Lynden Township had a full June meeting, including three CUP updates, three land plats, a variance request and road updates.

 

The township received notice that an appeal had been filed with the Stearns County District Court in regards to the revocation of Tails of Gold Kennel’s CUP (conditional use permit) revocation. Attorney Paul Reuvers has been assigned to handle the case for the township by the Minnesota Association of Townships Insurance Trust. A closed hearing was scheduled for June 14.

 

The planning commission conducted a site visit in regards to Jim Glenn from Outlet Recreation’s two CUP applications, but it was discovered portions of the properties involved fall within Shoreland Overlay District, which is regulated by SCES (Stearns County Environmental Services). Glenn has been directed to SCES.

 

Adam Tetrault from CrossFire PaintBall Sports had previously submitted a CUP application, and a public hearing had been set for May 24. However, after a review of the Memorandum of Understandings, it was determined outdoor paintball courses are regulated by Stearns County and the hearing was cancelled. Tetrault was issued a refund for his application and directed to SCES.

 

A variance application was received from Ruff’s Pet Resort requesting an increase to the 40 dog limit for a commercial kennel. The planning commission will review the application, consider the implications of the variance request on the kennel’s existing CUP, and make a recommendation to the board. A public hearing has been set for June 28 at 7 p.m.

 

Dustin Muller presented the board with a preliminary plat to split a 20 acre parcel located on Co. Rd. 75 upon which he intends to split 10.8 acres off to build a home. 

 

Kevin Molitor submitted a preliminary plat for his Franklin Road parcel in order to obtain a building permit. 

 

Cole Moeller presented the board with a preliminary plat to split an 80-acre parcel, upon which he intends to split off five acres to build a home.

 

Stearns County considers all three parcels to be minor plats. It was previously determined the township’s ordinance doesn’t apply to minor plats, so a motion was made for each parcel to waive the requirements for the township’s subdivision ordinance, along with motions to approve all three preliminary plats and defer the processes to Stearns County.

 

All three applicants will need to return to the township for signatures on their final plats once the county has completed their processes.

 

Supervisor Jerry Finch received a suggested stormwater treatment plan from SCSW (Stearns County Soil and Water) for Alder Road, estimating the cost at $14,000. A $12,000 estimate was also received from Schendzielos. 

 

A motion was made to approve the installation of the Alder Road infiltration system. A second motion was made to deny the petition to relocate the no parking signs along the road because parking can’t be allowed on the infiltration swale, and multiple parcels have limited driveway space so they need to park there. 

 

Supervisor Finch was contacted by Clearwater Township regarding 161st st., which they are chip coating. They inquired if Lynden Township would want to also do their portion of the road. Deciding it would be a good test to determine if chip coating gravel roads should be considered in other areas, a motion was made to further explore chip coating 161st st. from Co. Rd 44 to the Clearwater River.

 

A motion was made to approve Resolution 2016-08, Establishing Stop Ahead Sign Policy. The policy states that such signs should be installed when a stop sign is not visible 300 feet ahead.

 

A discussion was held concerning the township’s special assessment of 3022 Fulton Circle. The base amount of the assessment was $18,500, including accrued interest. The township intends to get repaid for the cost of the property clean up.

 

A motion was made to allow Liz White’s Spring Forest Qigong group to rent the township hall three to four times per month at a reduced rate of $5 per rental. 

 

Supervisor Dave Johnson will prepare a letter regarding objects in the right of way at 1535 200th St. E, allowing 30 days for cleanup.

 

The next Lyndon Township meeting will be July 11 at 7 p.m.