Supervisor Mark Knowles informed the board that the last residents who agreed to sign the road order after meeting with himself and the surveyor had changed their minds, and now want to get paid for the right-of-way instead of signing it over.

 

Twp. Attorney David Meyers advised the board they have three options in the matter. They can do nothing as they have a road by use, they can acquire the land by a petition, which is a method for townships to acquire roadway that the landowners could appeal, or they could continue working with them.

 

The residents had originally signed a document of agreement along with all the other neighbors. The township had then moved forward and spent money for a survey and legal fees based on this agreement.

 

A discussion was held on the merits of spending more money on the project.

 

“At this point I don’t see a benefit to us to incur any additional cost,” said Supervisor Jeff Schlingmann. 

 

Supervisor Mike Pesch brought up the point that if things are left as is and the residents decide to sell their land in the future they’ll incur legal fees; if they sign now there is no expense to them.

 

“I think it’s a bad precedent to pay anyone,” he said. “Now it’s voluntary, but if word gets around you can make a deal it won’t be. We’re bowing to obstinate behavior.”

 

The board agreed, and determined their best course of action was to set it aside for now as the survey never goes out of date.

 

 

Meyers informed the board he has the paperwork ready for the 36th Street temporary easements; Schlingmann stated he has all but two signatures.

 

A motion carried authorizing Meyers to move forward as soon as all the signatures have been obtained.

 

Knowles told the board he has been in contact with Central Specialties, Inc. and was told they believe they can grind the roads in Sherwood West. A proposal will be put together.

 

Jeff Rhodes informed the board he will be working on pothole patching and trees at the end of River Haven. He will also be putting together cost estimates on upcoming crack sealing and patching.

 

 

Schlingmann reminded members the township has been working with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to be removed from MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System). He and Meyers found the culvert for Sterling Heights and there was no inflow into the pipe. They believe the township can be removed from MS4 if they can assure the MPCA ownership has been transferred. 

 

Supervisor Kathi Kosloski thanked everyone for their work on the township cleanup day; 237 households came through. A motion carried to pay the Boy Scouts the same amount as last year for the help they provided.

 

The sheriff reported 88 calls for service for April, including 20 traffic violations, one arrest for second degree assault with a gun, six medical, one fire and 20 security checks.

 

The next Haven Twp. meeting will be June 18 at 7 p.m.