The Lynden Twp. Board of Supervisors discussed a number of issues during their meeting Monday night, including road updates, the new fire contract, complaints and the upcoming need for a new supervisor.

 

 

Supervisor Dennis Niemi informed the board Township Attorney Mike Couric suggested the township issue a $100 annual permit to Pilgrim’s Pride for road upkeep in response to their request to haul heavy loads along 155th Street. 

 

After discussing long-term costs and potential expenses, it was decided to issue the permit and relook at the issue in a year. The road will continue to be monitored until freeze up.

 

The board discussed the proposed winter and summer road maintenance contracts with Schendzielos that were presented last month. 

 

A few changes to the summer contract were discussed, including creating a separate document for the resolution section. There were no issues with the winter contract. Motions passed approving both contracts with changes. 

 

Niemi will draw up Resolution 2018-4 for consideration at the next meeting.

 

The board reviewed incorrect numbers on an invoice from Schendzielos for 13th Ave. culvert repair. The permit describes the culvert as 70’ x 60”; Schendzielos listed it as 72’. 

 

Niemi will follow up; the township may have a credit due. A motion was made to approve.

 

A motion passed authorizing the expenditure needed for repairs on a Shores Point culvert.

 

 

Concerned with a potentially high increase, Supervisor Anne Ackerman and Supervisor Dave Johnson met with representatives from Clearwater Twp., Clearwater Fire Dept. and the City of Clearwater to discuss the new fire contract.

 

A verbal agreement was made to look into revising the calculation used; instead of each entity paying a third they will look at basing it on who uses the department.

 

“In my opinion, it will be a fairer way to calculate what each off our numbers are,” said Ackerman. “We’re not done yet but at least we’re moving in the right direction.”

 

She requested the fire department’s call data but was told they could no longer get it. It was suggested she contact Stearns Co.

 

She will be analyzing the county numbers to see how they compare to what the township has been billed in the past. The township is waiting for a follow-up from the Clearwater city administrator. 

 

 

A security issue was brought to the board’s attention concerning semi-trucks pulling into Lynden Valley Industrial Park at all hours of the night. Although many of them are offloading cargo, some are offloading garbage and human waste. The complainant suggested installing a street light to combat the problem.

 

“I don’t think it’s a good idea because it will just give them more light to work with,” said Johnson. “I think the best approach is to restrict parking from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.”

 

A motion carried approving Resolution 2018-03, erecting parking signs along the industrial park’s roads. Schmidt will order posts once Johnson has determined how many will be needed.

 

 

A representative from Lake Central Bank attended the meeting to discuss the administrative citation issued to them by the township concerning junk at 483 221st St. E.

 

Although the bank is listed as the owner on record for the property, he explained they are unable to compel the residents to do anything to clean it up as they don’t have actual rights to the property until next summer.

 

A motion passed to remove the administrative citation.

 

The township received a complaint concerning the number of vehicles, amount of junk and the possibility of people living in an accessory building on a Fairmount Road property. Niemi reviewed the property and noted a clean-up appeared to be in progress. The township can’t do anything about the number of vehicles as the county has changed their regulations regarding that issue.

 

The board agreed it didn’t appear there was a violation occurring on the property, but will continue to monitor it to try to determine if anyone is living in the accessory building.

 

 

The township will be looking to elect a new supervisor in March, as Ackerman will be retiring her position after 18 years.

 

Anyone interested in running for the position can file beginning in January in order to officially be put on the ballet; the election will be held in March.

 

Arevalo Transport has recalled their application for a CUP because the road weight restrictions on 202nd Street E. didn’t meet their needs. 

The next Lynden Twp. meeting will be Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.