Alexandria Township

Alexandria, Minnesota 56308

Minutes of the meeting of September 21, 2026

A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Alexandria Township was held on the 21st day of September at The Hub on Broadway Conference Room, 203 Broadway Street and via teleconference.

ROLL CALL: Supervisors present were Rod Eldevik, Dennis Butz, Joel Dahlheimer, Jeff Oberg and Jerry Wright.  Also present were Mark Meuwissen, Clerk, and Eli Biggers, Treasurer.  As said members formed a quorum, the meeting was called to order by Chairman Eldevik at 6:00 p.m.

Oberg, seconded by Dahlheimer, made a motion to adopt the agenda with the addition of a bank transition discussion under Old Business.  Motion carried unanimously.

Wright, seconded by Butz, made a motion to approve the minutes of the 9/8/2026 regular board meeting as written.  Motion carried unanimously.

Wright, seconded by Butz, made a motion to authorize payment of claims 26419 – 26425 in the amount of $3,769.93 with no transfer of funds required.  Motion carried unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS:

Meuwissen updated the Board on the transition of banking services to Viking Bank and said we could start writing checks from the new institution in mid-October.  Clerk Meuwissen explained that Ryan Blakesley with Viking Bank was present to discuss some of the banking features available to the Township and to discuss the security of township deposits.

Chair Eldevik opened the floor to Ryan Blakesley.  Mr. Blakesley described a partnership program wherein funds are transferred between member banks in amounts under the maximum FDIC insurance.  This assures the Township’s funds will always be 100% FDIC insured.  Blakesley also provided a summary of the bank’s local ownership, history, size and full-service options, suggesting they could become the Township’s “one stop service.”

CITIZEN’S CONCERNS: none

PLANNING AND ZONING:

Zoning Administrator Oleson presented an application for Interim Use Permit submitted by Chirs Just.  The request is to allow seasonal outdoor storage of boats and trailers throughout the year on unused land located in a rural conservation residential district.  The planning commission recommended approval subject to 20 conditions.   The Board reviewed aerial images, discussed maximum units to be stored, screening from the road, the conditions listed, and enforcement, if needed.  Motion by Dahlheimer, seconded by Butz, to approve the interim use permit subject to the 20 conditions listed in the application.  Motion carried unanimously.  Roll: Dahlheimer, Butz, Oberg, Wright, Eldevik – yes. Opposed: none. Motion carried unanimously.

Oleson presented the most recent draft of a proposed parking ordinance.  The board discussed the required steps necessary to make this effective.  Oleson stated the new ordinance does not require a public hearing, but it will need to be posted in the newspaper in summary form, on the official Township posting board. Motion by Dahlheimer, seconded by Butz, to adopt the parking ordinance as presented.  Roll: Dahlheimer, Butz, Wright, Oberg, Eldevik – yes.  Opposed: none. Motion passed unanimously.

ENGINEERS REPORT:

Engineer Kuhn presented estimated costs for a proposed streetlamp to be installed on Pawnee Drive.  Based upon previous installations, the distance from the nearest electric source, and placement on the road (whether the left or the right side), the estimate falls between $8,000 and $20,000.  Meuwissen mentioned that a meter charge of $350 will be added. The meter charge, along with electric use charges, will repeat every year after installation.  Kuhn stated criteria for streetlights most often considered by a municipality usually includes the quantity of traffic, speed limits, road design, and whether a hill might limit visibility for oncoming traffic.  After discussion, Meuwissen noted there are no existing houses past the proposed light placement. The Board was in consensus that this did not appear to be a safety concern and the request died from lack of motion.   Meuwissen agreed to contact the party requesting the light and give opportunity to present additional information if desired.

Kuhn discussed a possible conflict that might arise over a drainage easement off County Rd 23.  Dahlheimer provided background information and historic maps were reviewed. The maps depicted the area before construction and after construction and how it is now affecting drainage.  Consensus that Dahlheimer should communicate with the landowner for possible solutions with an understanding that any solution must not harm the adjacent lot.

NEW BUSINESS:

Meuwissen alerted the Board that the summer road contract expires at the end of September and the posting for quotes was not done in time to award a contract before the old one expires.  Alden Just Road Maintenance holds the current summer contract and was present at the meeting to offer a one-month extension.  Dahlheimer, seconded by Butz, made a motion to extend the summer contract by one month.  Motion carried unanimously.

Motion by Oberg, seconded by Butz, to authorize the clerk to post notices requesting quotes for winter road maintenance services.  Motion carried unanimously.

Meuwissen presented the board with a resolution to consider naming the township treasurer, Eli Biggers, as the new Paid Leave Administrator per recent legislation.  Wright, seconded by Dahlheimer, made a motion to pass Resolution 2026-01 designating Eli Biggers as the new Paid Leave Administrator for the township.  Roll: Wright, Dahlheimer, Butz, Oberg, Eldevik – yes.  Opposed: none. Resolution passed unanimously.

Being no further business, Eldevik adjourned the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 7:08 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

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Mark Meuwissen, Clerk

Approved this ____ day of ________, 2026

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Rod Eldevik, Chairman