Alexandria Township
Alexandria, Minnesota 56308
Minutes of the meeting of October 7, 2024
A Board of Adjustment meeting as well as the regular town board meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Alexandria Township was held on the 7th day of October 2024 at the Alexandria Township Conference Room, 324 Broadway, and via teleconference.
ROLL CALL: Supervisors present were Rod Eldevik, Joel Dahlheimer, Dennis Butz, Jerry Wright and Jeff Oberg. Also present were Clerk Mark Meuwissen and Treasurer Mona Billmark. As said members formed a quorum and the meeting was called to order by Chairman Eldevik at 6:00 p.m.
Chairman Eldevik recessed the meeting to open the Board of Adjustment public hearing on the variance request submitted by DOB Properties LLC. The request is to allow properties located at the intersection of Co Rd 73 NE and Cody Court NE to be served by Type III private sewer systems rather than Type I or connection to the ALASD sanitary sewer collection system.
Hearing no concerns from attendees, Eldevik closed the public hearing and reconvened the regular meeting.
Oberg, seconded by Wright, made a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Oberg, seconded by Dahlheimer, made a motion to approve the minutes of the 9/16/24 regular board meeting as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Wright, seconded by Dahlheimer, made a motion to authorize payment of claims 24186 – 24194 in the amount of $42,430.53, net payroll $4,072.94 totaling $46,503.47 and a transfer of funds from savings of $34,000. Motion carried unanimously.
CITIZEN’S CONCERNS: Michael Klumper, 3717 Maple Dr SE, wanted to discuss the fee he would be charged if he obtained an interim use permit for keeping chickens. It was noted that an IUP is required since he desires to keep 10 chickens (5 more than allowed by ordinance). Mr. Klumper believes the $400 fee is exorbitant. He emphasized his need of retaining 10 chickens, citing some chickens may succumb to the cold temperatures of winter. Supervisor Dahlheimer shared past history as to how the Board made the decision to limit chickens to 5, with an interim use permit allowing up to 10. Clerk Meuwissen clarified that a public hearing is required to grant an interim use permit. Supervisor Oberg stated the $400 fee was based on the cost to the township to post, publish, and hold a public hearing more than the potential benefit to the applicant. Oberg did suggest that the Board has discretion to reduce the fee in some situations and would be willing to reduce it to $200 for this interim use permit application. Motion by Oberg, seconded by Wright, to reduce the interim use permit application fee for Mr. Klumper from $400 to $200. Motion carried unanimously.
Catherine Lawton asked the board to consider her possible petition to be de-annexed from the City of Alexandria into Alexandria Township. Ms. Lawton believes the intention of the annexation by the City of Alexandria should not apply to her property since it was not developed and would not likely be developed in the foreseeable future. Ms. Lawton stated the property was originally Township property, and the taxes she pays, now that the property is located in the City, are more than she can afford. Ms. Lawton related a long history of family ownership and use of the property. Her request to the Board is a show of support for her petition to de-annex from the City. Ms. Lawton stated that without the support of the Township, her petition would be unlikely to succeed. The Board expressed empathy with the situation, but questioned whether there was any legal process that could de-annex this property. Oberg asked if she was connected to city sewer lines. She replied no. Oberg expressed concern as to other services she has received from the City, and stated it was inevitable that she would eventually be required to hook up to the existing sewer lines provided by the City. Eldevik noted the annexation took place in phases and was completed nine years ago. It involved much more than just the development of her particular property. The annexation was a significant event involving many parcels and considerations. Eldevik stated that whether her particular parcel was developed would not have had bearing on the annexation process. Eldevik also questioned whether lake boundaries would qualify the property as “adjacent” to the Township. Eldevik stated he would discuss the matter with the City and the Board tabled the discussion.
PLANNING AND ZONING: The Board considered the variance request from DOB Properties LLC for property located at the intersection of Co Rd 73 NE and Cody Court NE (parcel 03-0019-500). The variance request is to have the Board allow 5 residential lots, split from a 20-acre parcel, to be served by Type III private sewer systems rather than Type I or connection to the ALASD sanitary sewer. Zoning Administrator Oleson noted the Board had previous concerns with this development regarding a storm water management plan. The Board reviewed a grading plan depicting water flow. Supervisor Wright asked where the Type III septic systems would be located. The approximate locations were identified on the plan. Motion by Oberg, seconded by Butz, to approve the variance application submitted by DOB Properties LLC with the four conditions as outlined in the staff report. Motion carried unanimously.
Oleson updated the Board on the non-compliance nature of Francis Chock’s septic system. The Township Attorney had sent a letter to Mr. Chock requesting action to resolve the deficiencies. Oleson asked if the Board wanted the Township Attorney to pursue more aggressive legal procedures. The Board was in consensus to advise our Township Attorney to pursue more aggressive legal action. Oleson agreed to pass along the Board’s request.
Engineer’s Report: Engineer Kuhn reported that blacktop projects were progressing at a reasonable pace and should be completed soon. It appears the projects will be completed within expected costs.
Old Business: Clerk Meuwissen presented the Board with a proposal from Alden Just Road Maintenance for winter road maintenance. Meuwissen stated it was the only proposal received. The RFP meets all requirements. The Board reviewed the rates and terms of the contract. Dahlheimer stated Alden Just Road Maintenance has served the Township for many years and has done an extraordinary job. The Board expressed their appreciation to Alden Just for his past service. Motion by Oberg, seconded by Butz, to accept the rates as quoted above for winter road maintenance for the period October 7, 2024 – March 31, 2025. Roll: Dahlheimer, Butz, Wright, Oberg, Eldevik – yes, Opposed: none. Motion carried unanimously.
Meuwissen presented the names of two additional election judges for the Board’s consideration. Motion by Dahlheimer, seconded by Butz, to approve the additional election judges. Motion carried unanimously.
New Business: Oberg reported he was receiving multiple calls about the road edges of West Lake Jessie Dr SE and the steep incline from the edge of the blacktop to the bottom of the ditch. A number of residents from West Lake Jessie Dr SE were present at the meeting. Pictures were presented to the Supervisors. Oberg stated the manner in which the edges of asphalt were finished could be a problem. Engineer Kuhn agreed to inspect the road and determine if additional modifications are needed.
Motion by Oberg, seconded by Dahlheimer, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried and Chairman Eldevik adjourned the meeting at 7:38 p.m.
Respectfully submitted….
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Mark Meuwissen, Clerk
Approved this ____ day of ________, 2024
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Rod Eldevik, Chairman