REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING (January 20, 2004)

 

Board Chair, Robert Benson called the meeting to order.  Other members present included Supervisors David W. McKeag and David Garner, Clerk, Colleen Thompson and Treasurer, Ken Ebert.

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

 

Colleen read the minutes of the December 16, 2003 Regular Board Meeting.  Bob made a motion to approve the minutes with correction.  Dave McKeag seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

 

Ken gave the Treasurer Report.  As of December 31, 2003 there is a total of $196,677.77 in savings and checking and $227,658.36 in CD’s for a total of $424, 336.13.  We had income for the month of $63,396.84 and expenses for the month of $9,532.42.  Dave Garner made a motion to accept the report as read.  Dave McKeag seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

 

Colleen read the minutes of the Special Board Meeting dated January 5, 2004.  Dave McKeag made a motion, seconded by Dave Garner to approve as read.  Motion carried.

 

Roland Spillman, 5771 Highway 19 Boulevard, Cannon Falls, MN 55009, appeared before the Board to request a building permit to remodel the interior of his existing home.  Estimated cost is $17,000.00.  Dave Garner made a motion, seconded by Dave McKeag to grant a permit.  Carried.

 

Carl and Carol Slifka, 31182 55th Avenue Way, Cannon Falls, MN 55009 in Section 24 did not appear.  The Slifka’s appeared before the Planning Commission to request the vacation of a portion of 55th Avenue Way.  The Planning Commission made a procedural error by scheduling a Public Hearing.  The Clerk pulled the notice from the Cannon Falls Beacon and informed the Planning Commission Chair that all road vacation/closing requests are to be brought directly before the Board.  Joe Vandenheuvel will call the Slifka’s as to the proper procedure and inform them that they may request a variance for the placement of their proposed new home.

 

Fred Dierking, 32920 57th Avenue Court, Cannon Falls, MN 55009 in Section 35 appeared before the Board to request a building permit for remodeling and a 42`x14` addition to his existing home.  All setbacks will be met.  Estimated cost is $60,000.00.  Bob Benson made a motion to grant a permit.  Dave Garner seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

 

Jason Hall of American Tower Corporation, 11600 96th Avenue North, Maple Grove, MN 55369  being the representative of Nextel Communications Inc. did not appear.  He had presented a request to the Stanton Township Planning Commission for a building permit and also a conditional use permit for adding additional communication equipment to an existing tower owned by Great River Energy.  The property the tower is located on is currently under litigation to determine the fee owner.  The Planning Commission tabled the request until the current litigation is resolved.  It was reported that Mr. Hall stated he did not have the authority to sign a 60-day waiver.  Dave Garner made a motion to deny Nextel Communications Inc., a permit as it stands for lack of proof of ownership of land.  Dave McKeag seconded the motion.  All voting eye, motion carried.

REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING (January 20, 2004 cont.)

 

Dan Flotterud, representing Saint Paul’s Lutheran  Church, 30289 59th Ave. Way,  Cannon Falls,

MN appeared before the Board for a preliminary request to recognize two lots they purchased when purchasing their property and that are now not recognized as lots but included with the whole parcel of record in their current land description.  Mr. Flotterud stated they would like to split off and make into two separate lots for the purpose to sale.  Current lot size in the area averages out to 143` x 165` feet.  Under the current Ordinance five acres is needed for the purpose of building in the residential district.  When asked if a variance request was needed, Joe stated they could use five acres, quit claim four back to the church but then the property involved could not be built on, going on to state allocated land can not be reused.  No action was taken.

 

Joyce Moorhouse, 2763 310th Street, Cannon Falls, MN 55009, Section 16, did not appear due to other commitments.  It was reported by Joe that the request is for a permit to build a log home on a 74-acre parcel in section 22.  He also reported that Mrs. Moorhouse made three different proposals, the first on 20 acres, the second using “some here, some there” and the third on property possibly used in securing the Dubbels building site.  Joe also reported that the Moorhouse’s have gone to the County and were told there is a building site per County.  Bob stated he would like to see documentation on the Dubbels’ permit.  It was noted that Mrs. Moorhouse did not have a site plan, was not sure of the placement and presented no documentation to the Planning Commission.  Dave Garner made a motion to refer back for complete documentation for the purpose to determine if they have a buildable site and to reappear with a survey and site map and that the permit will only be issued and denied if not in their name.  Dave McKeag seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

 

Adam Rueger gave a road report. He stated he will be out of the area for three days during February and will need a back-up driver for those days.  He also reported that he would be out on February 10, 2004 to attend “sign school” at the Earl Brown Learning Center.


The Clerk will order several “slow, children playing” signs.

 

Joe Vandenheuvel reported a problem with zoning in the Oxford Mill area.  If granting a permit the Township is less restrictive than the County.  Joe also stated the need to check on the number of businesses being run from the Spring Garden Nursery site.  The current Conditional Use is for Ag. related business and log homes and cabins do not qualify.  Joe also stated that Riverwood Church needs to renew their conditional use.  Joe stated he has a copy of the updated County Ordinance.

 

Dean Johnson questioned the Board if they have made an agreement for or against annexation.  Bob stated we need an agreement with Cannon Falls to get our fair share of taxes when annexation occurs. 

 

Colleen presented a letter from the County Engineers that stated the Township could be included in the County’s bid for road work involving seal coating and crack repair.  All Supervisors agreed to the offer and are in favor of seal coating and crack repair of all Township hard surface roads.  Colleen will contact County.

 

 

REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING (January 20, 2004 cont.)

 

Ken reported that the CD at White Rock Bank is due.  He recommended splitting in half and designating for building fund and also for checking and savings.  Because of the current bad interest rate he proposed renewing for a one-year period.  Dave Garner made a motion to split the CD and keep at White Rock Bank.  Dave McKeag seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

 

Dave McKeag and Dave Garner will attend the Goodhue County Township Association Meeting scheduled for February 7, 2004.

 

Dave McKeag reported that the Board would meet with Warsaw Township regarding road maintenance on February 11, 2004 at 8:00 p.m. at the Warsaw Town Hall.

 

Bob reported on the days he would not be available in February.

 

Bob made a motion to distribute mail.  Dave McKeag seconded the motion.  Carried.

 

Colleen stated the need to receive the Red Wing Republican Eagle, as it is the County’s official paper this year for the purpose to keep on top of County’s actions.  Bob will check if his parents get the paper.

 

Bob made a motion, seconded by Dave McKeag to pay claims.

 

Dave Garner made a motion, seconded by Dave McKeag to adjourn.