Township to apply for county road grant, schedule road tour; to document nuisance property

The Silver Creek Township Board directed staff on July 16, 2024, to complete a Wright County grant application for planned work on Gowan & 134th and to inspect multiple road-maintenance needs during an upcoming road tour.

Chris Klein of township maintenance will work with Deputy Clerk Julie Urbatch and Elizabeth Karels of Wright County to file the county grant paperwork before the grant period ends, the board agreed. The county has approved funds for townships, but the township must submit a formal application to access the money.

Maintenance reported remaining shouldering work on 119th and 120th streets and on dead ends, a need to clean ditches along 95th St NW, an oil leak on a vehicle identified as 'Ziegler', and contractor damage to chip seal on 155th St that maintenance will document. The board asked for quotes for tree trimming and plans to send letters to two residents whose driveways have caused damage to township roads.

Residents have requested chip sealing on 105th St and Amery Ave; the board said it will evaluate those requests during the planned road tour and consider funding during the budget process. The board also directed maintenance to follow up with the clerk on dust-control budgeting for stabilization on an 'as needed' basis.

Neighbors raised concerns about the property at 3864 150th St NW, citing a blocked driveway that could pose a fire hazard, health concerns and a rodent problem allegedly stemming from large amounts of junk moved from the owner’s Maple Lake property. The township committed to take the lead on documenting conditions, photographing the site, contacting the property owner and seeking county assistance if necessary.

No enforcement action was taken at the meeting; staff follow-up and documentation were assigned for each maintenance and nuisance item.