A regular meeting of the Planning Commission of Alexandria Township was held on the 26th day of September, 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: Steidl, seconded by Haar, made a motion to approve the agenda with the addition of Jack’s Family Recycling Center and peacocks under Old Business. Motion carried unanimously.
Minutes: Hammerschmidt, seconded by Haar, made a motion to approve the minutes of the 08/22/2011 meeting as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Zoning Administrator’s Report: Commissioner Hammerschmidt reported that a sign has been installed in the right-of-way near the intersection of Hazel Hill and County Rd 23. He inquired as to whether the sign was permitted and if it should be located off the right-of-way. The commission directed Zoning Administrator Oleson to check into the legality of the sign.
New Business: The commission will begin addressing the end-of-the-year ordinance revisions at their October meeting. Oleson stated that the town board has not formally instructed the planning commission to begin work on the comprehensive plan updates.
The planning commission viewed the first portion of the training session on Enforcement – Creating Effective, Legal and Consistent Procedures. The session focused on why ordinances need to be enforced and common challenges to carrying it through.
Old Business: Oleson stated that the town had received a complaint regarding Jack’s Family Recycling Center and the possibility of infringement on the buffer zone. Oleson investigated and deemed they were within the set boundaries. Discussion ensued about whether to allow materials in the front staging area to be moved behind the fence in part of the buffer zone. Consensus was to not recommend any changes to the conditional use permit for the time being. The commission instructed Oleson to monitor the situation.
Commissioner Haar reported that a property owner on Maple Drive has ducks, peacocks, and other poultry that are not fenced in and are allowed to roam freely. They are seen frequently in the ditches and crossing the town road. Oleson stated that the ordinance addresses livestock and animal units; however, not specifically poultry. He recommended that this item be addressed at the end-of-the-year ordinance revisions.
Adjournment: Being no further business Haar, seconded by Hammerschmidt, made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m.
Respectfully submitted…
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Bonnie Fulghum, Deputy Clerk
Approved this ____ day of ___________, 2011
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Russell Niskanen, Vice-Chairman