7-17-01 tbJuly 17, 2001
New Scandia Town Board meeting was called to order by Chairman, Dennis Seefeldt.
The following Board Members were also present: Paul Rasmussen, Vice Chairman,
Michael Hinz, Nancy Madden and John Martineau.
Consent Agenda
Paul Rasmussen made a motion to approve the following Consent Agenda:
1. Clerk's minutes have been presented for June 19, 2001
2. Balance May 31, 2001 $755,306.51
Receipts 27,315.96
Expenditures 84,701.58
Transfer Charge 2.00
Returned Check 60.00
Balance June 31, 2001 $697,858.89
John Martineau seconded the motion and motion adopted unanimously.
Harlan Wolfe -Variance
Nancy Madden reviewed the following information regarding the Harlan Wolfe
Public Hearing: The proposed location is 208 feet from the street and will not
be seen from the street, because the house is located on an odd shaped lot due to the
location of the cul-du-sac. The rear portion of the property is a steep slope and this
presents a problem with the location of the new garage. The garage would be closer to
the road then the house. While I agree with the Planning Commission that the property
can be put to a reasonable use, because there is an existing garage and while the plight of
the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property, it is exacerbated by the
location of the house; I also agree with the Township Planner that at the proposed
location it will not be seen from the road and therefore would not alter the essential
character of the surrounding area.
The septic system is located behind the house so bringing the garage too close to the
house could create a problem when the system needs to be serviced. The garage could be
scaled to allow a 10 foot side yard.
Nancy Madden a motion to approve the variance for Harlan Wolfe,10411215th
Street Court North, Scandia, MN 55073. To place the garage closer to the road than
the house, with a side yard no closer than ten feet. This can be achieved by moving
the garage 2 Y2 feet closer to the house or building the garage 2 Y2 feet smaller in
width. Paul Rasmussen seconded the motion and motion adopted unanimously.
New Scandia Town Board
July 17, 2001
Page 2
Nextel Communications -Conditional Use Permit
Nancy Madden made a motion to remove the Nextel Communications Conditional
Use Permit off the table. John Martineau seconded the motion and motion adopted
unanimously.
Nancy Madden reviewed the Nextel Communications Conditional Use Permit proposal.
Ms. Madden stated the township can not legally prohibit communication towers, but we
can regulate them. While I would rather we require stealth locations for these
communication towers, I accept the fact this is not one of the options with this particular
application. Of the two designs discussed the monopole is the least visually intrusive
design. And monopoles, hopefully, will be a requirement of the proposed New Township
Tower Ordinance. After looking at two monopoles suggested by the applicant as well as
the really tall light blue Xcel Energy high power monopoles that cross Mn Hwy 97 and
pass through the Nickelson Farm, I feel painting the poles light blue make them less
noticeable then leaving them to weather. I know this is an added expense to the
applicant, but I feel we have a right and a reason to require this.
Nancy Madden made a motion to accept the Planning Commission recommendation
to grant the Conditional Use Permit for Nextel Communications with the additional
conditions that the communication tower be a monopole painted light blue and
maintained in good condition. Dennis Seefeldt made the following amendment:
Nextel Communications develop a Landscape Plan with Dennis and Nola Lofboom
and two members of the Town Board. The plan shall be submitted at the
September 18, 2001 Town Board meeting. Nancy Madden seconded the amendment
and amendment passed. Paul Rasmussen made a motion the monopole be
galvanized, Michael Hinz seconded the motion. Dennis Seefeldt, yes, Paul
Rasmussen, yes, Michael Hinz, yes, John Martineau, yes and Nancy Madden
opposed. Motion adopted.
Sheriffs Report/Jamie Jackson
Deputy Jamie Jackson reported the conditions with the Skating Facility and that she had
informed the persons using the facility about the need for the cleaning the grounds inside
the skating area and outside of the building.
Mr. Seefeldt also expressed his concerns with damage to the building, condition of
equipment and the possibility of an attendant on duty with specific times the facility
should be open
New Scandia Town Board
July 17, 2001
Page 3
Tom Peterson/Township Enginee
Mr. Peterson reviewed the following bids that were received for the reconstruction of
188th and Norell Avenue:
(1) R. E. Peterson $596,021.30
(2) W. B. Miller $764,683.95
The low bidder on the project was R. E. Peterson, Inc. of Lindstrom, Minnesota with a
Base Bid of $596,021.30. This is 8% higher than the Engineer Estimate of $550,000.00.
The bids have been reviewed and found to be in order.
Dennis Seefeldt made a motion to award the bid to R. E. Peterson, Inc. in the
amount of $596,021.30, contingent on availability of TIP Funds. Michael Hinz
seconded the motion and motion adopted unanimously.
A petition was received from Todd Balsimo, 13430 188th Street, John and Nancy Parson,
13440 188t" Street North, and Steven and Irene Kronmiller, 13450 188th Street North,
addressing the road alignment with the new construction on 188th Street. It was agreed
this issue would be addressed with the project and Michael Hinz would oversee the
proj ect.
Wetland Replacement Plan for 188th Street and Norell
Paul Rasmussen made a motion to approve and sign the Wetland Replacement
Plant for the 188th Street and Norell Street Improvements. Dennis Seefeldt
seconded the motion and motion adopted unanimously.
Xcel EngeLry Underground Utilities
Nancy Madden made a motion to approve the underground distribution to install
transformer for 3 lots on west side of Ozark Avenue and 15243 209", Street.
Michael Hinz seconded the motion and motion adopted unanimously.
New Scandia Town Board
July 17, 2001
Page 4
Steve Spence/Fire Chief
Steve Spence informed the Town Board that a walk through of the New Scandia
Fire/Rescue and Public Works Department on September 7, 2001. The township office
was directed to advertise this in the legal paper, as there as been some interest by
residents that were not able to attend the Grand Opening last fall.
Drop -Off Recycling/Bruce Swenson
Mr. Swenson gave a report on the usage of the Drop -Off Recycling. He stated that
approximately 35 residents use of the service weekly, so the estimated monthly usage
would be 150 residents. Mr. Swenson was questioned how he felt about eliminating the
Drop -Off Service and he said he would not have problem with eliminating the service.
The township office was directed to acquire a quote from Lindell Bituminous Surfacing
for surfacing the area.
Painting Bid for Community Center/Old Maintenance Building
Michael Hinz made a motion to award the bid for the painting for the Community
Center and Old Maintenance Building to Rivard Paint and Stain in the amount of
$10,380.00 and the alternate for the Maintenance Building at $890.00. Mr. Duane
Thompson shall inspect the project periodically. Nancy Madden seconded the
motion and motion adopted unanimously.
Sherwood Acres/Escrow .Account
Paul Rasmussen made a motion to reduce the escrow for Sherwood Acres to the
amount of $2500.00. Michael Hinz seconded the motion and motion adopted
unanimously.
Budget Hearing Date
The date for the Budget Hearing to review and discuss the 2002 Budget was set for July
31, 2001.
Paul Rasmussen made a motion to adjourn.
D9.1ores Peters
New Scandia wnship Clerk