A regular meeting/public hearing of the Planning Commission of Alexandria Township was held on the 24th day of October, 2011 at the Alexandria Township Conference Room, 610 Fillmore Street.
Roll Call: Commission members present were Julie Haar, Russ Niskanen, 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 Niskanen at 6:00 p.m.
Agenda: Hammerschmidt, seconded by Steidl, made a motion to approve the agenda with the addition of John and Grace Ljung’s potential subdivision under New Business. Motion carried unanimously.
Minutes: Hammerschmidt, seconded by Haar, made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 26, 2011 meeting as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Vice-Chairman Niskanen opened the public hearing portion of the meeting.
Public Hearing: Conditional Use Permit Application for Ronald and Mary Nelson. Tim Ferguson of Ferguson Bros., the Nelsons’ representative, stated that the purpose of the application is to allow the Nelsons to address damage to their lawn on the lake side due to exceptionally high water this past summer. Mr. Ferguson explained that the project was to bring in enough fill to raise the elevation to help slow down erosion along the shoreline. He plans to also install riprap, which would adjoin the riprap with the neighbor to the north. Zoning Administrator Oleson clarified that the conditional use was required to place more than 10 cubic yards of material in a shore impact zone. Oleson also stated that if the conditional use application is approved by the town board, an over-the-counter shoreland alteration permit would be needed to place approximately 48 cubic yards of black dirt in this area and another 18 cubic yards of riprap along the shore to help protect the property from wave action.
Vice-Chairman Niskanen asked for clarification of staff recommendation no. 1 regarding surface water runoff. Mr. Ferguson said that he plans to have some sort of retention at the edge of the shoreline to help slow down the runoff.
As there was no public comment, Vice-Chairman Niskanen closed the public portion of the hearing and brought the issue back to the commission for discussion.
Motion by Hammerschmidt, seconded by Steidl, to recommend approval of the Nelson’s conditional use permit application as presented with the two staff recommendations listed in the staff report. Roll: Steidl – yes, Hammerschmidt – yes, Haar – yes, Niskanen – yes. Motion carried unanimously.
Zoning Administrator’s Report: Commissioner Hammerschmidt inquired as to the status of the sign located in the right-of-way on Hazel Hill Road and County Road 23. Oleson stated that a letter had been sent to the homeowner and to date there has been no response.
Oleson stated that the town had received a complaint regarding materials being stored behind the fence at Jack’s Family Recycling Center. After review, Oleson determined there was no violation.
New Business: John Ljung addressed the commission on behalf of his mother, Grace Ljung, and himself. They own property which abuts E. Lake Geneva Road and County Road 73 (PIN: 03-1205-000). The property is currently utilized as farm land. Mr. Ljung said their plans are to subdivide and create a new lot, approximately 1.6 acres. The remainder would be retained as farm land. He also indicated that there are stubs already in place. The commission discussed drainage issues and the potential for flooding in this area. Zoning Administrator Oleson will consult with the town engineer and then follow up with Mr. Ljung.
Old Business: Zoning Administrator Oleson stated that the county approved their comprehensive plan. Consensus of the commission is to have Oleson prepare sections of the county’s plan for the commission’s review at subsequent meetings.
Oleson will compile a list of proposed revisions of zoning ordinance updates for the next meeting.
The commission completed the training video for Enforcement – Creating Effective, Legal and Consistent Procedures. Topics included common enforcement challenges and tips for more effective enforcement.
Adjournment: Being no further business Steidl, seconded by Hammerschmidt, made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted…
___________________________________
Bonnie Fulghum, Deputy Clerk
Approved this ____ day of ___________, 2011
___________________________________
Russell Niskanen, Vice-Chairman