During their April meeting the Lynden Twp. Board of Supervisors discussed the finalized Clearwater fire contract for 2019.
The City of Clearwater voted to accept the proposed calculation for the fire contract that will allocate the fire department budget based on historical usage data. Lynden Twp. will pay 23%, Clearwater Twp. will pay 24%, and the City of Clearwater 53%.
Lynden Twp. passed a 2020 levy of $71,728, which is their allocated 23% of the fire department’s 2019 budget.
Although the new contract has an automatic renewal, the intention of all parties is to hold further discussions to finalize a long-term plan.
Johnson has requested additional details in regard to call reports from Stearns Co. Until that information is received the township will not request a meeting.
Road Report
The township received three bids for the 7th Ave. and 189 Street resurfacing project; Knife River came in at $76,304, Central Specialty at $86,000 and Dunick at $110,000. Core drilling on the project has been completed, a full reclamation of the road is projected.
Supervisor Dennis Niemi informed the board he has provided the Stearns Co. Surveyor with the township’s projected road work.
The ‘No Parking’ signs have been received for Lynden Valley Industrial Park. Supervisor Dave Johnson will work with township maintenance for spotting and installation.
Stearns Co. hasn’t received bids on chip coating Woodbine and Elderberry; Niemi will follow up.
Johnson expressed disappointment with the township’s current snow removal service provider in relation to blading and amount of snow left on roadways. Niemi received several calls from residents for mailbox replacement due to snow removal. He referred each to the township’s policy regarding the issue.
Niemi reviewed areas on Eaglewood Road and will watch for snow in the right-of-way there next year.
Niemi informed the board he had spoken with the owner at 251 Alder Road about the water flow, during which options were discussed for directing it.
Johnson told the board he had reviewed the 13th Ave. town road line agreement with Attorney Mike Couri. MN Statute 103.525 provides for a 50/50 split but doesn’t supersede the agreement, so the township will pay full costs for the culvert replacement.
Niemi will contact the City of St. Augusta to potentially update the agreement.
Stearns Electric will be replacing underground lines beginning in June and continuing for 10 to 14 days. Johnson reported Wright- Hennepin will have an upcoming ROW project for Basswood and Birchwood.
Other Business
The board was informed Jerry’s Towing is aware of their screening issue and plans on installing an internal metal fence once the frost is out of the ground in order to come into compliance. The company is also working with Building Inspector Nancy Scott in regard to a possible building addition.
A motion carried approving the amendment to Ordinance 12, Road and ROW Specifications.
The township’s current internet provider, Arvig, canceled service effective March 1. They have now denied service altogether and no response has come back from Inteleconnect. A motion carried for James Kantor to contact CenturyLink for installation, cost will be $60 a month plus fees for 5 MG.
Johnson informed the board he had submitted the SCORE grant application. Invoices for a maximum of $3,000 reimbursement are due by October.
Barry VanBuren introduced himself to the board as liaison to Sen. Jeff Howe and Rep. Lisa Demuth. He encouraged them to contact him if they needed to refer any issues.
Pending confirmation, the township cleanup day will be May 4 from 8 to 11 a.m. The spring road tour will be April 25 at 1 p.m.
The next Lynden Twp. meeting will be May 6 at 7 p.m.
