line.

This meeting comes after the Bemidji city staff recommended not going with the current proposed memorandum of understanding drafted by the township. While the talk around connecting the line started with Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge’s outdated septic system on the north side of Lake Bemidji, the end goal would be to loop the entirety of the lake.

Northern Township does not want any more land to be annexed, and Bemidji does not want to permanently set its northern boundary. With these issues, the idea of connecting the line became more complex.

During the discussion, Councilor Lynn Eaton of Ward 5 brought up the concept of a water/sewer district. Some cities, like Alexandria, operate with one. While this idea did seem favorable to both sides, Bemidji city staff cautioned against jumping the gun.

“Is this just kicking the stone down the road?” questioned Bemidji City Engineer Sam Anderson when considering the long-term effects of a district. “What is the next big capture zone? I don’t know if that exists.”

Northern Township Chairman Jess Frenzel said the township is open to many possibilities. $5 million has already been secured through a federal grant program. While the township does have to put forth a 20% match for this grant, its board does have these larger details and financials figured out. The main issue with not having a solid answer from Bemidji is how the timeline would be affected.

“You guys want to see something happen, too. We want to take care of this [water/sewer],” said Frenzel. “We don’t want to lose it … We need to get something that’s going to work for the next two to five years.”

The Bemidji City Council aims to hear and possibly vote on estimates for outside legal counsel regarding a sewer/water district at their April 17th meeting. Bemidji City Attorney Katie Nolting recommended outside legal counsel for this situation.

Anderson also mentioned he’ll need to do more research on sewer/water districts before coming to consensus.

A sewer and water district is a special district designated to provide water services to a community. In this case, it would provide those services around Lake Bemidji. Other entities, like Beltrami County, would need to be in cooperation. The Minnesota state legislature would also need to approve it.

Lakeland News is member supported content. Please consider supporting Lakeland News today.

Donate Today
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

By — Mary Balstad

Related Posts

Golden Apple: Bemidji Boys & Girls Club Expands to New J.W. Smith Elementary Site

Bemidji United Way Kicks Off Community Campaign by Raising Over $263,000

Bemidji Boys’ Soccer Takes on Moorhead at Home, Ends Match in 2-2 Tie

Bemidji Girls’ Swim & Dive Wins Over Fosston-Bagley-Crookston at Home

  • Program Schedule

Get the free PBS App

roku
Apple TV
FireTV
AndroidTV
Google Play Store
Apple Store

Connect with Us

Watch Lakeland PBS Live Stream!

Contact Us

Directions
Submit an Event
Submit a Video or Photo
Problem with the Website
Need to contact us about something else? Please visit our contact us page for more options.

About Us

Lakeland PBS understands the media that people are exposed to make a significant impact on their lives. Our hope is that the six channels we broadcast along with our online presence provide people with media experiences that make a positive impact on their lives.

Lakeland PBS is where you want to be!

108 Grant Ave NE, Bemidji, MN 56601 | 800-292-0922
KAWE Public Profile | KAWB Public Profile | Cable Provider Channel List | Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2023 Lakeland PBS. All Right Reserved.

How would you like to show your support?

Monthly Contribution

One-Time Contribution

Thank-You Gift

I would like to select a thank-you gift

No Gift

Put 100% of my gift towards programming