Lori Carlson of the Prior Lake American reports:

A Prior Lake police detective and one-time Scott County Board candidate has been appointed to a position on the Spring Lake Township Board.

Chris Olson was appointed Oct. 20 to serve the remainder of a term held by Eugene Berens, who died in a riding lawn mower accident on Sept. 18. The term is set to expire in January 2011.

The two remaining Township Board members had a special meeting a week after Berens’ death, said Township Clerk Kathy Nielsen. Members Michael Borka and Glenn Kelley invited three people to send in letters of interest regarding the open position; Olson was the only one of the three to do so. Another two applicants sent letters as well, Nielsen said.

Olson took the oath of office on Oct. 20. Michael Borka will take over for Berens as the board’s chairman.

Olson, who ran for County Board last fall, said he applied for the position to have a say in financial decisions that affect township residents.

“I’m not going to second guess previous decisions made on the board. But I want to make sure that decisions made at the township level from this point forward are made with sound financial reason,” Olson said. “We clearly need to maintain the current level of services the township is providing. The optimal goal is to do that without levying additional dollars.”

Olson said he was acquainted with Berens and met him on several occasions.

“Every encounter I ever had with him, he was very approachable and candid. He didn’t mince words. He was a pretty iconic figure in the township, and it was a great loss to the county,” Olson said.
As for whether he’ll seek election to the seat in 2011, Olson said his appointment is the ideal opportunity to try the job on for size.

“I can get my feet in there and kind of experiment with how things go, and see whether I’m making a difference,” he said.

The Township Board also discussed a memorial for Berens, possibly to include naming ball fields after him, Nielsen said. A group of residents also has expressed interest in donating money for a memorial such as a flag pole and plaque honoring Berens at the Township Hall.

Lori Carlson is the editor of the Prior Lake American. She can be reached at editor@plamerican.com.