During their May meeting, Lynden Twp. board members discussed their spring cleanup day that was held in April at the Clearwater Twp. Hall. There was a good turnout for the event, with trucks filled to capacity.
The township received a bill from West Central Sanitation for $4,046, which coincides with the amount of trash collected. Nine Stearns Sheriff Explorers volunteered at the event and will receive the proceeds from the sale of the scrap metal that was collected.
The board discussed improvements for next year’s cleanup day, including a better check-in sheet and improved signage. Chairperson Dave Johnson will submit the billing from West Central Sanitation for SCORE Grant reimbursement.
Inquiries
St. Cloud Community Development Director Matt Glaesman approached the board to inquire about urban expansion in the Opportunity Drive area. Although the city isn’t currently looking for an orderly annexation agreement, he wanted to touch base on the subject as it hadn’t been discussed for a number of years.
The board indicated the township’s previous position hasn’t changed; they don’t oppose any landowner initiated requests as long as they’re contiguous with the City of St. Cloud.
A variance inquiry was received from Johnson Materials on 196th Street regarding impervious surface and potential building overlapping their two parcels. The business has no plans to expand currently but may at some point in the future. Planning Administrator James Kantor confirmed with Jennifer Buckentine from SCES that the lots do not need to be combined for the variance, however they must be sold as one.
Other Business
A variance request to allow the increase of impervious surface to just over 64% was received from JK Landscape on Hubble Road. Stearns Co.’s zoning ordinance requirement is 60%, which Lynden Twp. also follows. Wayne Stark from Stark Engineering provided the board with preliminary plans and a stormwater report; a plumbing permit has been completed through the state.
Stark was informed that plumbing should be done through the Twp. Building Inspector Nancy Scott, along with building permit applications. An amended CUP shouldn’t be needed if there’s no change to business operations.
A public hearing was set along with a Planning Commission site visit, after which written findings will be forwarded to the board with recommendations.
The fire study group presented their findings to Lynden and Clearwater Twps. at a recent joint meeting. The study found the estimated cost of a new fire hall and supporting equipment is approximately $1.3 million. After review of five fire budgets it was determined there isn’t enough savings to offset the cost, so financially it doesn’t make sense for the townships to move forward with creating their own fire department at this time.
The board reviewed their spring road tour that was held in April; most items noted have already been completed. Supervisor Dennis Niemi indicated he would obtain estimates for fixing 200th Street and Franklin Road issues that were identified. Signs and posts have been ordered; Johnson will coordinate with Gary Schmidt on replacing.
The next Lynden Twp. meeting will be June 7 at 7 p.m.
