Dan Jenniges from SMA, LLC approached the Lynden Twp. Board Monday night to explain future plans he has for the company’s industrial park property on Hubble Road.

 

During their recent road tour, the board noticed the property was being used for unscreened outdoor equipment storage, which is in violation of township ordinance. Supervisor Jerry Finch contacted Jenniges, who was invited to the meeting for further discussion.

 

Jenniges explained he had purchased the property with the intention of building, however, due to unforeseen circumstances, his original timeline had moved back. He asked the board if they would be agreeable to leaving it temporarily unscreened if he began building in the spring. He would like to avoid the cost of a temporary fence, as the plan is to move everything to the south side of the property. 

 

The board indicated the sooner he was able to get it screened so it came into compliance the better, and a motion carried to waive enforcement until May 1. Jenniges will inform them of his final building plans in the next couple months.

 

Another industrial park business owner stated he had to install screening when he built his business and he didn’t feel it was right that Jenniges wasn’t being required to do the same.

 

“We all have to follow the rules,” said Finch. “If he needs a little more time we’re willing to work with him.”

 

“We try to work with people and not be unreasonable,” added Supervisor Anne Ackerman. “It’s not permanent storage, and when he goes into construction it’ll be moved to the north and then screened.”

 

Larry Gottenick approached the board to request permission to move the driveway on his 4th Ave. property back to its original spot. After purchase, he discovered the property was in a watershed and environmental services required the driveway be moved to the north.

 

The county has since ruled for the original driveway to be put back into use with the condition the north driveway is removed and they contact the township for a new 911 sign.

 

After some discussion, a motion carried to approve the use of the original south driveway.

 

Supervisor Dave Johnson told the board they’d been informed the second driveway on an Eaglewood Rd. property no longer exists. The board will keep an eye on it.

 

Brad Wenz approached the board to inquire on a land split for Jim and Marian Todd. They would like to split off 22.5 acres and sell the remaining acreage to the farmer who is currently renting it from them.

 

Ackerman recommended he speak with environmental services to confirm the process is administrative, as if that’s the case the township would be able to waive their process and issue a certificate of compliance.

 

A motion carried authorizing a $27,000 expenditure for chip coating Hidden River and Eaglewood roads, which is necessary as the surface covering has worn away. The township will be included in the county’s bidding process, saving them money.

 

A public hearing was set for 6 p.m. Jan. 30 concerning a 6” variance request from John and Sarah Hoppe for a new home on their Beachwood Road property. The planning commission will visit the site and make a recommendation.

 

The board discussed making a financial contribution to the new bike trail project. As they don’t have a township park their parkland dedication fees could be used. The board agreed it should be supported; township residents will need to approve the contribution as the board can’t make donations.

 

The new fire call charges ordinance will remain tabled until the board has heard back from both the Annandale and Clearwater fire departments. 

 

The township will publish notice of their annual election. Supervisor Jerry Finch and Clerk Jenny Schmidt are up for reelection. 

 

The next Lynden Twp. meeting will be Feb. 5 at 7 p.m.