During their July meeting, Anne Ackerman presented a petition to the Lynden Twp. Board to vacate a portion of Highland Drive (Eaglewood Road), Shores Point. She stated her understanding is that an offer to purchase the property can’t be made as it isn’t the township’s to sell.However, the township can vacate it.

The Stearns Co. Auditor couldn’t find any record of the area. The piece at the water’s edge is considered an orphaned piece of property, and as such there are no notice requirements for it.

Supervisor Dennis Niemi said he had spoken with Twp. Attorney Couri, who indicated it should proceed as a legal housekeeping matter.

Ackerman and Wilcox are considered defacto owners and owners by accretion; there would be no money exchange or DNR notification of the petition.

Chairman Dave Johnson objected to the validity of the petition stating it was inadequate and insufficient; it fails to state what happens after the township vacates. He said the map clearly shows a section of ROW going off to the east, which shouldn’t be something the township gives away, instead there should be some form of compensation.

Supervisor Tom Plaggerman said that by accepting the petition the township is merely setting a public hearing and doesn’t obligate them to grant it.

Johnson made a motion to not accept the petition on the basis it fails to state a disposition; the motion failed to carry. Plaggerman made a second motion to accept the petition to vacate as presented by Ackerman and Wilcox which carried two  to one, with Johnson voting nay.

Niemi then made a motion to accept Resolution 2021-03, which also carried two to one. Another motion was made to set a public hearing regarding the matter for August 2 at 6 p.m. which carried unanimously.

Other Business

Matt Timp approached the board to request a certificate of compliance. He plans to build a new home for elderly family on 10 acres, which will have its own septic and well. Stearns Co. has determined it to be an administrative split.

The change is reflected in the survey which shows the two tracts of land; Tract A is approximately 85 acres; Tract B is 10.1 acres. Both parcels will be retained by Timp.

A motion carried authorizing the issuance of a certificate of compliance for the administrative split as described in the provided survey.

Correspondence was received from Rob Spitzley from Stearns Co. Environmental Services concerning Lagrave’s inquiry about building on their parcel. He stated they will possibly need to apply for a CUP prior to building per Section 7.33.1 of the Stearns Co. Land Use and Zoning Ordinance.

Johnson questioned the information, as the neighboring parcel did not have to adhere to the process. Clerk Jenny Schmidt will follow up with Spitzley and the issue will be discussed again at the next meeting.

Stearns Co. Deputy Wood responded to a complaint that indicated Richard and Wanita Niebolte’s son was again living in a camper on their Danforth Cir. property. The board was informed the camper has been removed; it can’t be returned to the site for one year.

Plaggerman reported on the June Fire Commission meeting, which included a review of the 202 first quarter call reports, the 2022 preliminary budget and fire contract extension or changes. Terry Mansell was present and expressed disappointment in the 20-minute response time to an emergency that occurred in February; he hasn’t heard back from the fire chief. Plaggerman will follow up.

Niemi informed the board that quotes are pending for road repair on 200th St E. and 200th St./6 th Ave. Estimates will be reviewed in August.

A motion carried authorizing a letter of support for the four-mile Beaver Island Regional Trail that was requested by Sarah Weed from the Stearns Co. Park Dept.; no money will be expected from the township.

Jeff Westrum was nominated and approved as the Lynden Twp. representative for the Mississippi River St. Cloud One Watershed One Plan Planning Partnership.

A motion carried reappointing Greg Halverson to a five year term on the Planning Commission.

The next Lynden Twp. meeting will be August 2 at 7 p.m.