MINUTES OF THE JOINT SPECIAL MEETING OF CORINNA TOWNSHIP AND CITY OF MAPLE LAKE

Tuesday, January 27, 2004

7 p.m., Town Hall Unofficial Minutes

Present: Maple Lake City Council: Mayor Mike Messina, Steve Mooney, John Northenscold, Linda Hruby, Judith Kelly and Mark A. Woolston and Henry P. Mavencamp, Attorney Rhonda Pagel, and Corinna Township Board: Chairman Bill Lieb, Supervisor Dave Stumpf, and Supervisor John Dearing and Clerk Vi Novotne.

Chairman Bill Lieb opened the special meeting at 7:00 p.m. The Chairman asked that Mayor Mike Messina state the purpose of this meeting.

Mike Messina stated that the City Council has met with Albion Township and expects to meet with Maple Lake Township to discuss the City of Maple Lake growth plan. Mike reported that he could not answer what the projected growth might be for the city in six years or ten years, but the city does wish to organize this growth in an orderly annexation with both parties in agreement.

Bill Lieb responded that the township board realizes that growth is coming but does not wish development annexations that would be “leap frogging” from one area to another. Mike added that the city council is reviewing the growth plan and the council would welcome any input from the township. John Dearing expressed that the town board is willing to work with the city council and asked if additional township land is in the annexation picture. John added that developments should have the sewers installed. Mike responded that more developments are possible in Albion Township in the distant future. Land north of the Mavencamp land is a possible future development area in Corinna Township.

Henry Mavencamp and Mark Wollston presented an aerial survey depicting the 105 acre development area of which a portion borders 65^th Street. Future drainage ponds were noted. John stated the board’s concern, which is township’s policy, developments have tarred roads and 65^th Street should be tarred. Bill directed question to Mike if the city would be responsible for paving costs if the township be responsible for road maintenance. Corinna has a limited number of property owners to assess along 65^th and farmland would not be benefited. Three members of the council informally agreed. Mike responded that this request should be a part of the agreement.

Rhonda Pagel, Attorney from Shadduck Young and Brown, stated she was attending this meeting only to answer questions for the city council and the township board.. The first phase of annexation process is to have a joint resolution which defines the area and criteria for the orderly annexation of the Mavencamp land. The second part is the agreement itself for the tax distribution and road maintenance issues. No payments are to be expected for the annexation except for property taxes that are collected. A statute requires that for five-year taxes are to be prorated and distributed. Bill replied that the township annexation of the Annandale Business Park land was a three-year agreement, 75-50-25 on bare agricultural land and city ultimately presented a tax payment for $80-$85. Rhonda continued that when the Mavencamp land no longer qualifies for the Green Acres, the special tax plan where taxes are deferred, the taxes should be negotiable Rhonda stated that Green Acres taxes default to township regardless of the annexation.

Bill stated that what the township desires most is paving for 65^th Street.. Rhonda added that the city benefits from the paving and will possibly have the developer help absorb the cost. Bill added that during the four to five years before homes are built in the development and the township plows and grades the road, the city should pick up one half of the cost for calcium chloride and gravel.

Rhonda continued that annexation expenses are to be billed to the City of Maple Lake. A draft of the joint resolution will be prepared and forwarded for review by the town board by the February 3 meeting. If both parties agree or changes are needed, the resolution can be forwarded back to the city or to the township. Mike stated that the annexation may need two or three months of continued discussion but should be finalized before March 17, when the city moratorium ends. The second joint meeting date will be Monday, February 23 at 7 p.m. at the town hall to review the growth plans and continue discussion.

Bill asked that the township receive a copy of the growth plans and he would like growth projections for five years and ten years for the township to consider. He added that ten to twelve years ago growth was insignificant and now there are a number of homes each year This growth also depends on the developers.

Rhonda stated that a draft of the city and township resolution and agreement will be prepared and mailed to each supervisor before the February 3, 2004 Township Meeting.

The resolution final review and decision should be accomplished by the February 17, 2004 town board meeting.

The joint meeting closed at 9:15 p.m.

Board discussion:

Dave Stumpf reported that February 9, the Annandale Fire Department will review plans for the new fire hall. The fire department has received a grant of $40,500 for equipment to remove exhaust fumes from the fire department building. February 19, will be the next Fire Commission meeting.

Corinna’s Local Board of Appeal and Equalization is scheduled for April 20 the same day of the township regular meeting.. John suggested that any day during the week of April 12-15 should be requested.

No further business to come before the board, the meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Vi Novotne,

Clerk