Clear Lake Township supervisors discussed variance requests, road projects, and a request for a speed limit sign at their recent meeting.

 

Wes and Holly Scott approached the board requesting a septic system variance for their Long Lake property.

 

They explained as their lot is small, the only place the new system can be installed is at the proposed location 52’ from the lake. The required septic setback is 100’, so a 48’ variance is needed.

 

A motion was passed to approve the variance, and the board will forward their comments on to Sherburne County.

 

Sharon Kuhlmann approached the board to request a septic system variance for her Long Lake property. 

 

She explained they are selling their house, however the current septic system is leaking and can’t be certified. The proposed location for the new system is 60’ from the lake, so a 40’ variance is needed. 

 

The board approved the variance, and will forward their comments on to the County.

 

Ed Lewis presented the board with a petition signed by close to 90% of White Farm Estates residents, requesting 35 miles-per-hour speed limit signs be posted on their roads. The rural residential speed limit is 35 mph, however to be enforced it needs to be posted.

 

The request was first brought to the board at their September meeting, after which the residents were informed a petition with signatures from at least 75% of affected property owners was needed to begin the process.

 

Supervisor Bud Stimmler informed Lewis engineering would look into the request and offer recommendations, which residents will then have the option to accept or reject. 

 

Engineer Terrance Vander Eyk discussed road project estimates that would be considered for sealcoating in 2017, and told the board he anticipates Sherburne County will be putting together a sealcoat program for 2017. The county will want the township to provide cost estimates early in the year if they want to participate. 

 

Vander Eyk informed the board he had received a call from a River Oakes homeowner requesting a security deposit refund from the township, as they had a falling out with Noble Custom Homes. He informed the homeowner a refund wouldn’t occur until construction on the home was complete. 

 

 

He advised the board the deposit would only be refunded if no damage to the roadway or right-of-way occurred. Chairman Gary Gray will contact the homeowner to discuss the driveway permit.

 

John Foley requested gravel be added to the road to his driveway, as heavy rains have caused it to need repair. Gray asked Vander Eyk to review the road and report back with an estimate.

 

Gray asked Jeff Rhodes from Driveway Services LLC to check low hanging branches on Cty Rd 57 and 70th Street SE, and trim them if they’re obstructing drivers’ vision. 

 

Vander Eyk introduced Wes Davis, a new engineer from Bogart-Pederson & Associates, who will be working with the township in the future.

 

Stimmler attended the October township association meeting. He informed the board the public works director discussed county roads they’re expecting to work on in 2017. 

 

He recommended the board invite the director to attend an upcoming township meeting to discuss their plans for the roads that go through Clear Lake Township in more detail.

 

Gray informed the board the fire department’s new grass truck is now in service.

 

The sheriff’s report wasn’t available at the time of the meeting.

 

The next Clear Lake Township meeting will be December 20 at 7 p.m.