Alexandria Township
Alexandria, Minnesota 56308
Minutes of the meeting of 08-18-2008
A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Alexandria Township was held on the 18th Day of August 2008 at the Alexandria Township Conference Room, 610 Fillmore Street.
ROLL CALL: Supervisors present were Bryon Alstead, Louis Ross, Jim Casper, Joel Dahlheimer, and Roger Thalman. Also present were Clerk Gregg Raisanen and Mona Billmark, Treasurer. As said members formed a quorum and the meeting was called to order by Chairman Thalman at 6:00 PM.
Casper, seconded by Alstead, made a motion to adopt the agenda with the following additions: Permanent Dock on Lake Victoria and Sign Replacement Plan. Motion carried unanimously
Alstead, seconded by Ross, made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 4, 2008 regular board meeting as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Alstead, seconded by Casper, made a motion to authorize payment of claims 8256-8268 in the amount of $7,631.64 and a transfer from savings into checking of $6,800.00. Motion carried unanimously.
CITIZEN’S CONCERNS: The board discussed the drainage on the E. Side of Lake Burgen. Attorney Haseman reviewed a response written to her from Nick Heydt one of the affected landowners. She indicated that this drainage originates upstream from the affected land and that the township has not altered the course of the drainage. A 15” culvert was replaced during the road-paving project but it was placed in the same location and elevation as the previous culvert. There is a recorded drainage easement on the plat but the township is under no obligation to use the easement and it appears that the developer or homeowner placed a culvert under Mr. Heydt existing driveway directing the water flow to the north after it crosses E. Burgen Drive. Attorney Haseman indicated that this is a private matter and the township appears to not have any liability. Attorney Haseman also reported that to set up a subordinate service district to tax individuals in the watershed would require a petition signed by more than 50% of the landowners.
Karen Weigel asked why the township improved the drainage along the Thompson property located south of this location. The board responded that during the road reconstruction, a centerline culvert was moved which resulted in additional flow, which resulted in additional erosion. The board authorized rip-rapping the outlet to control the erosion. Nick Heydt reported that some unit of government was responsible for requiring the easement on the plat otherwise the developer would not have dedicated it. He feels that the township is partially obligated to correct the current situation. This drainage results from a large land area being drained onto his property, which is causing significant erosion, which is going into Lake Burgen. Attorney Haseman recommended to the board to document what are the facts before spending any township funds on the project. Clerk Raisanen will research Douglas County and Alexandria Townships minutes from 1969 to find out if this drainage easement was mentioned prior to the plat being approved.
Bernie Rachael voiced concern about the installation of a permanent dock on the south end of Lake Victoria. He was concerned that the end of the dock was located in a platted road right of way and also expressed concern about the potential impact of driving pilings in to the lakebed. Zoning administrator Oleson reported that he had contacted the MNDNR who reported that there are no laws prohibiting permanent docks as long as the dock was no wider than 8 ft. Bernie Rachel reported that he is going to the county commissioners requesting that they pass a moratorium prohibiting permanent docks in Douglas County and ask if the town board would support this. The board directed Zoning Administrator Oleson to research the town’s zoning ordinance and to determine if the township can adopt an interim ordinance prohibiting permanent docks.
PLANNING AND ZONING: The board considered a private kennel license submitted by Karin Weigel, 3810 East Burgen Road. This license would allow 4 dogs at this property. Alstead, seconded by Ross, made a motion to approve the private kennel license for Karin Weigel and to waive the license fee. Motion carried unanimously.
ENGINEER’S REPORT: The board discussed the sign replacement plan that was prepared. This plan would replace the entire road signs located outside the orderly annexation area by the year 2014. Dahlheimer, seconded by Alstead, to adopt the sign replacement plan as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS: Dahlheimer, seconded by Ross, made a motion to increase the personal time off for the administrative assistant from 4 hours to 5 hours a month. Motion carried unanimously.
Clerk Raisanen reported that the town has received written quotes from two vendors for a new photocopier. Clerk Raisanen and Chairman Thalman will discuss what the needs of the township are with the administrative assistant and make a recommendation at the next board meeting.
Chairman Thalman reported that the sewer district might be interested in participation in replacement of the failed dam in Scenic Heights.
Being no further business, Ross, seconded by Casper, made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 7:24 PM.
Respectfully Submitted….. Approved this _____ day of________, 2008
_______________________________ ______________________________
Gregg Raisanen, Clerk Roger Thalman, Chairman