A moment of silence in remembrance of the victims and events of 9/11 was held at the beginning of the Lynden Township meeting Monday night.

 

Clearwater Fire Chief Ryan Pridgeon attended the meeting to explain the Wright Co. Chiefs Association’s proposed ordinance and ask the board to draft a similar one for Lynden Township.

 

He explained the intent of the ordinance isn’t to raise revenue, it’s for recouping costs for large scale mutual aid events, which in the past the city or fire department has had to cover. They’re also hoping to be able to recoup some of the expenses for grassfires along the highway. 

 

Pridgeon stated Lynden Township residents can expect the same service as before and won’t be billed for calls.

 

Supervisor Dave Johnson expressed concern with some of the wording in the ordinance, which he will forward to Pridgeon and Township Attorney Michael Couri. 

 

Ross Corrigan approached the board to explain his 17th Ave. land split request. 

 

He and his wife purchased two adjoining properties they would like to replat so the parcels will be split in a more reasonable manner; currently the second lot is partially in front of their house site.

 

Supervisor Jerry Finch explained the parcels were originally platted that way so they could use the same driveway.

 

The board advised Corrigan to speak with county environmental services to determine if the properties would need to be replatted or be an administrative split. 

 

As what the county determines affects what the township will do, the board agreed to readdress the issue at their October meeting.

 

The board passed Resolution 2017-06, Adopting a Complaint Investigation Policy. 

 

The resolution states when a complaint is brought to the board it will be followed up on and the identification of complainants will remain confidential. If a complaint is made unanimously the board will attempt to follow up on it.

 

A resident approached the board to express concern over the speeding on Craigway and Woodbine, including two dune buggies that are often seen racing and not observing stop signs. Along with pedestrians, the resident is concerned over Sand Hill Cranes living in the area.

 

“I understand your frustration,” said Supervisor Anne Ackerman. “The problem is speeding isn’t something this board can enforce so there isn’t a lot we can do. You have to go through the sheriff’s department.”

 

She advised the resident to personally speak with the offenders, and if the problem continues to call the sheriff’s department.

 

The board discussed options for internet and cell phone service for the town hall. James Kantor will follow up.

 

Johnson informed the board their handicap accessible parking sign is outdated and the area needs to be restriped. He will follow up.

 

Johnson and Building Inspector Nancy Scott reviewed the Jerry’s Towing property. Although there are a few issues to fix, the company is substantially in compliance.

 

The board appointed Jeff Westrum planning commission chair and reappointed Brian Nickolauson to another five-year term. The vice chair position will be discussed at the next meeting.

 

Liz White approached the board to thank them for allowing the Spring Forest Qigong group to rent the town hall Wednesday evenings; they’ll now be meeting in a new location.

 

The board waived the town hall rental fee for the upcoming DFL caucus in February.

 

The board tentatively set their fall road tour for Oct. 16 at 3 p.m.

 

The next planning commission meeting will be Sept. 25 at 6 p.m.

 

The next Lynden Township meeting will be Oct. 2 at 7 p.m.