Alexandria Township
Alexandria, Minnesota 56308
Minutes of the meeting of October 6, 2025
A regular meeting / Board of Adjustment meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Alexandria Township was held on the 6th day of October, 2025 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 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.
Chairman Eldevik closed the township meeting to open the public hearing on a variance request submitted by Jonathan Sieve. The property is located at 3410 Island Drive NE.
Zoning Administrator Oleson reported the variance request is to allow the expansion of a nonconforming structure within the Residential Shoreland district. The applicant is proposing to tear down the existing house to the foundation and rebuild with a new partial second story, an increase in building height and roof pitch, and the installation of a full crawl space less than 3 feet above the highest known water level, approximately 45-52 feet from Lake Le Homme Dieu. One variance is to allow less than the required 50’ setback from the lake because one corner of the house does not meet the setback requirement. Another variance is needed to expand the crawlspace. The crawlspace is not subject to FEMA regulations but is subject to DNR regulations and is less than the full 3 feet above highest known water level. The applicant stated that without the variance, the space would have to be “dry floodproof” which would be very expensive for questionable benefit. Both the new crawl space added and the existing crawl space would have to be modified if the variance is not granted.
Supervisor Oberg inquired as to the cost impact. The applicant estimated about 2400 sq ft with perhaps $20/sq ft or higher which would be well over $40,000. The applicant said it was not a logical expenditure to add a relatively small amount of space under the new construction for plumbing, heating ducts, and other wiring.
When asked about installing a crawl space that met the 3-foot DNR rule, Mr. Sieve stated it is imperative to have the same depth of crawlspace for the new addition as the old.
Oleson said if they want to expand to the same elevation, the crawlspace needs to match.
Oberg remarked the township could be setting a precedent.
The board expressed concern over future liability and mentioned a possible requirement of approval could be to have a deed restriction or something stated in the variance as a way to protect the township. There was discussion of how a new buyer would be made aware of the non-compliance with the DNR 3-foot requirement and whether this might affect a future owner’s attempt to obtain flood insurance.
Oberg stated, based on what has been presented by the applicant and statements of fact shared by Oleson, it appears unlikely the added crawl space would experience a flood event and granting the variance for the crawl space would not have any significant negative effect. Oberg asked Oleson if there could be a way to alert any future buyer that the crawl space was not in compliance with the DNR 3-foot rule. Oleson believed he could find a way to add language to the variance or possibly add something to the property records.
Chairman Eldevik opened the hearing to the public for comment. Hearing none, he closed the public hearing and reconvened the town meeting.
Oberg, seconded by Wright, made a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Butz, seconded by Dahlheimer, made a motion to approve the minutes of the 09/15/2025 regular board meeting as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Wright, seconded by Dahlheimer, made a motion to authorize payment of claims 25179 – 25196 in the amount of $32,827.22, net payroll $5,877.93, EFTPS $1,216.36 totaling $39,921.51 and a transfer of funds from savings of $33,000. Motion carried unanimously.
CITIZEN’S CONCERNS: none
PLANNING AND ZONING: Oleson reported Mr. Sieve is seeking a variance from the lake setback and crawlspace expansion. Oberg, seconded by Wright, made a motion to approve the variance request submitted by Jonathan Sieve with the findings of fact as outlined in the staff report and to authorize Oleson to provide the appropriate wording or filing that will alert any future home buyer of the variance. Roll: Oberg – yes, Wright – yes, Butz – yes, Dahlheimer – yes, Eldevik – yes. Motion carried unanimously.
Billie Dropik, 7604 Newman Road NE, expressed his concerns regarding the upcoming court date. Dropik requested the Board allow him to continue his car business activities. When asked, Dropik replied he presently has over 75 cars on his property. The Board emphasized that operating this business is equivalent to operating a junk yard and violates zoning and ordinances. The Board made it clear Dropik has been in violation for many years and past attempts to work with him have not been successful.
Wright stated the Board has always tried to work with residents and wished there was a better solution for this situation. Dahlheimer stated this is only one of many sites that are violating ordinances and suggested the Township needs to continue being aggressive in cleaning up these locations. Oleson was asked to give an update on some of the other sites being monitored.
Oleson stated he is actively monitoring numerous sites in the township that have compliance issues. Oleson listed a few of the sites and highlighted a property at 1100 E. Lake Jessie Road. This owner has shown no improvement and is still out of compliance despite numerous communications with the owner. Consensus to turn the issue over to the township attorney.
Oleson discussed a property situation on Co Rd 82 SE. Oleson reported the township was notified that the renter has moved out of the place, but the site is still in violation of the township ordinance. Consensus to have Oleson send out one more letter to the titleholder before further legal actions are pursued.
ENGINEER’S REPORT: Engineer Kuhn reported the town board had requested him to look at the road (Crestwood Ridge) in the Gavin’s Point development and determine potential costs for road improvements needed prior to the town’s consideration in taking over the road. His estimate is approximately $200,000, consisting of milling and overlay. This estimate includes stormwater ponds. The breakdown is as follows: 24 lots @ $8400/parcel. Soil borings would range from $2,000 – $5,000. Kuhn stated he needs to verify the condition of the storm sewer and anticipates sediment will need to be cleaned out.
Kuhn will contact Tom Pappenfus, the development’s representative, and set up a meeting with Mr. Pappenfus, a town board member, and himself.
Mr. Sonstegard, 907 Viking Street, was present inquiring as to the status of the culvert on Brackin Road. Kuhn stated he had spoken with Jerry Haggenmiller regarding the drainage issues. In reviewing the elevations, Engineer Kuhn has not found any evidence the culvert’s height has changed over time. Kuhn suggested ditch cleaning along Brackin Road might help with drainage. Kuhn will set up a meeting with Jerome Haggenmiller from the Soil and Water Conservation District, Mr. Sonstegard, and himself.
OLD BUSINESS: Clerk Meuwissen read aloud Resolution 25-01 – A Resolution Delegating Cannabis Retail Registration and Compliance Authority to Douglas County. He noted the township would still handle the zoning part, but not the registration. Oberg, seconded by Butz, made a motion to approve Resolution 25-01 delegating cannabis retail registration and compliance authority to Douglas County. Roll: Oberg – yes, Wright – yes, Butz – yes, Dahlheimer – no, Eldevik – yes. Motion carried.
Meuwissen reported the agreement with CarlsonSV to conduct our annual 2025 audit would cost approximately $10,000. Oberg, seconded by Dahlheimer, made a motion to contract with CarlsonSV for the 2025 annual audit. Motion carried unanimously.
Meuwissen stated the CD renewal is complete.
NEW BUSINESS: Meuwissen provided an update on ADA compliance concerning our website. He stated bigger business municipalities must have their websites ADA compliant by March 2026. Smaller entities, such as our township, has a compliance date of March 2027.
Being no further business, Chairman Eldevik adjourned the meeting at 7:26 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
______________________________________
Mark Meuwissen, Clerk
Approved this ____ day of ________, 2025
_______________________________________
Rod Eldevik, Chairman