A regular meeting/public hearing of the Planning Commission of Alexandria Township was held on the 22nd day of October, 2012 at the Alexandria Township Conference Room, 610 Fillmore Street.
Roll Call: Commission members present were Roger Thalman, Larry Steidl, Linda Dokken-McFann and Lyle Hammerschmidt. Also present were Bonnie Fulghum, Deputy Clerk, and Ben Oleson, Township Zoning Administrator. As said members formed a quorum and the meeting was called to order by Chairman Hammerschmidt at 6:00 p.m.
Agenda: Steidl, seconded by Dokken-McFann, made a motion to approve the agenda as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Minutes: Steidl, seconded by Dokken-McFann, made a motion to approve the minutes of the 09/24/2012 meeting as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Chairman Hammerschmidt closed the meeting at 6:07 p.m. and opened the public hearing on the proposed amendments to Ordinance #123 (Zoning Ordinance); i.e. regulations on septic systems.
Public Hearing: With no public present to comment, Chairman Hammerschmidt asked Zoning Administrator Oleson to proceed. Oleson stated that the township needs to adopt amendments to our zoning ordinance regarding regulations for septic system installation, inspection and maintenance in order to be consistent with the recent amendments to state law and Douglas County ordinances. Commissioner Dokken-McFann inquired as to how these new regulations relate to compliance of existing systems. She also felt it important that homeowners understand what type of system they have and how the regulations currently and in the future will affect those systems. She also asked if a management plan is needed and, if so, who is responsible for it? Chairman Hammerschmidt asked if there was a particular time to have soil borings to ensure compliance. The consensus was to have educational materials available for homeowners of existing systems as well as those installing new designs. Oleson stated that landowners could be directed to a link with the University of Minnesota Extension Office for educational pamphlets. He will contact the county to determine what materials they will compile, if any, and perhaps utilize those pamphlets for our residents.
Seeing no further questions, Chairman Hammerschmidt closed the public hearing at 6:40 p.m. and reconvened the meeting.
Motion by Thalman, seconded by Dokken-McFann to table the discussion on the proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance. Motion carried unanimously.
Zoning Administrator’s Report: Update provided.
New Business: None
Old Business: Oleson presented a draft of the sign ordinance. Commissioner Thalman asked if nonconforming signage would be “grandfathered” in; i.e. Section 11(a) Non-Conforming Signs.
The commission inquired under Section 3. Definitions, “Abandoned signs”, if a change in ownership occurred, would it warrant bringing an existing sign into compliance? Oleson to consult with the township attorney.
The commission chose to strike some of the language under Section 5. Exemptions, part c. “Personal/Decorative Signs”. It would now read: “Unilluminated signs which are 1) attached to a building and 2) setback from a road right-of-way at least fifty (50) feet.”
They chose to eliminate 6(c) under “Prohibited Signs”.
Under 6(g) “Prohibited Signs”, they chose to add the word “permanent” to the beginning of the sentence.
The commission tabled the rest of the discussion until the November meeting.
Oleson reiterated that the comprehensive plan update is on hold until after the first of the year.
Deputy Clerk Fulghum asked the commission if they wanted to reschedule the December meeting since it falls on Christmas Eve. The consensus was to schedule the site visit for 12:30 p.m. on December 11th and to set the commission meeting for Wednesday, December 19th.
Adjournment: Being no further business Steidl, seconded by Thalman, made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m.
Respectfully submitted…
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Bonnie Fulghum, Deputy Clerk
Approved this ____ day of ___________, 2012
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Lyle Hammerschmidt, Chairman