A request to Sherburne County for re-establishment of feedlot setback requirements, a discussion of a proposal from the county for a turn-back of CR 66 and approval of a resolution authorizing preliminary engineering work needed to meet the new requirements for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) were among the items on the agenda at the regular meeting of the Haven Township Board Monday night.
Feedlot Setbacks
The board discussed the current state of feedlot regulations in the areas of Haven Township that are not included in the Orderly Annexation Agreement (OAA) with the City of St. Cloud, a conversation that was prompted by the recent sale of the Hurrle farm to a company called Minnesota Pork, Inc. The farm, located on CR 8 and 37th St., is directly across the road from the property regulated by the feedlot ordinance adopted by the Haven board for the section of the township covered by the OAA.
In a letter to the Sherburne County Board, the Haven board members stated that they are a “solid supporter of agriculture, as it is the primary land use and mainstay of our local economy.” The letter also states that the township board “cannot ignore the possibility of conflict if a hog confinement feedlot would be built at that location in the future.” The letter also states that the township board has “no indication or information at this time that the new owner plans that type of operation,” but goes on to say that the “potential for conflict” remains.
The board letter then asks that the county establish some type of setback requirements for feedlots based on animal units, and urges the county board to “put into place the appropriate controls to protect both the rights of the farmer and the surrounding neighbors.”
Haven Chairman Jeff Schlingmann subsequently reiterated that the township currently has no information regarding construction of a feedlot on the site, but that it would be prudent for the township and the county to act on the matter before any potential conflict arises.
Other Business
The board unanimously approved a resolution authorizing $7,000 for preliminary work by the Bogart-Pederson engineering firm to bring the township into compliance with the new Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems regulations, Schlingmann said.
The board also discussed a proposal from Sherburne County for the turn-back of a half-mile section of CR 66 to the township. The township had been made aware of the plan earlier this year, Schlingmann said, and the board will make suggestions to the plan and turn the issue back to the county, which will then need to issue a “road order” to make the transition official.
Consideration is also being given to joining the Central Minnesota Water Education Association, Schlingmann said.
