The Palmer Twp. Board Monday discussed a tobacco license renewal, three variance requests, a park suggestion and welcomed a visit from Marc Schneider of the Sherburne County Zoning Dept.

 

Schneider’s visit was part of a tailored presentation he plans to present to every township. 

 

The zoning topics Schneider reported on were: structure setbacks for township roads, recreational vehicles storage and uses, performance standards for the exterior storage of vehicles, performance standards for commercial and industrial zoning, shipping containers used for storage, semi-truck and trailer storage and granny pods or accessory dwelling units.

 

Thom Dahle, a local resident, approached the board with three variance requests for a home he plans to re-construct.

 

Dahle said he purchased an almost inhabitable home on the west end of Briggs Lake last year and is in the process of gutting it and making some changes to the structure.

 

The first variance was for a replacement of an existing small deck on the side of the house. Dahle plans to expand it and have the deck wrap all the way to the front entryway. Dahle said no changes will be made to the setbacks.

 

The second variance was to add an addition to an existing garage. Dahle said the existing garage is a one-stall garage and he plans to convert it to a two-car garage. The property also has two sheds in the back and Dahle plans to demolish one and keep the other that contains containment of a well.

 

The third variance was to ensure proper setbacks for the upgrading of the garage.

 

All variances were approved.

 

Briggs Lake General Store asked to have their annual tobacco license renewed.

 

Steve Demeules motioned to approve with Mike Ganz seconding and the request was granted.

 

Clerk Kelly McCann said she received a letter from a resident asking the board to consider putting up a wall at the park for people to hit tennis balls into. The wall would benefit those who’d like to practice the sport of tennis but don’t have a partner to hit to.

 

The letter said it would be a great addition to the park and would not cost very much to construct.

 

The board said they’d take the idea into consideration and further discuss.

 

Clint Schendzielos reported the sprinkler system at the park has been installed and is running  and 100 yards of chips were delivered and installed. Also, Clerk McCann said rentals for the park have been “good so far”.

 

Treasurer Roger Johnson reported there were 166 participants at Earth Day this year as compared to 195 in 2016.  It was a wet day.  The total numbers are not in yet. 

 

Schendzielos reported all pot holes sited during the road tour have been repaired.  Chairman Ganz stated the township tries to get one pass of the road ditches mowed prior to the 4th of July.  He will contact Mitch Hoefer with the okay to go ahead and get it done.

 

There is some brushing to do in the Cedar Point area, especially around the corners.  Ganz will have Hoefer review what needs to be cut when he mows the ditches.

 

Charlene Langendowski reported 52 people came to the BCLA annual picnic. They are currently looking for volunteers to help with the brat sales at McDonald Meats for their fund raiser.  

 

Langendowski said  June 22, hand pulling of Eurasian milfoil will take place on the lakes.  A permit has been obtained for the boat parade which will be on all four lakes July 3 at noon. Fireworks will also be July 3 at 10 p.m.  

 

Chad McKay reported there were three calls in Palmer Township in May.  He also inquired if the water in the Fire Hall is now safe to drink as the signs by the water fountains have been removed. The water has been tested and is safe to drink. 

 

Capt. Bob Stangler reported there were 106 calls for service in Palmer Township in the month of May as compared to 90 in 2016 and 92 in 2015.  There were 29 offenses charged by citation.  

 

Of the 106 calls, there were two thefts reported —one of which a poolstick and table cover were taken from a bar.  Items were returned and a citation was issued.  The other was 20 fir trees were dug up and taken from a tree farm.  The trees have not been found. 

 

Stangler said there was one crash with property damage.  There was one report of mailbox damage.  There were six ATV stops - four for ditch riding, one for registration and one for DACIPS.  

 

There were five stops for no wake ordinance and 10 boats checked for invasive weeds.  There was one aggressive dog complaint along with two lost dogs, and three found dogs.  

 

It was brought to Captain Stangler that a basketball hoop was being put on the road in front of 4410 115th Street.  The kids are playing basketball in the street and are not letting traffic through during their game.  Captain Stangler said he will talk to the residents of the house and report back to the township. 

 

• Atty. David Meyers made a copy of the road orders, which will be located in the township office and has requested that it be put on the website as well;

 

• Treasurer Johnson said there was a power outage last week and the generator did not kick on. There was a fault code stating it had been there for 83 days.  Johnson had Cummings come out to evaluate the situation and they said everything seemed to be in working order.  Johnson recommended the board revisit putting in an enunciator panel with an alarm system that will alert the twp. when a fault has happened.  Johnson said he will get the quotes he previously had done and bring them to the board members for review.

 

The next Palmer Twp. Board meeting is July 10 at 7 p.m.