Mankato Township Board Minutes For Past Year
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Reports |
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MANKATO TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETINGS The Mankato Township Annual Meeting was called to order by Clerk Dan Fogal at 7:00 PM on Tuesday March 8, 2022 at the Mankato Township Hall, 788 Victory Drive South, Mankato MN. The Clerk asked for nominations from the floor for a moderator of the meeting. Ed Pankratz was nominated and elected for the moderator of the meeting. Minutes of the last annual meeting were read and approved as read. Motion made by Dan Rotchadl to approve, second by Mike Lynch, motion carried with all in favor. Treasurer’s report was presented by Joe Willaert. The Annual statement of receipts and disbursements were reviewed. Report is attached. Discussion held, motion made by Dan Rotchal to approve the report, second by Dan Fogal, motion carried with all in favor. No Planner report. Dan Rotchadl stated the City is doing a good job handling planning for the township. No Chairman report. Old Business: Mankato Township will continue to use mail in balloting. New Business: Discussed the tax levy for next year. Motion made by Joe Willaert to set the tax levy to $485,000. Second was by Dan Rotchadl, motion carried with all in favor. Dan Fogal made the motion to hold the Annual Meeting at 7:00 PM on the second Tuesday of March, the14th in 2023. Second by Dan Rotchadl , Motion carried. Motion was made and approved to adjourn the meeting at 7:09 PM. Respectfully submitted, Dan Fogal Clerk SPECIAL MANKATO TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING 10-26-23 Meeting was called to order by Dan Rotchadl at 7:00 PM on 10-26-23 at the Mankato Township Hall. Members present: Dan Rotchadl, Scott Morgan and Mike Lynch. Two items on the agenda: Item #1 - Board acknowledged the submission of an EAW from Blue Earth County on October 16th, 2023. Item #2 - Proposals from EOR, WSB, and SEH, all companies to review the EAW for the township were given to the board. Dan Rotchadl said that after extensive review and discussion with the companies that gave proposals he prefers SEH. Discussion held. Motion by Dan Rotchadl and second by Mike Lynch to accept SEH proposal, motion carried with all in favor. Approximate cost is $16,000. Being no further business, meeting adjourned at 7:08 PM Respectfully submitted, Dan Fogal \Clerk MANKATO TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING 11-15-23 The November meeting of the Mankato Township Board was called to order by Dan Rotchadl at 7:00 PM on 11-15-23. Board members present: Dan, Mike Lynch and Scott Morgan. Minutes from October regular meeting and the Oct. 26, 2023 special meeting were approved as sent. Clerk report: Need resolution for voting location – mail ballot polling place at court house . Passed resolution #11-15A . copy attached, motion by Mike, second by Scott, motion carried with all in favor Write in vote counting – would only be needed if the itemize write-in vote counts exceeds the votes cast for the named candidate. Resolution #11-15B copy attached, motion by Mike, second by Scott, motion carried with all in favor. Planning: two new Planning commission members – Dave Turner and Jim Jensen were nominated and approved with all in favor. The board received the Blue Earth County EAW, and it was accepted by the board, resolution #11-15-2023 resolution for completeness, and passed with all in favor. Plan a special meeting for Dec. 21, 2023 at 6:00 PM t the township hall. Treasurer’s report from Joe Willaert was reviewed, and accepted as reported. Mike moved, Scott second for approval, motion carried with all in favor. Bills were read, roll call vote, all were in favor of paying the bills. Discussed the Copper Mountain road blacktopping, decided to look at going with a district for taxing the roadway. Discussed Krone road access, if it is township two rod road, or what. Scott looked into it with Mn Asso. of Twp. Some maintenance should be done on the road, and we did not. Not clear, Scott will do some more research on it. Koberoski issue is still being resolved with the attorney. Sam said the roads are good. The motor grader went down today, oil cooler went out, Ziegler came out and they are working on it. Board will get estimate of cost for a new grader. Next month meeting will be on Dec.20 , 2023 at 7:00 PM. Being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM. Respectfully submitted, Dan Fogal Clerk MANKATO TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING 12-20-23 The December meeting of the Mankato Township Board was called to order by Dan Rotchadl at 7:00 PM on 12-20-23. Board members present: Dan, Mike Lynch and Scott Morgan. Minutes from November meeting were approved as sent. Clerk report: Need to approve the funding for Elections. Board reviewed the form sent by Blue Earth County. Planner report: Request of Scott Torgrimson and Sara Nett-Torgrimson for a variance to allow a building above 12-foot height in the Rural Residential District for property located at 20401 Pohl Road. Planning commission recommended approval with conditions as presented by the Planner with the slight modification that condition #2 to include the option to adjust the property lines or combine the parcels. Ag use building. Opened a public meeting. No comments were presented from the public. Scott moved approval with the noted conditions; second by mike to approve as per PC recommendation. Motion approved with all in favor. Attached is the planners report and recommendations. Two things expected next month. Height variance and septic system setback variance. Treasurer’s report from Joe Willaert was reviewed, and accepted as reported. Bills were read by the clerk and approved to be paid. Mike -Discussed special assessment process for road repair in subdivision improvements. Discussed: set up assessment districts, may not work for Copper Mtn because too late. Krone road is a cartway, discussed possible vacating it if he and the board would want to go that way. Scott Morgan prepared a letter about Doc. Jones and the road that the board was signing to recognize him. Joe Koberowski was before the board asking about his bin and building built without permits. Discussed claims about his neighbor putting driveway on his property. No paperwork proving anything. Joe said Molly issued a bldg. permit for an illegal building. No facts presented by Joe. Told it is a civil matter and he has to get an attorney to go after his neighbor. Road report done by Sam. Discussed grader, a used unit is in Fairmont. Scott will take a look at it first week of January. A new unit is $411,000 with all the same stuff at John Deere - RDO warranty is better. Price lock available there. Hole in Foley Road, need look at it and figure who should fix it. Motion by Mike Lynch to approve resolution for the county elections- voting operations and funding, second by Scott Morgan. Approved with all in favor. Next month meeting will be on January 17, 2024 at 7:00 PM. PC meeting before it. Being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM. Respectfully submitted, Dan Fogal clerk Mankato Township Special Meeting - Blue Earth County Environmental Assessment Worksheet 12-21-2023 The special meeting was called to order by Chairman Dan Rotchadl at 6:00 PM, 12-21-23 at the Mankato Township Hall, 788 South Victory Drive, Mankato, MN. Board members present: Dan, Scott Morgan and Mike Lynch. Asking for public comments. Rebecca Beduhn and Deric Deushle, of Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc., explained the process and what was to happen. Rebecca Beduhn, of Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc., (SEH) said they are assisting the township to make sure the process is done correctly and legally. Process has comment period, 12-28-23 ends, said the review process complete, and not an approval process now. Asked if any question of the process or any impact in the worksheet. With developing bareland, need impervious service, need water, waste water and storm water control. Traffic changes with volume and types, noise locally, and lighting, fueling station smells. They say it is complete. Any things that want to be discussed, it has to be given the board in writing. Dan asked for comments. Roxanne Johnson said some people in report are gone, need updated information. Says 60,000 gallons of water per day will be used. Questioned where the wells named in report are. Mn State record should be where the well names come from in the report. Roxanne said the noise, fumes, traffic and lights will exceed limits. Roxanne said the report says 10% of time will be over noise decibel levels allowed. Lynn Lease stated concern about removing too much water and cause well concerns, their water well is close to the site. Who would monitor this use. Pat Lease said if water from city not obtained, they would have to put in a well and septic system. Dan said email all comments to him so we have all comments accurate. This is mandatory EAW, not mandatory EIS. The township board would decide if an EIS is needed, or if the EAW is enough. Most of the time an EAW is adequate. Comments must identify if it needs more review and point out issues to require an EIS needing more information. SEH has reviewed the EAW and saying if it is accurate or not. They said it is complete. Roxanne questioned if the site would actually reduce the carbon footprint. All employees would be driving from town out to the location to work. Deric Deushle of SEH asked for some names of residents and thanked them for being less formal. 25 agencies got the information to comment to the township on the EAW. Some agencies may comment and some may not comment. Repeated that all need official comments submitted to the board in writing. Being no further discussion, motion made and at 7:00 Pm meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Dan Fogal Clerk Mankato Township Board 1-17-2024 The January meeting of the Mankato Township Board was called to order at 7:10 PM on 1-17-2024 at the township hall. Members present: Dan Rotchadl, Mike Lynch and Scott Morgan. Minutes from the December meeting were approved as sent. Planner Molly Westman explained the first request for a variance for a septic system setback for Margaret M. Johnson for Lot 2, Blk 1, River Hills Subdivision. PID R430935151002. Discussed, asked about the engineer report, needs a positive report for the site. Karl Friedrichs, atty representing Ms. Johnson presented his facts about the request. Discussed engineer report need. Board thinks engineering may be needed since it is such a change from 30 feet to one foot. Scott Morgan moved to approve the variance with all 4 recommendations from the planner, second by Mike Lynch, motion was approved with all in favor. Attached is the request. Second request - Planner Assistant presented a request for a height variance for a structure at 29 Carey Court, PID R43093051020, for owners Jeff Skulzacek and Lisa Sandmann. Request for mid- sidewall height to go from 12 feet to go to 15 feet, to allow for personal vehicles, building is 48x32 feet in size. Karl asked what unique characteristic or practical difficulty would justify the variance need. Discussed, ordinance update is in process, county allows 16 foot sidewall and city of Mankato has a 20 foot sidewall. Mike moved to approve and second by Scott to approve, subject to planning staff recommendations. Motion carried with all in favor. Attached is the request. Discussed the EAW. Lynn Lease questioned why they did not get the answers to all the questions that were not originally answered and they understood they should have gotten those answers. Board understood that information would be available after the board approves the submitted material. Reviewed resolution and EIS not needed. Mike moved to adopt drafted resolution. Scott seconded, motion carried with all in favor. Resolution attached. Treasurer gave his report, it was accepted as given. Bills were read by the clerk and approved to be paid. Mankato Township paid $10,000 to Blue Earth County as our share of the Kern Bridge removal project. Engineer has not approved any bills for the road projects. Some may come in in the next week or so. The board approved paying the bills with the engineers approval of work done. Mike presented the Copper Mtn. Subd. Blacktopping project. Talked about having only the subdivision done, need the bids to get hard number to present the owners. Looked at road grader new $100,000 more than used unit they looked at. Used unit $298,000 has 4 years, 2,500 hours warranty . Scott leans toward new – 7 year warranty, 4,000 hours. $411,576 John Deere. Scott moved to buy new John Deere grader, second by Mike, all of board voted in favor. Road report, all are in pretty good shape. Next Board meeting will be Feb. 21, 2024. Audit at 5:00, adjourn if needed and resume after regular meeting at 7:00 PM. Being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM. Respectfully submitted, Dan Fogal, Clerk Mankato Township Audit of the Clerk and Treasurers Books 2-21-24 At 5:00 PM at the Mankato Township Hall the Board reviewed and audited the Clerk and Treasurer’s books. All entries were approved. The board then reviewed the budget items and made recommendations for fiscal year spending. Being no further business, meeting adjourned at 6:45 PM. Dan Fogal Clerk Mankato Township Board 2-21-2024 The February meeting of the Mankato Township Board was called to order at 7:00 PM on 2-21-2024 at the township hall. Members present: Dan Rotchadl, Mike Lynch and Scott Morgan. Minutes from January meeting were approved as sent. No Planner or clerk report. Treasurer gave his report, it was accepted as given. Bills were read by the clerk and approved to be paid with all members voting to pay. Resolution ordering preparation of report on improvement for Copper Mountain Heights Subdivision, motion was made by Mike Lynch to approve with Scott Morgan second. Resolution is attached. Resolution Authorizing legal action to enforce the land use ordinance for Joe Koberoski was discussed. Resolution was passed to do so with all board members voting in favor, the resolution is attached. Road report, all are in good shape. County CUP meeting for shop will be Feb. 29 at 6:00 PM for the Planning Commission. The Board will hear it at 6:00 PM on March 7, 2024. Annual meeting will be March 12 2024 at 7:00 PM, Reorganizational meeting will be right after that. Being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 7:20 PM. Respectfully submitted, Dan Fogal, Clerk MANKATO TOWNSHIP BOARD SPECIAL MEETING March 7, 2024 The special meeting of the Mankato Township Board was called to order at 6:10 PM on 3-7-2024 at the Mankato Township Hall. Board members present: Dan Rotchadl, Mike Lynch and Scott Morgan. Bob Meyer, Blue Earth County Administrator, representing the county/applicant was introduced. He indicated that the county had submitted materials in writing to supplement their prior submissions. He was going to touch on some of the issues in the supplemental materials but asked that the materials be made part of the record. Bob then explained the reason for the CUP request. He stated that the county request meets the Township’s land use ordinance. He stated the proposed use of the property as a county public works facility would not be leapfrog development nor would it encourage leapfrog development. The findings of the EAW demonstrated that the county was planning adequate measures to mitigate the impact of noise, light, dust and other potential nuisances from the property. They plan their own private utilities which would not be usable by other property owners. Fire protection is not a concern as there are mutual aid agreements in place to back up the St. Clair Fire Department and will have a sprinkling system. He also stated the Township planner’s report said the site meets township ordinance requirements for a conditional use permit. Lastly, Bob mentioned the county’s belief that under certain circumstances, the county could, if it chose to do so, proceed with the project without the Town issuing it a CUP pursuant to the holding in Town of Oronoco v. City of Rochester. Dan Rotchadl asked Bob if the public works facility would be open 365 days a year? Bob said it will not be open 365 days a year but regular workday hours, open Monday through Friday, closed on holidays, open later when weather events need service. Dan asked Ryan Thigles (county public works director) about culvert replacement, it would happen during normal work hours with their own crews normally on gravel roads. Ryan said that they avoid work hours which would trigger the need to pay overtime. Dan asked about hours during storm cleanup. Ryan said the county has 9 locations to stockpile fallen trees, depending on location, it would be done from the closest county site (the county has 4 remote locations along the periphery of the county with the main public works facility covering the geographic middle section of the county. Remote roads – most ditch cleaning is done by county crews, again from the county facility closest to the site. Parks are taken care of by equipment at the parks, crews go from Mankato. The new facility would have 210 parking spaces for county and for trail users. Field approaches are used by some people that now use the trail, which is unsafe. The building will have video surveillance for security purposes. Scott asked how many plow trucks and what routes out of Mankato Shop. Chad Wilde (BE Co. Superintendent) said there would be 7 tandem trucks, and two motor graders out of the propose facility, and that they plow NW of Lake Crystal, CR26 at Madison Lake, CR 35 to Good Thunder and more. They do not plow into the city of Mankato, they have agreements with Mankato for that. The out shops plow a U-shape of the southern townships. Berm is 620 feet from Lease property, plus 300 feet to first building. 6.35 acres of holding pond area, Scott asked about pond outlet, drain tile in road ditch. Not a public tile, but that land is tiled to it so they have drainage rights. Ryan or their consultant talked about berm being 18’ high and 28’ higher thant the Lease property line. They showed a diagram showing the 900’ between buildings and elevations. Dan asked about private utilities owned by the county from the city, told that there will never be an opportunity to have anyone else to hookup. Stoltzman Road/County Road 16 will be at 13% capacity on the road even with this project. County Assessor’s supervisor, Mark Manfield (a former county assessor and licensed assessor) explained the county’s method for evaluating the impact of heavy uses (e.g. animal feedlots, large solar panel systems, City of Mankato Industrial Park) on adjacent properties as a means of estimating the worst case impact of this proposed use on adjacent properties. Based on the county’s evaluation, they expect, at worst, a minor deviation downward from the assessed value of a property verses its actual sale price and an upward result from most properties. This facility site would service – Cty #1 and Cty #90, Cty #16 (Stoltzman Rd), Cty #8 (Monks Ave), Cty #33, #12, #41, and Eagle Lake Madison Lake area county roads too. County expects most of their traffic will go south to Cty #90 and then east or west. Cty #90 is built exceeding the posted 55 mph speed limit design for site lines and tightness of curves. The Board had no more questions of the applicant and Dan then opened up the public meeting. Asked that each member of the public limit their comments to five minutes. Craig Woodword, realtor and college professor. Believed the public works facility would decrease the value of the adjacent Lease Property (closest residence to public works facility). A public works facility is, in his opinion, an odd use for ag zoned land. Asked if the county exhausted search for another site clearly meeting the zoning for the use. Tim Halley, concerned about geese problem when a pond is installed. Concern about where water from the holding ponds, if they overflow, will flow to Red Oak Lane area, with too much water now. Believes that with the addition of the public works facility’s impervious surfaces, there will be greater water flows. 200 Street has a culvert will not handle the additional water. Asked about city stubs put in by Red Oak, but now private water and sewer to county site. Questioned whether the site have enough water there for fire protection. What is the advantage for the township, no plus for township for locating the county public works facility in the township, economic reasons are the only reasons for the siting of the facility at the proposed location. County says 5 days a week, sheriff will use the site, and storms happen on weekends too. Everyone is against it and no one for it. The county should find a spot in an industrial park. Bill Fitzloff of St. Clair Fire Dept,. was never made aware of the site and the expected use. 6 inch main will not handle a fire even with sprinkler system. 24000 gallons of fuel (gas and diesel) sounds like a lot. Should have been notified months ago. The SCFD does not have an aerial ladder truck for a second story building. Concerned there are no hydrant locations on the proposed maps of the facility. Concerned about taking care of a fire, even with mutual aid. Asked if a self-contained storage tank of water may be needed at site. Jen True, realtor, broker. Would like to see the south section of Mankato stay the way it has been and currently is (thriving outdoor uses). She does not want development to occur south of the City of Mankato—it should stay to the north and east of the City of Mankato. She is sure a public works facility at the proposed location will have a negative effect to the property values of Lease’s property. Will be injurious to the property value and the enjoyment of their property. This is based, in part, on the pickiness of home buyers looking for homes in the $900,000-$1,000,000 price range verses home buyers looking for $200,000 homes. Geese would be an issue which would degrade the value of the Lease property. Not the right location—should be closer to State Highway 22. Dillin Cline, waterfowler for 16 years. Believes that with the holding ponds geese will be a problem, be messy and will be a problem for the local farmers who will lose crops. Also danger to drivers as geese will cross roads regardless of how busy the roads are. Larry Buller, avid bicyclist. Loves nature and concern about the site affecting the Cty #90 bike/hike trail and safety of people close to it. Concerned about increased traffic on Cty 16 making pedestrian/biker crossing from one side of Cty 16 to the other at its intersection with Cty 90 more dangerous. Dave Kruse, He can work anywhere he would like to in the world but chose Mankato Township to live in. He does not want the public works facility anywhere in the neighborhood. Sometimes activity will be in the night time to take care of issues, not wanted. There are benefits to Mankato Township residents, but those benefits would also be available if the public works facility was located elsewhere than the proposed site. Dar Vosberg, realtor, she is against this location for the public works facility and believes it will negatively affect values. Homes won’t go in close to the area, more commercial uses will want to go into the area. Beth Overman, against the site. Planning Commission voted to recommend the Town Board reject the CUP application. She believes an existing industrial area would be better. If built, the facility would reduce the values of neighboring property. Should be in proper zoned area. Actual costs are not known for the site because of water costs are not known. Will affect wildlife and potential for contaminants, Industrial use should be in an industrial zone. Will affect the future use and enjoyment of the area by future children of residents. Lynn Lease, adjacent property owner. Her land is less than a football field away from the county’s to-be-purchased land. Will affect her property’s value. The public works facility should instead be in an industrial zone, not an agricultural zone. She believes the application does not meet requirements for a CUP in the Township. Believes the county’s equipment is larger than that used by a landscape contractor. Grain elevators are agricultural use so they are okay. The county’s and town plannings staff’s identified similar uses do not identify uses which maintain similar amounts of on-site stored fuels, asphalt, and washing facilities as the county’s proposed facility. Said Kip Bruender from county board said if private company would apply with the county on this type of use, would not be approved. Would create water problems for adjacent and downstream farmers and homeowners. She believes she would lose at least $200,000 in property value if the CUP was granted. There would be issues with geese in the adjacent fields causing crop damage. Noise and light pollution would not be fully mitigated under the county plan. The light pollution standards to be used will eliminate a dark sky. The application does not adhere to the Orderly Annexation Agreement between the Township and City of Mankato. Pat Lease, adjacent property owner. Believes the Pond will add water to their land and farm by the site and will overflow adjacent ditches and ravines. Leepfrog development is discouraged in agricultural zoning and he believes that because of the provision of public water and sewer, this project is leapfrog development. Geese will be a problem as described by others. Economic benefits to Blue Earth County residents, including Township residents, is not enough of a basis to justify granting the CUP. The staff report is wrong and the Town’s planning commission’s recommendation is right. If CUP is granted, there will be a lot of money wasted on lawyers. Chad Lease, doesn’t believe the county assessor’s office’s use of pickleball space as a heavy use is comparable to the county’s proposed public works facility. Snow plowing only happens 3 months out of the year so the benefits from the proposed location should be considered in context with that limited use. The proposed facility should be placed somewhere else than the proposed site. Granting the CUP is against the law because everyone in attendance at the planning commission meeting and the board meeting agree it is against the law. City and county staff are the only ones for it. Most people in attendance are against it. Unknown Speaker, resident of Red Oak. The current county public works facility is about 50 years old and is surrounded by residential development. County will have to look again in 50 years because he believes that this public works facility will become surrounded by residential development. MnDOT does the same stuff and the are located in an industrial site in Mankato so why can’t Blue Earth County afford the cost to be able to be located in a similar industrial site? Mary Jo Brindley, wants the board to listen to the PC and constituents. Does not want the proposed public works facility at the proposed location. Dave Turner, Town Planning Commission member. Noted that during the planning commission meeting which considered this CUP application, he asked staff about fire services and neither the applicant or town staff didn’t know details. He expressed concern that if city services were extended to the proposed public works facility, then the City of Mankato would simply annex the entire area down to the new facility. He quested what the benefit was to the Township in approving the CUP application. He couldn’t find a reason to vote for it. Concerned that because a town board member was following up with realtors who submitted written opinions at the planning commission meeting on the impact of the proposed public works facility on property values, if the politics surrounding this issue was too much. Keven Shoeberg, Atty. for Leases, He submitted a letter to the board with his full argument as to why he believes the proposed county works facility is an industrial use which should not be in an ag zone. He does not believe that the current Blue Earth County Zoning Ordinance, if it applied here, would not allow the proposed county works facility in an ag zoned district. Fire concerns from fire dept - Water storage container has been required in some sites. County would not approve in their zoning, need five separate descriptions from other uses to even consider the use within the Township’s Ag District. There are other locations that the county could go, does not belong in an ag zone in Mankato Township. If the City of Mankato does not agree to extend private utilities to the site, then the county would have to install a large water storage tank. There is plenty of space, in his opinion, in the City of Mankato for this proposed facility. Ryan Schmitz owns a building in a light industrial zone in the Township and had been told he could not lease the property to be used as a gym nor could he rezone the property because of the Orderly Annexation Agreement with Mankato. If this CUP goes through, he will be with a new application of his own tomorrow. Fred Alread. He would not want a campus like this by their home. Want this in a zoning where it belongs so the Leases can enjoy their property with their grandchildren. Amy Mikkalson, 200th Street. Can hear MSU football games from her house. She is concern that the neighborhood will similarly be hearing the public works facility and the noise will impact them. They bought their house on 200th Street because of the quietness, concerned about this development and it will affect their sale if it ever happens. Kelly Nance, from North Mankato, (a Ballard relative and the seller of the property), Prior to being approached by the county, the owners were going to lease the property for 30 years for a solar farm that would cover the entire property. She believes the proposed facility is not as intensive as a residential development. In favor of development of the area. Jeff Ballard, (a Ballard relative and the seller of the property), Blue Earth County spent hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars figuring out this site. There is one property owner is against it that is affected. Only 100 some people are against this site, the county is for it and needs it. Asks the Board to grant the CUP. Lynn Ekstd, (a Ballard relative and the seller of the property), wants to go with the county public works facility instead of acres of solar panels. The county has a good plan, asked the board to be prudent, this site is needed. Mitchell Watts, Believes that the best location for public works facilities is inside of city limits in industrial zoned areas because of the access to city utilities and services. Believes adding water into the watershed from the private city services will have a negative effect to the township. Being no further speakers, Dan closed the public comments. Dan asked if any questions on the staff report from the board. Mike Lynch- staff report, how does the board evaluate what is injurious? Dan said the board has to discuss. The CUP application is for a use similar to uses specifically listed, but must consider provision allowing other non-listed uses which are similar to the listed uses. Is the proposed use of a public works facility similar to other specifically listed uses in the agricultural district- Trucks, stockpiling, golf courses, office building, fueling station, landing field with storge, repair facilities, load and unload materials at an elevator use, landscape – large equipment, storage areas of material, business offices, fuel at that site. Asked their opinion. Mike not choosing if we like it or not, custom car site as example of a different site did not fit the uses permitted, Scott Morgan stated that most zoning and permits do not benefit the township but benefit the landowners. He said the site is in the Urban Fringe Overlay District and this is one of his considerations. The Urban Fringe Overlay District is to manage development close to Mankato. The Urban Fringe Overlay District ordinance lists “Buildings owned and operated by a government agency for a public purpose” as a conditional use. Dan asked does it qualify as a similar use or does not. Mike said the public works facility’s uses are not similar to the other listed uses in his opinion. Mike stated not similar enough to be permitted, moved to not permit the CUP. Dan seconded the motion. Vote taken: Scott no, Mike yes, Dan no. The motion did not carry. Dan said plan does not promote rapid growth. Board went through the staff planner’s report findings and discussed; Conforms with land use plan, yes Demonstrated site need, yes Not degrade water quality, yes Water runoff increase, no Soil conditions are adequate, yes Not a pollution hazard, yes Utilities, road etc. provided, yes Adequate parking etc., yes Traffic will not be issue, yes Not Injurious use, landscaping mitigates site, sounds, odors, etc . Went over values going up. Mike questioned injurious use and enjoyment Not impede normal development, yes Measures will have to be taken to prevent odor, fumes, dust, noise and vibration so will not be a nuisance A subdivision would be greater density, not greater than applicable use. Staff recommendations went over: #1-22 read over. #8 and #18 were amended and approved as written per the written request of the county’s submission to the board for this meeting. Dan stated the board went through the findings from the planning staff. Went through the 22 recommendations. Dan went through the public petition submitted to the board opposing the granting of the CUP. Dan went through and Googled the addresses of the petition signers. Petition had some residents from the Township signing, and some signers not in the Township. Of the 221 total signatures on petition, 21 not in Blue Earth County, 58 in township. Township currently has 1,275 voters, so the petition represents 4.5% of voters in Township that are against the CUP application. Dan stated a Red Oak Subdivision caller was against site when it was first proposed to be closer to their subdivision, but not against out by Cty #90, but did not want confrontation. He read a letter against the CUP from Brian Corbet in Red Oak Subdivision. Two calls from Stoney Creek Subdivision, no one signed the petition against the CUP. Six households, (12 people) from Red Oak signed the petition against the CUP. Dan Rotchadl moved to approve the CUP, as per the findings in the Planning Report items A-O, with the recommended conditions 1-22, as amended. Second by Scott Morgan. Roll call vote: Scott Morgan- yes, Mike Lynch -no, Dan Rotchadl -yes. Motion carried with two votes for and one against. Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:18 PM Respectfully submitted, Dan Fogal, Clerk MANKATO TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING 4-17-24 The April meeting of the Mankato Township Board was called to order by Dan Rotchadl at 7:00 PM on 4-17-24. Board members present: Dan, Mike Lynch and Scott Morgan. Minutes from February meeting were approved as sent. Draft #5 was approved as distributed. Clerk report R & E bid for rock and gravel, Scott moved and Mike second to accept the bid. Planner Report: Reviewed a request for annexation from John Mesenbrink of about 105 acres at the end of Hoffman Road Dan moved to approve, second by Mike. All in favor. Planning report: Jim Zarn CUP request was read by the planning staff. Attached is the planners report and recommendations. Discussed, Scott Morgan moved to approve, second by Mike Lynch to approve as per PC recommendations. Motion approved with all in favor. Discussed Copper Mtn. road repair, 11 properties to be assessed, approximately $18,000 each. Will proceed, with the acceptance of the report from Bolton and Menk. Improvement hearing will be at 6:00 on 5- 15, 2024. Mike moved, second Scott to proceed, motion carried with all in favor of the resolution. Copy of resolution is attached. Treasurer’s report from Joe Willaert was reviewed, and accepted as reported. Bills were read by the clerk and approved to be paid. Road report done by Sam. Kirkwood needs gravel, Sam will talk to the City. Sam will get info for the hall repair project to the clerk. Next month meeting will be on May 15, 2024 at 6:00 for Copper Mtn. hearing, and 7:00 PM for regular meeting. Being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM. Respectfully submitted, Dan Fogal Clerk Mankato Township Board Copper Mtn. Road Meeting 5-15-2024 The Special meeting of the Mankato Township Board was called to order at 6:00 PM on 5-15-2024 at the township hall. Members present: Dan Rotchadl, Mike Lynch and Scott Morgan. Adam Jacobs from Bolton and Menk gave the feasibility report for Copper Mountain Road in the subdivision improvements. Reclaim, blacktop road, and some curb and gutter work. A secondary project could be the road from the subdivision to the county blacktop road. $231,000 for the blue area that is in the subdivision. Assessement, about $18,000 per lot. If approved, to do in fall. Four inch thickness of the blacktop, cul-de-sacs would be the same size. Curb and gutter about $12,000. Process: approve plans and specs now, then get bid. Expect three or more bids, to be opened June 11. Then have assessment hearing and decide to award the project or not. Township will pay for a sealcoat project in the future for the road. Two resolutions were discussed and approved with all board members in favor. They are attached. Being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 6:35 PM. Respectfully submitted, Dan Fogal, Clerk Mankato Township Board Meeting was called to order by Chairman Dan Rotchadl at 7:00 PM on 5-15-24. All members present. The minutes of the 4-17-24 meeting were approved as sent. No Clerk report, no planner report. Treasurer report was accepted as given. Bills were read by the clerk and approved to be paid. Decided to pay $18,000 for building repairs now. Discussed “sick leave”, carry sick leave forward, 40 hours was the annual amount from last year and now get 1 hour for each 30 hours of work. City of Mankato Planning and Zoning contract was discussed. Looked at list of what needs permitting. Get rid of top of list, go with bottom list and add 50 yds of material needing permit. Will look at fee schedule next month. Mike will be the complaint supervisor, Molly will notify him, and determine what needs to be done next. Discussed the work to be done on the shop building. Decided to insulate. All in favor to proceed. Road report: have access to cheap gravel so will do extra, crack filling- work with Rapidan. Being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 8:05 PM Dan Fogal, Clerk MANKATO TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING 6-19-24 The June meeting of the Mankato Township Board was called to order by Mike Lynch at 7:00 PM on 6-19-24. Board members present: Mike Lynch and Scott Morgan. Minutes from May meeting were approved as sent. Clerk report-none Planner will have an item next month. Treasurer’s report from Joe Willaert was reviewed, and accepted as reported. Bills were read by the clerk and approved to be paid. Discussed bids for road in Copper Mtn . $209,804.50 bid. With twp paying its share, each property would be assessed $16,301.30 . Plan to have the discussion at July meeting. Road report done by Sam. Got new road grader. Work with Southbend and Rapidan Twp went well for crack sealing. Some road washes with all the rain. Shop should be done in about three days if no rain. Next month Copper Mtn. meeting will be on July 17, 2024 at 6:30 PM, with regular township board meeting afterward. PC meeting expected before it at 6:00 PM. Resolution for the 6:30 hearing on the proposed assessment was approved and the resolution declaring the cost to be assessed, and ordering preparation of proposed assessment were passed with Scott making the motions and Mike second, motions carried with all in favor. Discussed the planning issues with the city and county. May need to have a special meeting for it. Being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM. Respectfully submitted, Dan Fogal Clerk Mankato Township Board 7-17-2024 Copper Mountain Road meeting At 6:45 Mike Lynch called the meeting to order. All board members present. Adam Jacobs of Bolton and Menk, the engineer on the road project explained the proposed project. Neilson Blacktopping was low bidder. Opened the public hearing Karen Rivera, 100 Copper Mtn Drive, opposed to the project, cost is too high. Doug Reichel asked about project. Opposed to redoing the existing blacktop road. Joan Templin, 120 Copper Mtn, against the project as proposed. Lynete Laduc, 130 Copper mtn is in favor Bob Joerge, 110 Copper mtn, In favor. Frank Cersario, 170 Copper Mtn Crt in favor of project and the extension. Wanted to point out the support of that project originally. Dave Boomgarden, 180 Copper Mtn, wants the project, but wants it all the way to the highway. Would start maybe in august at the earliest Closed the public hearing. Board would want opposition statments in writing. Alternate A Dan Rotchadl is opposed to it. $75,000 is too much to pay on this project. Lots of other roads in the twp need that money more than this. Scott Morgan, agrees to alternate A , opposed to the rest of the road. Said let it go and know at some point will have to grind it up and return to gravel. Maybe in the future redo it. Mike Lynch said we spent $14,000 on this project so far, hates to do it again in the future. Mike said the only other option change the percentage the township pays. Discussed the township board paying more into it. Getting it down to $13,000 assessment per lot. Reopened the public meeting. Templin thinks they would be agreeable if at $13,000 Reveria not opposed if $13,000 Board could not decide how to assess other properties for the B part. Payment options - can pay all when done, or put it on taxes at 7 year at 7.5% interest. Closed public meeting Dan moved to have $13,000 assessment, 7 year 7.5 % $63,000 is twp share. Second by Mike Voted: Scott yes, Dan yes, Mike yes, all in favor. Motion carried. Dan moved to accept bid and not alternate paving. Second by Scott, motion carried with all in favor. Being no further business meeting adjourned. Dan Fogal Clerk Mankato Township Board Regular meeting 7-17-24 Meeting was called to order by Dan Rotchadl, all board members present. Meeting minutes of June 2024 were approved as sent. No clerk report. Treasurer gave his report, it was accepted as given. Bills were read by the clerk and approved to be paid. Sam has bills for storm damage and will keep track of his time on it. Mike moved to approve the CUP for Tivoli Cemetery expansion as per planner recommendations, amended by Scott, moved to needing approval from the board for any change. Mike second, motion carried with all in favor. Application is attached. Ron Marzinski was before the board, has a 24 “ culvert under twp road but needs a larger culvert. Needs an agreement with Harold Drummer. Scott will look into it. Winkler was before the board asking about FEMA assistance. Too much water is coming from the west. Discussed the old repairs and will look at other needs. Discussed -197 Ave. Fisher Road, concerned about road closure due to water. Scott and Sam have looked at the road and will raise it when it can be done. Board approved. Mrs. Sieberg asked about their and Wilmas, 211 Road, water on road and need culvert to drain it. Need a bigger culvert. Discussed no action taken. Chris Sanquist presented a draft of administrative fine and hearing procedures amendment to the land use plan. Board decided a stand alone ordinance would be the way to go. May need a per diem agreement with the city of Mankato to administer. Stewart litigation. Working on some agreeable uses Leases: still in the works Johnson - need an engineer to prepare a report for their septic system location Koberoski- has unpermitted buildings and signs. Still in claims/counter claims. Chris gave the board information on Subordinate Service District (SSD) process and explained that alternative. Proposed doing a fiscally responsible program for possible assessment areas. Being no further business, 9:45 adjourned. Change : Next board meeting will be August 14. Dan Fogal clerk Mankato Township Board Regular Meeting 8-14-24 Meeting was called to order by Dan Rotchadl, all board members present. Meeting minutes of July 2024 were approved as sent. Approved the Copper Mtn meeting minutes. No clerk report. Treasurer gave his report, it was accepted as given. Bills were read by the clerk and approved to be paid. Marzinski wants a culvert from his field. Harold Drummer Jr. was before the board to question the plan. Scott will look at it. Copper Mtn project- start on August 19, will be about a two week project. Administrative fine and hearing procedures amendment to the land use plan for next month. Board moved and approved the confirmation of last months resolution/CUP does accurately reflect the findings, conclusions and CUP conditions adopted by a majority of the board, with all voting in favor. This is not a revote on the CUP, but only a vote to confirm the CUP resolution correctly reflect the record. (resolution is attached) Scott asked for 6% raise for Sam. All board agreed. Effective August 1, 2024. Goes to $33.40 Mike said FEMA 19 or so sites in the township needed repair, he wants to get together to Being no further business, adjourned at 7:36. Next board meeting will be Sept 18 Dan Fogal Clerk Mankato Township Board Regular meeting 9-18-24 Meeting was called to order by Dan Rotchadl, board members present: Dan, Scott Morgan, and Mike Lynch. Meeting minutes of August 2024 were approved as sent. No clerk report. Planner presented the request from James and Beth Zarn for a preliminary plat for an adjustment of property lines that will create a new parcel described as Lots 11, 17, and lot 16, Auditors plat Number 15 Section 35. Attached is the report from the planner. Opened up public hearing, nothing. After discussion, Mike moved to recommend approval subject to the planners recommendations and Township Planning Commission. Scott Morgan seconded the motion, motion carried with all in favor. Treasurer gave his report, it was accepted as given. Bills were read by the clerk and approved to be paid. Chris Sandquist explained the Road improvement policy – Resolution on Road Improvement Policy. This would be for improvements beyond a gravel road improvement. Mike Lynch moved to approve resolution, second by Dan Rotchadl, motion carried with all voting in favor. Chris reviewed the proposed Mankato Township Town Road Right-of-Way Ordinance. Dan Rotchadl moved to approve, second by Mike Lynch. Motion carried with all voting in favor. Chris presented the proposed Mankato Township Administrative Fines and Hearings Ordinance. After discussion, motion was made by Mike Lynch, moved to approve with the addition to subpart 7, second by Dan Rotchadl. Motion carried with all in favor. Need to publish, put in library, and record all of the resolutions. The Stewart CUP was discussed. The board was correct in their decision except for parts of #3 and #5. Chris and Dan discussed the issue and came up with a proposed agreement. Board reviewed it, Dan moved to approve it. Second Scott. Motion carried with all in favor. Zarn update. Zarn is in violation with the new road cut, and the location of the shop is too close to the property line. Letter went out today, has ten days to correct the issue or apply for permit. Leases: still in the works, Leases came up with a bond, county has not come back to Chris. County applied for a building permit, twp will give it to the county. Should end up in a March hearing. Johnson - needed an engineer to prepare a report for their septic system location, still in the works. Koberoski- has unpermitted buildings and signs in roadway. Still in claims/counter claims. Copper Mtn assessment list was put in, is $13,000 per lot. FEMA is in process. Mike said would have to get bills at a future date. Working on it all. Being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 8:40. Dan Fogal, clerk MANKATO TOWNSHIP RESOLUTION SETTING SCHEDULE OF ADMINISTRATIVE FINES WHEREAS, pursuant to proper notice duly given as required by law, the Township Board has previously met and adopted a Mankato Township Administrative Fines and Hearings Ordinance, Ordinance #2024-02. AND WHEREAS, pursuant to said ordinance, Section 7 provides that the Board of Supervisors of Mankato Township shall set a schedule of administrative fines from time to time Via resolution. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, MANKATO TOWNSHIP, BLUE EARTH COUNTY, MINNESOTA as follows:
Township, Blue Earth County, Minnesota, this the _16 day Of Oct. 2024. Chairman, Mankato Township Board of Supervisors Mankato Township Clerk MANKATO TOWNSHIP RESOLUTION ON ROAD IMPROVEMENT POLICY WHEREAS, pursuant to proper notice duly given as required by law, the Township Board has met and considered its road improvement policy to be used to access all future requests for road improvements and repairs on all of the Township's roads. This decision is informed and driven by the increasing costs of road improvements and repair, the fair allocation of costs for such road improvements and repair amongst those residents who regularly use such roads, the cost, inefficiency and limitations of special assessments, and the continued growth and development within the Township. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, MANKATO TOWNSHIP, BLUE EARTH COUNTY, MINNESOTA as follows: 1. The default township road for which the Township, from its general levy, is responsible for the repair and maintenance of, shall be a gravel surface road. 2. The default policy of the Township in evaluating requests or petitions for improvement of township roads beyond a gravel surface (e.g. asphalt, bituminous, concrete) shall only be favored by the Township if those properties abutting the township road to be improved are part of a subordinate service district formed prior to the approval of such proposed improvement. The subordinate service district would be created to support the increased costs for construction and maintenance of the designated township road's improved road surface beyond a gravel surface. 3. The default policy of the Township in evaluating requests or petitions for improvement or repair of Township roads with a surface beyond gravel (e.g. asphalt, bituminous, concrete) shall only be favored by the Township if those properties abutting the township road to be improved or repaired are part of a subordinate service district formed prior to the approval of such improvement or repair. The subordinate service district would be created to support the increased costs for repair and maintenance of the designated township road's improved or repaired road surface beyond a gravel surface. 4. For any road surface improvements or repairs beyond a gravel surface, the Township shall favor payment, from its general levy, its calculated estimate for 1 what the project's cost would be for a similar gravel surfaced road. The remaining costs would be favored to be funded by a subordinate service district. 5. Despite this policy, the Township Board retains the ultimate power to decide whether to approve or deny any request or petition for Township road construction, improvement or repair based on the individual facts and circumstances presented to it. Adopted by a vote of 3_ to 0 by the Board of Supervisors, Mankato Township, Blue Earth County, Minnesota, this the 18 of Sept. Of 2024. Chairman, Mankato Township Board of Supervisors Mankato Township Clerk Mankato Township Board Regular meeting 10-16-24 Meeting was called to order by Dan Rotchadl, board members present: Dan, and Mike Lynch. Meeting minutes of September 2024 were approved as sent. clerk report: Canvass of Election was discussed. Decided to have that meeting at 7:00 PM Wednesday Nov. 13, 2024 at the Mankato Township Hall with the regular monthly board meeting right after. Notice will be put the paper. Treasurer gave his report, it was accepted as given. Bills were read by the clerk and approved to be paid. Discussed the Right-of Way Ordinance. This was approved with a vote of 2 for it and none against. The Administrative Fine and Hearings Ordinance was discussed. This was approved with a vote of 2 for it and none against. Discussed the Resolution setting Schedule of Administrative Fines. This was approved with 2 for it and none against. Discussed the estimate #1 for Copper Mtn. project. This was approved with both member voting in favor. Discussed the WW Blacktopping quote, it was approved. Discussed the BEC Shop Permit and 10-29-24 groundbreaking event. No board member will speak at the event. Discussed the BEC Cannabis amendment, Board will wait for county to pass an Ordinance first. Board tabled the $125,000 permit after discussion. Mike Lynch is proceeding with design on Riverpark Drive based on the DNR meeting. Being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 7:40. Dan Fogal, clerk Mankato Township Board Special meeting 11-20-24 Meeting was called to order by Dan Rotchadl, board members present: Dan and Scott Morgan. Zarn final plat was reviewed. Planner went over the application and the recommendations. The PC recommended approval of the final plat subject to the recommendations from the planner. The request is from James and Beth Zarn for the final plat for an adjustment of property lines that will create a new parcel described as Lots 11, 17, and lot 16, Auditors plat Number 15 Section 35. Attached is the report from the planner. Public meeting was opened, no one there, public meeting closed. Board discussed. Motion made by Scott to approve, second by Dan, motion carried with both in favor. Planner read the request for an After-the-fact CUP from Zarn. Discussed. Planner read the recommendations for approval. The PC recommended approval subject to recommendations from the planning staff. Opened up public hearing, nothing. After discussion, Dan moved to recommend approval subject to the planners recommendations and Township Planning Commission. Scott Morgan seconded the motion, motion carried with both in favor. Planner read the after-the-fact Variance request from Zarn. The planning staff recommended denial. The PC forwarded the variance request to the Board without a recommendation. Public hearing was opened up, no input, public hearing was closed. The board discussed the issue. Dan moved to deny the variance request, second by Scott Morgan. Motion to deny was approved with both in favor. Being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 7:30. Dan Fogal Clerk Mankato Township Board meeting 12-18-24 Meeting was called to order by Dan Rotchadl, board members present: Dan, Mike Lynch and Scott Morgan. Minutes of the November meeting were approved as sent. No Planner report, no clerk report. Treasurer report was given and accepted as given. Bills were read and approved to be paid. Mike explained FEMA bills, part has been approved about $8,000. The rest is still in process. The Blue Earth County building has paid substantial fees to the city for their site and are willing to share some with township. In discussion. Zarn is still in discussion. County letter for cost sharing for the election supplies, Dan Fogal would be the connection person. Board agreed to the agreement, with all in favor. Discussed roads. Indian Creek is still with the attorneys, no agreement or information from the county talking with the township. Being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 7:35. Jan meeting will be on Jan. 15, 2025. Dan Fogal Clerk Mankato Township Board meeting 1-15-25 Meeting was called to order by Dan Rotchadl, board members present: Dan, Mike Lynch and Scott Morgan. Minutes of the December 18, 2024 meeting were approved as sent. No Planner report, no clerk report. Treasurer report was given and accepted as given. Bills were read and approved to be paid. Mike explained FEMA. Still in process. Cannabis issue discussed, motion made to approve the resolution to have the county handle retail registration. Motion carried with all in favor. Resolution is attached. Discussed roads. Being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 7:30. February meeting will be on Feb. 20, 2025 with audit at 5:30 and board meeting at 7:00 PM. Respectfully submitted, Dan Fogal Clerk |
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Blue Earth Cty CUP
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