Lynden Township discussed various complaints and the proposed new fire department call charge during their December meeting.

 

The township received a barking dog complaint at a residence on Danforth Circle. Supervisor Anne Ackerman requested videos as proof, which were received and reviewed.

 

Dog owner Ginger Mandel approached the board, challenging whether her dog met the definition of a habitually barking dog. Ackerman replied that the videos showed the barking did meet the definition, which is defined as barking for a minimum of five minutes with less than one minute intervals between barks.

 

Neighbors of Mandel approached the board stating they don’t have an issue with the barking, and correspondence was received by Clerk Jenny Schmidt from additional neighbors stating the same thing.

 

The neighbor who had submitted the complaint explained to the board that she had tried speaking with Mandel about the issue but nothing had been done. Mandel informed the board she had installed visual barriers around the kennel and is using a bark control collar.

 

The board encouraged the neighbors to work together to come to a mutually acceptable agreement.

 

Johnson informed the board he has provided Annandale Fire Chief Dale Machovsky, Clearwater Fire Chief Ryan Pridgeon and Twp. Attorney Michael Couri with a draft of a proposed fire department call charge ordinance for review.

 

He stated he’s troubled that Annandale adopted their new ordinance without first contacting the township; to date he hasn’t heard back from Clearwater.

 

Ackerman questioned the potential administrative burden if the township passes the ordinance; Johnson noted invoicing would be the responsibility of the respective fire departments.

 

Further discussion was tabled until the board receives responses from all parties involved.

 

Ackerman informed the board she had followed up with the complainant concerning the Co. Rd. 44 temporary residence complaint. The property owner has stated she is meeting with a contractor regarding constructing a home on the property, and although she visits the camper, she doesn’t live in it.

 

The driveway at 16475 4th Ave. still hasn’t been relocated; the owner has applied to Stearns Co. Environmental Services (SCES) for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to leave the driveway in its existing location. Supervisor Dave Johnson will follow up. 

 

Supervisor Jerry Finch has been in contact with the Lynden Valley Industrial Park property owner on Hubble Rd, who will be attending the January meeting to discuss the status of outdoor storage on the property.

 

The property at 335 146th St. has been tax forfeited and is now owned by the state; Stearns Co. is responsible for clean up before it can be sold.

 

The next Lynden Twp. meeting will be Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. due to New Year’s Day.