This has definitely been the summer of rain and much like all of you, we have been dealing with it, except on a larger scale,  throughout the entire Township. The rain has hindered plenty of the intended and planned projects for the summer of 2024 as we tried to play catch up with what the rain water damage had done to roadways and culverts throughout the Township. The ground was saturated for the vast majority of the summer.  The lakes and swamp land that hold our extra water during those times were overflowing and there just was no place for water to shed, thus leaving water in the ditches and other places not normally held. 

Now that the cooler temps are upon us and the leaves begin to change, we start to prepare for fall and winter. Cooler temperatures give us a better opportunity to start trimming trees again along the roadway to better improve sightlines and keep trees away from large equipment.

You will see the Case tractor out with the boom mower.  We generally like to mow back as far as we can reach for a multitude of reasons including;  allowing drivers to see wildlife approaching the road, and also keeping snow drifts back from the edges of the roads.

The motor graders will be out as well trying to utilize any moisture we can get. If it continues to remain dry, you will see a water truck being used also  to help better repair the granite as well as try and ease some of the wear on the cutting edges of the graders.

 At this time of year we also notice that the dust control that was applied at the beginning of summer is pretty worn thin by this time of year, making the roads dustier than normal. Gravel roads aren’t meant to handle speeds higher than 35mph nor traffic numbers in excess of 200 cars a day, both of which Franklin Township sees on most of our roads, daily.  

As always we appreciate your patience when you see us out working.  We try to stay out of the way or move through traffic as quickly as possible. Please also watch out for the farmers that share our roads, especially during these busy times of the year. We all have families to go home to at the end of the day.

Happy fall!

Josh Marlette


DID YOU KNOW?

It is unlawful to perform unauthorized work with a road right-of-way (ROW), as well as, to deposit snow, grass clippings or other debris on or next to a public highway or street per MN Statute 160.2715. The Township ROW is 66 feet, extending 33 ft. from the center of the road. Tree trimming in the ROW will be done by the Township employees. Other trimming, not in the ROW, is the homeowners responsibility.

PARKING AND SNOW PLOWING Franklin Township prohibits parking any motor vehicle, machinery or implement on any township street between the hours of 2 am and 7 am during the winter season; November 1 through April 1 of the next year.  There is no parking on any street after a snowfall of 2 inches or more until the street has been plowed. Violators will be towed.  

Franklin Township would also like to remind all township residents and businesses of the Minnesota State Statute 160.2715 which prohibits plowing, shoveling, blowing or in any way depositing snow on any public road.   Snow may not be moved or pushed across any township road from your residence or business.  If you have someone that plows your driveway, please make them aware of this statue.  Thank you for helping to keep our township safe for all!

The mailbox support is the personal property of the homeowner and allowed in the ROW. To help reduce your liability, consider a swing-away mailbox support. Mailbox should be a minimum of 42” above road and 3’ back from gravel edge. For more information on these supports, contact the Township Hall.

911 signs make it easy for emergency vehicles to find the way to your home. The purpose of the 911 Act was to improve public safety by facilitating seamless communication infrastructure for emergency vehicles. If you have never had one or need a new one, please contact the Township Hall.

Driveway permit and 911 signs link

Right of Way Permits

Right of Way Permit Application

Noxius Weeds

It is the goal of Franklin Township to provide safe Right of Ways for the traveling public which includes spraying for noxious weeds such as; thistles, poison ivy, wild parsnip and yellow mustard that exist in the Right of Ways.  The elimination of noxious weeds and brush is required by the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law.  The Township will control the spread of noxious weeds and brush, when it exists along the roadside, by spot spraying appropriate chemicals directly to the noxious weeds and mowing throughout the growing season.
Residents who do not want their ditches sprayed for these weeds, if they exist, must notify the Township by May 31 by email–franklintwnshp@gmail.com.  Along with your request to not spray, please send your name and address and also indicate how you will be removing the noxious weeds from the ditch Right of Way.  Any questions, please contact the town hall by email or call 763.923.4284.

Snow Removal and Township Roads

The snow, which may be left on the roadway or piles of snow left on the side of the road, can create real hazards not only for motorists but also for snow removal crews and equipment. In the past, snowplows have been damaged when hitting compacted and frozen snow deposited on or next to the roads.

Minnesota Statutes (160.27, Subdivision 5) prohibits plowing, shoveling, blowing or in any way depositing snow on any public highway. The violation is punishable as a misdemeanor. In addition, the property owner and/or person dumping the snow could be liable should a civil lawsuit result.

Snowplow safety tips

Make sure to educate children on the dangers of snow removal and make sure they play safely! Please remind them to:

—Never build tunnels or snow forts in the snowbanks near a street. The force and weight of the snow coming off the plows can collapse the tunnels or forts and harm/or bury the child.

—Keep sleds and toys out of the street and away from the edge of the road. Snowbanks can make it hard for plow drivers to see children playing in these areas.

Garbage and Recycling Cans in the roadway

Every year snowplow drivers have incidents with garbage and recycling cans being placed in the roadway.

Did you know the reach on a garbage/recycle truck is 12 feet? Cans should be placed near the end of a homeowner’s driveway, approximately 3 feet back from where the driveway meets the roadway. This also applies to paved shoulder roadways and in curb areas. This helps us clear snow in a timely fashion and limit the potential hazards created when the cans are placed too far out into the roadway.

5 Tips for Sharing the Road with our Snowplows

  • Start to slow down as soon as you see the snowplow and stay at least 5 car lengths (70 feet) back.

  • Don’t stop too close.

  • Give the snowplow room to work.

  • Take extreme caution when passing.

  • Permit the plow extra room in a high risk areas.