The Palmer Twp. Board met Monday and spent most of the time discussing a road closing at 42nd St. SE before tabling the item. They also discussed roads,  the park, the lake association and a variance request from a citizen.

 

Several residents of a small area between Julia Lake  and Briggs Lake gathered to discuss the possible closing of a portion of 42nd Street to public use.

 

Last month, Attorney David Meyers was asked to draft a resolution and bring to Monday’s meeting. The easterly 12-feet of a closed right-of-way is proposed to stay open and used exclusively as a private driveway and for utilities for owners of Lots 13-16, Brookside Park. Meyers said the 12-foot easement is to be used as an access to the property owner’s lots and not used for parking purposes.

 

The issue surfaced when one property owner complained about the parking problems along the street. Widening of the driveway would be difficult due to a weel and septic and boundaries.

 

A few of the residents were okay with keeping the driveway and situation as-is while others were concerned with the width of the driveway and how it affects their properties and accesses.

 

Roger Johnson suggested the board issue a decree to have parking not allowed along the driveway road and then leave everything else as-is.

 

After an hour-long discussion and very little progress, Supervisor Steve Demeules suggested they table the issue and allow the property owners 30 days to  come together with a solution.

 

Aaron Peterson of 2899 105th Ave., SE brought forth a request for a 31-foot variance in setback from his property line so he can build a pole barn garage and living quarters next to his home.

 

Peterson told the board he is his wife’s caretaker and he enjoys spending time in his garage and workshop and would like more space and some living arrangements so his wife can be nearby when he is in the garage.

 

Currently, Peterson’s home is to the northern-part of his 10-acre property and the only place he sees a structure like the one he proposes would be to the north of the existing home — leaving just 19-feet to the property line. The area to the south is not feasible according to Peterson because of trees and a slope and the area to the east has his septic and drain field.

 

The area to the west of the home — Peterson says his view would be blocked from whomever decides to come up the driveway.

 

Attorney Meyers said even if the township approved and sent favorable comments, the issue still would come before the county zoning board and they might not be in favor of it. Meyers suggested Peterson have his land platted, which could help him avoid having going through the variance process.

 

Peterson told the board he will consult with his lawyer and let the board know how he plans to proceed.

 

Mitch Hoefer said he finished brushing at Cedar Point. He cleaned things up all the way back to the easements and also removed some trees.

 

Hoefer said he received some complaints from school bus drivers because  branches and debris were scratching their vehicles along 109th & 42nd. Hoefer told the board he remedied the situation and cleaned up other areas.

 

The board was informed there still tends to be several vehicles parking along township roads, especially in cul-de-sacs, even though the winter parking rules are in effect.

 

The board was told the west end of 12th Ave. will continue to be a plowing issue if the dirt road isn’t packed and groomed by next snowfall. The board promised they’d have maintenance look into it.

 

Hoefer said all the leaves in the park are  removed and water lines blown out. He also said the new playground equipment — all 103 pieces — have arrived but won’t be installed until spring. Hoefer said the Lions members will do the installing.

 

Hoefer said an official with the state came out to review the playground area to see if the equipment is being used and told Hoefer everything looks good. Hoefer said the state usually sends someone out for inspections every couple years.

 

Demeules said the BLCA is planning a winter event. He also said all water testing has been done for the season and said there will be no DNR grant money coming in for AIS treatment.

 

Demeules also suggested everyone check out the new BLCA website at briggslakechainassociation.com.

 

Capt. Bob Stangler of the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Dept. said his office received 104 calls for service in October for Palmer Twp. That is up from 63 last year.

Stangler said of the 104 calls, 47 were for traffic situations.

 

Chad McKay said there were 10 calls for service last month. He also suggested everyone take the time to change their batteries in their smoke detectors as usual yearly maintenance and to check chimneys to make sure they are clear.

 

 The next Palmer Twp. Board meeting is Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.