During their recent meetings, Lynden Twp. Board of Supervisors discussed numerous agenda items, including plat requests from JCubed, a zoning review, and the LRIP grant awarded for repairs to 200th Street.
JCubed
At the July meeting a Major Preliminary Plat application and Major Final Plat Application by Jeff and Lori Johnson, JCubed, Addition, Lot 1, Block 1, and OutLot A of Nicole Kristeen Addition was received along with a $1,500 escrow payment. JCubed wishes to combine the two parcels and then separate into three lots.
At the same meeting, JCubed applied to vacate drainage and utility easement of the same parcels.
The Planning Commission performed a site visit in June and recommended approval of both along with individual driveways/approaches.
A public hearing was held August 21 and a new preliminary plat was received from JCubed at that time. The report from Moore Engineering has been received and distributed. All township Subdivision Ordinance 8 general plat review standards and requirements have been met. A motion carried to set the fee for the application at $750 and to refund the remaining $750 of the escrow.
At the September meeting a motion carried adopting Resolution 2024-10; A Resolution Approving JCubed’s Addition Preliminary and Final Plat and to allow the chair and clerk to sign the final plat outside of a regular meeting if there are no changes.
Motions also carried approving JCubed’s Major Final Plat Application Lot 1 Block 1 and OutLot A and Resolution 2024-06 Petition to Vacate Drainage and Utility Easement Lot 1, Block 1, and OutLot A of Nicole Kristeen Addition.
NewPort Sales
Bethany Kramer submitted a request for zoning verification for two parcels owned by NewPort Sales on Empire Road and Edison Circle. The parcels previously received a CUP.
The board determined before any action is taken regarding NewPort Sales’ DVS Zoning Verification form, it must be verified whether outdoor sales occurred between May 2021 and Dec. 2022. The CUP 17-01 may have expired per Ordinance 7, Section 4.8.4 Expiration of Conditional Use Permit. CUP 20-02 for 20041 Edison Circle is active on two of the five lots owned by NewPort and allows four semi-tractors and 10 semi-trailers on those lots.
Road Report
The township was awarded a $676,240 LRIP Grant for repairs to 200th Street. Five engineering service bids were requested; two responded and were approximately $10,000 apart. The bids were ‘not to exceed’ and factored in wetland issues but don’t include a final construction management plan, estimated at $40,000 to $45,000.
As this is under $750,000, there isn’t a requirement to accept the lowest bid. A motion carried to use Moore Engineering for the project, not to exceed $96,427, and to use ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds for the expense.
All remaining funds ($85,637) from the ARPA were allocated to the LRIP 200th Street grant engineering. Reports will be filed per grant guidelines.
Kendra Mcintosh informed the board there are water drainage issues at her Dover Road property; she is willing to partner on a fix. The site was reviewed and it does appear the gravel washed off the road and into what was the ditch. There is a nearby culvert and the road is sloped to divert the water to it. Over time the township will exaggerate the superelevation to help the flow.
Katherine Zachman requested grading and tree trimming along 6th Ave. and 200 Street. She was moving a 52x30 home along those roads and wanted to avoid any potential issues with overhanging trees and structure damage.
The City of St. Augusta declined the request. Zachman was informed it appeared the request was outside the scope of regular maintenance.
Other Business
The township referred the grass/vegetation solid waste violation complaint on Fulton Circle to SCES for review and issued a notice. The property was reviewed for noxious weeds and no violation was found.
Supervisor Plaggerman is awaiting a response from Stearns Co. Attorn. Chad May regarding enforcement of the county’s On-Premise and Off-Premise Signage Ordinance 439 7.25. The planning commission won’t proceed with NewPort Leasing sign inquiry until that time.
Clerk Schmidt has submitted and started the claim process for town hall damages due to a recent storm. Supervisor Schultz-Ludenia will meet with the adjustor and Schendzielos will provide an estimate for tree removal and cleanup.
A motion carried severing the township’s contract with Hakanson Anderson Engineering.
Lynden Twp. also met on October 7; the meeting will be covered in a future edition of the Patriot. The next Lynden Twp. meeting will be November 4 at 7 p.m.
