Alexandria Township
Alexandria, Minnesota 56308
Minutes of the meeting of August 7, 2023
A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Alexandria Township was held on the 7th day of August, 2023 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 Gregg Raisanen, 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.
Oberg, seconded by Wright, made a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Oberg, seconded by Wright, made a motion to approve the minutes of the 07/17/2023 regular board meeting as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Dahlheimer, seconded by Butz, made a motion to authorize payment of claims 23126 – 23140 in the amount of $82,165.42, net payroll $5,740.66, totaling $87,906.08 and a transfer of funds from savings of $70,000.00. Motion carried unanimously.
CITIZEN’S CONCERNS: none
PLANNING AND ZONING:
The board discussed the requirement of applicants or a representative to be present at site visits. Chairman Eldevik reported there have been no applicants present at the last three planning commission site visits, causing frustration on the part of the commission members. Zoning Administrator Oleson commented that we can inform applicants their presence is mandatory. A possible consequence would be to re-schedule the site visit. Oleson does not recommend public hearings be delayed since they are duly noticed. Supervisor Oberg suggested applicants could be available by phone or videochat if they are unable to be physically present. Another consequence could be a $300 fine if applicants are a no show and the site visit has to be rescheduled.
Clerk Raisanen reported the township attorney recommended the township require written authorization from landowners for township officials to enter private property. Zoning Administrator Oleson stated our land use application has language authorizing the town to enter an applicant’s property. Our other permits, such as the CUP / IUP / Variances, however, do not. Consensus to have Oleson add this language to all our application forms as applicable.
Clerk Raisanen reported he and Oleson had a discussion with the new township attorney about the Dropik situation. Attorney Gilchrist will send a letter of non-compliance to Mr. Dropik. Further steps will be delayed until the City of Nelson has taken action on their situation with Mr. Dropik.
ENGINEER’S REPORT: Engineer Kuhn provided a summary of estimated costs for the proposed Liberty Road right of way acquisition project. Douglas County has offered to acquire Liberty Road as a county road on the condition additional right of way is obtained from the existing 66 ft. to 100 ft. He stated the numbers symbolize a range for the appraiser, right of way costs and attorney fees. He received three proposals for doing the right of way work. WSN would do the survey. Chairman Eldevik inquired as to condemnation costs if that is needed. Kuhn stated it’s a legal process and not in his purview. Eldevik asked if the county’s offer to take over the road is contingent upon the extension of Liberty Road to County Road 20. Supervisor Oberg asked if the board could meet with the county to discuss expectations. If the outcome is favorable, then a meeting with the affected landowners will be scheduled prior to the township moving forward with the proposed project. Consensus to have Engineer Kuhn invite Tim Erickson to the next meeting.
Kuhn reported Ferguson Bros. has completed the overlay on Liberty. The initial quote was for $83,000. The actual cost came in at $125,000. Board members expressed concern that the project cost was greater than the quoted cost. Engineer Kuhn reported the actual asphalt layer was ¾” vs the ½” quoted. He stated the deeper depth has resulted in a better road surface. Chairman Eldevik reported we had received complaints in relation to this project. Some of the complaints were as follows: tar on cars, no one to direct traffic at the golf course, and little or no signage.
Kuhn reported WSN has compiled a road assessment map within their GIS system. All paved roads have been rated into 4 categories based on the existing blacktop condition. This can be used as a tool to budget for future asphalt overlay projects.
OLD BUSINESS: none
NEW BUSINESS: none
Being no further business, Dahlheimer, seconded by Butz, made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m.
Respectfully submitted….
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Gregg Raisanen, Clerk
Approved this ____ day of ________, 2023
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Rod Eldevik, Chairman