During the Lynden Twp. Board of Supervisor’s August meeting, a discussion was held on the new fire contract with the City of Clearwater and the call discrepancies related to it.
Twp. Attorney Michael Couri is continuing to work with the attorney for the City of Clearwater regarding 2018 billing call discrepancies involved with the 2019 pay formula for the Clearwater Fire Contract.
He and the board reviewed the city’s response to the 2015, 2016 and 2017 calls the township disputed due to lack of or insufficient addresses. There were originally 174 calls for Lynden Twp., six were improperly allocated and 18 are still in dispute; most of them mile marker calls along I-94.
Clearwater Fire Chief Ryan Pridgeon informed the board they’ve changed how calls are recorded. Historically the address provided by dispatch was entered, but since 2018 the address is now confirmed.
It was also noted that a March invoice from the city was for an amount never agreed upon and unilaterally imposed by them. At the township’s annual meeting it was determined the asked for 33% fire contract increase was excessive and a 10% increase was approved in its place.
During the same time period, the board requested documentation for calls and was denied, instead being instructed to get the information from the Stearns Co. Sheriff.
Pridgeon explained the contract increase was due to a capital improvement plan placed on them from Stearns Co., and said all the information requested by the township has been provided to the City Administrator. He indicated he can forward the same information to the board if they inform him of which 18 calls are in dispute.
Should the fire contract be cancelled, the 90-day cancellation period named in the contract will be invoked.
Resident Joshua Gladis expressed concern for help being received when it’s needed, and what the cost to residents would be if the contract is ended.
Supervisor Dennis Niemi suggested a fire commission be established similar to the Annandale Fire Commission; the township attends in an advisory capacity with a voice but no vote. Pridgeon indicated he was not in favor of his department being micromanaged.
The board said they felt a fire commission would be appropriate to help avoid confusion in the future and to improve relations and communication between all parties involved.
A motion carried approving the balance of the first half of the March invoice for $6,387, and to include a letter asking for the establishment of a fire commission. A new invoice showing the adjusted totals based on findings of the call discrepancies will also be requested.
Jerry’s Towing
Joshua Gladis approached the board to express concern that Jerry’s Towing on Empire Road is becoming cluttered with tires, engines and demolition cars, and indicated there are two shipping containers overflowing with items. He also believes the fencing to be an eye sore.
Gladis indicated he understood from the public hearing that the property was going to be a holding facility for insurance claims.
Supervisor Dave Johnson informed the resident the property owner has confirmation from the MPCA that no permits are required to ensure water and river quality, and that the township has conditions set into the CUP which he is in compliance of.
Supervisor Tom Plaggerman observed the property and found no concerns but suggested the township could have an annual review of the CUP.
Road Report
Niemi met with Patrick Iwan from Twin Stars Equipment and Manufacturing, which builds gravel dump boxes, to discuss a temporary exception to the seven ton road restriction on 202nd Street in order to for the company to make improvements to their lot; a verbal sixty calendar day exception was granted.
A motion carried for Niemi to apply for a local road improvement program grant to improve roads from seven-ton to nine-ton, including Edison Circle, Empire Road, 21st Ave., 202nd St. and 200th Street from Co. Road 145 to 21st Ave.
Johnson reported he observed materials in the cul de sac of the Lynden Valley Industrial Park on Hubble Road; Niemi will follow up with JK Landscaping.
Six inches of top soil is planned to be removed from the Jenniges property in the Industrial Park, with crushed granite hauled in to meet fencing requirements. They are looking for long-term storage and agreed to mow the vacant lots to the south twice a year. Building Inspector Nancy Scott must be contacted for permits on buildings using Conex boxes.
A motion carried adopting Resolution to Establish a 35 mph Speed Zone in a Rural District – 200th Street. Johnson will research the request to add lighting to bring more attention to the speed zone.
Niemi proposed the revised 13th Ave. Town Line Road Agreement to the City of St. Augusta at their recent meeting and will follow up.
Niemi informed the board the 13th Ave. culvert replacement project has been completed and the DNR notified.
Other Business
Rich Feneis presented information on AED (automated external defibrillator) devices, initial setup and maintenance costs for a Save Station.
The next Lynden Twp. meeting will be Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. due to the Labor Day holiday.
