Jerry Foley from Jerry’s Towing told the board he’s removed the fence discussed at the July 15 public hearing and intends to erect an eight-foot black chain link fence and vegetative screening; the fence will be outside shore land and will meet the 63-ft. setback. 

 

He provided the board with an email from MPCA (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency) stating a storm water permit won’t be needed. He also informed them the business falls below the threshold for the requirements for a hazardous waste permit and provided them with his hazardous water pick up schedule. 

 

Supervisor Dave Johnson said he was informed a universal waster generator may be needed by a representative from MPCA; a condition was added to the CUP application to require a permit if needed.

 

After a discussion regarding 21 proposed conditions for the permit, Supervisor Anne Ackerman made a motion to approved the CUP with the conditions noted, which passed two to one with Johnson opposed. He stated his opposition was due to the close proximity of the property to the Clearwater River; he doesn’t believe conditions are adequate to control possible runoff. 

 

Jim Voigt approached the board to question the results of a property survey and the driveway location for an accessory building and future home being built next to his property. He stated the board had enacted a driveway setback from a property line requirement in the 1970s.

 

The board informed him if there was a requirement it’s now been repealed by current zoning ordinance seven, which doesn’t address driveway setbacks.

 

Stearns Cty. oversees the location of driveway approaches on county roads.

 

Voigt was advised he would need to hire his own surveyor if he wanted to challenge the property lines.

 

The board discussed driveway locations in the township, and determined that instead of creating a separate access permit, Building Inspector Nancy Scott should include the information on the township’s building permit form. Ackerman will follow up.

 

The city of Clearwater informed the board they’re considering an ordinance to charge for emergency responses for non-residents and are asking Lynden and Clearwater townships to pass similar ordinances. Johnson questioned what the funds generated by the ordinance will be used for; Clearwater Fire Chief Ryan Pridgeon will be invited to the September meeting to discuss.

 

The township received a complaint that multiple campers and tents were in use on a 146th Street property; a review showed one camper remains. 

 

Ackerman informed the board five vehicles remain on the property being cleaned up on 146th Street, which appear to be in working order, and there’s a large portable garbage container ready to be picked up. The board will continue to monitor.

 

Supervisor Jerry Finch informed resident Jim Sorenson 189th Street and 7th Ave. aren’t in the township’s five-year resurfacing plan, but he will review road conditions to determine if repairs are needed.

 

Stearns Cty. provided the township with a cost election for the new election equipment. They will be billed $1,500 for an optical scan ballot counter and assistive voting machine in 2018; it was noted a similar annual charge should be anticipated.

 

Johnson prepared an updated draft policy outlining procedures for complaint; it was added to the planning commission agenda for review.

 

Township Attorney Mike Couri recommended the township sign the State of Minnesota Joint Powers Agreement for Court Fines resolution. Johnson questioned the language and indicated he wouldn’t support it in its current format. 

 

The resolution was tabled until the township stops receiving court fine payments; Treasurer Dan Torgersen will monitor receipts.

 

Finch was congratulated for being recognized as the 2017 Outstanding Conservationist for Stearns Cty. for his work on the water quality in Plum Creek.

 

The next Lynden Township meeting will be Sept. 11 at 7 p.m.