NOVEMBER PLANNING & ZONING MEETING MINUTES

NOVEMBER 17, 2009

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Larry Birnbaum at 7:00 p.m.  Present for the meeting were chairman Birnbaum, commission members Steve Kossett, Biron Wipson, and Kathy Meyer; supervisors Jeff Bachke and Greg Andrews, building/zoning official Marty Paavola and clerk Patti Alander.  Absent were commission members Robert Whitmyer and Herb Dallum, supervisor John Goman and deputy clerk Cammy Hansen.

A motion to approve the October 20, 2009 monthly meeting minutes was made by Biron and seconded by Steve.  All vote in favor; motion carried.

A motion to approve the October 22, 2009 Minnesota Towers public hearing minutes was made by Kathy and seconded by Biron.  All vote in favor; motion carried.

Correspondence: 

A.      Lyle Larson:  Marty stated that he has received a response letter from Mr. Larson regarding several violations of Section 101 and 103, Ordinance 22 and Minnesota State Building Code, and junk/salvage of vehicles.  He did not offer a specific plan for remedying the situation.  He eventually plans to build a new home on the property, although at this point is living in an RV on the property.  Marty states it is a life safety and health issue.  He states that we could notify the St. Louis County Health Department and enlist their help as it is a public health issue.  Kathy Meyer makes the motion to issue a citation and notify the County Health Department of the conditions on the property.  Biron seconds the motion.  All vote in favor; motion carried. 

B.      Dave Ostrander:  Marty had sent a letter regarding a violation of his CUP with regard to outside storage.  He has cleaned up most of it; a boat and a truck remain.  The commission recommends that Marty send a letter thanking him for his cooperation. 

Old Business:

A.      Patti stated that we will void the 300 foot tower CUP for Minnesota Towers and will then record the one dated 10/23/09.  We want to be sure that there are not two CUPs recorded for this property.

B.      Judi Walters, 4193 W. Calvary Road:  Court is scheduled for 11/19/09 at 9:00 a.m. 

C.      4276 Gothenberg Road:  Fire escrow account was established 10/30/09.  Tom Olson is doing the demolition work.  When the work is completed and paid for the balance will go to the property owner.

D.      Gary Grew:  no new information

E.       Nuisance Ordinance (Bemidji Township model):  David Oberstar provided us with his opinion of the Bemidji Ordinance.  Basically, David says that the Ordinance would be too difficult and/or too expensive to enforce.   We would like to get suggestions from David on how to develop an enforceable ordinance that will garner support from the judicial system.  Patti will contact David to ask him to take a look at some of the problem areas in the Town and give us some recommendations on how to proceed.  The commission had a lengthy discussion regarding the Town’s ability to enforce the junk ordinance. 

New Business:

A.      Patti wrote a letter to Bob Whitmyer to ask him what his intentions are for the Planning & Zoning commission as he has not been able to attend the majority of meetings in the past year.  Patti has also contacted a resident who may have an interest in joining the commission; he has obtained a copy of the zoning ordinance and will let us know if he will be able to serve.  Kathy stated that in the past if a member missed three meetings he/she was automatically considered to be resigned from the commission.

B.      Next meeting date:  December 15, 2009, 7:00 p.m.

Greg mentioned that the cost of the legal fees we incur in our attempts to clean up junk ordinance violations should be brought up at the annual meeting.  The residents need to decide if they are willing to pay for the cost to clean up the properties.  Marty asked if it is possible to put the cost to a vote at the annual election. 

Having no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.