The Becker Township Board met Monday evening for its final action of 2019 and the winter season weather provided most of the business on the agenda.
Sgt. Dan Frank of the Sherburne County Sheriffs Office appeared before the board to discuss ongoing enforcement actions regarding residents pushing snow onto roadways, snowmobile complaints and ATV’s using snowmobile trails.
In one incident from 163rd Avenue, a homeowner had piled snow near the roadway, causing damage to a passing car. Residents are encouraged to contact the township if there are issues with snow piling that causes a hazard for motorists.
Frank also noted that the DNR is actively working with the Sheriff’s Office on the issues of snowmobile trespass complaints, as well as people who are putting up barricades at the end of their driveways. This is not allowed, as it is usually part of the township’s or county’s roadway right-of-way.
In addition, it appears many people are confused about the legality of ATV’s using snowmobile trails. ATV’s are allowed to use the ditch or road right-of-way trails, however, when the snowmobile trail leaves the right-of-way, ATV’s are not allowed on that portion of the trail.
Roads Supervisor Joe Danielson also updated the board on snowplowing efforts, including several citizen complaints about turf damage, etc.
Because the snow fell early before the ground was frozen, there was some extensive damage done in some areas of the township.
“The contractor is aware of these issues and will be fixing them in the spring,” reported Danielson. “Now that we’ve had the cold weather, we shouldn’t see so many issues.”
Maintenance Contract
The township had solicited bids for general maintenance within the jurisdiction and received but one quote, from Wruck Excavating. Clerk Lucinda Messman noted that she had sent the proposals to eight different companies and also did the usual advertising in the proper publications.
The board moved to adopt the contract pending final review of the details.
Planning Commission
Planner Ben Wikstrom updated the board on a few issues, including enforcement of the ordinance on shipping containers used as storage. Currently, use of the containers is allowed on a temporary basis only, unless the parcel is over 10 acres and used primarily for agricultural purposes.
Supervisor Luke Babler wondered about the issue and the logic behind the prohibition.
“We don’t regulate the siding used on sheds and people can also go buy tarp sheds that don’t hold up very well,” said Babler. “If they are taken care of, they [shipping containers] can be better than many other buildings.”
The issue falls under the township’s regulation of accessory structures and is a broad one including other issues such as using semi trailers, etc. as storage.
“If people pay their taxes, I just think we should allow them to use their land,” added Babler.
Supervisor Brad Wilkening addressed the issue, which has been looked at annually by the planning commission.
“Some of your questions are exactly what we talked about,” said Wilkening, who noted that the commission reviews these items periodically. “We have made some changes that allow people more leeway to store their items.”
Wilkening was referring to a revision that allows people to add lean-to’s to their accessory structures on 2.5 acre parcels.
Wikstrom noted that many times, these enforcement issues come about as a result of complaints by neighbors. No further action was taken on the issue at this time.
On a related land use note, Supervisor Gary Gilbert asked if there had been any news on the City of Becker’s acquisition of property along County Road 11.
Messman responded that there are no right of way permit applications at this time and the city is aware of the Sherburne County expectations for permitting based on the land being abutted by County owned roadways.
In other action, the board:
• Took formal action to accept the roadways within the Boulder Crossing development;
• Heard from Babler that the new radios had arrived for the fire department and were in the process of being programmed by the county;
• Received an update from Chair Brian Kolbinger regarding the CMRP joint powers agreement and stakeholder mapping process;
• Conducted a right of way ordinance review. It was decided that the utility permitting process should be removed and adopted as a separate ordinance.
• Reviewed a one page informational flyer that Messman designed at the request of the snowplow contractor. This can be given to homeowners who have questions or concerns that are addressed directly to the plow operators;
• Approved the treasurer’s report and the 2020 budget. This also included closing out the fire hall bond fund, as it was paid off early;
• Set the annual board of adjustment and equalization meeting for April 7 at 9 a.m.;
• Discussed the upcoming election on March 10 for seats one and two on the board, currently held by Gilbert and Babler. Filings open at the end of the year and run until Jan. 14.
