Alexandria Township
Alexandria, Minnesota 56308
Minutes of the meeting of January 6, 2025
A regular / Board of Adjustment meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Alexandria Township was held on the 6th day of January, 2025 at the Alexandria Township Conference Room, 324 Broadway and via teleconference.
ROLL CALL: Supervisors present were Jeff Oberg, Joel Dahlheimer, Rod Eldevik, Dennis Butz and Jerry Wright. Also present were Bonnie Fulghum, Deputy 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 Grady and Stephanie Ries to construct a 2400 square foot detached accessory building on a parcel less than 60,000 square feet in size (maximum 1500 square feet allowed).
Zoning Administrator Oleson reported that the current lot size is large enough to accommodate the proposed 2400 square foot building. The applicants wish to split the lot. The new lot would be 160’ wide (east and west) and 150’ long (north and south). This lot size would limit the accessory building to only 1500 square feet, which necessitates the variance. The lot is currently owned by Kelly and Michelle Redmond, who are proposing to sell the split-off lot to their son-in-law and daughter. The shed would provide recreational space. Ultimately they’d like to put in a pickleball court, which would not fit into a 1500 square foot building, which is why they wish to build a 2400 square foot building. Splitting the lot would require a subdivision process. The applicants wanted to see if the variance would be approved before going through the subdivision process.
Supervisor Oberg asked for the location of the three sewer stubs. He also asked if the homeowner was already assessed for three stubs. The owner of the lot, Mr. Redmond, said no. Mr. Ries said this would be a cold storage shed and it is not their intention to install a bathroom at this time nor to connect to the sanitary sewer system.
Mr. Ries stated their plan is to never sell. He acknowledged a single-family 1200 square foot home with a 1700 square foot paved driveway and walkway could be built on the lot and it would not exceed any of the setback requirements nor the 25% impervious limitation.
Mr. Redmond stated he and his wife wish to provide their children, as part of an inheritance, the split-off lot now while they are still healthy. The Redmonds would retain the homestead. They want to keep their lot at 1.5 acres. He explained that the treeline presents a natural border for the split.
Chairman Eldevik opened the hearing to the public for comment. Hearing none, he closed the public hearing and reconvened the township meeting.
Oberg, seconded by Dahlheimer, made a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Butz, seconded by Dahlheimer, made a motion to approve the minutes of the 12/16/24 regular board meeting, modifying the paragraph pertaining to the budget meeting to include the participants: Rod Eldevik, Mona Billmark, Mark Meuwissen and Jerry Wright. Motion carried unanimously.
Dahlheimer, seconded by Butz, made a motion to authorize payment of claims 24249 – 25016 in the amount of $104,398, net payroll $4,491.98 totaling $108,889.98 and a transfer from savings of $100,000. Motion carried unanimously.
CITIZEN’S CONCERNS: none
PLANNING AND ZONING: Wright, seconded by Dahlheimer, made a motion to deny the variance request submitted by Grady and Stephanie Ries based on the findings of fact outlined in the staff report. Roll: Dahlheimer – yes, Butz – yes, Wright – yes, Oberg – no, Eldevik – yes. Motion carried.
Dahlheimer reported he had been in contact with Dana Krick about his rental property. The township had received complaints about junk and debris. Mr. Krick stated he plans to not renew the lease, fix up the property, and sell later this year. Consensus to have Oleson send a letter to the owner of the property.
ENGINEER’S REPORT: Engineer Kuhn reported the stormwater committee plans to apply for grant money for stormwater upgrades. Kuhn plans to attend an MPCA informational meeting on Jan 14, 2025. Application deadline is Feb. 27th. Kuhn stated the deadline can be met.
OLD BUSINESS: none
NEW BUSINESS: none
Being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7 p.m.
Respectfully submitted….
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Mark Meuwissen, Clerk
Approved this ____ day of ________, 2025
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Rod Eldevik, Chairman