During their first meeting of the new year the Lynden Twp. Board of Supervisors discussed a number of miscellaneous agenda items, included ARPA funds, a new road ordinance, a plat split, and their upcoming spring cleanup day.

ARPA Funds

Treasurer Jean Schermer provided the board with an update on the ARPA funds the township has already received and expected future payments. Previously proposed projects include replacement of the town hall HVAC system, including furnace and central air, HEPA filters, LED lighting with motion detector switches, tone, paper, Zoom license, Microsoft Pro for laptop security, internet, and an office desktop for streaming capabilities.

Supervisor Dennis Niemi and Planning Administrator James Kantor are obtaining quotes. A spreadsheet will continue to be utilized by Clerk Jenny Schmidt for tracking purposes.

Road Updates

Niemi explained the need for a township road ordinance and presented a sample ordinance for the board to review. Further discussion was tabled until the township’s February meeting in order to give the board time to review the document.

Niemi provided the board with an update on open items from their fall road tour, which includes brush cleanup scheduled for 200th St. and replacement signage, which is pending with Chairman Dave Johnson.

The board reviewed the proposed annual hauling permit for Pilgrim’s Pride. The permit will be issued once the $100 permit fee has been received by the township.

Property Updates

Lynden Twp. Building Inspector Nancy Scott is continuing to work with Jerry Konz on the property line building encroachment on Hubble Road. Konz indicated he has a purchase agreement with the adjacent property to the east and has reached out to Stearns Co. about consolidating the two parcels. A copy of the purchase agreement has been given to the clerk.

Dylan Nelson approached the board to present the Nelson Family Acres preliminary plat to split the 29.5 acre lot on Dover Road into a 27.1 acre lot and a 2.4 acre lot. The county considers this to be an administrative split. 

A motion carried approving the preliminary plat and allowing the township chair and clerk to sign the final plat outside of a regular meeting as long as there are no changes from the preliminary plat.

Other Business

Supervisor Tom Plaggerman provided an update on the township’s 2022 spring cleanup day. Rate increases were discussed, and quotes will be obtained for review at the next board meeting. Plaggerman has contacted Clearwater Twp. to determine availability of their facility, which Lynden Twp. has used for their most recent cleanup days. He requested and received permission (via a motion) to schedule a date once he has heard back from them.

The board is gathering content to be included in their annual newsletter; deadline for submission is January 21 so a draft can be prepared for review at the February meeting.

Dan Torgersen resigned his position as deputy treasurer; transition training with Schermer will continue for a short time period.

The township’s annual meeting will be on March 8 at 8:15 p.m. Schmidt will prepare a draft agenda for review at the February meeting.

The township’s audit meeting will be Jan. 26 at 6 p.m.

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