Alexandria Township
Alexandria, Minnesota 56308
Minutes of the meeting of May 2, 2016
A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Alexandria Township was held on the 2nd day of May, 2016 at the Alexandria Township Conference Room, 324 Broadway.
ROLL CALL: Supervisors present were Jul Feuling, Jeff Oberg, Joel Dahlheimer, Rod Eldevik 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 Chair Feuling at 6:00 p.m.
Oberg, seconded by Eldevik, made a motion to adopt the agenda with the addition of Liberty Road clean-up as Item no. 2 under Citizen Concerns. Motion carried unanimously.
Dahlheimer, seconded by Oberg, made a motion to approve the minutes of the 4/18/2016 regular board meeting as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Niskanen, seconded by Eldevik, made a motion to authorize payment of claims 16075 – 16086 in the amount of $23,683.68, net payroll $3,503.53 totaling $27,187.21 with no transfer of funds from savings. Motion carried unanimously.
CITIZEN’S CONCERNS: Clerk Raisanen reported the town had received an inquiry regarding spraying for mosquitoes, particularly in light of the Zika virus. The clerk stated the township has never sprayed for mosquitoes in the past nor have we had evidence that the mosquitoes carrying the virus travel this far north. The cost for spraying would be prohibitive. Chair Feuling commented that spraying does not control the mosquitoes, but rather that municipalities need to consider passing ordinances requiring stagnant water be removed, thus eliminating the larvae that breed and hatch. In Minnesota, these types of ordinances can be found only in cities. Supervisor Oberg stated that spraying would ultimately create safety concerns, specifically for those with respiratory concerns.
Rebecca Hartness, 762 E. Lk Geneva Road NE, spoke on behalf of the Geneva Estates Association regarding their annual service project. They are seeking permission to clean up the right of way from Liberty Road to Neewana Beach Road. Ms. Hartness said the association will supply the vests. Vice-chair Dahlheimer reported that he had contacted Douglas County seeking information on their requirements for their “Adopt A Highway” program and any potential liability issues. Both the county and the state have their own processes. Engineer Kuhn will check into the guidelines and report back to the board at the next meeting.
2015 FINANCIAL AUDIT: Dean Birkeland, CarlsonHighland, CPA, was present to review the final 2015 financial audit with the board. He reported the audit opinion was that the financial statements of the township accurately represented the financial position of the township and that it was a clean audit. Total assets at the end of 2015 were $2,492,451. As a result of new GASB accounting rules, the township has a new pension liability of $41,460. Total revenue for 2015 was $887,132 compared to expenditures of 775,495. Total fund balance at the end of the year was $1,167,168.
PLANNING AND ZONING: Chair Feuling reported Zoning Administrator Oleson had sent a certified letter to Mr. Baumann and the landowner regarding the operation of an unpermitted business. Mr. Baumann has removed the sign as specified in the letter.
ENGINEER’S REPORT: Engineer Kuhn reported the town had received a request to lower the speed limit on Liberty Road from County Highway 82 to Geneva Golf Club Drive. Kuhn stated Liberty Road was blacktopped in 1998 and that the design meets the 55 mph design speed requirement. It was noted there was a recent accident at the intersection of Liberty and Colonial Court. Kuhn stated that Liberty will need to be rebuilt in a few years and during that reclamation process the crest could be lowered. Kuhn was directed to assess the cost for a speed study.
Engineer Kuhn will confer with Douglas County on trimming brush along the bike trail.
Kuhn reported that the Victoria Estates project will be proceeding with the plans approved by the town board.
A pre-construction meeting has been set for the 2016 road improvements. Vice-chair Dahlheimer will attend.
OLD BUSINESS: none
NEW BUSINESS: none
Being no further business, Dahlheimer, seconded by Eldevik, made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted….
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Gregg Raisanen, Clerk
Approved this ____ day of ________, 2016
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Jul Feuling, Chair