Township approves request for excavating business

By Ryan Gueningsman
Managing Editor

A request to operate an excavating business on Highway 12 was approved by the Franklin Township Board last Monday at its regular monthly meeting.

Ryan Sarkinen made the request to operate the business, which will have some trucks and rock stored outside. Sarkinen obtained approval from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to have semi trailers use the driveway.

Board Member John Czanstkowski Sr. asked about the amount of traffic that would be utilizing the driveway, and Sarkinen said there would be five or six large trucks leaving in the morning and returning in the evening. He said there will be minimal traffic throughout the rest of the day.

It was noted the business will not be retail, and that in time, the trailer located on the land, that will be used for the office, could be eliminated and replaced with a permanent structure.

The board approved Sarkinen’s request, which had already been approved by Wright County Planning and Zoning, contingent upon township approval. It was noted that any signage for the property must be done in accordance with regulations in place.

Odds and ends

In other business, the board:

• discussed Brighton Avenue being a detour for Highway 12 roadwork in 2008. McMullen has drafted a letter to MnDOT to confirm if Brighton Avenue will be a detour, and if so, asking to be included in any discussions involving road upgrades.

• approved a lot line adjustment for Dan and Cecelia Gabrelcik, who own property on Braddock Avenue.

The board also approved a lot line adjustment for Brad McKown of Valhalla Land.

• tabled discussion of specifications for a new plow truck to the next regular meeting Monday, Aug. 6

• heard a comment from a resident about dust control and grading township roads.

Maintenance man Brian Butterfass, who was present at the meeting, explained that depending on when the road is graded, when it is coated, and when it rains, all affect if the road becomes “washboarded” and how much dust there is.