Board of Supervisors' April 6, 2025 minutes

Alexandria Township

Alexandria, Minnesota 56308

Minutes of the meeting of April 6, 2026

A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Alexandria Township was held on the 6th day of April, 2026 at the Douglas County Public Works Conference Room, 526 Willow Drive, and via teleconference.

ROLL CALL: Supervisors present were Dennis Butz, Joel Dahlheimer, Rod Eldevik, Jeff Oberg and Jerry Wright.  Also present were Mark Meuwissen, Clerk, and Bryon Alstead, Treasurer.  As said members formed a quorum, the meeting was called to order by Chairman Eldevik at 6:00 p.m.

Oberg, seconded by Dahlheimer, made a motion to adopt the agenda as written.  Motion carried unanimously.

Wright, seconded by Dahlheimer, made a motion to approve the minutes of the 3/16/2026 regular board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.

Dahlheimer, seconded by Oberg, made a motion to authorize payment of claims 25302 through 25314 for $59,594.04, net payroll of $4,938.70, totaling $64,532.74 and a transfer of funds from savings to checking of $11,000.  Motion carried unanimously.  Clerk Meuwissen presented the Board with an additional claim from Ferguson Brothers for the retained percentage on 2025 street projects in the amount of $24,076.99.  Treasurer Alstead suggested that if the board approves payment of this claim, an additional $26,000 would need to be transferred from savings to cover the check.  Motion by Dahlheimer, seconded by Butz, to pay the Ferguson Brothers claim for $24,076.99 along with a necessary transfer of funds from savings in the amount of $26,000.  Motion carried unanimously.

CITIZEN CONCERNS:  None.

PLANNING AND ZONING:  Zoning Administrator Oleson gave an update on the Dropik property ordinance violation.  Oleson and Wright conducted an onsite visit to determine the number of cars that may need to be moved to be in compliance with ordinances.  They counted approximately 225 cars and observed piles of bikes, an undetermined number of boats, two semi-truck trailer units along with piles of scrap metal.  Oleson also stated there were some tractors and other agricultural equipment.  Eldevik interjected that tractors and agricultural equipment are usually not a violation of the nuisance ordinance and should not be part of the removal process.

Oleson said he has identified a vendor that is both capable and willing to undertake the removal of vehicles.  Oleson presented a draft letter for the Board to consider.  This letter would be sent to Mr. Dropik and would summarize the actions planned.  It would also seek input from Mr. Dropik on how he might visibly mark items that he intends to keep.  The letter would ask Mr. Dropik to have this done before April 14th so the Township could inspect and approve his items so marked.  Meuwissen suggested the letter should be modified to indicate the township expects Mr. Dropik to take actions to remove the most valuable cars and thereby maximize his recovery prior to commencement of the clean-up effort. Meuwissen suggested this would eliminate the need to have two drop off locations for the Vendor we contract with.

Mr Dropik asked the Board for an extension to June 1.  Meuwissen clarified the Township filed for relief with the courts in May of 2025, appeared before a judge in October, and had a judgment filed in December of 2025.  Meuwissen suggested Mr. Dropik was aware for almost a year of the Township’s intention to forcibly remove the junk cars.  There was no action to extend the deadline.

Eldevik stated the Township needs to wait until Spring road restrictions are lifted.  Considering the most likely date road restrictions will be removed, along with a 7-day notice to Mr. Dropik, it could be June 1st before the Township can begin clearing the cars.   Eldevik suggested that while no extension was being granted, it is possible Mr. Dropik would have until June 1st to clear what he can.

Mr. Dropik stated he previously promised the Board he would have the entire place cleared if he was given a June 1st extension. He continued that if the Board waits until June 1, he will have it all clear, thus avoiding the need for an outside vendor.

Oleson asked the Board for clarification on what items can remain and still be considered in compliance with the nuisance ordinance,  Oberg suggested Oleson should make that determination, but offered to go through pictures and specific situations with him.  Oleson asked about two semi-trailers.  The Board was in agreement they could remain.

At this point, outbursts and strong emotions interfered with the Chair’s ability to maintain order.  Eldevik attempted to bring order without success.  Eldevik adjourned the meeting at 6:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted….

______________________________________

Mark Meuwissen, Clerk

Approved this ____ day of ________, 2026

_______________________________________

Rod Eldevik, Chairman

 

 

Posted in
Scroll to Top