A regular meeting and public hearing of the Planning Commission of Alexandria Township was held on the 26th day of March, 2012 at the Alexandria Township Conference Room, 610 Fillmore Street.
Roll Call: Commission members present were Julie Haar, Roger Thalman, Larry Steidl and Lyle Hammerschmidt. Also present were Bonnie Fulghum, Deputy Clerk, and Ben Oleson, Township Zoning Administrator. As said members formed a quorum and the meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairman Hammerschmidt at 6:00 p.m.
Agenda: Steidl, seconded by Thalman, made a motion to approve the agenda with the addition of semi-trailer parking under New Business. Motion carried unanimously.
Minutes: Haar, seconded by Thalman, made a motion to approve the minutes of the 02/27/2012 meeting as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Vice-Chair Hammerschmidt recessed the meeting to open the public hearing at 6:08 p.m.
Public Hearing: Vice-Chair Hammerschmidt stated that the purpose of the public hearing was to address amendments to the zoning and subdivision ordinances. The first item for discussion was a portion of the zoning ordinance entitled, “Section V. Keeping of Animals”. Vice-Chair Hammerschmidt opened the meeting for public comment. Hearing none, he brought the issue back to the commission. Due to the arrival of Gary Reuter, an entymologist with the University of Minnesota, Vice-Chair Hammerschmidt elected to temporarily adjourn this portion of the meeting to open the next item of business, Section W. Beekeeping Ordinance. Mr. Reuter gave a short presentation on beekeeping. Vice-Chair Hammerschmidt opened the meeting for public comment. Hearing none, he brought the issue back to the commission for discussion. The commission chose to add the following to the beekeeping ordinance: “For parcels consisting of one acre or less, 1) consent must be obtained from the majority of adjacent landowners; and 2) a 3 – 4 foot barrier must be maintained around the colony and a 4 foot minimum height fence is required.”
Vice-Chair Hammerschmidt opened Section VII. Definitions for public comment. Hearing none, he proceeded to invite public comment on the proposed amendment to Ordinance #120 of the Subdivision Ordinance, Section 5. Subdivision Design Standards. Hearing no public comment, he closed the public hearing and reconvened the meeting at 7:20 p.m.
The commission chose to leave intact the draft wording for Sections V and VII of the Zoning Ordinance and the amendment to the Subdivision Ordinance. They instructed Oleson to bring the changes on the Beekeeping Ordinance to the next meeting and will, at that time, make a recommendation to submit all proposed amendments to both the zoning and subdivision ordinances to the town board.
Zoning Administrator’s Report: Update.
New Business: The commission chose to table discussion on semi-trailer parking.
Old Business: The commission instructed Oleson to consult with the town board for permission to begin working on the comprehensive plan. An item of particular concern is future annexation.
The commission chose to have future training sessions encompass aspects of comprehensive plans.
Adjournment: Being no further business Thalman, seconded by Steidl, made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted…
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Bonnie Fulghum, Deputy Clerk
Approved this ____ day of ___________, 2012
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Lyle Hammerschmidt, Vice-Chairman