A regular meeting/public hearing of the Planning Commission of Alexandria Township was held on the 22nd day of March, 2010 at the Alexandria Township Conference Room, 610 Fillmore Street.
Roll Call: Commission members present were John Knowles, Julie Haar, Russ Niskanen, Larry Steidl and Lyle Hammerschmidt. Also present was 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 Knowles at 6:00 p.m.
Agenda: Niskanen, seconded by Hammerschmidt, made a motion to approve the agenda as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Minutes: Hammershmidt, seconded by Steidl, made a motion to approve the minutes of the 02/17/10 site visit as written. Motion carried. Commissioner Haar abstained.
Niskanen, seconded by Hammerschmidt, made a motion to approve the minutes of the 02/22/10 regular meeting as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Public Hearing: Amendments to the following sections of the Alexandria Township Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances: Zoning – Sections V.F. (Nonconformities), VI.G (Conditional Use Permit), VI.H (Interim Use Permit), VI.I (Variances), VII (Definitions) and other minor amendments throughout the ordinance; Subdivision – Section 1.14 (Fees).
Zoning Administrator Oleson stated that Dave Rush, Douglas County Land & Resource Director, has expressed no problems with anticipated town zoning changes. Mr. Rush mentioned that the county will need to comply with state statute changes by June 30th, 2010. He also said the county is in the process of updating their subdivision ordinance.
Discussion ensued regarding proposed amendments to the township zoning and subdivision ordinances. One area was the three-strikes and you’re out policy. The commission requested Oleson to check on the legalities of imposing fines. Oleson reviewed state statute updates with regard to relaxing restrictions for nonconforming lots, establishment of escrow accounts to cover costs for subdivision review, stormwater mitigation as a condition of any permit, as well as other minor changes.
The commission asked Oleson to have definitions regarding home occupations, home-based businesses and recycling facilities ready for discussion at the next meeting. Oleson stated that currently the county has definitions for “home occupation” and “business”, but not for a “home-based business.”
New Business: None
Old Business: None
Zoning Administrator’s Report: None
Adjournment: Being no further business Steidl, seconded by Hammerschmidt, made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted…
___________________________________
Bonnie Fulghum, Deputy Clerk
Approved this ____ day of ___________, 2010
___________________________________
John B. Knowles, Chairman