During the June 20 Haven Township meeting, Sup. Jeff Schlingmann informed the board that after a public hearing held June 13 regarding work on Co. Rd. 66 raised some concerns, Sherburne County decided against reconstructing the road to Haven Township’s specifications.

“A few years ago the county turned back Co. Rd. 66 to us,” said Schlingmann. “We didn’t ask for it, it was forced on us. We entered into an agreement with them that the road would be reconstructed back to our specifications. Their engineer contacted our engineer requesting our specifications.”

“At the public open house for residents that live along the road there were a couple individuals questioning the need to establish a ditch based on our performance standards.”

Schlingmann was in attendance, and the assistant county engineer asked if the township could modify their ditch requirements. Schlingmann responded they’d need a good reason from their engineer as to why the standards couldn’t be met, and then it would have to be brought before the board.

“Since that time the county has decided to build the road to their requirements, doing away with ours,” Schlingmann said. “As soon as there was some issues at the open house the county folded like a house of cards.”

Although the township had a verbal agreement with the county concerning the road, the written agreement doesn’t state that fact. 

“Obviously this will be the last time we enter into an agreement with the county without an iron clad agreement,” stated Schlingmann. “They’re untrustworthy, and this is frankly outrageous.”

Sup. Mark Knowles explained the township’s ditch standards moves water away from the road, maintaining its integrity, and without them they have no place to deposit snow during snow removal.

Sup. Randy Linn suggested backing out of the agreement, to which Schlingmann responded there is state legislation that says they have to take the road if the county wants them to have it.

 

A motion was made and the board unanimously agreed to turn the matter over to their legal council for possible legal action against the county.

 

Jeff Rhodes from Driveway Services LLC and Marson Contractors submitted bids for the township’s 2016/2017 snow removal season. 

 

Knowles suggested it would be prudent for the board to review the bids over the next month.

 

“In either case, it would be a one-year trial with the understanding if it works out it [the contract] would be extended,” he said.

 

Knowles and Koslowski will review the bids, contact the bidders and return with a recommendation next month.

 

Schlingmann informed the board notices to property owners concerning the road order needed for the 52nd Street railroad crossing have been partially delivered. 

 

Rhodes reported his company hadn’t been able to work on the Prairie Woods sinkhole on 15th Ave. yet due to the rain. Preliminary boring was done and it appears they will need to go down eight feet in order to fix the problem. 

 

He informed the board the blacktop was going to be around $2,500 more than expected, so the total will be closer to $12,500. 

 

A motion was made to cap the project at that amount, and Rhodes was asked to attempt to keep the cost closer to the original bid.

 

Knowles informed Rhodes there were some big potholes in Sherwood West, which he asked be filled in.

 

Road closures have been staked for 45th and 54th; chevrons will be put up on both, and the township is looking into gates for either side of 54th. 

 

There were no public comments during the board’s annual MS4 (municipal storm water) public hearing. 

 

Koslowski reported the St. Cloud Airport has an environment assessment occurring in regards to their hanger addition and refurbishing on their entrances. She reminded them the township needed to be involved due to their responsibility to MS4. 

 

The deputy reported 83 total calls for service for the month of May, including 28 traffic stops and two car accidents.

 

The next Haven Township meeting will be July 18 at 7 p.m.