A Bridgeview resident, identified only as Mr. Johnson, attended last monday’s Becker Twp. Board meeting to get answers on the development’s flooding issues.

 

A number of residents in Bridgeview Addition have been plagued by flooded basements for years and they had taken the issue before Sherburne County, Becker Twp. and political representatives in an attempt to get a resolution.

 

History was reviewed Monday as well as an update given that a meeting between Rep. Jim Newberger, Sherburne County Commissioners, DNR and town board has not yet occurred.  Johnson said he was frustrated with lack of action to assist residents.  

 

Unfortunately for the residents of the development, a poor design of the properties has led to improper drainage and flooded basements.

 

Town board members discussed further and told Johnson the township is not responsible for this poor design.  

 

The board, however, did state they are willing to meet with the parties involved. Members of the board said prior to approval of the development, they had notified the county that drainage would be an issue if the development went ahead as planned.  The county elected to approve the development.

 

Members of the board also told Johnson the township will not commit to paying any more than the engineering fees they have already paid to this point in time.

 

They said they understand the residents’ frustration, but using a large portion of township tax dollars that will benefit only a few homeowners in the township is not a fiscally responsible position.

 

Ideas to channel and filter the water issues to nearby wetlands was passed along to the county months ago because of the protected wetlands and sacred oak trees in the way.

 

An easement vacation petition was presented for Lot 2, Block 4 and Lot 1, Block 4 Snake River Estates Third Addition.  

 

It is a minor subdivision action, only a portion of the easement has been requested to be vacated so the applicants may join the two properties into one and build an accessory structure on what is currently the easement location between the properties. 

 

The easement vacation petition was brought forth by Justin Lamont and Brian Schmit. The board motioned to approve the easement vacation and called for a public hearing.

 

Concerns were brought forth by Lonnie Seeley in regards to the new permit related to the Xcel Energy Sherco landfill.  Seeley brought a letter to the office just before the meeting that he had received from MPCA answering all the questions he had regarding the new liner and other permit changes.

 

The letter was passed around to board members.  No action was required.

 

• The board recessed at 8 p.m. for their annual fire board meeting;

 

• At 7:30 p.m., a bid opening was conducted for part one of the 137th Avenue Alignment and the bid was awarded to Hardrives;

 

• An updated right of way ordinance was passed.  It is now available on the township website;

 

• A resolution on funding for the 137th Avenue realignment passed — a requirement for state funding assistance;

 

• A residential question regarding speed zoning on 127th  Avenue was discussed.

 

The next Becker Twp. Board meeting is Aug. 17 at 7 p.m.