The meeting revealed that vacating a township road is a complex process, and there has never been a formal vacation of this road. Historical accounts referenced an informal working relationship between a local family and the county, but no formal maintenance or vacation was documented. One participant noted, “That barricade never should have been put up there,” stressing that blocking a public road contravenes public access rights. The ongoing issue has raised questions about the responsibilities of the township and the county regarding road maintenance and public access, especially with the potential for future developments, such as building residences or cabins, which would necessitate public access to the road.

Participants urged that “kicking the issue down the road” would not resolve the underlying problems. Suggestions included utilizing GPS to pinpoint the road’s location to aid in clarifying the discussion and establishing access. Concerns about safety and potential illegal activities were aired, with one individual highlighting the risks associated with leaving a dead-end road open without proper management.

In addition to the barricade issue, the board addressed several other topics during the meeting. A notable discussion centered on the county’s road maintenance and funding structure. The board discussed reallocating funds from completed projects to increase funding for current road projects to 90%. The introduction of a new product, Reclamite, an asphalt rejuvenator, was also proposed as an alternative to seal coating for select roads, with a motion to approve this test project met with unanimous agreement.

The meeting also covered a joint powers agreement between Becker County and Highland Township related to cannabis licensing. The agreement would allow the county to manage the application process, conduct notifications, and hold public hearings, with final decisions resting with the township. The board noted that state law requires the county to approve a minimum of three retail cannabis applications, regardless of township preferences, prompting discussions on the implications if multiple townships opted out. Ultimately, there was a consensus to move forward with drafting the joint powers agreement.

Another discussion involved collaborations with the White Earth Nation on forestry initiatives, with representatives from the tribe expressing support for the county’s ongoing projects. The establishment of a new cell tower north of Miji was also mentioned, expected to improve mobile connectivity in the area, with community satisfaction noted regarding this development.

Additionally, the board addressed concerns about the Adopt a Highway program, where volunteers picking up garbage from ditches are charged by environmental services for disposal. The need for a system to manage volunteer contributions without imposing financial burdens was acknowledged, with discussions on regulation and administrative handling.