Policies

Culverts-Approaches (PDF)

Zoning and Permits

All permits for building are administered through Becker County Zoning. Contact them at 218-846-7314 for the permit process.

Overweight Permits

Evergreen Township requires permits for any vehicle that is over 5 Ton per axle. This is to prevent damage to the roads. If you need a permit contact one of the Supervisors and we will get it to you or come to a meeting on the second Monday of every month.

Administer MN Fence Laws

The Township Supervisors have the authority to settle fence line disputes. If you are having a dispute please contact the Township to set up a fence viewing by the Supervisors.

Mailbox Requirements

MN Statute 169.072 Unauthorized mailbox installations. Subdivision 1. Public Hazard. A mailbox installation or support on a public highway that does not meet the breakaway or location standards contained in the rules as previously discussed is declared a public nuisance, a road hazard and danger to the health and safety of the travelling public.
In April 2017 the Evergreen Town Board has passed a policy regarding our responsibility in the replacement of mailboxes or posts that may be damaged by either the snow plow or the road grader operators that contract with our township. Our policy states “that neither Evergreen Township or the contractor will be responsible for the replacement of any mailboxes or posts that are damaged by the contractors, doing their road maintenance, if the mailbox and post do not meet the required height and post requirements.”
The requirements for a mailbox support post is a swing away post that is installed so the mailbox is just above the edge of the road shoulder at a height of 42” and the post in 4’6” back from the edge of the road shoulder. These specs can be found on the Becker County website under the highway department. Swing away posts can be purchased from Becker County.

Resolution for Manure Lines in Township Road Ditches

Passed at Annual Meeting March 2017
In 2016, the legislature made changes to townships’ ability to regulate high pressure flexible force main hoses (referred to as “manure lines”) that are placed in the township right of way. These manure lines are used to pump animal waste from a source farm to another location, where it is used as a soil treatment. MAT encourages the use of manure lines because they remove heavy trucks from township roads, reducing costs to taxpayers. However, since manure lines cross property lines, use township culverts to cross roads, and are an obstruction in the right of way, the township board may wish to issue permits for their use. Township boards are very limited in their power to issue the permit, but doing so encourages communication between the source farmer, the pump operator, and the township – with the goal of meeting the needs of both the applicant and the township. The manure line statute, found at Minn. Stat. § 160.27, subds. 11 – 14, requires that the voters authorize the township board to exercise these powers before the board may do so. Once the voters pass the resolution, the township board may choose whether to pass an ordinance to regulate the use of manure lines. Township boards are not required to regulate manure lines, even if the voters provide this authority. However, passing the resolution in advance allows the board to enact an ordinance whenever they feel it is necessary, rather than waiting for authorization at the next annual township meeting. MAT recommends that all townships adopt this resolution at their annual meeting.

Snow Policy

The Township Of Evergreen does assume basic responsibility for control of snow and ice on township roads. Reasonable ice and snow control is necessary for routine travel and emergency services. The township will provide such control in a safe and cost effective manner, keeping in mind safety, budget, personnel and environmental concerns. Evergreen Township will use a private contractor to provide this service.

Snowplowing will take place on a schedule determined by the private contractor and the township. Factors taken into consideration will be;

  1. Snow accumulation totals and any impending forecast snow.
  2. Drifting of snow that causes problems for travel.
  3. Icy conditions which seriously affect travel.
  4. Time of snowfall in relationship to heavy use of roads

Roads will be plowed based on the most efficient and economic way possible for the township and the private contractor. Snow and ice control will be conducted when weather conditions do not endanger the township employees or private contractor. Factors that may delay snow and ice control operations include; severe cold, significant winds and limited visibility.

Residents where a township road ends at their residence, must maintain an area for the private contractor to turn around that is free from obstacles. This will be as close to the end of the township road as possible, where township responsibility for the road ends.

Ice control options are limited on gravel roads to; cutting the ice or applying sand without salt if available, as this damages the road. Residents are responsible to drive according to the road conditions at the time.