Mankato Township Board Minutes For Past Year
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Reports |
MANKATO TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING 1-25-23 Oath of office was given to Scott Morgan for supervisor and to Daniel Fogal for clerk. The January meeting of the Mankato Township Board was called to order by Dan Rotchadl at 7:00 PM on 1-25-23. Board members present: Mike Lynch, Scott Morgan, and Dan Rotchadl. Minutes from December meeting were approved as sent. Clerk report: none Planning report: will be a meeting next month New Business: Copper Mountain asked about road repair. 6 for it 4 not sure and 1 no response. Mike will coordinate meeting to look at it. Koberoski has come to an agreement with the city, but the township has to get to an agreement with him. Discussed no parking signs. Need some roof work on the maintenance building. Treasurer’s report given by Joe Willaert, and accepted as reported. Bills were read by the clerk and approved to be paid with all in favor. Road report, lots of snow. Next meetings: Feb. 22 , Audit meeting will be held at 5:00 PM, Should be a PC meeting at 6:30 and at 7:00 PM the regular board meeting. If audit not done, it we reconvene after the bord meeting. March 14 annual meeting at 7:00 PM, reorganizational meeting will be held after the annual meeting concludes, and April 26 next monthly meeting. Being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM. Respectfully submitted, Dan Fogal Clerk MANKATO TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING The February meeting of the Mankato Township Board was called to order at 8:30 AM on Feb. 25, 2023 at the township hall. Board members present: Scott Morgan and Dan Rotchadl. Minutes from the January meeting were approved as sent. Ryan Thilges , BE County Engineer explained the county needs a new shop facility and is looking at a new site. The proposed site is the NE corner of highways Cty 16 and Cty 90. Location has highway capacity and is an ideal access for BE County. Explained by the county that it is a unique use and would therefore fit the orderly annexation agreement. Would need a CUP for public use. Utilities would be expensive and need a partnership with the city and township. Need a forced main for sewer and maybe put in water with an interconnection agreement with the city and county. No assessment to private properties along the road. Discussed Conditional Uses that could happen on the property if county did not use it. Ryan Thilges asked if the township board would support the project at this time. Scott Morgan said we need more information and Dan Rotchadl agreed Lynn Lease explained their concerns about the county plans to develop the property and explained they expected no development in their area. They improved the site and are now concerned about the development next to them and will affect their property values. Traffic, lights and noise will be affecting their life. It should be in an industrial zone. The county is overreaching their rules to develop this site. The CUP would affect adversely the neighboring properties. The county moved to this site when the first site a half mile north was rejected due to neighbors opposing that location. It does not meet the land use plan, it should be in an industrial zone. Paul Vogel explained that a meeting with city and twp would have to happen, have to review needs, decide annexation needs or not, and proceed with formal CUP request if decided to proceed. Treasurer gave his report, it was accepted as given. Bills were read by the clerk and approved to be paid. April meeting will be 19th. Being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 9:50 AM. Respectfully submitted, Dan Fogal Clerk Mankato Township Annual Meeting 3-8-22 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 MANKATO TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING The April meeting of the Mankato Township Board was called to order at 7:00 PM on April 19, 2023 at the township hall. All board members present. Minutes from Feb. meeting were approved as sent. Dan Rotchadl explained the county highway department location for their new public works facility, submitted application but it was not complete, so when the application is complete, a date will be set for the conditional use permit application. Lynn Lease spoke in opposition of the application and asked the board to oppose. Three attorneys for their group say it is illegal to approve and the board must deny. Further discussion was held, it is expected that the CUP application will be heard next month when the application is complete. It was estimated there may have been fifty people attending the meeting, with none in favor of the county location. Bid from R & R Enterprises was read. The only bid received. Motion made by Scott to approve the bid, second by Dan Rotchadl. Motion carried with all in favor. Blue Earth County Fair came before the board asking for support. Dan said the township is responsible for roads but is not in favor of giving them money. After discussion, motion made by Scott Morgan to give $500.00 second by Mike Lynch. Scott and Mike voted for, Dan voted against, motion carried. Joe Koberoski was before the board, asking the board to work out the township road. Joe says it is out of the right-of-way in some locations, flooding his property and killing trees. The board will plan on meeting with him when they do the road check. Dan asked our attorney Chris Sandquist to explain proposed changes to our ordinance to match up to the county changes. Discussed possible updates and changes. County has Interim use permit, township does not. Discussed updating the ordinance now and then annually after that. Dan Rotchadl moved to have Chris start the process second by Mike Lynch, motion carried with all in favor. Discussed workshops for the board and attorney. Chris explained what can happen. Notice is needed, but no minutes, no formal decisions, just discussions on whatever issues before the board. Treasurer report handed out, it was accepted as given. Bills were read by the clerk and approved to be paid. Road report, Mike moved to get A-frame hoist, second by Scott, motion carried with all in favor. Looking at a new pipe/culvert or repair at Maple Hills subdivision. Zarn road accesses discussed, board will look at it on the road survey. Road survey May 3, at 5;00. Next Board meeting and Planning Commission will be May 17 , 2023. Expecting PC Meeting on May 31, 2023 at 6:00 PM to review County public work building CUP and then June 6, 7:00 twp board meeting for county building CUP hearing. Being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 9:30 PM. Respectfully submitted, Dan Fogal MANKATO TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING 5-17-23 The May meeting of the Mankato Township Board was called to order by Mike Lynch at 7:00 PM on 5-17-23. Board members present: Mike Lynch and Scott Morgan. Minutes from April meeting were approved as sent. Clerk report: none Planner report: Tyler Deike, owner of Lot 3, Block 1, Hansens Subdivision, PID R430933100012 requests a CUP for a permit to allow the display of 4 Compact tractors, 6 lawn mowers and 6 cargo and utility trailors in the Hwy Business district. Molly Westman went over the application. Attached is the planners report. Discussed new equipment only, space area would be 55 x 95 feet, no advertising on the site. Board agreed that new equipment only can be displayed. After board review, motion was made by Mike to approve subject to the planner’s recommendations only new equipment and no signage, second by Scott, motion carried with all in favor. Should be a planning meeting next month. Treasurer’s report given by Joe Willaert, and accepted as reported. Discussed covid money report. Bills were read by the clerk and approved to be paid. Copper Mountain has about $18,000 per property owner for road repairs, they will let us know. Koberoski will see if the property owners will petition for them to take over road. Road report done by Sam, survived the rain. Sam got bids on roofing. Motion made and approved pending review and approval by third board member to pay $53,348 To reroof hall and machine shed. Next month meeting will be on June 21, 2023 at 7:00 PM. Being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 8:03 PM. Respectfully submitted, Dan Fogal Clerk A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP BOARD GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT UNDER THE MANKATO TOWNSHIP ZONING ORDINANCE WHEREAS, the owner of the following described real estate located in Mankato, Minnesota, to-wit: Lot 3, Block 1, Hansen’s Subdivision, Mankato Township, Blue Earth County (19926 State Highway 22, Blue Earth County PID R430933100012). has applied for a conditional use permit to allow the display and sales of landscape nursery and farm implement-type machinery. WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of Mankato Township has completed a review of the application and made a report pertaining to said request (CYM07-23), a copy of which has been presented to the Township Board; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the Township, on the 17th day of May, 2023, following proper notice, held a public hearing regarding the request, and following said public hearing, adopted a recommendation that the request for a conditional use permit be approved with conditions; and WHEREAS, the minutes of such public hearing and recommendation of the Commission have been presented to the Township Board; and WHEREAS, based upon the Planning Agency report, minutes and recommendation, the Township Board hereby finds that:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mankato Township Board that the conditional use permit allow the display and sales of landscape nursery and farm implement-type machinery with the following conditions:
This resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage and without publication. Passed this______ day of______________________ 2023. Township Board Chair Attest: __________________________________ MANKATO TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING 6-21-23 The June meeting of the Mankato Township Board was called to order by Dan Rotchadl at 7:00 PM on 6-21-23. Board members present: Mike Lynch and Scott Morgan. Minutes from May meeting were approved as sent. Clerk report: none Planner report: Planning report: Molly Westman went over the application for Javens Family Vineyards for an amendment for an existing CUP, to consider adding a food truck and selling of beer. Attached is the application information and recommendations. After board review, motion was made by Mike to approve subject to the planner’s recommendations second by Scott, motion carried with all in favor. Should be a planning meeting next month. Treasurer’s report given by Joe Willaert, and accepted as reported. Discussed covid money report. Bills were read by the clerk and approved to be paid. Copper Mountain has about $18,000 per property owner for road repairs, they will let us know, no response yet. Dan reported that Rhonda Else would like to do any work to get Doc Jones Road improved. ARPA resolution discussed. Board discussed it. The ARPA Resolution was passed as to how township would spend the money and signed by the Chairman and Clerk on this date. The Resolution is attached to these minutes. The current Costs approved by the Board to be paid with ARPA funds is also attached. Mike Lynch moved to approve these actions, and Scott Morgan seconded the motion. Motion carried with all board members approving. Joe Koberoski asked if the neighbor can have a lawn mower business and go across his property. Told him to talk his attorney about the road. No lawn mowing business without proper permit. Road report done by Sam, roofing building permit will have to get. Next month meeting will be on July 19, 2023 at 7:00 PM. Being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 7:50 PM. Respectfully submitted, Dan Fogal Clerk MANKATO TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING 7-19-23 The July meeting of the Mankato Township Board was called to order by Dan Rotchadl at 7:00 PM on 7-19-23. Board members present: Dan, Mike Lynch and Scott Morgan. Minutes from June meeting were approved as sent. Clerk report: none Planner report: Request heard for five part CUP from Travis and Sara Stewart for C-1 property they own, legal is with the attached request information. Molly Westman went over the application and the planning staff recommendations. Staff report was for approval of #1 and #2 with conditions, and the denial of # 3, #4 and #5 . The Planning Commission had recommended in favor of #1 and #2 with the planning staff’s recommendations. They recommended against allowing parts #3, #4 and #5. Discussion was held. Stewart’s Atty said their interpretation of the code should allow it. No traffic issues, a good use of the property. Asked the board to reject the requirement of the twp to make a large paved parking lot. Against the June 15th requirement for a planting plan. Ask the bd to approve all 5 requests. Scott Morgan questioned hours of operation and what signage allowed. Molly stated signs be sign code and get permit from Molly. Discussed no parking signs on twp road, stop sign on Stewart property and hours of operation discussed - 8 to 8? Molly said a list of planting is needed, for example, they are going to sell straw, not growing now on the site so can’t sell it. She does not want to be chasing violations. A formal engineer drawing of planting plan not needed, some type of detailed list and diagram. Molly said No paved parking lot, needs to be dust free. 30 parking stalls are proposed. Asked about 10 cars reported by the atty on Hwy #90, clarified that is wrong. Hill traffic is a concern. Atty was against an annual list of planting plan. Mike Lynch said does not care about planting plan but in favor of the PC recommendations. Dan Rotchadl said the list of everything is needed for details because people think if its not listed, they think they can do whatever. Scott Morgan agreed. Motion was made by Mike Lynch to approve Request subject to the planner’s recommendations and adding details, hours of operation and signs be approved by township second by Scott Morgan, motion carried with all in favor. The final resolution with the conditions are attached. Ryan Schmitz wants to have a health club in the old Unique Auto bldg.. Wants to do it without being annexed if possible. Our atty says not possible. Dans opinion is in favoring of trying to figure it out. Mike is in favor also. Discussed about an interim use to allow it until ordinance can be updated. Told Molly to talk to Chris about an interim use or a path to get the use. Copper Mtn Road repair discussed, 7 for, 4 against. Discussed. Need petition with 35% in favor. Then contact engineer to prepare report, Bolton and Menk engineer for twp. Doug Reichel questioned the quality of the road when built originally, wants it all the way to the highway. Told them to get petition. Treasurer’s report from Joe Willaert was reviewed, and accepted as reported. Discussed covid money report, it was accepted and approved as attached (ARPA). Bills were read by the clerk and approved to be paid. 586 lane –south end by Davis and Lynch property. Needs erosion control, board may have to have Bolton and Menk look at it. DNR hydrologist may have to look at it. Road report done by Sam, nothing new. Next month meeting will be on August 16, 2023 at 7:00 PM. Sept 20 tentative September meting date. Being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM. Respectfully submitted, Dan Fogal Clerk MANKATO TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING 8-16-23 The August meeting of the Mankato Township Board was called to order by Dan Rotchadl at 7:00 PM on 8-16-23. Board members present: Dan, Mike Lynch and Scott Morgan. Minutes from July meeting were approved as sent. Copper Mtn Road repair discussed. Discussed. Got petition with 35% in favor to do the road from Hwy #90 all the way through the subdivision. No Clerk or Planner report. Treasurer’s report from Joe Willaert was reviewed, and accepted as reported. Discussed ARPA money report, Mike moved, Scott second for approval, motion carried with all in favor. Bills were read by the clerk and approved to be paid. Riverbank stabilization discussed on 586 lane –south end by Davis and Lynch property. Needs erosion control, Board had Bolton and Menk look at it. DNR hydrologist went with Mike and existing repair sites looked pretty good, some erosion concerns. Road report done by Sam, looking at auto chain equipment, saves on wear and tear on chains for the truck. Dan moved, Mike second to approve the purchase, approximately $3,000. Motion carried by all in favor. Next month meeting will be on Sept. 20, 2023 at 7:00 PM. October 10 new meeting date. Nov.15 and Dec.20 other dates for monthly meetings. Being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 7:40 PM. Respectfully submitted, Dan Fogal Clerk Mankato Township Board 9-20-2023 Mike Lynch called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM on 9-20-23. Members in attendance, Lynch and Morgan. Scott Morgan moved to approve August minutes, second by Mike, carried with all in favor No clerk report, no planner report. Treasurer’s report given by Joe Willaert. Covid money spent as of last month. Bills read by clerk to be paid. Approved to be paid. Discussed Copper Mountain Road improvements. To do the existing roadwork $231,545. The add on 1200 feet west from #90 to the subdivision existing blacktop- $130,295 Bolton and Menk Engineers gave options: general assessment of property improvement bonds, special assessments with increase value of property, or special improvement district. Mike will see if Jackie Cecerio would continue with the project lead. No list of property owners has been generated. Twp participation in past had been 20 per cent of first 100,000, 10 percent of second 100,000 and 5 percent of any additional amount, but this is subject to the board agreeing. Old business. What we know on the county building- environmental assessment worksheet may be done in November and the board would have to approve, Bolton and Menk to do the twp review of the environmental assessment worksheet. No estimate available from Bolton and Menk of their charge for us yet, City of Mankato’s agreement does not include that service for us. New business: Krones driveway had fill in it, and discussed cleaning the cartway/minimum maintenance road out again. Sleepy Hollow asked about Ichabod lane. Asked about more patching be done. Scott will take a look at it. Maple park drive- road repaired, pipe and bands put in. Meeting adjourned at 7:58. Respectfully submitted, Dan Fogal Clerk MANKATO TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING 10-10-23 The October meeting of the Mankato Township Board was called to order by Dan Rotchadl at 7:00 PM on 10-10-23. Board members present: Dan, Mike Lynch and Scott Morgan. Minutes from September meeting were approved as sent. No Clerk report. Planner report. Request for annexations of three parcels north of Victory Drive and east of Hwy #14 from owners Morris and Garbers. Mike moved to approve the annexation as applied, second by Scott. Motion carried with all in favor. Attached is the legal. 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 by the clerk and approved to be paid. Dan to hold County bill for bridge until Scott can check it out. Discussed the proposed County shop location, they are in the process of doing all permitting application requirements. Copper Mtn road project discussed. Land value may be the way to go, special assessment district would be the other way. May have to be in two projects. Mike will try to talk to Chris and some owners and see what can be agreed to. Discussed Krone road access, if it is township two rod road, or what. Scott will look into it further. Next month meeting will be on Nov.15 and then Dec.20 Being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 8:10 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 |
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Blue Earth Cty CUP
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