The Lynden Twp. board of supervisors discussed the final review of their ordinance updates during their meeting Monday night. 

 

A final review meeting will be held July 10, however, as all that remains is one last check of the document before submittal, a motion carried adapting the revisions immediately. 

 

Chairperson Anne Ackerman summarized the ordinance changes for attendees, which include Zoning Ordinance 7, Subdivision Ordinance 8 and Road and ROW Specifications Ordinance 12.

 

The majority of changes to Zoning Ordinance 7 were made to be more in line with the county, loosening some of the township’s standards while still retaining some of their more restrictive ones.

 

Changes to Subdivision Ordinance 8 were made to simplify the process. Three categories were created; township major for subdivisions with six or more lots that will need to go through the township’s process, and township moderate and township minor, both of which will only need to go through the county’s process.

 

Changes of Road and ROW Specifications Ordinance 12 took the elements that were in the appendix and made them a separate ordinance.

 

 

Treasurer Dan Torgersen informed the board the Long and Crooked Lake Association Board of Directors have requested additional speed limit and watch for children signs, as there are numerous children living along the road and the posted speed limit of 25 mph is often ignored.

 

Ackerman explained past requests for signs above and beyond were purchased by another party and installed by the township.

 

A discussion was held on the possibility of moving the existing signs, adding flags or installing additional. Clerk Jenny Schmidt will forward costs on to Torgersen, who will pass on the information to the board association and return to the township with a proposal.

 

 

Supervisor Dave Johnson informed the board the encroachment agreement with Frontier had been forwarded to the township’s attorney to handle as the company had made changes to the original, including not having the Frontier listed as the owner any longer.

 

“We should rescind our authorization of the agreement with Frontier,” he said. “There were significant changes made to it that challenge the protections the township sought.”

 

Johnson told the board Frontier’s subcontractor had been working in the right-of-way with a permit from the county but without a signed agreement with the township in place. They were asked to cease and desist, which they did, along restoring the area to its original condition.

 

The township’s franchise agreement with Midco is also with their attorney.

 

 

Supervisor Dennis Niemi informed the board he is requesting proposals for road grading and mowing.

 

During the annual bridge inspection beaver activity was discovered on 200th Street E. at Plum Creek. 

 

Local property owners told Niemi they have been watching the beaver dam for years and removing it would be a detriment to nearby lakes. Niemi informed the board he had spoken with the DNR, who advised it to be a valid reason to leave the dam undisturbed. 

 

Johnson requested Niemi obtain a letter from the DNR stating this; property owners monitoring the dam will contact the township if an issue arises.

 

Niemi informed the board Central MN Dust Control has been having problems getting product, however delivery has now been guaranteed within two weeks.

 

 

The board was informed Jim and Marian Todd’s request to split their property had been designated an administrative split by Stearns County. They will be keeping 22.8 acres; 57 acres will be offered for sale and .01 acres will be sold to another party.

 

A motion carried to authorize a certificate of compliance which will be sent on to the county.

 

Dan Jenniges from SMA, LLC has planted trees on the north and south sides of the company’s industrial park property on Hubble Road as required by the screening plan but has yet to erect a gate.

 

Schmidt will follow up with a letter to the company; they will have 10 days from its receipt to comply or receive an administrative citation.

 

The township received an inquiry from a woman looking to purchase property on Fulton Circle; the lots are considered unbuildable due to their low elevation. Ackerman informed her the township wouldn’t be raising the road due to cost, and advised she speak with Stearns Co. Environmental Services, the DNR and FEMA if she wanted to pursue purchase.

 

A recycling service request for proposal is being prepared. It will be published and on the agenda for the August meeting.

 

Population and household estimates have been received. As of April 1, 2017, Lynden Twp.’s estimated population is 2,005, with 720 households.

 

The next Lynden Twp. meeting will be August 6 at 7 p.m.