Alexandria Township
Alexandria, Minnesota 56308
Minutes of the meeting of March 7, 2022
A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Alexandria Township was held on the 7th day of March, 2022 at the Alexandria Township Conference Room, 324 Broadway and via teleconference.
ROLL CALL: Supervisors present were Jeff Oberg, Rod Eldevik, and Dennis Butz. Also present were Gregg Raisanen, Clerk, with Mona Billmark, Treasurer, attending via teleconference. As said members formed a quorum and the meeting was called to order by Chairman Eldevik at 6:00 p.m.
Oberg, seconded by Butz, made a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Oberg, seconded by Butz, made a motion to approve the minutes of the 2/23/2022 regular board meeting as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Supervisor Wright joined the meeting.
Wright, seconded by Butz, made a motion to authorize payment of claims 22043 – 22048 in the amount of $28,678.63, net payroll $3,750.09 totaling $32,428.72 with a transfer of funds from savings of $30,000.00. Motion carried unanimously.
CITIZEN’S CONCERNS: none
PLANNING AND ZONING: Zoning Administrator Oleson reported the township had received an application from Mark Medenwald for an after-the-fact conditional use which would allow for a residential dwelling in a Commercial-Rural zoning district. The building had originally been permitted as a shed and later converted to a “shouse.” The planning commission recommended approval with four conditions: 1) that the septic system be inspected as required upon property transfer and reviewed by the township’s contracted sewer inspector to ensure it meets all current requirements for use by a dwelling; 2) that the applicant or their buyer must increase the dimensions of the dwelling to meet the minimum 24 ft x 24 ft dimensions or have a variance approved to remain lower within 90 days of the date of conditional use permit approval; 3) that the township attorney and town board are satisfied that the township will not have significantly higher liability relating to the dwelling space (including any additional space added to meet the 24 ft x 24 ft minimum dimension requirement) not having been inspected for building code compliance; and 4) that the applicant shall provide documentation that the electrical inspection has been completed. Oleson noted the township attorney recommended denial due to liability issues.
Brit Brouillard, attorney for the applicant, stated he had drawn up papers for the buyer(s) signature providing proper disclosure and the fact the property would be purchased on an “as is” basis.
Oleson stated a waiver of liability could be executed; however, that would not be an absolute guarantee.
Wright, seconded by Butz, made a motion to table, which would allow time for the zoning administrator to write up the findings of fact for denial.
Oleson reported a DRT meeting needed to be scheduled before the March planning commission meeting concerning the PUD application on the docket for the March meeting. Items for discussion are the need for variances due to the 30% over impervious issue and the request to not connect to ALASD as required by ordinance. Consensus to meet on Monday, March 21st.
Oleson reported Attorney Johnson is ready to file documents with the court on the Dropik matter. The attorney had mentioned pictures should be taken prior to the filing. Mr. Dropik had contacted Attorney Johnson and asked for an extension until May for the clean-up. Consensus to have Mr. Dropik sign a document this week granting the township permission to enter his property for clean-up purposes. If Mr. Dropik fails to follow through, the township will proceed with the court order.
ENGINEER’S REPORT: Clerk Raisanen reported the township engineer has recommended limited striping for 2022; i.e. Liberty Road. He also reported the township engineer has advertised for bids for the 2022 overlay projects, which are due by the end of March and will be considered by the town board in April.
NEW BUSINESS: Clerk Raisanen reported that Douglas County Parks & Recreation is proposing an ATV route, which will pass through some of the townships. They are seeking our support for an ATV route as they apply for a grant to establish the route.
Raisanen reported the township received a letter from District 206 which provided a summary of the Community Education Advisory Council and a copy of the funding request from January 2022.
Raisanen stated a Board of Audit is required each year. The board reviewed the draft financial statements prepared by the auditor. He provided an overview of the budget and what will be presented at the annual meeting.
Raisanen stated the town board discussed at their last meeting the need to adopt a resolution reestablishing the boundaries of Alexandria Township’s voting district and to reestablish the polling place. He presented Resolution 22-02 for adoption. Oberg, seconded by Butz, made a motion to adopt Resolution 22-02, a resolution reestablishing the boundaries of Alexandria Township, noting one precinct and one polling place, to be held at Good Shepherd Church. Motion carried unanimously.
Being no further business, Oberg, seconded by Butz, made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted….
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Gregg Raisanen, Clerk
Approved this ____ day of ________, 2022
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Rod Eldevik, Chairman