The Lynden Twp. Board once again had a full agenda at their September meeting, discussing the latest fire contract, plat reviews, a certificate of compliance, and CARES Act funds.

Fire Contract

The board met with Clearwater Twp. and Twp. Attorney Mike Couri via Zoom to discuss the most recent negotiations to the fire contract with the City of Clearwater.

After much discussion, the boards agreed to propose the following changes to the contract: (1) Allowing two of the three entities involved to call a meeting, (2) the City provides a quarterly call report with resident’s name and address to whom emergency services were provided, the location where services were provided, and the type of call. (3) The fire chief (or designee) will address questions related to the budget and cost of services, (4) A 10% cap on the increase in operations budget/equipment, and (5) each entity will provide a service area map.

Couri will communicate the latest changes to the city.

(Editor’s Note: Lynden Twp. approved the fire contract 2-1 at their October meeting Monday).

Culvert

Matthew Smart attended the meeting to discuss his 12” driveway culvert, which isn’t in compliance with township’s 15” ordinance. He explained he wasn’t aware of the ordinance when the culvert was placed and agreed to remove it and replace with a 15” one as long there was no concern about the grade or flow; neither has been altered.

Plat Reviews

Shannon Bollman presented the board with the preliminary plat of Sisters Shore Addition to create two lots. After critical elevations were taken, Stearns Co. is requiring Basswood Road be raised to the flood fringe area. Basswood Road was accepted and has been maintained by the township as part of the Wilkens Addition Plat.

A motion carried approving the preliminary plat contingent upon (1) proof the road has been elevated and complies with the county, (2) complies with Lynden Twp. Ord. 12, and (3) a financial guarantee in the amount of the estimated costs in the form of a letter of credit be provided to Supervisor Dennis Niemi and Clerk Jenny Schmidt.

Todd Ostendorf presented the board with the preliminary plat of B and B Storms Addition to create two lots. Just under six acres will be split to a 1.86-acre lot and a 3.92-acre lot.

A motion carried approving the preliminary plat.

CARES Act

Annandale Fire Chief Brian Haag requested the township consider giving unused CARES Act funds to the Annandale Fire Dept. to use toward an AV System, which meets the critical material criteria of the Act. The fire department is the emergency operations center, and due to COVID-19, they need to have remote meetings, training, and etc.

The board agreed to take the request into consideration.

Other Business

A motion carried issuing a certificate of compliance for James and Marilyn Almquist for an administrative split of 120 acres into two 60-acre parcels.

The fire study group reviewed PPE equipment costs and fire truck estimates and will continue compiling budgets for estimating purposes.

Niemi will research grants for the 200th St. and Edison Circle project to raise the weight limit from seven to nine ton.

Lynden Twp.’s October meeting will be covered in a future edition of the Patriot. The township’s next meeting will be Nov. 2 at 7 p.m.