CORINNA TOWNSHIP MEETING MINUTES

May 1, 2007

7 p.m., Town Hall Unapproved

Present: 71 property owners, Ward Huston, Don Peterson, Craig Stradtman, Brad Arnston and Town Board: Chairman Alan Jude, Supervisor John Dearing, Supervisor Dick Naaktgeboren and Clerk/Treasurer Vi Novotne.

The meeting opened at 7 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.

With motion by John Dearing, seconded by Dick Naaktgeboren, the minutes of the April 17 meeting were approved as presented.

The agenda for this meeting with three additions: Eight persons wishing to speak regarding the Conditional Use Permit, Craig Stradtman for Liquor License Renewal and Pleasant Lake Association invitation to visioning session was approved with motions by Dick Naaktgeboren and second by John Dearing.

Requests to be on the Agenda:

1. Knife River Corporation, Brad Arnston, contractor (Continued from 4/17/07) Conditional Use Permit for temporary gravel pit and asphalt operations for Highway 24 project. Land: 15 acres of land North of 39 and West of Ireland Avenue. (Supervisor John Dearing announced that he is removed from the hearing) .

Chairman Alan Jude opened the meeting to first hear the concerns or opinions from the persons attending this meeting that asked to be on the agenda and followed by any others who wished to be heard. Brad Arnston arrived at 7:45 p.m.

Dan Roller and Mona Steinhaus: A gravel pit or asphalt operation would be an environmental hazard to Cedar Lake both in runoff and airborne particles. Cedar Lake residents are being assessed to clean up the lake and this operation may feed the lake. At the intersection, trucks would create more traffic. Culvert at H39 would allow run off. This may not be just a temporary operation and it could turn into a longer time line.

Alan Jude: State sets safe standards for hazards. Highway 24 would be closed except for local residents. This conditional use permit would be a temporary permit and would be for a maximum of 18 months. Top soil would be returned to the mining area.

Lee Parks: How was this site determined? This area is close to Cedar and Clearwater Lake. When his house was built. he had to raise the bed for his sewer. Feels the plant would be on lowland. Just paid an assessment for Cedar Lake cleanup and feels that in no way should the mining and plant be at this location. Tammy Parks: This morning I became aware of this planned nearby gravel pit and asphalt operation and I along with Mona Steinhaus have called residents. Why wasn’t every property owner notified? How can Corinna consider this a benefit to the township? There is no guarantee that this temporary permit will not be renewed. Property owners pay taxes for road improvements and the trucks will ruin the road. EPA report is needed if pollution is a possibility thru the culverts. Air pollution alone will lower the quality of life in the community. Corinna Township has stated the moratorium ordinance is in effect until 6/6/07 and in the first paragraph it stated that gravel pits have a substantial health and safety negative impact.

Dick Naaktgeboren: The town board did not invite contractors to bid on this area. Knife River, in testing for gravel areas, found gravel at this location and asked.

Jerry Truman: As a representative of the Clearwater Lake Property Owners Association, wish to hear if there will be run off to Cedar or Clearwater Lake. Clearwater Lake is now clean as it was 40 years ago and we do not want pollution. Will the culvert at Highway 39 and Highway 24 receive runoff and we need answers as to how runoff will be stopped.

Jerry Mundell: I have nearby property for sale. I want to hear how run off will be handled. Hope the board listens to the people.

Vern Johson: Does the town board know what Knife River’s record is in clean up and will this be a temporary permit or will it be here forever? The operation will be ugly. . Am concerned with ground water and if wells will be affected. There is no way to disguise the smell, the dust and the traffic caused by the operation. The critical intersection is used by traffic going to the entrance to the park. Environmental impact tests should be determined before granting this request. Property values will not increase with this nearby operation. What is in it for the township? There are no other pits in township and gravel tax is returned to the township.

Dave Wagner: Was not aware of this permit until this morning and am noticing the number of persons here at this meeting. What process will the board follow for making a decision? For other gravel pits, the county has granted one year use and then has allowed renewals. Wouldn’t it be prudent that the board requests an environmental investigation? With oil, and fuel on property, that fact means an impacted area. A web search for asphalt plant pollution revealed that EPO says asphalt plants are a major air pollutant; exposure causes physical problems; and loss of property value is documented. What other project will you haul gravel and asphalt from this pit? What other plants close by do you work from? If state allows, contractor could use the operation for other bids and come back later for a permit. We could speculate that there could be another asphalt plant along Highway 24. There could be other contractors perhaps at least six. We don’t want the operation here in Corinna Township.

Alan Jude: The petition for the conditional use has been presented to this town board and the board intends to also hear the facts from Knife River. We are listening for opinions of those attending this meeting and are also will be listening to Mr. Arntson, the contractor for Knife River .

Marvin Brunsell: As a member of the Clearwater River Watershed Board and a property owner of Clearwater Lake, people have environmental concerns for this operation. Clearwater Lake has been assessed in the past to clean up Clearwater Lake. Has an environmental worksheet been prepared? Speaking for himself, he is looking for a guarantee.

Joel Vos: Resident of Cedar Lake that just heard of the planned operation today. How is this permit granted? Am amazed that township would consider the operation with a County Park and two lakes nearby. Does the “will of the people here” fit in? This problem is similar to the last fall arguments against a permanent gravel pit. Watershed has criteria. Pollution should be taken care of. Everyone is pretty much opposed. Could the board approve when so many have stated justifications that would affect the area? What are the benefits?

Alan Jude: The ban was lifted February 20 that where mining is permitted and not less than 1,000’ from shoreland, a temporary use permit will be issued for the duration of the specific project of Highway 24 reconstruction. This permit request after review from town board goes to the County. County can override township opinion. Corinna Township placed the moratorium on gravel mining.

Sue Nash: Am a resident on Cedar Lake. Clarify on map where the mining activity will be? (Alan Jude pointed to the land North of Cy Rd 39 and West of Ireland, farmland extending past the Corinna Town Hall). Government provides legal protection. This operation will smell and will lower property value. Cedar Lake is a fragile lake and is a valuable resource. Board needs to look at an environmental impact before forwarding to the Wright County Board. May 10 is the hearing at Wright County and everyone should write or call the Wright County Board or attend the meeting.

Harold Stelton: Moved here 21 years ago as this area is a safe and a quiet and a good place to raise children. Am concerned for the health of property owners with a gravel and tar pit that will smoke, have dust and pollute. There are two other plants a few miles from here.

Brad Arnston, representative for Knife River Corporation and Buffalo Bituminous: First of all am a resident of 8989 Ingram near the requested gravel pit area. I have worked 100 different pit sites for years and some were zoned temporary. This chosen pit is close to Highway 24 and the haul alone would save $250,000. The pit will open at 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; a generator will begin at 6 a.m. to heat oil and truck traffic will be from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Traffic will be to the west only to Highway 24. The entire Highway 24 will be closed and therefore no traffic impact. We have concerns with an eagle’s nest, the July Marathon and fish areas to work around. Will haul 100,000 tons a month for two months or longer if rain. State offers a bonus if the work is done this year. Our permit application says work will be from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. We try to be a good neighbor. Of course no one wants a gravel pit nearby. The land will be reclaimed in two years.

Another project use would be local for instance a parking lot in town. The gravel pit area will have the top soil removed and top soil returned. Mining depth will be 20-25’; ground water is at 60’. Our crew checked with many drillings. Can guarantee work completed in two summers. MPCA monitors sites. Yes, asphalt smells. At our sites we add an odor to the asphalt that smells like cherries or pine. The hauling tanks are double lined. To curtail dust created by trucks traveling in and out of the pit, a dustcoating, CaCl, will be applied. If a spill, the entire area will be dug up. Some gravel will be hauled from the Naaktgeboren Pit. Other Knife River plants are at Isanti, St. Cloud and North of Elk River. Blacktop will be reclaimed and hauled to be recycled. If we get the bid, a lot of people will be back to work. An interesting fact is that in Europe a middle priced bid is accepted. Can refute claims of hazards as in 28 years of business, have never had an issue nor has an employee become ill. Bid will be let May 18 except if there is an injunction.

Dick Naaktgebgoren: A brim will be constructed at the site to prevent storm runoff. EPA will inspect and township will inspect.

Alan Jude: Contractor has obligation to start June 1. Work is expected to be this year including sodding. Understood that the road was to be reconstructed in sections from Pleasant Lake to Cy Rd 39 and stop. Now the construction is all in one. A big problem will be detours.

Brad Arnston: Contractor is fined $5,000 per day for extending work beyond the deadline. Highway 24 to the North is a widening project and the area near Cy Rd 6 has needs for block culverts. There should be no problem of finishing this year. Being close, means a competitive hid.

Tia Stroud: Have lived near a gravel pit. Every parent with children has concerns with health. Since living here in Laurie Park, have had no asthma needs that required hospital care. With a nearby asphalt plant when clothes are hung outside, what will they smell like? I have four children and we won’t be enjoying fun barbecues as the hamburgers will taste like tar and am sure the smell will not be cherries or pine. Dust only in the a.m. and in the afternoon is a lie. I’m angry. When I blow my nose, it will show black particles. I have to pay for illnesses. If you care, try bidding four miles from here. Most property owners that have air exchangers will be drawing in tar odors. Living near a gravel pit previously, I can say machines do go past dark. What about persons visiting their loved ones at the cemetery and they hear “boom boom”. Where I lived before I could find deformed frogs. Wild life here, the deer and the rabbits, will be eating vegetation spoiled by “acid rain”. Property values will be a concern as who would buy a house with trucks going by. When we purchased our house, we noticed the open fields, the cul de sac and the safe neighborhood. Our health has improved. If you put in a plant, you don’t have a heart for the neighborhood.

Alan Jude: When will the removal of asphalt and gravel base start? Know timing is an issue.

Brad Arnston: Plant can be in operation in a month and a half. We wait until the road is ready to pave. The crew will haul 200,000 yards using one contractor. One big part of the project is the cement boxlike culvert at Cy Rd 6 and Highway 24. Unknown just how much curb and gutter will be installed. We try to be fair and open minded and we truly understand the concern. Property owners should talk to people in Silver Creek and you will learn that we are easy to get along with. We have seven asphalt plants. Seventeen levels of criteria have to be met for EPA. We have never had an operation tested that exceeded even with noise level. Sites in operation at this time are at Waverly and Norwood/Young America.

Sharon Bouska: Wonder what my clients will feel as I have a beauty shop in my home.

Sue Nash: Does the board have a right to say “no”?

Alan Jude: Yes we can say no, but we can also be overridden by Wright County. We are glad you all came and voiced your opinion. As a board, we want to do what is right. We hope that many of you will attend the hearing at Wright County, May 10. The town board set a moratorium to halt opening gravel pits and we were scolded by Wright County Planning and Zoning.

Dick Naaktgeboren: Let it be known that I am not the owner of the Naaktgegboren Gravel pit.

Jerry Bowdin: How many trucking miles for this project?

Brad Arnston: We are basically a trucking business and mileage would be from pit to all along Highway 24.

Mona Steinhaus: Watch the website and come to the meeting at Wright County.

Mark Beckman: My residence is next door to the operation. I have three children. I have a problem with the notice that I received Saturday which should have been a ten days notice. My backyard will be at the gravel pit. Township Board owes us a quality township. I read the petition. I don’t feel this operation will close at the end of its request. It will be renewed. The site is a location 300’ from my house. As a personal comment, I don’t like a 25’ hole around my lot. I have seen the gravel pit area on Cy Rd 3 where the yellow house is surrounded by the pit. My house is valued today at $300,000 and after checking with a realtor friend, he said the value later would be $125,000-$150,000. It means I could loose $150,000. Don’t like the idea of throwing my life earnings away and an organization makes a ton.

Question (person unknown): What does land owner intend to do with the land?

John Dearing: Am farming the land now and after pit closes and the land reclaimed complete with top soil, plan to farm land again.

Alan Jude: The town board will make a decision and hopefully tonight. The town board is bound to state and county laws. We are glad you have come to state your concerns. The town board makes decisions that are important and issues that are not important to your neighborhood. Issues like erecting a building 3’ from the property line; to allow or not allow manufacturing inside a building or a building permit are issues small in one sense. The gravel mining issue is a hard decision. This decision is bigger than those other decisions. This decision does reflect quality of life and we even have to consider the wind that may carry the smell to nearby property owners and even further to Clearwater Lake.

Dick Naaktgeboren: The county made the mailing of the notice which was dated April 14. This is a big issue. Again, I do not own or have any part ownership of the Naaktgeboren Pit.

Charlotte Quiggle: My property is on Sugar Lake. I am chairman of the newly appointed Corinna Planning Commission. The commission is reviewing ordinances that would be local decisions. We are processing those that are in conflict with Conditional Use.

Alan Jude: My recommendation is that Wright County shall not receive approval for this Conditional Use Request. People have voiced their opinions. Board members live in this area too. My recommendation is no to the Conditional Use until after the 5/18 bid letting. Dick Naaktgeboren, second to the motion. Motion carried.

John Dearing did not vote nor took part in the discussion unless asked a direct question.

Alan continued that this issue may be forced and if county has an issue after the bid letting, how best could the property owners be notified? County notifies property owners within 500’. Response was notice on website, notice in paper, a post card or send notice to everyone on list that attended this meeting.

Dick Naaktgeboren: Encourage property owners to go the hearing May 10, 8 p.m. and place your name on the list so that you may speak. It would be good to make an effort.

2. Ward Huston, 11263 Hollister Avenue, PID 206-056-004020. Plans to add a 12x24 addition to 20x24 cabin and add a new roof. With motion by John Dearing, seconded by Dick Naaktgeboren, the board approved the addition to cabin that is 5.1’ from a property line, 35.5 from road right of way and deck that would be 71’from the ordinary highwater mark of the lake which replaces existing deck that was 52’. The property will have a new holding tank.

3. Don Peterson, 11215 Hollister PID 206-056-003020. Plans to build a 2,524 s/f home on a 18,416 s/f lot. New sewer installed in 2000 and was inspected as compliant for a three bedroom home. Has new well. Dick Naaktgeboren presented motion to accept the variances for an undersized lot with a house 60’ from the ordinary high water mark of the lake, the garage, which is not the entrance, will be 20’ from the road right of way, house 58’ from road right of way. Cabin is moving 29’ further back from the lake. John Dearing, second. Motion carried.

4. Craig Stradtman, owner Lake Center Bar and Grille, Highway 24 Craig Stradtman stated that Wright County has not cited problems and that he makes a special effort to keep the grounds clean. With motion by John Dearing, second Dick Naaktgeboren, the board approved the renewal of the Lake Center Bar and Grille Liquor Off/On Sale License. Craig Stradtman stated his intention to have an Outside Party, June 30, 3:00-7 P.M., radio music starting at 10 a.m. and music and serving closing at 10 p.m. Board will determine if an official application must be made for this party.

Other Items:

1. Wright County Board of Commissioners Public Hearing 5/1/07, 10:a.m.: Petition requesting formation of a lake improvement district for Mink Lake and Somers Lake. Board received copies of hearing notice. Town Board had no comment to forward. Dick Naaktgeboren stated that county should forward information in a more timely manner.

2. Johnson, Larson, Peterson and Matt, ltr 4/20/07, request for Quiet Title Action. Road is an access road for Michael Hankee. Road follows along the lake and no other property owners use the road. As board had no problem with this request, acknowledgement of receipt of summons was signed.

3. Wright County Planning and Zoning letter, 4/23/07, request for letter stating official stance on the gravel and mining moratorium and any new rules that may have been adopted. Town Board will respond to Wright County Planning and Zoning that full gravel moratorium ends June 6, 2007; February 20 town meeting, the board approved the ban lifted that where mining is permitted and not less than 1,000’ from shoreland, a temporary use permit will be issued for the duration of the specific project of Highway 24 reconstruction; and that Knife River Corporation petition for conditional use permit for a temporary mining permit and asphalt plant was not approved at the May 1 Township Board Meeting.

4. City of Annandale, letter of 4/25/07, with copy of new Natural Resource Protection Ordinance. Each board member received copy of the ordinance.

5. Planning and Zoning Administration:

A. Corinna Township Planning Commission Public Hearing, Thursday, May 10, 2007, 7 p.m. Notice will be published in Annandale Advocate and Maple Lake Messenger.

6. Public Hearing: Wright County Planning Commission, Thursday, May 3, 2007, 1 p.m. Continued hearing for Adoption of the Northeast Quadrant Land Use Plan for Wright County.

7. 103^rd Street Road Reconstruction. No action received for wetland credit request.

8. Wright County Commissioner and Township Supervisor Communication Meeting: June 21, 2007. Question submittal due May 25. Dick Naaktgeboren commented that two items could be: payment of park fee and will county handle legal situations.

9. Highway 55 Coalition Meeting scheduled for Friday, June 15, 2007, 9:30 a.m., Hennepin County Medina Office.

10. Thank You: Note received from Alan and Beverly Glass for action taken at Board of Appeal and Equalization.

11. Pleasant Lake Association, letter 4/26/07: Invitation to visioning session, as part of developing a lake management plan, Saturday, May 19, 9-noon, Annandale High School Commons. Noted.

12. Fences on Right of Way: Board discussed and plan to measure two areas where the fence may be on the road right of way.

14. Payment of Claims: Claims covered by check numbers 13805-13846 and Electronic Transfers 19-22 for a total amount of $25,131.09 were approved and paid.

Each board member received a print out of an interim financial report monthly comparison of May towards budget and Year to Date actual expenditures towards budget.

15. Next Township Board Meeting: May 15, 2007

No further business to come before the board, the meeting adjourned at 11 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Approved May 15, 2007

Viola M. Novotne Alan Jude,

Clerk/Treasurer Chairman