Alexandria Township
Alexandria, Minnesota 56308
Minutes of the meeting of 4-04-2011
A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Alexandria Township was held on the 4th Day of April 2011 at the Alexandria Township Conference Room, 610 Fillmore Street.
ROLL CALL: Supervisors present were Louis Ross, Jul Feuling, Joel Dahlheimer, Bryon Alstead, 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 Chairman Ross at 6:00 PM.
Dahlheimer, seconded by Feuling, made a motion to adopt the agenda with the additions of Short Course, DCATS (Douglas County Association of Townships) meeting, and Mailboxes under New Business. Motion carried unanimously.
Thalman, seconded by Dahlheimer, made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 21, 2011 regular board meeting. Supervisor Feuling abstained. Motion carried.
Dahlheimer, seconded by Thalman, made a motion to authorize payment of claims 11079–11091 in the amount of $17,484.42 and payroll in the amount of $4,437.81 for a total amount of $21,922.23 and a transfer of funds from savings in the amount of $17,000.00. Motion carried unanimously.
CITIZEN CONCERNS: It was noted that a Yield sign was down at the intersection of 30th Avenue and W. Lake Jessie Dr. and a 30 mph sign was down at the intersection of Wickstrom Lane and Maple Drive.
PLANNING AND ZONING: Zoning Administrator Oleson stated that Sylvia Luetmer, along with her builder, Mike Klimek of Northwoods Construction, were present to discuss nonconforming buildings on her property located at 2204 E. Lake Jessie Road. State statute stipulates nonconformities can be replaced but they cannot expand. Our zoning ordinance states a parcel with five acres or less is allowed only two detached accessory buildings for a combined total of 1500 square feet. The landowners are asking the town board to consider an interpretation of the statute which would allow for the square footage of the combined removed outbuildings to be reconfigured into one accessory building. Oleson said the planning commission felt this was a reasonable interpretation of the statute as long as the square footage did not exceed what had existed previously. The new building would still be nonconforming. The number of accessory buildings would be reduced from seven to three. Oleson stated that the town board could make an administrative decision to follow the planning commission’s recommendation; otherwise the landowner would need to apply for a variance. Consensus is to have Oleson formulate a final plan and present it to the town board for consideration.
ENGINEER’S REPORT: Engineer Kuhn stated that gravel quotes have not yet been obtained. He will have these available for the next meeting.
At the town’s request, Engineer Kuhn researched the chloride application process, magnesium chloride versus calcium chloride. His recommendation is to stay with calcium chloride. Clerk Raisanen to obtain calcium chloride quotes.
There had been a resident concern regarding the manholes on Apache Lane near the asphalt patch that had been done on Apache Lane last summer. Engineer Kuhn stated that the manholes should be fine and it is more likely the road is sinking around them. He recommended posting the manholes and re-visiting the site after the ground thaw. He also recommended posting a manhole on Rachel Drive with the same issue.
Road inspection was set for Saturday, April 30, 2011, 9 a.m. commencing from Alden Just Road Maintenance, 416 Geneva Road NE, Alexandria, MN.
OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS: Supervisor Feuling gave an overview of the Douglas County Association of Townships (DCATS) weed training that she had attended. She also stated that information was distributed concerning the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon project, a program to help veterans and their families with everyday needs.
The following Board appointments were made: LAR- Alstead with Dahlheimer as an alternate; AAEDC- Dahlheimer; Planning and Zoning Subcommittee – Feuling, Ross, with Knowles and Niskanen from the Planning Commission; Roads- Dahlheimer and Alstead; Lakes Regional Planning Agency- Alstead; Park Inspection- Alstead; Water Planning Task Force- Alstead; Transportation Committee- Engineer Kuhn, Dahlheimer, Feuling, with Niskanen and Steidl from the Planning Commission; Parks/Recreation Committee: Clerk Raisanen, Alstead, Thalman, with Hammerschmidt and Haar from the Planning Commission; Flood Board – Dahlheimer.
Clerk Raisanen reported that he is appointing Bonnie Fulghum as Deputy Clerk.
Per diem rate: Feuling, seconded by Alstead, made a motion to approve the per diem rate at $80/meeting for supervisors and an additional $20/meeting for the chairman where minutes are recorded. Motion carried unanimously.
Alstead, seconded by Thalman, made a motion to approve the inspection rate at $40. Motion carried unanimously.
Alstead, seconded by Feuling, made a motion to leave the incidental labor rate at $15/hr. Motion carried unanimously.
Alstead, seconded by Dahlheimer, made a motion to set the salary of the administrative assistant at $16.00/hr. with the HRA contribution to remain at $60/mo. Roll: Dahlheimer, Alstead, Thalman, Feuling, Ross – yes. Opposed: none. Motion carried unanimously.
Alstead, seconded by Dahlehimer, made a motion to leave the salary of the Treasurer at $630/month. Roll: Dahlheimer, Alstead, Thalman, Feuling, Ross – yes. Opposed: none. Motion carried unanimously.
Thalman, seconded by Alstead, made a motion to leave the salary of the Clerk at $630/month. Motion carried unanimously.
Alstead, seconded by Feuling, made a motion to set the mileage rate at the federal reimbursement rate which is currently at $.51/mile. Motion carried unanimously.
Feuling, seconded by Thalman, made a motion to designate the Echo Press as the official newspaper for notices. Motion carried unanimously.
Alstead, seconded by Dahlheimer, made a motion to designate Bremer Bank as the official depositor of funds for the Township. Motion carried unanimously.
The designation of township attorney was tabled.
Alstead, seconded by Feuling, made a motion to appoint all supervisors as weed inspectors, and to appoint Joel Dahlheimer, as chief weed inspector. Motion carried unanimously.
Charitable gambling permit – United Way has applied for a charitable gambling permit for an event scheduled on June 13, 2011 at Geneva Golf Course and is seeking township approval. Alstead, seconded by Dahlheimer, made a motion to acknowledge the event. Motion carried unanimously.
Clerk Raisanen made the recommendation that the township hire Busy Bee Lawn Maintenance for mowing of Woodland Park. The price is $60/time with spring clean-up at $220 and fall clean-up at $280. He stated that the city will be maintaining Manor Hills Park this year. Feuling, seconded by Thalman, made a motion to hire Busy Bee for 2011 lawn service at the quoted prices. Motion carried unanimously.
Short course update – Supervisor Thalman stated that one of the topics was on the township meetings. He said they clarified the meaning of a public meeting. In essence, the public has a right to attend and listen, but not necessarily to speak. They can speak only if the board opens the meeting to the public for discussion. In reference to the Data Practices Act, this does not apply to townships.
Mailboxes – Supervisor Alstead stated that the town had received communication from a supplier of swing away mailbox supports. If the town places an order for mailbox supports, they will be delivered free to Public Works. Douglas County has offered to house supports ordered by the townships for one week. Alstead, seconded by Thalman, made a motion to purchase ten mailbox supports to have in stock from SwingSAFE Mailbox Supports for a total cost of $650. Motion carried unanimously.
Being no further business Feuling, seconded by Thalman, made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 7:28 PM.
Respectfully Submitted…..
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Gregg Raisanen, Clerk
Approved this _____ day of _________, 2011
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- Louis Ross, Chairman