4111 11th Avenue SW - Rochester, Minnesota 55902 - Tel. (507) 282-6488

ROCHESTER TOWNSHIP BOARD - MEETING MINUTES

Date September 14, 2006

Brenda Dicken called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM

Members Present –Brian Mueller, Jeff Orth, Douglas Butler, Lenny Laures, Brenda Dicken and Gary Swenson.

Members absent – Gary Donovan

Guests: Matt Flynn, Ellen Remstein

Minutes – Douglas Butler made a motion to approve the August Minutes. Brenda Dicken seconded the motion; it was voted on and passed.

Douglas Butler made a motion to approve the minutes of the special meeting as amended. Brian Mueller seconded the motion: it was voted on and passed.

TREASURER's REPORT August 2006

Treasure’s Report – Jeff Ort made a motion to approve the treasure’s report. Brian Mueller seconded the motion; it was voted on and passed.

Rochester Township Claims – Jeff Orth made a motion to approve the Rochester Township claims from 297 to 309 for $23,777.83. Douglas Butler seconded the motion; it was voted on and passed.

JPB Claims – Jeff Orth made a motion to approve the JPB claims 609 thru 629 for $12,829.07. Douglas Butler seconded the motion; it was voted on and passed.

New Business:

Community Swimming Pools -Matt Flynn talked about funding of small town swimming pools. He passed out and discussed the scenarios for funding based on assessing every homestead or by property evaluation in the county (except those in the city limits). One based on property valuations and the second based on so much per household. The projected amount $500,000 per town/city as a one time grant (including Rochester). This is only for new pools. If at the end of 25 years there are any funds left over it would be paid back proportionally to the townships. This grant must be applied for within 15 years of the approval of the County Board. Matt passed out a proposed amendment (See attachment A). If an area is annexed into the city, that obligation would be covered under the annexation agreement. The projected cost is about $12.50 per household per year. Matt said there will have to be a public hearing on this project prior to its implementation.

The board discussed the proposed resolution for support of the resolution. Jeff Orth moved to approve the resolution and Douglas Butler seconded the motion. The motion was approved 4 votes to none.

NPDES Report: Storm Water Management Report – Brenda said that two to three years ago someone in the Federal Government decided we needed a storm water permit. Brenda completed the 35 page permit and sent it in.

Primary Election Review: - Rochester Township had 155 residents that voted. There were several complaints about the road access and signage. We had five judges and it was sufficient.

Olmsted Co. Ass’n- Officer nominations – We need some nominations from the townships to fill at least two vacancies.

Flag & Light – Douglas Butler said that at our last meeting we ordered a new flag that has flown over the Nations capital. Currently we are not in compliance flying our flag at night without a light. Douglas will check on the cost of lighting.

Headwall Policy – It was discussed that the township doesn’t have the funds to identify and remove all headwalls that are in the township. It was suggested that we identify the current township headwalls and determine a list of the most dangerous and work with the owners to have them remove them. This item was tabled until we hear back from our attorney. Jeff Orth mentioned what is worse a headwall or a tree? If we start removing headwalls will we have to remove trees also? Douglas Butler suggested that the township provide alternatives and suggestions for headwalls.

Road Report – Lenny said that Windsor Chase and Windsor Lane are being prepared for paving. Lenny mentioned that there is a 60 foot drop at the end of Windsor Chase that is creating a new hazard, at the present time, it is in the construction zone. Jeff Orth made a motion to have Lenny work with the county and state on resolving this issue. Douglas Butler seconded the motion; it was voted on and passed.

Lenny said that he has removed a lot of brush in the past month. He is also requesting bids on a new mower tractor and will bring them to next months meeting.

TCPA - Brenda and Lenny attended a TCPA meeting last night and the big discussion was land parcel divisions. Currently in parcels labeled A2, 5 acres and 35 acres breakdowns are accepted. There was a request to change this so that a 40 acre parcel could be divided for example ( 7 acres and 33 acres ) and label the 33 acres non buildable. Currently areas labeled non buildable are not allowed because they are impossible to tract. It was the consensus of the board that a more flexible policy should be explored.

The second item discussed dealt with septic systems, currently there is no policy that requires the pipe between the house and the septic tank to be inspected. Geoff Griffin will present to TCPA a policy change that than could be adopted by all townships.

LGA – Brenda sent out a newsletter updating members on what has happened this summer.

Community Policing Effort – Discussed no action.

Mayo Woodlands – Signage requirements – Douglas Butler, Lenny Laures and Gary Donovan met with the developers on site in Mayo Woodlands so that they could better understand the proposal. The board members felt that what they proposed looked like it would meet our township requirements. The next stepwill involve them presenting a final plan and then TCPA will determine whether a variance is needed.

Ellen Remstein, a resident in Mayo Woodlands, wanted to know what was happening to the architectural design previously planned for this area. She was given a list of contacts for the new developers so that she can follow up any questions she might have.

Community septic inspections / subdivision ordinance - Discussed no action taken.

Boulder Creek update – This issue has not been resolved yet. Lenny will follow up for the next meeting.

Rivendell – Water Impoundment Dam. Art Reckinger said they need a water impoundment dam in Riverdell to deal with water coming off a previous development. He will bring a proposal forward later this year.

Community Policing Venture – The proposal involved the four Townships that boarder the city of Rochester hiring two deputies with the county providing two additional matching. Marion Township voted not to participate, so the project at this point is tabled or at least on hold for now. Jeff Orth suggested that we move forward if possible with hiring one additional deputy. Jeff Orth made a motion that we proceed with the contract and try to get it in place by the first of the year. Douglas Butler seconded the motion; it was voted on and passed.

SouthPort re: 29th Street – Discussed no action taken.

Boulder Creek Private Roads – Jeff Orth reported that Steve Holtigaard asked if the township could have Lenny look a the private roads in Boulder Creek and see if they are up to the Township standards, so in the future, if needed or requested, they could be taken over and maintained by the township. Lenny pointed out that we have hired GGG, Inc. to inspect our interests in Boulder Creek. The board should have GGG, Inc. look at the specks on the private roads and see if they meet our township specifications. Jeff Orth will talk to Steve Holtigaard and Lenny will contact GGG, Inc..

VonWald Group Home - Douglas Butler attended one of their meetings and heard that the numbers are down because changes have been made in county programs.

Meeting adjourned - Douglas Butler made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:45 PM, Brian Mueller seconded the motion; it was voted on and passed.

Respectfully Submitted,

Gary Swenson, Clerk

Brenda Dicken, Acting Chair

Rochester Township - 4111 11th Avenue SW - Rochester, Minnesota 55902 - Tel. (507) 282-6488

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