Sheila Zachman from Commercial Realty Solutions attended the Clear Lake Township meeting Tuesday night to discuss the township’s inquiry into selling the town hall.

 

She said after researching the building and surrounding area her company would consider listing the hall at $129,000. 

 

The board indicated they would review the proposal and get back to her.

 

Jennifer Gallus, soil scientist from the Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture (MDA), attended the meeting to update the board on the township testing program, which is in place to test nitrates in the drinking water of vulnerable townships.

 

Partnering with Sherburne County Soil and Water, five townships in the county were tested, including Haven and Clear Lake townships, both of which showed 10% or more of private wells with elevated levels of nitrate.

 

Because of this, the MDA, along with a local advisory team, will be promoting best practices for area farmers for three years. After that time they will assess to determine the levels of adoption.

 

“What we’re looking for is at least 80% of cropland acres in Haven and Clear Lake townships using best management practices,” said Gallus. “If we find less than that, best management practices will move from a voluntary basis to a required regulation.”

 

Engineer Terrance Vander Eyk informed the board he believes the east end of 97th Street has a significant gopher problem again as there are a number of depressions that will need to be fixed.

 

He met with Jeff Rhodes from Driveway Services, who recommended saw cuts and patching for the large crack repairs needed at Riverwood Estates. He estimated the cost to be from $8,000 to $12,000, depending on the number of actual cracks.

 

Supervisor Gary Gray requested the cracks be marked with paint before the township’s spring road tour.

 

The landowner of a lot in River Oaks is requesting a driveway to use as access to 106th Street. Vander Eyk recommended speaking to an attorney regarding right of way; Gray indicated he would speak with affected lot owners.

 

Vander Eyk said he had spoken with Sherburne County regarding their driveway policy and was given their recommended engineering guidelines, which he presented to the board. 

 

Gray asked him to write up a similar policy to present to Sherwood Shores property owners, and said they would be able to use it as a baseline for all projects going forward.

 

Supervisor Bud Stimmler gave an update on the progress of the history book. The board discussed pricing, distribution options, number of books to print, and whether or not they will need to charge sales tax.

 

The sheriff reported 61 incidences for February, including 37 traffic violations and one fraud complaint.

 

The spring road tour was set for April 4 at 5 p.m.

 

The Board of Appeal & Equalization will be meeting April 12 at 10 a.m.

 

Clean up day is set for May 6.

 

The next Clear Lake Township meeting will be April 18 at 7 p.m.