Lynden Township supervisors discussed a number of issues and updates at their meeting Monday, including legal fees, ditch benefits and a trail grant.

 

The board discussed who should be responsible for the additional legal fees incurred on the Fulton Circle property when owners Kevin and Sheri Turner financed the property’s special assessment instead of paying it outright.  

 

Supervisor Anne Ackerman said the township would have had to pay the legal fees even if they had wanted to recertify the property and felt the township should pay the costs. However Supervisor Dave Johnson disagreed and questioned whether this was correct.

 

“We finally got our multi-thousand dollar funds paid off,” said Supervisor Jerry Finch. “So let’s not quibble over $300. I’m really pleased we got that much back.”

 

He made a motion to not charge the additional fees to the Turners, which passed two to one.

 

Johnson informed the board he was concerned the township has been paying more than their share of ditch assessments, as related documents don’t list a cost share between the township and the State.

 

He also questioned whether the township had been notified of the public hearing regarding Jim Voigt’s redetermination of benefits for County Ditch 39. 

 

Johnson will follow up on the issues.

 

Ackerman informed the board the Stearns County Park Board will be applying for a grant to extend the Beaver Island Trail, and have asked the township to draft a letter in support of their application. 

 

Johnson said while he was in support of the grant, he was concerned about trail maintenance, costs of trail signs and payment in lieu of taxes for lost revenue from land acquired for the trail. Ackerman noted those issues could be addressed at a later date.

 

“I’m asking the questions because I want them to be noted,” he said. “I’m concerned no one is going to look out for the township’s interest.”

 

A motion passed unanimously to draft a letter in support of the grant.

 

There was a hearing Dec. 19 regarding the lawsuit filed by Tails of Gold Kennel Owner Valorie LaBeau after the township revoked her conditional use permit to operate a commercial kennel. Township Attorney Paul Reuvers asked for the suit to be dismissed; the judge has 90 days to issue a ruling. 

 

Unless the judge dismisses the lawsuit, a preconference will be held Feb. 21, with the trial set for May 1 and 2.

 

Ackerman sent a letter to the Driftwood Road property owner concerning a temporary residence zoning and noise violation. The trailer has been removed and the issue has been resolved.

 

The water runoff issues between DM Motors and Granite City Iron Works has been resolved between the two parties. 

 

JK Landscape contacted the township to ask what they would need to do in order to create a showroom and sell product. Schmidt will inform them retail sales is allowed as an accessory use without a CUP as long as the area doesn’t occupy more than 20% of the building.

 

Ackerman informed the board Stearns County allows shed houses, also known as “shouses,” as long as the garage area of the building isn’t larger than the principle residential area. Shouses aren’t considered an accessory building.

 

Johnson asked whether there is a sunset clause on them. Ackerman will follow up.

 

Refuse was dumped behind a guardrail on 200th Street last May, which was witnessed by a citizen.

 

Finch will draft a letter to the resident informing him there’s a statute concerning throwing trash in the right of way, and it needs to be removed by the beginning of April. 

 

If the refuse isn’t removed the township will take further action.

 

The township’s 2017 newsletter is planned for the end of February/beginning of March.

 

The annual audit meeting will be Feb. 28 at 6 p.m., with the annual budget meeting following.

 

The planning commission will be meeting Jan. 30 at 6 p.m.

 

The next Lynden Township meeting will be Feb. 6 at 7 p.m.