During their May meeting, the Lynden Twp. Board of Supervisors discussed Republic Services’ proposed new recycling contract.

 

General Manager Jon Snyder proposed new monthly pricing for every other week recycling services; current pricing is $5.25 per home. The proposed pricing is $7.25 with annual adjustment on collection fee and the net processing fee being adjusted annually.

 

The new proposal amounts to a nearly 31% increase; with 555 units participating in recycling in the most current billing the extra costs amount to around $13,000. Supervisor Dave Johnson explained the increase is part of the levy set at the annual meeting in March so it can’t be changed until next March for the 2021 levy.

 

A motion carried for Supervisor Dennis Niemi to represent the township for contract negotiations in the matter.

 

 

Stearns Co. received bids for chip coating Woodbine and Elderberry; the project was awarded to Aztec. Lynden Twp.’s portion of the project will be $9,736. No start date has been set.

Johnson informed the board he had reviewed the current 13th Ave. town line road agreement with St. Augusta regarding MN Statute 103E.525, which provides for a 50/50 split. The statute doesn’t supersede the agreement, so the township will continue to pay full costs of the 13th Ave. culvert replacement.

 

Niemi drafted a new proposed agreement to clarify issues with the existing agreement. 

 

Niemi informed the board he had received a quote from Central Minnesota Dust Control for $56,885 for gravel road dust control. The quote is approximately $13,000 higher than in 2018, but the township’s intent is to apply more heavily on frequently traveled roads. Cost sharing with land owners may be discussed in the future.

 

A motion carried accepting the quote from Central Minnesota Dust Control.

 

 

Property owner Jamie Schultz approached the board to discuss his Stearns Co. ordinance property use violation. He explained cleanup will occur by mid-month, and going forward they will keep cars intact until sale versus dismantling them.

 

Johnson explained the issue of a salvage operation falls within the jurisdiction of Stearns Co. Environmental Services (SCES), but thanked Schultz for coming in to explain his intent.

 

A potential buyer for property on Fairfax Road inquired about building a shed on the parcel prior to building a house; SCES indicated it wouldn’t be allowable per Stearns Co. ordinance.

 

The owner of 65 acres on 3rd Ave. informed the township he wanted to break off 11 acres and seven acres to sell to an adjoining land owner. Clerk Jenny Schmidt will contact SCES to determine if the matter falls within the Certificate of Compliance boundaries.

 

An administrative subdivision for attachment purposes with Stearns Co. approval along with a certificate of compliance from the township may be needed.

 

 

Johnson has provided Twp. Attorney Michael Couri with the supporting documents for the Valorie Labeau dog and waste complaint; the matter has been referred to the Stearns Co. attorney.

 

Motions passed approving Resolution 2019-01, Creating Vice-Chair Position on the Lynden Town Board, Resolution 2019-02, Establishing a Policy for the Compensation and Reimbursement of Town Officers, and Resolution 2019-03, Establishing a Fiscal Policy.

 

The first half of the fire contracts with the City of Clearwater and the City of Annandale have been paid. Supervisor Dave Johnson indicated he was continuing to work with all involved regarding Clearwater call discrepancies and the new Clearwater contract formula.

 

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