The Lynden Township Board discussed a complaint received concerning the truck terminal at Blaine Brothers during their recent meeting. 

 

Motor vehicle repair is permitted in the industrial district they’re located in, however a site visit along with comparison of 2010 and 2015 aerial photos show the use has expanded and now fits the definition of a large truck terminal, which requires a conditional use permit (CUP). 

 

Supervisor Anne Ackerman drafted a letter that instructs property owner Krogen Properties to submit a CUP application by Aug. 1.

 

The board discussed findings and potential conditions to Ruff’s Pet Resort’s variance application to increase the 40-dog limit for a commercial kennel. 

 

No additional information has yet been received, and the applicant wasn’t present. The board felt in order to make an informed decision additional information would be necessary. A motion was passed to extend the deadline to act on the application an additional 60 days. Findings will be reviewed at the August meeting.

 

The board reviewed the special assessment at 20956 Franklin Road, which currently totals $17,653. $15,945 of the assessment is from the clean-up of the property and $1,707 is from tarring Franklin Road. 

They received an offer from William Hallila, proposing a cash settlement of $8,350, along with a request to have the alley vacated. 

 

“We made the decision to clean it up which was the right thing to do,” said Supervisor Jerry Finch. “I’d like to see us get some money back.”

 

Ackerman suggested waiving the asphalt assessment and interest on the cleanup and go to $15,000. The new agreement would require a 20% down payment with 3% interest on the remaining amount up to 10 years. The cost to prepare the agreement would be $200, paid by Hallila. 

 

The board agreed they would work with the Hallilas to vacate the alley, however they will be required to pay the fees.

 

Ackerman will contact them with the township’s counteroffer. 

 

Outlet Recreation was referred to Stearns County Environmental Services concerning their CUP application at the board’s June meeting, so the public hearing concerning the application was never held. Due to this, the board voted to refund the applicant’s $400 public hearing fee.

 

Last month the board was contacted by Clearwater Township to ask if they were interested in chip sealing their portion of 161st St. 

 

Finch indicated he was satisfied with the seven-year warranty, and recommended the board go ahead with the chip sealing as an experimental project. A motion was passed to accept the $13,998 bid, and if the coating holds up the same procedure may be utilized on other township roads.

 

The board met with the attorneys on June 14 to discuss the process in regard to the appeal filed by Tails of Gold Kennel in the matter of their CUP revocation. No new information was available at the time.

 

Supervisor Dave Johnson inspected the property at 1535 200th St. E and informed the board he hadn’t seen anything in the right of way. The property will be inspected again during the fall road tour.

 

Lynden Township Attorney Michael Couri informed the board their Alder Road no parking ordinance was enforceable anywhere there are signs posted. A copy of the ordinance will be forwarded to the Stearns County Sheriff.

The infiltration system on Alder Road is working properly and has solved the water problem.

 

The board agreed to send a letter to Kevin Molitor, informing him he is in violation of the township’s ordinance in regards to property approaches and culverts. Molitor has constructed a second approach with no culvert onto his property, the ordinance states only one approach per parcel is allowed and culverts are required where needed.

 

Johnson asked the board’s permission to research getting an emergency services warning system into Lynden Township and what funding options might be available, which was approved.

 

The board approved Alvina Johnson, Karolyn Boucher, Julie Duncan, Dennis Niemi, Fran Spears, David M. Johnson, Barry Hample and Jenny Schmidt as primary election judges.

 

The next Lynden Township meeting will be on Aug. 1 at 7 p.m.