Alexandria Township
Alexandria, Minnesota 56308
Minutes of the meeting of June 3, 2013
A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Alexandria Township was held on the 3rd day of June, 2013 at the Alexandria Township Conference Room, 610 Fillmore Street.
ROLL CALL: Supervisors present were Bryon Alstead, Jul Feuling, Lyle Hammerschmidt, Joel Dahlheimer and Russell Niskanen. Also present were Gregg Raisanen, Clerk, and Mona Billmark, Treasurer. As said members formed a quorum and the meeting was called to order by Chairman Alstead at 6:00 p.m.
Feuling, seconded by Hammerschmidt, made a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Niskanen, seconded by Hammerschmidt, made a motion to approve the minutes of the 5/20/2013 regular board meeting as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Feuling, seconded by Dahlheimer, made a motion to authorize payment of claims 13109 – 13121 in the amount of $19,281.38, net payroll of $4000.29 for a total of $23,281.67 and a transfer of funds of $20,000.00. Motion carried unanimously.
CITIZEN’S CONCERNS: none
PLANNING AND ZONING: Zoning Administrator Oleson reported that Wayne Virkus has requested approval to consolidate and replace landscaping on his lake lot, such as patio and sidewalk. Mr. Virkus presented pictures depicting an area of patio underneath mulch. When Oleson had taken measurements researching a variance application in 2008, the impervious calculations were 212 sq ft of patio/sidewalk area. Since our ordinance currently allows for 200 sq ft. of patio, this would normally require a variance. Mr. Virkus is requesting a total of 275 sq ft of patio area. The board viewed the request as a replacement (not an expansion) and considered the outcome to be an improvement to the property. Consensus is to allow the consolidation/replacement.
The town board discussed the screening plan for Jack’s Family Recycling with owner, Kathy Hodges. Ms. Hodges stated the goal is to move material out of the west side, the residue raked up, bales moved to the back, the slab completely cleared off and keep everything in line with the fence. She plans to remove the rest of the material off the ditch in the next week. When asked about moving the fence from the back area to the front, she stated that it is not an easy task since posts are cemented in. She agreed that the primary goal is to keep the front area clean. Supervisor Hammerschmidt proposed a plan for short-term screening. He recommended installing a section of fence at incremental stages. He also suggested short-term screening goals that can be accomplished by fall. The long-term objective would be completed screening in front, to be accomplished prior to the relicensing of E-waste by the MPCA. The board requested Ms. Hodges to attend the first town meeting in July to review progress. Ms. Hodges will obtain cost figures for the fence and, weather allowing, cleaning of the front property.
Clerk Raisanen reported that the planning commission has expressed interest in attending offsite conferences for training purposes and are inquiring as to reimbursement costs. The clerk’s recommendation is to provide reimbursement for registration fees and mileage, the same procedure used by the town board. Consensus to reimburse the planning commission for registration fees and mileage for offsite training sessions on a case-by-case basis.
Oleson reported that the planning commission had no additional concerns regarding the sign ordinance update. They have opted to drop the vacation rental issue. They amended a portion of the small animal ordinance.
Oleson reported that Joe Zunker is trying to sell his lot on Lake Victoria, adjacent to Dick Zunker’s scrap yard. He is requesting installation of a 12’ fence, which would be in violation of our ordinance allowing only 6 ‘. The board was in consensus that the landowner will need a variance to erect a 12’ fence. Clerk Raisanen noted that this represents a unique set of circumstances that might constitute a hardship. The board recommended that the landowner consult with the owner of lot 5 and, if that owner has no objection to the erection of a 12’ fence, applies for the variance.
ENGINEER’S REPORT: Clerk Raisanen reported that he, Chairman Alstead and Engineer Kuhn met with County Engineer Robley on the subject of transferring ownership of County Road 85 to the township. He stated that if the board was in consensus, the road could be transferred to the township immediately and the requirement to hold a public hearing would be waived and the township would receive a lump sum payment for the two years of maintenance. Clerk Raisanen will contact County Engineer Robley to determine what the county is proposing for payment.
Clerk Raisanen reported that Engineer Kuhn had provided a link to the roadway alignment report that was alluded to at the annual short course.
Clerk Raisanen mentioned the need to have board members receive up to date training for the Board of Equalization.
OLD BUSINESS: none
NEW BUSINESS: none
Being no further business, Niskanen, seconded by Hammerschmidt, made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m.
Respectfully submitted….
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Gregg Raisanen, Clerk
Approved this ____ day of ________, 2013
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Bryon Alstead, Chairman