Mark Spies

The board approved the Treasurer's report and authorized the closure of a specific certificate of deposit. Discussions included activity reports from staff and partners. Key approvals included the signing of the State of Minnesota Wells Contract, the procurement of a county fair booth, various training and meeting attendance requests for staff and board members, the Local Partners Agreement with Pheasants Forever, Inc., and the North Fork Crow River Fiscal Year 2026 Watershed Based Implementation Funding Grant Subcontract Policy and Procedure.

The commission held public hearings for several conditional and interim use permit applications. These included the renewal of an interim use permit for aggregate mining, the approval of a temporary second dwelling for a relative, and a conditional use permit to perform grading and elevation work within a shoreland district for a shooting range. Additionally, the commission reviewed a feedlot expansion proposal, discussing environmental regulations, water appropriation permits, and potential impacts on groundwater-dependent resources, ultimately recommending approval with specified operational conditions. The commission also briefly discussed lot size standards in relation to the upcoming comprehensive plan.

The meeting included the review and approval of the monthly treasurer's report and payment of township bills. Key discussions covered updates on the Fire Board regarding a new truck payment schedule, procedures for residents to request dust guarding, and ongoing review of information provided by the township attorney. Additionally, the board discussed pending contract changes for Collinwood Township, noted upcoming board of appeal training requirements, and considered options for road maintenance projects including obtaining cost estimates from asphalt contractors.

The board reviewed financial reports, including bills payable and accounts receivable, and authorized payments. Discussion items included a recent road inspection, the scheduling of gravel bid openings, and updates on various infrastructure projects such as culvert repairs, parking lot maintenance, and the legal process for vacating 170th Street. The board approved a contract for tree removal and authorized significant road repair and crack sealing work proposed by Bargen. Additionally, the board discussed future training for conversion to CTAS software and noted ongoing road maintenance tasks planned for the 2026 season.

The board discussed several items, including the completion of dust guarding and the review of the associated bill from Crow River Construction. Other topics addressed included reviewing information provided by the township attorney, the status of an updated contract with Collinwood Township, and a reminder regarding board of appeal training deadlines. Additionally, the board approved proposals for mill patching and spray patching on various roads.