Mailing Address: P.O. Box 75, Mora, MN 55051

Zoning Administrator cell - 320-515-0205

New Zoning Administrator Hired

Alan Hancock was hired as the Ford Zoning Administrator and began his duties on February 25, 2010. Alan works for the Mille Lacs County Public Works Department as a Civil Engineer Technician and is also the Zoning Administrator for Pomroy Township, Kanabec County. In addition, he owns a small beef farm operation. Alan is married to Stacy (Steele) and they are the parents of two daughters. Alan has prior experience on the North Branch City Council and the Pine County Board was well as having served in the US army as an Infantry Scout and the MN Army National Guard as a tank crewman.

In his spare time, Alan likes to hunt, fish, ski and camp as well as spending time with his family. You may contact Alan on his cell phone at (320) 515-0205 with any questions you might have regarding land use issues.

Ford’s First Zoning Administrator Resigns

The Ford Town Board officially accepted the resignation of Frank Kriz, Zoning Administrator, at their regular meeting on January 12, 2010. Kriz, who was also one of the original members of the Ford Planning Commission responsible for creation of the Land Use Ordinances, had served as the Ford ZA since November, 2008. Kriz had made it known from the beginning of his service that this would only be a short-term position for him but he did want to see the Ordinances “up and working” and wanted to assist in that endeavor. We are grateful to him for his service above and beyond what should have been expected of that office and wish he and his wife, Barb, the best of everything in their “semi-retirement”.

MEET THE TOWN BOARD MEMBERS

Elected officials:

Kim Johnson, Chair/Supervisor
Wayne Anderson, Vice Chair/Supervisor
Steve Venhuizen, Supervisor
Samantha Isackson, Treasurer
Sarah Berry, Clerk

Kim Johnson 

Kim was appointed to the Town Board in 2005 and elected to his first full term in 2006.  Kim serves as the Town Board representative on the Ford Township Planning Commission.  Kim’s first introduction to the area was canoeing the Snake River in the mid-1960s.  Later his parents and grandparents bought land in the township and in 1999, Kim and his wife, Sally, built their home on the river property.  The river continues to be an important part of the whole family’s life.  Their son, Sam, and wife Heidi, and daughter, Erin and husband Eric, are all avid canoeists/kayakers and family gatherings often include something to do with water.  Kim is one of the founders and treasurer of the Friends of the Snake River and serves as DNR river level monitor at the Snake River township bridge.  Kim’s primary focus as a Ford Town official is to make sure that the Snake River and the natural environment are protected so that generations can find the same enjoyment his family has found for the last 40 years.

Sarah Berry

Sarah was appointed as Ford Town Clerk on May 15, 2007 and was just elected to her first full term in November, 2008.  A resident of the township since October 2005, Sarah grew up in Arthur Township.  Sarah is a kindergarten teacher at Fairview Elementary in Mora.  She and her husband John have three children, Nicole, Kailey and Nolan.  In her free time Sarah enjoys scrapbooking, watching her children’s school activities, and spending time with her husband and children.

Wayne Anderson

Wayne moved to Ford Twp in 1974 as a child with his parents.  Growing up on the family beef farm and coming to elections to meet Charlie Scott, Max Sherman, Hjalmar Elfstrum, Ellzy Moore, and Art Christian made a big impact on his life.  After high school, Wayne was asked to "fill in” for Art Christian on the Town Board when Art moved to town.  Charlie Scott informed Wayne that he had been asked to fill in on the town board 50 years ago and was still there!  Wayne saw that and found that town board was truly a life sentence but, following in Art's footsteps, moved to the McGrath area for a few years (to find himself elected to the Williams Town Board) returning to Ford Township in 2003.  Now, with the new Comprehensive Plan and big work to be done on the Zoning Ordinance, Wayne has decided to again be active with local government and help implement a functional and workable Zoning Ordinance.

MEET THE PLANNNG COMMISSION MEMBERS

Appointed members:

Jim” Swaningson – Vice Chair - one year term - 2009
Kathy Von Bank - two year term – 2010
Wayne Anderson – three year term – 2011

Jim” Swaningson

Jim was appointed to a one year term on the Planning Commission in 2009.  He is a retired over-the-road truck driver.  Jim and his wife, Karen, moved to Ford Township in August 2006.  They chose Ford Township (Snake River Valley) as a retirement home because of its natural beauty and Jim has a strong desire to keep it as pristine as possible for themselves and future generations.  He hopes to make a contribution as a Planning Commission Member. 

Kathy Von Bank

Kathy moved to Mora 6 years ago with her husband, Ken. They decided to try a new adventure in their lives and bought Bassett’s Greenery. She says it has been a good journey and feels she has made a lot of new friends. Kathy has 3 children and 4 grandchildren all living in the metro area.  Hunting is one of her passions and she is currently on the Steering Committee for BOW (Becoming an Outdoor Woman). This group is sponsored through the Minnesota DNR. It is a program for women who need direction in learning outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, canoeing and biking. There are also dog sledding classes and the programs are open to women of all ages. She also likes to read, sew and quilt and has a long arm quilting machine.  People bring their quilts to her and she sews all the layers together.  Kathy decided to be on the Planning Commission because she knows the importance of having some basic laws in place. She moved here from Shakopee and experienced the growing pains they went through and hopefully will have some ideas to put in place for Ford Township. She believes it is very important for the township to have some structure for future growth.  Kathy was appointed to a two year term.