MPP09-01
Maine Prairie Township
Planning & Zoning Meeting
January 13, 2009
 
Chair Loewen opened the Planning meeting at 7:03 p.m.   He called for any changes or additions to the minutes.  With none Supervisor Unterberger/Chuck Froehling made a motion to approve the minutes as presented.  Motion carried. 
 
Old Business: Gary Grossinger, Stearns Co Assessor’s Office appeared before the board.  The board had questions as to what is a taxable improvement.  The board is reviewing their fines, fees and penalties.  Grossinger said they don’t look at dog kennels but would like to know about any in-home business.  They look in the telephone books and paper ads to see if residents advertise their business to decipher if it is an in-home business.  Assessors look at all new shingles because some residents ask for lower property value at the board of appeals and the assessors want to know when the shingles are updated.  There is no difference in property value if it is steel roof over shingle roof.  They do like to know if any windows, siding or shingles are replaced, even same size.  Cement driveways (depends on the amount) and cement in pole sheds is looked at, replacing concrete is not something that is looked at.  Asphalt is not looked at.  Portable sheds are listed as an improvement.  Retaining walls & landscaping is a judgment call.  Patio and decks are assessed but not to above ground pools.  The Board thanked Grossinger for coming. 
 
Chair Loewen called for new business:  Brian Becker came before the board requesting a certificate of compliance for moving 1 acre of his parcel to the Fire Trac office building site in the Becker Estates Office Area, Block 1.  He wanted to square off the land and is going to sell the property.  Becker has been to the county and has no problem with it.  Supervisors Loewen/Unterberger made a motion to give Becker a Certificate of Compliance for the moving of 1 acre to another parcel.  Motion carried.   Becker also would like to add a 40X60 shed with 16’ high sidewalls to his property.  Becker said the shed would be used for a 5th wheel camper and hay storage.  He was told that he would need to have a variance hearing because the township only allows 12’ high sidewalls.  The Variance hearing will be February 10th, 2009.  Becker also asked if his conditional use permit for the office can be transferred over to the new owner or if the new owner would have to reapply.  The board felt the new owners would need to reapply. 
 
Clerk presented the new sales and feed lot permits to the board for review.
                                                                                                                                    Receipt #
Brian Becker               Variance Hearing Payment                             $150.00           853619
 
Permits were called for – With none Supervisors Wicker/ Unterberger made a motion to adjourn.  Motion carried.
 
 
 
Terre Harff, Clerk