CORINNA TOWNSHIP MEETING MINUTES

May 15, 2007

7 p.m., Town Hall                                                        Unapproved

 

Present:  74 property owners, Jeff Essen and Barb Owen, Larry and Ann Purcell, Ron Young, Ray Baylor and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Siedenkranz, Greg Huiras 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 May 1 meeting were approved as presented.

The agenda for this meeting with three additions:    Silver Creek Township letter, Three Claims to be paid and copies of correspondence to Attorney Tim Young and Tom Salkowski, Wright County Planning and Zoning were approved with motions by Dick Naakteboren and John Dearing.  Copies of minutes and agenda were available for those who attended this meeting.

 

Requests to be on the Agenda:

1.        Jeff Essen and Barb Owen, property address 11358 90th Street NW, PID 206-000-184201.  Discussed how to provide an access to landlocked parcels 5 and 6.  Board will make a site visit. 

2.        Larry and Ann Purcell, property address: 10943 Hollister Ave NW, Sugar Lake, PID 206-079-002070.  With motion by Dick Naaktgeboren, second by John Dearing, the board approved variances for a dwelling that would be 31’ from the road right of way on an undersized lot and 19.2 distance from drainfield.  Meets all other requirements. 

3.        Ron Young, contractor, representing Joyce-Milton, Katie,11503 89th Street, PID 206-062-000180.  With motion by John Dearing, second by Dick Naaktgeboren, the board approved variances to build an addition to existing garage 3-5’ from side property line; 51’ to road right of way and for an undersized lot.  Board agreed with variances in order to allow room for an alternate sewer site.

4.        Ray Baylor, contractor,  Mr. and Mrs.Richard Siedenkranz,  10583 116th St NW PID206-014-000180.  With motion by Dick Naaktgeboren, second by John Dearing, the board approved variances to remodel existing house at 2’ from lot line.  Attached garage will be 10’ from a lot line.  A shed will be removed and a new drainfield installed.

5.        Mathiowetz Construction, Greg Huiras.  Request for a Conditional Use Permit for a temporary mining permit for material to be used for the State Highway 24 project.  Scheduled start date of June 1, 2007 with completion by August 1, 2008. Property Owner:  Miller, two sites part of Sections 9 and 4 along Highway 24.  Greg Huiras stated that his company needs township approval/recommendation to allow mining of 8-9 acres 30’ from property lines at 10’, 12’, 8’ and 20’ depths cut along a 500’ area without homes.   These depths would not be considered as a pit. One site is east of Highway 24 just across road where two houses were demolished for the reconstruction of the road; the other is just north on East side of road.   Dust control will be added to road surfaces.  MN Dot sets up and supervises erosion controls that must be followed.                     

Mark Beckman:  Don’t understand – have a problem in that township has a moratorium and we are entertaining a proposal for mining.

Dick Naaktgeboren:  In February the ban was lifted that where mining is permitted and not less than 1000 feet from shore land, a temporary use permit will be issued for the duration of the specific project of Highway 24 reconstruction.

Charlene Donnelly:  This road project is definitely a hardship for two businesses along the highway.

Mona Steinhaus:  Request an amendment to moratorium that expires June 6, 2007.

Dave Wagner:  Won’t you be digging into the water table?

Greg Huiras:  Digging will not be less than 5’ to water table.  Guidelines of State and County will be followed.  The permit states a start date of June 14 with work Monday thru Friday of 7-7 and Saturday 7-3.  Regulations will be followed at wetlands where black dirt brims will be around digging area.

Steve Olson:  Can’t you have the mining at an area further north.  I hope the board listens and understands that there are other gravel pits around.  Have a concern with sediment, the runoff and the dust.  

Alan Jude:   Highway 24 will be shut down but no one will be denied access.  Remember the accidents we have had because of this road’s hazards. 

Dan Ross:  Am concerned with keeping water quality.  Need solid evidence as feel mining will disturb water table.

Greg Huiras:  Drillings on site have never met the water table.

Alan Jude:  MNDot owns 75’ on either side of the road depending on the turning lanes.  Dirt 24’-26’ wide will be removed on both sides of road for the entire road length.

Steve Olson:  Still have a concern for water quality!  From the northern site, culverts allow sand into the lake.

Mona Steinhaus:  Construction work being June, July, August, when will pit close?

Greg Huiras:  The project is from City of Annandale to Clearwater at Highway 94.  Pits will be closed and reclaimed by June of 2008.  Greg stated that the company has been in existence since 1924 and has never has been ruled with a violation.

Dick Naaktgeboren:  This mining is not producing pits but sculptures.

Greg Huiras reassured Charlene Donnelly, owner of the greenhouse,  that her trees would not be removed.

Tom Bacon:  As a property owner on Clearwater Lake have spent time and money through the Watershed beginning with issues with a creamery.  The Gravel Moratorium should be extended.

Jerry Truman:  This township does not need an asphalt plant.

Alan Jude:  Greg Huiras has answered questions honestly.  People do not truly understand how disruptive this project will be from the beginning at Highway 55 to the North to Hwy 94.  The school buses, the fire department, and the mailmen all must use the road.  Road to Greenhouse may be completely closed for several hours at some time.

The State is reconstructing this road because of accidents along this road.  The project is not the enemy.  This township of 2500 people may need to get to the doctor in Clearwater.  Lets get the road done in the minimum of time.

Dick Naaktgeboren presented motion to accept the petition for a Conditional Use Permit for a temporary mining permit to borrow material for the State Highway 24 Project. Alan Jude, second to the motion.  Motion received unanimously approval.

 

Mona Steinhaus: Will there be an extension on the gravel moratorium in the Comprehensive Plan?  In May Meeting of 2006, Nancy Young and Andrea Juetten came before the board asking for a moratorium on gravel.  In June of 2006, Andrew Mack of Community Growth stated during meetings where close to 150 people attended  that gravel mining operations was one of the top four major concerns for the township.  The Planning Task Force was to consider this subject as one of the major goals to be developed. July minutes of 2006, states that Tim Young’s opinion is that township is a responsible unit that can provide and deliver high service and offer sound planning.  A Task Force was formed.  A graph guideline for a timeline was presented for the adoption of a Comprehensive Plan in September of 2006.  Mona continued that she wants to be assured that rules are in place.  The Land Use Ordinance draft is not on the website.

Dick Naaktgeboren:  Task Force job ended in December.  The town board accepted the proposed Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The township now has a Planning Commission.  A Public Hearing is set for June 14 for a revised Comprehensive Plan and a Land Use Ordinance.  The Gravel Moratorium, for one year, will end June 6, 2007.   In February the Board lifted the moratorium explicitly for Highway 24 projects.  Dick reminded the people to use the Community Growth website and the land use ordinance may be downloaded for reading.  The Corinna Planning Commission is recommending more restrictive measures for conditional use permits for gravel mining.  The permit will be for specific road projects, will be more restrictive in set backs and will require greater ground water separation.

Tom Bacon:  Is the asphalt processing plant for exclusive use for Highway 24 possible?

Alan Jude:  Township does not have an asphalt plant; the town board turned the application down at its May 1 township meeting.  Alan read letter of May 5, 2007 that the town board wrote to Scott Deckert of Wright County Planning and Zoning that stated the Board did not approve the petition for Conditional Use for temporary mining permit for Knife River Corporation until after the May 18, 2007 bid letting; the full gravel moratorium ends June 6, 2007 and that in February 20, 2007, the town board approved that the ban be lifted so 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.  Alan continued by reading aloud the Email May 9, 2007 to Scott Deckert of Wright County Planning and Zoning that stated the Corinna Town Board considers the petition for a conditional use permit by Knife River Corporation closed.  The State may interfere after the bids are let on May 18, 2007 and a request may be brought up again.  On May 10, Wright County Planning Commission heard Knife River’s petition, scheduled a site visit and continued the hearing.

Mona Steinhaus:  I am concerned with future mining requests.  We are all concerned.

Corinna Township is a lake and agricultural area.   What are the rules and regulations?

Charlotte Quiggle, Planning Commission Chairman:  The Comprehensive Plan and correspondence to Wright County are on the website.  The draft ordinance is still a working paper. 

Alan Jude:  The town board meets twice a month and we don’t mind being questioned.

We do not have gravel pits nor an asphalt plant happening here   Plan to attend the next Planning Commission meeting June 14 at 7 p.m.

Dave Wagner:  Twice Dave offered to be a member of task force and the planning commission.  Sent an Email to board stating was available and received an Email in return that his name was forwarded to the town board.  He is not a member and is taking offense that he was not one of the persons selected.  Dave continued that Township Attorney ruled that lifting the moratorium for temporary permits for Highway 24 was legal.  More work is needed to make a quality moratorium and take time to do it right.  The plan should include action not just “pretty words”.  The action should include the need for a performance bond and specific immediate consequences; be specific with mining hours; reconsider the 1,000’ to shoreland, and the 5’ ground water separation.  Annandale Rock Company says 5’ is adequate but marginal.  There are good people on the board and commission that are “trying to do the work right”.  Allow time for people to read the comprehensive plan and ordinance and allow time for comments.  June 14 is the next Township Planning Commission meeting date.

Charlotte Quiggle:      Rules state that Moratorium can be extended if no later than 15 days prior to expiration and ten days notice is published.  Moratorium ends 6/6/07 and we have a Planning Commission Public Hearing June 14.  The public hearing date would need to be moved.

Dave Wagner:  The Planning Commission can be creative and move “things up”.

Alan Jude:  To clarify, the town board said no to the gravel mining and asphalt operation.  Please watch for Wright County meetings for the NW Quadrant Review where land use is discussed.

Joel Voss:  Though township did not approve Conditional Use Permit for mining, the county may say disapproval not valid as moratorium ended June 6.

Dick Naaktgeboren:    County could overrule.  We forward information to the county and often never hear back.

Alan Jude:  We were admonished by the County because Corinna Township set a moratorium and Wright County Planning and Zoning does not think we are capable of handling our own Planning and Zoning.   Two other townships are.  Watch for NW Quadrant changes – the NE Quadrant was completed earlier and Rockford now “needs money for taxes”.   

Laura and Keith Beckman: Laura presented a letter to each town board member stating that board must plan and act responsibly to maintain the quality of life, clean environment, wildlife habitation and minimal air and noise pollution.  It is not necessary to lift the moratorium for the Highway 24 project or any other.  Gravel pit mining is an industry.  Profit is not put before people.  The Beckmans also presented a copy of their letter written to the Wright County Commissioners.

7.        Whispering Pines Golf Course, owned by Elmer Schmidt.  With motion by John Dearing, second by Dick Naaktgeboren, the board approved the Whispering Pines Inc Golf Course renewal of 3.2 percent malt liquor license for 2007.

8.        Silver Creek Township, letter of 5/7/09, host site for  NW Quadrant Land Review.

The Corinna Town Board wishes to be involved and each board member will try to attend these meetings.  Clerk to inform Silver Creek Township to confirm attendance.

9.        Claims:  Claims covered by Check No. 13837, 13838 and 13840 for a total amount of $6,034.47 were approved for payment.

Other Items:

1.        Planning and Zoning Administration:

           A.  Planning Commission Meeting, May 10.  Charlotte Quiggle reported:

Reviewed and approved letter to be went to Planning and Zoning Administrator, Tom Salkowski.  Letter states that Corinna Township is making some amendments to its Comprehensive Plan in response to comments received from Wright County Office.  Public Hearing is scheduled June 14 at 7 p.m. to address the revised plan.  A copy of the draft showing proposed changes were forwarded.  Extended invitation to Assistant County Attorney and Commissioner and Administrator to attend meeting with township Planning Commission afternoon of June 14. The letter repeated request for description of minimal requirements for township Planning and Zoning.

The commission reviewed Draft Ordinance and discussed future training sessions.  .

2.        Public Hearing, Wright County Planning Commission, May 3, 2007 Hearing for Adoption of the Northeast Quandrant Land Use Plan for Wright County.

.          Charlotte Quiggle reported that the NE Quadrant Review did not pass and another hearing is to be scheduled.  Schmidt Woods and expansion area were main issues.  This review does not allow annexation without sewer plan for the area.

3.        103rd Street Road Reconstruction:  Wetland credits requested and Kjolhaug Environmental Services has not completed processing requirements.

4.        Knife River Corporation.  Petition for conditional use permit for temporary gravel mining and asphalt plant permit in Corinna Township specifically for Highway 24 project, Wright County Planning Commission Hearing May 10, 2007.  Site inspection will be made May 22 and hearing continued.  Enviromental Assessment Worksheet is to be ordered.   

5.        Wright County Communication Meeting, June 21, 8 p.m., Wright County Government Center.  Board suggested two topics to cover:  Park fees that should be turned back to the host jurisdiction according to State Law and clarify if township did its own Planning and Zoning, would County Attorney’s office prosecute these litigation claims.

6.        Building Permits (4/11-5/3/2007)  5 permits:  1-garage; 1-remodel storage building; 2-home alterations; 1-septic system update.

7.        Recycling Bins:  With motion by Dick Naaktgeboren, seconded by John Dearing, the board approved purchase of 300 SA18 Recycling Bins at $9.67 each  Township will add a decal to the bins. A flyer is to be handed out with the bin showing the cost to the tax payer and the bin is to be for recycling.

8.        Hall Rental for May:

           Saturday, May 5           Funeral Family Gathering

           Saturday, May 12         Open

           Saturday, May 19         8-12 a.m., Sugar Lake Association

                                               3-6 p.m., Cedar Lake Conservation Club

           Saturday, May 26         Mink/Somers Lake Association

9.        Pleasant Lake Association – Visioning Session as part of developing a lake management plan, Saturday, May 19, 9-noon, Annandale High School Commons.  Dick Naaktgeboren plans to attend.

10.      Next meeting date:  Tuesday, June 5, 2007.

No further business to come before the board, the meeting adjourned at 11:15 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,                                                Approved June 5, 2007

 

Viola M. Novotne, Clerk/Treasurer                             Alan Jude, Chairman