Alexandria Township
Alexandria, Minnesota 56308
Minutes of the meeting of November 7, 2011
A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Alexandria Township was held on the 7th day of November, 2011 at the Alexandria Township Conference Room, 610 Fillmore Street.
ROLL CALL: Supervisors present were Bryon Alstead, Jul Feuling, Joel Dahlheimer and Roger Thalman. Also present were Gregg Raisanen, Clerk, and Mona Billmark, Treasurer. As said members formed a quorum and the meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairman Alstead at 6:00 p.m.
Feuling, seconded by Thalman, made a motion to appoint Bryon Alstead as Board Chairman. Motion carried unanimously.
Feuling, seconded by Alstead, made a motion to appoint Joel Dahlheimer as Vice-Chairman. Motion carried unanimously.
Thalman, seconded by Dahlheimer, made a motion to adopt the agenda with the additions of Joint Planning Board and meeting dates following holidays under New Business. Motion carried unanimously.
Feuling, seconded by Thalman, made a motion to approve the minutes of the 10/17/2011 regular board meeting as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Dahlheimer, seconded by Thalman, made a motion to authorize payment of claims 11271-11288 in the amount of $40,294.26, net payroll of $3,731.46, totaling $44,025.72 and a transfer of funds from savings in the amount of $33,000.00. Motion carried unanimously.
CITIZEN’S CONCERNS: none
PLANNING AND ZONING: Zoning Administrator Oleson presented a conditional use application for Ronald and Mary Nelson of 1804 E. Lake Geneva Road NE. The purpose of the application is to allow for the placement of approximately 48 cubic yards of soil and 18 cubic yards of rock rip rap in a shore impact zone. The planning commission conducted a public hearing and, after discussion, recommended approval with the two staff recommendations outlined in the staff report. Motion by Feuling, seconded by Thalman, to approve the Nelson conditional use application with the two conditions as recommended by the planning commission. Motion carried unanimously.
The board reviewed the minutes from previous meetings regarding conditions placed on Jacks Family Recycling. Allegations had been made in the last several months regarding possible violations to the conditional use permit issued to JFRC as well as environmental concerns. Zoning Administrator Oleson stated that to date there has been one documented violation, which was addressed last year and subsequently remedied. He stated that this was the first strike for JFRC in the town’s 3-strike policy. Supervisor Thalman asked if we included penalties in our ordinance. Oleson stated that the 3-strike policy is the outcome of the penalty phase of the ordinance. Supervisor Feuling asked when the 3-strike policy was instituted and also if the “violation” occurred before the policy was instituted. She felt the violation should count as the first “strike” only if it occurred after the institution of the 3-strike policy. A resident addressed the board, indicating his frustration with the response from both the township and the MPCA. Oleson reiterated that he had investigated the complaints and found no violations. Chairman Alstead suggested that he and Oleson conduct a drive-by inspection in the next week. Supervisor Thalman asked that it be noted the township has addressed and investigated each and every complaint.
Fee Schedule: Zoning Administrator Oleson presented an updated fee schedule for the board’s approval. He stated that the schedule reflects a fee for a stormwater application. Upon review with the town engineer, he recommends omitting that fee. Thalman, seconded by Feuling, made a motion to approve the fee schedule as presented with the omission of the stormwater fee and that the fees will become effective January 1, 2012. Motion carried unanimously.
ENGINEER’S REPORT: Engineer Kuhn recommended the town apply additional rip rap to the outlet on the culvert located by 1806 E. Lake Geneva Road to help protect against storm events and erosion. He also recommended completing the project this year, noting the recent dry spell and the fact the ground is fairly solid. Dahlheimer, seconded by Thalman, made a motion to approve the application of additional riprap to the drainage culvert. Clerk Raisanen requested the engineer obtain quotes from landscapers. Motion carried unanimously.
Engineer Kuhn reported that the dips and manholes on W. Lake Jessie Drive have been repaired.
Clerk Raisanen reported that the southbound Hwy. 29 right turn lane for Lisa Avenue has not yet been removed. This is potentially a hazard for individuals seeking to turn right onto Lisa Avenue and discovering there is no outlet which results in their return to fast-moving southbound traffic. He stated our road maintainer removed the applicable stop signs along the frontage road. Engineer Kuhn stated MnDOT plans to remove the turn lane; however, there is no known timeline.
OLD BUSINESS: none
NEW BUSINESS: Clerk Raisanen stated that the township has received calls from residents wondering if Phase IV will be implemented. In the past we have received notification from the city when they have completed all requirements for the prior phase. Supervisor Thalman said that Mike Weber has indicated the town will receive notification by December 2011.
Clerk Raisanen stated that the State of MN annually has a grant application which is part of the Help American Vote Act. The purpose of the grant is to make polling places more accessible for the handicapped. Resolution 11-05 will authorize the town to submit a grant for the purchase of automatic door openers at our official polling site, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Thalman, seconded by Feuling, made a motion to approve resolution 11-05 authorizing the submission of a state grant for the purchase of automatic door openers for our polling site. Motion carried unanimously.
Supervisor Thalman stated that the need for the Joint Planning Board will be diminished once Phase IV is implemented. Even though the board will not need to meet again unless problems arise, participants have decided this board will stay in effect thru Phase IV.
Supervisor Feuling noted that when meeting dates are changed due to legal holidays, etc., the board typically meets the following Wednesday. She asked if there is a possibility of changing the alternate date to Tuesdays. Clerk Raisanen suggested this item be included during the reorganization meeting in April. Supervisor Feuling also asked about the possibility of teleconferencing. Clerk Raisanen will research the issue.
Being no further business, Thalman, seconded by Dahlheimer, 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 ________, 2011
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Bryon Alstead, Chairman