The Haven Township board of supervisors discussed the future of the 52nd Street railroad crossing during their meeting Monday night.

 

 

The board has been in contact with affected landowners for a number of years in an attempt to petition for a road order without success. It was made clear if one wasn’t obtained the township would consider closing the crossing down.

 

“I think this [closure] should be our course of action at this point,” said Knowles. “There is also a monetary incentive for us to do so.”

 

The township was offered $100,000 to close the crossing, however Supervisor Jeff Schlingmann said he felt it was a lowball first offer and there needed to be compensation to the township taxpayers for the closing.

 

A motion was passed authorizing Knowles and Schlingmann to negotiate with the state and railroad on the timeline of closing the crossing down if adequate terms and conditions were met.

 

Mike and Tammy Kurtz approached the board to request a 51’ setback variance for their new home being built on Long Lake. 

 

Because the variance will allow the Kurtzs to improve the property and is necessary for them to come into compliance with the lake setback, the board saw no problems with the request and indicated they would forward a positive comment form on to the county board of adjustment.

 

The general manager of Cooperative Energy Futures approached the board to request an IUP (interim use permit) for a one-megawatt solar farm on the corner of County Roads 8 and 57. They have a 25-year lease for a portion of a parcel at the location.

 

The company is a community energy co-op and their array of solar panels will connect to Excel Energy’s grid.

 

Resident Aaron Brown asked how much government subsidy the company is getting. He said he felt solar farms ruined the landscape, and residents were getting them shoved at them as they were sprouting up everywhere.

Schlingmann explained the township considers solar farms an essential service structure, and noted public comments needed to pertain to the issue at hand.

A motion was passed to make a positive comment to the county.

 

Marc Schneider, Sherburne County planner, attended the meeting to provide the board with an update on the seven items they get the most calls on. He said the county wasn’t proposing any new ordinances; they’re just looking to get feedback from the townships.

 

His presentation explained each of the issues, which include structure setbacks on township roads, recreational vehicle storage and uses, exterior storage of vehicles, performance standards for commercial and industrial, shipping containers, semi-truck and trailer storage, and granny pods/accessory dwelling units.

 

Schneider asked the board to fill out a comment form on the issues and indicate if they’re seeing any others at their level.

 

Brown approached the board again to ask how they stand on giving aggregate companies digging permits, indicating he was unhappy land was being ‘sacrificed’ that could affect wells.

 

The board explained it was an approved use, and much of Haven Township has been designated as an aggregate reserve for a number of years. A number of aggregate companies own land in the township.

 

Knowles asked Jeff Rhodes of Driveway Services to provide a proposal for snow removal, as the company’s one-year trial is over and the township has been pleased with their service. 

 

He asked the board to consider a two to three year contract so supplies can be purchased more competitively. 

 

The MS4 (municipal storm water) annual report public hearing was held at the beginning of the meeting; there was no public input.

 

There was no sheriff’s report available at the time of the meeting.

 

The next Haven Township meeting will be July 17 at 7 p.m.