Alexandria Township
Alexandria, Minnesota 56308
Minutes of the meeting of August 5, 2024
A Board of Adjustment hearing and a regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Alexandria Township was held on the 5th day of August, 2024 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 Mark Meuwissen, 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 meeting to open the public hearing on the variance request submitted by Michael and Jacqueline Corcoran. The property is located at 3849 Co Rd 73 NE. The request is to allow the construction of a residential dwelling on a parcel to be served by a private sewer system rather than connecting to the ALASD sanitary sewer collection system.
Zoning Administrator Oleson reported the applicants are proposing to construct a new dwelling on the property (by converting an existing storage building to a dwelling). The property constitutes approximately 20 acres. This property was originally part of a 40-acre tract which was split a few years ago. At that time, a variance was granted to not require sewer to be extended to the created lots. A condition of that variance was if any sewage-generating dwellings or other facilities were to be built, construction would not be allowed without either the properties connecting to ALASD sewer or obtaining another variance. Oleson noted the first 20-acre piece has been developed. That landowner requested a variance to not connect to ALASD and the variance was approved.
The Corcorans are requesting private sewer instead of connecting to public sewer due to the distance to run the sewer line, which would be cost-prohibitive. The sewer line is approximately 1100 feet to the west of their driveway. Oleson remarked the sewer district has expressed no opposition to the request provided the town recommends a condition that if the sewer line is extended past the property, the landowner would be required to connect at that time.
Chairman Eldevik opening the hearing to the public for comment. Hearing none, he closed the public hearing and reconvened the meeting.
Oberg, seconded by Butz, made a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Oberg, seconded by Eldevik, made a motion to approve the minutes of the 7/15/2024 regular board meeting as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Oberg, seconded by Butz, made a motion to authorize payment of claims 24152 – 24160 in the amount of $28,996.24, net payroll of $5,117.99, EFTPS $476.08 totaling $34,590.31 and a transfer from savings of $25,000.00. Motion carried unanimously.
CITIZEN’S CONCERNS: none
PLANNING AND ZONING: Oleson reported Mike and Jackie Corcoran submitted a variance application to not connect to sanitary sewer but rather be allowed to have a private septic system. Staff recommends adding a condition about the requirement to connect to ALASD within one year of the sewer line being extended past the property. Oberg, seconded by Butz, made a motion to approve the variance request submitted by the Michael and Jackie Corcoran and to include the condition outlined in the staff report, amending it to read as follows: “that if an ALASD sewer collection line is extended past the property in the future, the lot owner shall be required to connect up to that system and abandon any private sewage treatment systems within one year, regardless of how far their dwelling or other structure generating sewage is located from the sewer line.” Motion carried unanimously.
Oleson reported Northern Natural Gas had contacted him about a project to replace some of their existing lines while re-routing others. Areas included are on the west side of Lake Jessie to the north by Minnegasco. Per federal and state regulations, NNG is exempted from needing a CUP through the township. The township can, however, require a grading permit. NNG is waiting on approvals from wetlands authorities, MPCA, etc. Their timeline to complete the project is by the end of this year.
Oleson reported he had received a complaint regarding a number of unlicensed vehicles, auto parts, etc. on Crestwood Drive. A letter was sent to the landowner. The landowner called last Friday and said they are in the process of getting rid of the debris. At the time of the complaint, there were 5 or 6 vehicles along with 2 RVs located on the property. This week Oleson said he received a message that the RVs are gone. He will continue to monitor this and other situations in the township.
ENGINEER’S REPORT: Engineer Kuhn reported on the potential water study for the Maple / Queens area. He indicated there may be other areas to identify within the township with water issues which would validate pursuing grants for a larger study or larger project to protect the lakes. Since some grants are competitive, he is unable to project the likelihood of success for securing a grant. If we apply for a grant, it would be similar to the grant secured for Geneva a few years ago. A larger study can be in excess of $50 – $80,000. A smaller study of just the Maple / Queens area could run between $5-$10,000.
When asked a minimal amount to apply for a grant, Kuhn said he would need to do cost estimates. He said the rate of success would be better if the township were to partner with another entity. The more partners you have, the stronger your application for grant funds.
Supervisor Oberg cautioned the town about setting precedent. He stated the town needs to research potential areas and determine their extent of involvement. Consensus to table the issue until all board members can be present.
Oleson reported the subdivision ordinance deals primarily with the quality versus the quantity of water. The stormwater ordinance was created to address quantity versus quality. In particular, the stormwater ordinance refers to new developments, not existing.
Bruce Henningsgaard, a resident in the Maple / Queens area, remarked that the town board recently approved work in the ditch which he felt could affect the waterflow. Chairman Eldevik stated the town approved maintenance on the ditch. The culvert was partially covered and needed to be cleared. Kuhn said no new water was created.
Kuhn reported he is setting up a pre-con meeting for road improvements to be held mid-August.
OLD BUSINESS: Clerk Meuwissen gave a summary of Attorney Hill’s letter sent to the Administrative Judge concerning the City of Nelson annexation.
NEW BUSINESS: none
Being no further business, Oberg, seconded by Butz, made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted….
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Mark Meuwissen, Clerk
Approved this ____ day of ________, 2024
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Rod Eldevik, Chairman