The Becker Twp. Board met Monday evening for the first time this year and tackled a few issues that carried over from last year’s business.
In an effort to more effectively regulate utility work within township right of way properties, the board had previously decided to separate the Utilities Ordinance from the main Right-of-way Ordinance.
Monday’s action included a pair of public hearings on the issues, as both were presented for comment. No one from the public was present to speak on the proposed ordinances, which remained very similar to their previous language except for some adjustments in the emergency abatements section.
Overall, the supervisors voiced pleasure with the language review and the consensus was to move forward with the separate ordinances.
Vonco Application
Sherburne County Solid Waste Administrator Dave Lucas and Vonco’s Environmental Manager Aric Olsen appeared before the board to provide information regarding a setback waiver application for Vonco II.
While Sherburne County holds the authority to issue the waiver, Lucas stated they were appearing to keep the board in the loop and answer any possible questions.
According to Vonco’s application, they are requesting to install replacement underground leachate storage tanks within the 200 foot property setback at the southwest corner of the facility.
The current tank is already located near this location under a previously-approved waiver. This is the area on the site where trucks access the tanks to load out the leachate and haul to a processing facility.
“In my opinion, this [the location] does not interfere with the landfill’s ability to do mitigation if it becomes necessary,” reported Lucas.
The board had a brief discussion and looked at a map of the area. They also noted in the discussion that legal counsel’s opinion is that the waiver approval does not reopen the CUP.
Planning Update
The board reviewed several issues from the planning commission, including the proposed CUP for the “sunflower ranch” along County Road 11 to host events. Because of the curve in the road, there are traffic and signage issues to be worked out to ensure safe access to the property.
Supervisor Gary Gilbert noted that he had driven through the area several times in the past during these events and traffic can become congested. He asked what could be worked out in a manner that ensures safety factors could be diminished.
Planner Ben Wikstrom noted that they are still waiting for comment from the highway department before they move forward with any final recommendations for the CUP.
In other business,
the board:
• Heard from Sgt. Dan Frank that the sheriff’s office has continued to work on reports of snow being plowed across roadways. Because this is illegal, all complaints are followed up on in a timely fashion;
• Approved Engineer Wes Davis to piggyback on the county bid for asphalt for the overlay for 185th Ave.;
• Recognized donations from LPI, Don Haus, Barclay Carrier and Land O’Lakes as part of Supervisor Luke Babler’s fire department update;
• Listened to an update from Chair Brian Kolbinger regarding the CMRP and progress on the governance aspects of the partnership;
• Acted to consolidate their trash collection bins with the dumpster they keep for disposing of items that people illegally dump within the township, resulting in a cost savings;
• Approved the weed inspection report to be forwarded to Sherburne County;
• Decided to again co-sponsor Recycling Day with the City of Becker;
• Selected Sehlenner-Wenner as the firm for the 2019 audit;
• Set the Board of Audit for Tues., Feb. 25 at 6 p.m.;
• Adopted the fee schedule for 2020 with an increase for township research to $100/hr.
