July 12, 2016

Planning & Zoning Minutes
Maine Prairie Township
July 12, 2016

 Planning and Zoning meeting opened at 7:00 p.m.

Motion by Supervisor Kuechle/Supervisor Loewen to approve June 14, 2016 Planning and Zoning meeting minutes with correction changing Kimball Clean Water Association paragraph from “motion did not pass,” to “motion died for lack of second.” All in favor, motion passed.

New Business:
Kelly A. Warren, Attorney/Certificate of Compliance to Re-Set Boundary Lines;
Donald M. Schmitt, Ronald A. Mathies, Jeffrey and Jennifer Jacobs, Norbert & Elaine Donnay:   Kelly A. Warren, Attorney, is assisting the clients listed above, with a rather complicated set of transfers to re-set boundary lines. The four parties have found that the deeded properties do not reflect possession lines. Jeff Jacobs appeared before the Board on behalf of the parties listed, to obtain a Certificate of Compliance to move forward with administrative subdivisions for these parcels. Motion by Supervisor Kuechle/Supervisor Loewen to grant a Certificate of Compliance to re-set boundary lines for the four (4) listed properties. All in favor, motion carried. Clerk Hunt to contact Environmental Services to determine the number of Certificates of Compliance needed for these four (4) transactions.  However, due to some discrepancies with this issue, this matter will be addressed again at the August 2nd Board meeting.

Dave Zenkins/Buying Property off 200th Street and 83rd Avenue:  Dave Zenkins appeared before the Board seeking guidance with buying property located off of 200th Street and 83rd Avenue. Zenkins is considering purchasing 40 acres with one (1) building entitlement in the A40 Zoning District from Rob and Linda Frederick. Zenkins inquired about building a pole building with living space on an already existing 50’ X 100’ floating slab. The Board advised Zenkins that building on a floating slab would be acceptable and that he would need to obtain a construction site (building) permit from the Township and follow all setback rules. The Board referred Zenkins to Stearns County Environmental Services to discuss his concerns further.

Zoning Administrator Froehling presented two (2) permits for approval as follows:

Harry Burns12’ X 45’ Deck$50.00
Sherman MinterNew Home with attached garage 30’ X 25’ accessory garage $100.00

 

There were five (5) County permits for review: 

  • Don & Joann Massmann – (Feedlot) 60’ X 624’ Chicken barn, 16’ X 20’   Control Room,60’ X 100’ X 3’ Stockpile pad (cement floor)
  • Meierhofer Farms – 103’ X 56’ new home with attached garage and porch, 168’ X 60’ accessory structure
  • Sherman Minter - New home/attached garage and 30’ X 25’ shed
  • James Galazen - 36’ X 16’ deck
  • Harry Burns - 12’ X 45’ deck

 
Motion by Supervisor Loewen/Chair Wicker to approve permits/County permits. All in favor, motion carried.

Old Business:
Kimball Clean Water Association:  Mike Schindler appeared before the Board on behalf of the Kimball Clean Water Association. Several Township residents were also in attendance. Schindler presented to the Board findings from the Minnesota Department of Health showing maps of sensitive areas in the Township. Schindler also presented maps showing progression of sensitive areas for years ranging from 2006 to 2013 from the Stearns County Water Management Plan. Lastly, Schindler reported that the nitrates in his well water tripled in the last ten (10) years.

Schindler asked the Board to take action by forming a committee of Township residents, farmers and Clean Water Association members to explore what can be done to preserve our groundwater.

The Board informed Mr. Schindler and residents that the Township’s resources are limited. The Board will invite professionals with expertise in ground water quality, soil and agriculture to join us at our August 2nd meeting to speak on what the Agency’s have done, are doing and findings or studies to-date in regard to groundwater contamination. The Board is seeking guidance for help to define goals of a committee if a committee is formed. Clerk Hunt to contact individuals to speak and answer questions from the Minnesota Department of Health,  Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation, and Stearns County Environmental Services.

There being no further business, motion by Supervisor Loewen/Supervisor Kuechle to adjourn Planning and Zoning at 8:05 p.m. and reconvene to the Board meeting.

All in favor, motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Lori Hunt
Clerk/Treasurer