During their November meeting, the Lynden Twp. Board of Supervisors again discussed the Clearwater fire contract and fire call report.

City Administrator Kevin Kress had originally requested a meeting in early November to review contract options, however, the date conflicted with Lynden Twp.’s regularly scheduled monthly meeting so the date was declined. 

Kress has since resigned his position and the board hasn’t yet received a response in regard to a new meeting date; they’ve requested the meeting be held jointly with Clearwater Twp. and Lynden Twp. Attorney Michael Couri. Supervisor Tom Plaggerman informed the board he had spoken with Clearwater Twp. Clerk Jean Just and confirmed they also requested a joint meeting.

As the final fire payment is due in December, Plaggerman will contact Couri to request he ask the City of Clearwater to send Lynden Twp. a new invoice reflecting the agreed upon adjustments and amended amount.

The current fire contract runs through Dec. 31, 2020.

Road Updates

A contract has been signed with Schabel Enterprises of Central Minnesota for winter road maintenance; insurance information has been provided.

Supervisor Dennis Niemi informed the board he was at the LaDuke driveway on Craigway Road earlier that day and noted although black dirt now covers the culvert, the culvert hasn’t been shortened.

He indicated he will take photos of how the matter currently appears and will issue a reminder to the owner that the driveway can’t be extended the full width of the culvert. Niemi had requested an earlier administrative warning not be sent out.

Couri is reviewing the 13th Ave. town line agreement with Fairhaven Twp. Once complete it will be forwarded to them for review and approval.

With no representative present, no action was taken on the 433 Beachwood Road variance inquiry.

Land Split

Ronald Bartosiewski approached the board to request a land split on his 3rd Ave. property. He currently owns 64.95 acres and plans to sell 10.94 acres (Parcel B) and a 21.85 acres (Parcel C); Stearns Co. has determined it to be an administrative split.

Bartosiewski will retain building credit and the remaining 31.86 acres. Parcel B will be offered for sale to Mitchell and Ann Moeller, Parcel C to Gregory and Nicole Halvorson.

A motion carried authorizing the issuance of a Certificate of Compliance for the administrative split described in the provided survey.

Other Business

Supervisor Dave Johnson suggested either partnering with Clearwater Twp. for spring cleanup day or using their location as a contingency plan to working with the City of Clearwater. Plaggerman will follow up.

The board is requesting confirmation from Jeff Howe and Lisa Demuth before moving forward with their request for an open meeting; Johnson will follow up with them individually. Clerk Jenny Schmidt will notify Barry Vanburen his request is pending.

A right of way work permit was issued to Wright Hennepin Electric for work in Hidden River to place underground 3-phase wire.

A motion carried approving the 2019 weed report; Johnson completed 16 inspections and three land owner contacts.

A motion passed approving the Lynden Twp. Mileage at 40.1 miles.

A motion carried to hire Penny Leuthard for the annual newsletter project at $35 per hour, the same rate as 2018. James Kantor will contact Leuthard for follow up.

A motion carried accepting the proposed Local Board of Equalization and Appeal date of April 16, 2020 at 6 p.m.

The next Lynden Twp. Meeting will be Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.