Alexandria Township
Alexandria, Minnesota 56308
Minutes of the meeting of June 18, 2018
A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Alexandria Township was held on the 18th day of June, 2018 at the Alexandria Township Conference Room, 324 Broadway.
ROLL CALL: Supervisors present were Jeff Oberg, Joel Dahlheimer, Rod Eldevik, Linda Dokken-McFann and Jerry Wright. 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 Eldevik at 6:00 p.m.
Chairman Eldevik recessed the regular board meeting and opened the Board of Adjustment public hearing at 6:02 PM.
The first item was a variance request submitted by Jacquelyn Schulz to allow construction of a patio within a bluff impact zone for a property located at 126 Freedom Road. Zoning Administrator Oleson provided a description of the proposed project to raise an existing retaining wall and construct a fire ring within the bluff impact zone. The existing retaining wall was constructed in 2002 and would require a conditional use permit to construct it today at its current height. One written comment was received in opposition to the proposed project. Mr. Oleson also reported that the current structures are close to the 25% impervious maximum on the property.
Ms. Schultz desires to construct a fire pit near her residence so that she does not have to go down steps toward the lake. The supervisors inquired if an alternate location could be used which would not require a variance. The applicant indicated that the other locations would be too close to her house.
The second hearing was to consider two variance applications submitted by Kyle Johnson, 2530 Highway 29 North. The first was to permit construction of a storage building approximately 20 ft. from a state highway right of way, and the second was to permit construction of a covered porch to an existing structure to be approximately 12 feet from a lake.
Zoning Administrator Oleson described the first request. The location of the proposed storage building is due to a couple of factors: 1) the presence of a bluff on the property; 2) the presence of a sewer easement and sewer lines, and 3) the existing driveway location makes it difficult to place the building in another location on the property. The proposed structure would be located 20 feet from a highway right of way; however, there is a steep bank from the highway to the proposed structure.
The second request for the construction of the covered porch approximately 12 feet from Lake LeHomme Dieu was discussed. Zoning Administrator Oleson reported that the MN DNR has written in opposition, and the existing structure currently does not meet current setbacks from the lake. Mr. Johnson reported that the structure would be 20 feet from the lake and would add value to the older structure.
The public hearing was closed at 6:30 PM and the regular board meeting was reconvened.
Oberg, seconded by Dahlheimer, made a motion to adopt the agenda with the addition of LAR meeting under New Business. Motion carried unanimously.
Dokken-McFann, seconded by Dahlheimer, made a motion to approve the minutes of the 6/04/2018 regular board meeting as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Dahlheimer, seconded by Wright, made a motion to authorize payment of claims 18117-18124 in the amount of $63,662.51, net payroll $456.21, EFTPS $1,735.22, totaling $65,853.94 and a transfer of funds from savings of $61,000.00. Motion carried unanimously.
CITIZEN’S CONCERNS: none
PLANNING AND ZONING: The board considered the variance request submitted by Jacquelyn Schulz to permit construction of a patio within a bluff impact zone for a property located at 126 Freedom Road. Dahlheimer, seconded by Oberg, made a motion to deny the variance request based on the findings of fact. The applicant has not demonstrated a practical difficulty and can currently use the property, the existing impervious surfaces meet or exceed the 25% limitation, and the current retaining wall is currently constructed in the bluff impact zone. For: Wright, Oberg, Dahlheimer, Dokken-McFann, Eldevik. Against: none. Motion carried, variance denied.
The board considered the variance application submitted by Kyle Johnson, 2530 Highway 29 north. The first was to permit construction of a storage building approximately 20 ft. from a state highway right of way. Wright, seconded by Dokken-McFann, made a motion to approve the variance as submitted due to the findings of fact. The applicant demonstrated a practical difficulty to construct the structure at an alternative location due to the existing sewer easement, the existing bluff, the steepness of the Highway 29 right of way, and the existing driveway location. For: Wright, Dahlheimer, Dokken-McFann. Against: Oberg, Eldevik. Motion carried, variance approved.
The board considered the second variance application submitted by Kyle Johnson, 2530 Highway 29 north to permit construction of a covered porch to an existing structure to be approximately 12 feet from a lake. A motion was made by Dahlheimer, seconded by Wright, to deny the variance based on the findings of fact. The applicant did not demonstrate a practical difficulty since the existing property can currently be utilized, the existing structure already does not meet current setbacks, and the MN DNR recommended denial of the request. For: Wright, Oberg, Dahlheimer, Dokken-McFann, Eldevik. Against: none. Motion carried, variance denied.
Oleson reported he received a request from the owner of a building next to the Westin Station to pave a portion of the road right of way in front of the property. This request has been permitted in the past as long as the property owner understands they are required to maintain the pavement and to be aware that the township has the authority to alter the pavement to benefit residents in the future if the need arises.
The board discussed the drainage easement located behind Kevin Baumann’s property located on Hazel Hill Road. Chairman Eldevik reported that it would be a public drainage easement, based upon the description of the easement on the plat. Oleson will notify Mr. Baumann that he is not permitted to fill in the easement.
Zoning Administrator Oleson discussed the request by Mr. Baumann to have the split rail fence located between his property and the adjoining property owner repaired. The construction and maintenance of fences is not required as part of any ordinance and therefore up to the landowner if they desire to maintain.
ENGINEER’S REPORT: Engineer Kuhn presented three written quotes for the raising of a portion of E. Lake Jessie Road. Alden Just Road Maintenance quoted $42,888.40, Central Specialties $65,979.00, and Mark Lee Excavating $47,552.50. A motion was made by Dahlheimer, seconded by Oberg, to accept the low quote submitted by Alden Just Road Maintenance to reconstruct a portion of E. Lake Jessie Road. Motion carried unanimously.
Engineer Kuhn presented two quotes for the patching of the pavement on Liberty Road. Mark Lee Asphalt quoted $4,800.00 and Central Specialties quoted $5,345.00. A motion was made by Dahlheimer, seconded by Dokken-McFann, to accept the quote submitted by Mark Lee to patch the asphalt on Liberty Road. Motion carried unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS: none
NEW BUSINESS: Supervisor Oberg reminded the board of the upcoming special meeting of LAR to discuss future planning that all supervisors have been invited to.
Being no further business, Dahlheimer, seconded by Oberg, made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted….
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Gregg Raisanen, Clerk
Approved this ____ day of ________, 2018
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Rod Eldevik, Chairman