MPP11-17
Maine Prairie Township
Planning & Zoning Meeting
November 8, 2011
 
Chair Loewen opened the Planning meeting at 7:05 p.m.  He called for any corrections or additions to the minutes.   Supervisors Froehling/Wicker made a motion to approve the minutes as presented.  Motion carried.
 
Old Business:  Mike Fricke from the St of MN Labor and Bldg Industry presented the township with a building inspector book.  Fricke answered questions presented such as: could the township be liable when the township inspector was inspecting without a license (he explained that he thought that the contractor would be the one in trouble for not building it according to code), are most township abiding by the building code (explanation was that not all townships have a bldg inspector but the county does the regulating), What happens if it is not built by code (complaint goes to the state and judgment is made in court) it was explained even reputable contractors do not always do quality work but if you don’t have a building code, it makes it easy to cut corners. The number one complaint is that contractors do not finish the job.  Mr. Fricke went over the things that are covered under the building code.  Some things the township has not issued for permits for in the past are shingling, hot water heaters, furnaces, and some windows (if change in size).  Supervisor Wicker explained the townships concern is the overlapping of permits.  It was asked if the township has the right to do all permitting.  Fricke said they did except for shoreland, he was sure that Stearns County does the shoreland permitting.  Mr. Fricke was thanked for coming. 
 
                                    Thomas Fenton Road Variance Hearing
                                                            7:25 p.m.
Chair Loewen opened the meeting asking the clerk to read the legal notice.  With no written responses, Mr Fenton was asked to explain why he needed a road variance.  Fenton explained that he purchased his parents cabin and he is trying to make it larger and add an addition on the garage so his parents can live in it during the summer months and they could have somewhat private quarters of their own.  He needs a road variance because his garage would encroach the right of way by 50 feet.  The 26X16 garage addition would not encroach the right of way any more than it does now.  Fenton is having the land surveyed and an elevation survey done.  He has been working with the county on everything they require.  He does not have a problem with impervious space usage; the finished construction would be at 21% impervious space usage.  After reviewing maps, area viewed by supervisors and discussion as to what the county is requiring. Chair Loewen called for any further comments or questions, with none Supervisors Wicker/Loewen made a motion to close the public hearing.  Motion carried.  Discussion was it is consistent with the area now.  It doesn’t encroach into the right of way more than it is now.  Supervisor Kuechle/Chuck Froehling made a motion to approve the road variance.  Motion carried.  Clerk Harff will complete the paperwork and have it mailed to Mr Fenton.  Mr Fenton thanked the board.
 
Building Inspector – Ron Wasmund, interim building inspector, was present to discuss some permits issued.  He would like to clear up the process and fee schedule.  The township has Chuck Froehling listed as the represented board member signing the site permit application.  Wasmund explained that they do much of their work on the computer and a computer generated permit sheet will be sent to each supervisor before a meeting so they can see the pending permits.  Different fee schedules were discussed.  Supervisors Wicker/Kuechle made a motion to adopt the Lynden Township fee schedule until further review of other fee schedules.  Motion carried. 
 
 
 
Permits presented:
                Cesar Larson (Thompson Ins)     Grain Bins and small shed        $    30.00               #770
                Dave Classen                              Cert of Compliance for sewer         30.00               #780
                James Stelton                              12X11 Breezeway                          80.00               #MP11-20          
                Harland Donnay                           Grain Bin                                        30.00               #779
                Karl & Carol Krippner                    Cert of Compliance land split         30.00               #781
                Scott Eisenchenk                          Driveway Approach                        30.00               #782
                Christopher Hommerding             Dog Kennel Renewal                      30.00               #783
 
Supervisors Wicker/Kuechle made a motion to approve the permits presented.  Motion carried
 
Supervisors Loewen/Wicker made a motion to adjourn.  Motion carried. 
 
Terre Harff, Clerk