Residents went before the Haven Township board with issues during their meeting Monday night.

 

Lois Campbell approached the board to discuss concerns with the township fencing off their landing on 45th. The area to be fenced off is located between the Campbell and Marty Malinen properties, and doing so will create hardships for the property owners. 

 

Supervisor Mark Knowles reviewed with the board that barricading the road as originally decided upon put the fence through Malinen’s driveway, porch and steps. 

 

Campbell asked if fencing going all the way down to the lake was necessary. Supervisor Jeff Schlingmann said the decision to close the landing was made due to complaints about the public using the access and parking on township roads.

 

Knowles added erosion was also a concern, as without fencing people would just go around the barricade.

 

Campbell said they wouldn’t be able to get their dock in and out of the lake once the fence has been installed. Schlingmann replied they would need to work out how to do so using their own property.

 

Campbell stated they have maintained the landing for years and it was frustrating to now be told they can’t use it. 

 

Knowles explained from a liability standpoint once it’s closed, the township has to keep everybody off the property, which includes them.

 

A motion was passed for Knowles to work with Malinen and Township Attorney David Meyers to create a license agreement giving Malinen access to his house and walkway to the lake.

 

Residents approached the board with concerns regarding activity that has been occurring at a property on 13th Ave. SE in the Valley View neighborhood.

 

It was explained a number of people have moved into the home who don’t appear to be related. Police have been to the residence nine times in the past six weeks.

 

Recently the property had been inquired about as a potential site for a transition home, however no license has yet been given.

 

Schlingmann explained according to the zoning ordinance single-family is defined as any number of individuals living together on a premise in a household unit, so there is nothing the township is able to do.

 

“I can call the landlord with your concerns and if I find there’s a zoning violation we’ll address that,” he said. “For now your best bet is to go through the sheriff’s department and we’ll see if we can get some sort of resolution.”

 

Schlingmann informed the board he was a member of Mississippi Partners, an organization that works towards future river initiatives. The organization is looking at putting together a map of the river from Blanchard Dam to Clearwater that would highlight special areas and be used to promote recreation and tourism. The cost is estimated at $10,000. 

 

Schlingmann asked the board if there was interest in using some of the township’s park assessment account to contribute towards the project.

 

The account is designated for recreational purposes only. As Haven Township doesn’t have a park system the fund can be used for, the board agreed to donate up to $3,000 from it to support the map project, contingent upon approval from Sherburne County.

 

The township was informed by Sherburne County they have the option to purchase a piece of forfeited property along Hwy. 10. 

 

The board determined the property would serve no purpose to the township, and a motion was made to decline the option to purchase.

 

Schlingmann asked the board if the township should continue to absorb the cost of removing private trees that have fallen onto the right of way or if the cost should be assessed to the property owners. 

 

After a brief discussion, the board agreed the cost was minimal and the township would continue to pay for removals.

 

The sheriff reported 69 calls for the month of August, including 17 traffic stops and three frauds.

 

The next Haven Township meeting will be Oct. 17 at 7 p.m.