Alexandria Township
Alexandria, Minnesota 56308
Minutes of the meeting of July 1, 2013
A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Alexandria Township was held on the 1st day of July, 2013 at the Alexandria Township Conference Room, 610 Fillmore Street.
ROLL CALL: Supervisors present were Bryon Alstead, Jul Feuling, Lyle Hammerschmidt and Russell Niskanen. 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 Alstead at 6:00 p.m.
Hammerschmidt, seconded by Niskanen, made a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Feuling, seconded by Niskanen, made a motion to approve the minutes of the 06/17/2013 regular board meeting as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Niskanen, seconded by Hammerschmidt, made a motion to authorize payment of claims 13133-13149 in the amount of $48,469.49, net payroll of $4,234.09 for a total of $52,703.58 and a transfer of funds from savings in the amount of $52,000.00. Motion carried unanimously.
CITIZEN’S CONCERNS: Dennis and Judy Olson, 3140 50th Avenue SE, were present to discuss road conditions on 50th Ave. They expressed concern about the dust generated by truck traffic and the condition of the road after gravel application. They also brought a bucket filled with glass, nails, cement and rebar that were picked up off the road. Supervisor Niskanen will contact Engineer Kuhn regarding the quality of the class 5. He and the road maintainer will check the condition of the other roads that had gravel applied this spring.
PLANNING AND ZONING: Kathy Hodges, owner of Jack’s Family Recycling Center, stated that their priority since her last meeting with the town board has been to clean up the east side of the property. Supervisor Feuling said it was her understanding that by this meeting not only would the gaylords be gone but that the entire front of the property would be cleaned. Ms. Hodges reiterated that their cleanup efforts have been concentrated on the east side. Their intent is to finish that project including removal of the gaylords, and then begin cleanup on the west side. Supervisor Hammerschmidt said he has seen improvement and proposed that by the next board meeting, the east side be totally cleaned up, weather permitting. Ms. Hodges agreed. Supervisor Feuling expressed concern about the screening plan, wanting to ensure the township and Ms. Hodges had come to a mutual understanding. Ms. Hodges indicated that she has been in communication with the zoning administrator regarding the screening plan. She also stated she has gathered tin for screening and is looking for suitable posts. Zoning Administrator Oleson will check on the status of the cleanup efforts in a few weeks.
Zoning Administrator Oleson reported that the planning commission had recommended approval of Bob Noyes’ application (BLL Properties, LLC) for an interim use permit with seven conditions. The conditions would state, in part, that no more than ten items could be displayed for sale on site at any one time and of that ten, no more than three homes or buildings greater than 200 sq ft in size would be allowed. There would be an allowance for storage in the back for boats, boat lifts, etc. Supervisor Hammerschmidt asked if a bond would be required. Oleson responded that No. 3 of the findings indicates the use will not impose additional costs on the public if it is necessary for the public to take the property in the future. Motion by Feuling, seconded by Niskanen, to approve the interim use application of Bob Noyes (BLL Properties, LLC) with the seven conditions stipulated in the staff report along with staff’s updated re-wording/comments on conditions 1 and 6. Roll: Niskanen, Hammerschmidt, Feuling, Alstead – yes. Opposed: none.
Oleson reported that Blue Ox Timber Framing has inquired into the possibility of relocating their business to the Collins Cabinets property located on 39th Avenue. The property is currently zoned Rural Residential. Collins Cabinets obtained a conditional use permit for an expansion years ago when zoning was under the jurisdiction of the county. Alexandria Township’s current zoning ordinance does not allow this type of business in this area. The only way it could be permitted is under the catch-all permitted use of “other” or by “spot zoning.” Oleson wanted to ask the board their thoughts on the matter before having the applicant officially apply for either a CUP or an IUP. Consensus is that a business of this nature in this location would not be allowed.
Oleson reported that Gary Thompson has expressed an interest in develping Outlot E of Geneva Estates. Oleson explained that an outlot is any excess acreage from a plat that is intended for future development. Clerk Raisanen stated the outlot is located between the club house parking lot and the swimming pool. The township’s current ordinance states that requests concerning outlots be presented to the town board. Board concerns with development of the outlot were existing drainage issues, the impact of a parking lot, need for a stormwater plan and other improvements that Mr. Thompson would incorporate.
Supervisor Niskanen asked if the renewal fee for an interim use permit was excessive. Clerk Raisanen proposed tabling this discussion until December or January when the fee schedule is annually reviewed.
Clerk Raisanen presented former supervisor Louis Ross with a plaque for his years of service to the township Board of Supervisors.
ENGINEER’S REPORT: Clerk Raisanen reported that the graveling is done.
NEW BUSINESS: Clerk Raisanen reported that County Engineer Robley will attend the next meeting on July 15th to discuss the turnover of County 85 to the township.
NEW BUSINESS: Clerk Raisanen reported that our auditors are scheduled to attend the next meeting on July 15th to report on the audit.
Being no further business, Feuling, seconded by Hammerschmidt, made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 7:10 PM.
Respectfully submitted….
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Gregg Raisanen, Clerk
Approved this ____ day of ________, 2013
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Bryon Alstead, Chairman