On the agenda for Lynden Twp.’s June meeting were driveways, a variance, and road updates.

Driveway Request

Justin Sundell, representing Newport Leasing, approached the board to discuss their request to widen their driveway 10 feet on either side to help facilitate truck traffic going in and out of the property. The driveway is currently 30 feet wide, and they would like to widen it to 50 feet total.

Sundell informed the board that Newport Leasing had also purchased a 1.4 acre parcel to the south of their current property and inquired if a new CUP would be needed or if the existing CUP could be extended to cover the new property.

Supervisor Dennis Niemi indicated he had completed a site visit and didn’t see any issues with the driveway expansion. A motion carried approving the driveway expansion and extending the company’s existing CUP to the new parcel.

Variance Request

Jerry Konz, representing JK Landscape, approached the board to discuss the company’s variance request to increase the impervious surface area of the property to 64.1%; county and township ordinances state impervious surfaces can be no more than 60%.

A public hearing concerning the request was held in May, there was no public input.

A motion carried approving the variance and accepting the planning commission’s finding of fact with four conditions; requirement of a water infiltration pond, approval of the wastewater plan by the township engineer, proper applications for permits are made, and the property owner will save, defend, and hold the township harmless in granting the variance.

Road Updates

Niemi informed the board the township didn’t receive the LRIP grant they applied for so they will need to discuss options and get estimates before proceeding with any road repairs. He indicated he would obtain estimates for fixing 200th Street and report back at the next meeting.

Most items from the township’s spring road tour have been completed. All roads slated for additional gravel and dust control should be completed.

Other Business

Bob Spitzley from Stearns Co. Environmental Services contacted the township regarding a property that will potentially need a CUP prior to building on it. The item will be discussed further at the next township meeting.

Spring cleanup day was a success; the township is expecting to receive a Stearns Co. SCORE grant that will pay for much of the expenses incurred. The Stearns Co. Explorers group was presented a donation of $340 from the sale of the scrap metal collected for their help during the event.

After discussing best practices for township email addresses, it was determined the best resolution would be removing titles from them and using personal names instead. The township clerk, treasurer and James Kantor will work on the issue.

The next Lynden Twp. meeting will be July 12 at 7 p.m.