Three separate zoning requests ate up a bunch of the agenda at Monday’s Palmer Township Meeting.

The first was a side setback variance from Emily Schlangen, who is seeking permission to build a chicken broiler barn on a parcel in the vicinity of the intersection of County Roads 3 and 20.  In order to keep a center pivot irrigator in operation, the 624 foot by 60 foot structure would need a 155 foot variance from the border of an adjacent parcel.  The barn would house approximately 40,000 chicks every six weeks, with a two week cleaning and sanitizing period in between batches.  The board approved favorable comment for the Sherburne County Board of Adjustment (BOA), who has the final say on zoning matters within the township.

Next up for discussion was a four foot side property variance for a parcel on Speedboat Bay (east side of Briggs Lake).  Grant Heglund from Dale Gruber Construction appeared before the board seeking positive comment for a higher roofline for a structure.  One item item noted by the supervisors was the need to increase the amount of permeable surface on the parcel, as it currently was out of compliance.

The final zoning request was from the Wendell’s, who recently purchased a small cabin on the chain and wanted it to be recognized as a single family structure despite it not meeting the 720 square foot requirement.  In order to upgrade the septic, the unit first has to meet the definition for a permissible residence.  The board again approved comment to be sent to the BOA.

The board moved on to reports, with Commander Ben Zawacki of the SCSO noting 90 calls for service in the September timeframe, compared to 74 a year ago.  Traffic stops, thefts and medical calls were all present on the call sheet.   A discussion was also held concerning information on drones, their legality and when one of the machines hovering above a residence might represent a violation of privacy.  When in doubt, residents were recommended to call the Sheriff’s Office rather than take any offensive action against the drone itself.

Chair Mike Ganz presented some quotes on a new mower in order to keep the township’s machinery under warranty.  In analyzing costs of purchase versus lease, the former came out more beneficial than the latter.  No action was taken, but further information will be gathered.

In order to replace many of the dead trees that have been removed from Palmer Park, the board approved up to $2,000 to purchase Maple trees from Brigg’s Lake Nursery.

Other topics for discussion included: who pays for the portable toilets at the lake landings, the CLFD monthly report, an update on the Two Inlets park, the T-LID, February 8th’s Ice Day on the Chain, the future status of the emergency sirens in the township, and the Lake Association’s upcoming activities (including the carp study results).

Due to November’s meeting being scheduled for Veteran’s Day, the board agreed to move it to the 18th at 7 p.m.