Silver Creek Township approves roadwork contract, P&Z contact change and waives driveway fees

Silver Creek Township’s Board of Supervisors met on March 18, 2025, and approved several routine and project-related items, including a roadwork contract and a waiver of driveway fees for a resident.

Chairman Mike Helman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. During the opening business, Supervisor Sandy Forsman moved to add a Bienusa driveway permit to the agenda; Supervisor Andy Christensen seconded the motion and it carried 4-0. The board tabled the February 18, 2025 meeting minutes due to insufficient attendance among supervisors for that prior meeting.

Clerk-Treasurer Alana Paumen reviewed fund balances, a library donation, an upcoming audit presentation, recent hall rentals and upcoming events. The maintenance report noted that maintenance staff and the road boss will meet with Clearwater Township to coordinate townline road work.

Under old business the board discussed the Locke Lake hydraulic study and noted it is likely to be completed during the county ditch study and that the project remains eligible for state funding.

In new business the board acted on several motions. Supervisor Brandon Geyen moved, and Supervisor Andy Christensen seconded, approval of a proposal from Bertram Asphalt; the motion carried 4-0. Geyen also moved — with Christensen seconding — to send a Letter of Support and to change the Planning & Zoning contact to Chris Klein; that motion carried 4-0. The board reviewed the culvert/driveway ordinance and permit and agreed to remove some language and all fees from the ordinances for further discussion at a later meeting. Supervisor Andy Christensen moved to approve Bienusa’s request for a second driveway and to waive associated fees; Chairman Mike Helman seconded and the motion carried 4-0.

During open forum Bob Esse said the township’s Annual Meeting “went great,” and Johann Massaman spoke about information he has gathered related to Xcel sirens. There were six guests in attendance, per the meeting roll call.

The board adjourned following a motion by Geyen, seconded by Christensen.

Votes at a glance: all recorded motions that included tallies passed unanimously (4-0) — the agenda addition, the List of Disbursements, the Bertram Asphalt proposal, the Letter of Support with P&Z contact change, and the Bienusa second-driveway with waived fees. The February 18 minutes were tabled.

Next steps: the board will continue review of the culvert/driveway ordinance language and fees at a future meeting; maintenance staff will meet with Clearwater Township on townline road coordination; the Locke Lake hydraulic study will proceed during the county ditch study schedule.