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

ROCHESTER TOWNSHIP BOARD - MEETING MINUTES

December 14, 2006
 

Members Present – Douglas Butler, Jeff Orth, Gary Donovan, Brenda Dicken, Brian Mueller, and Gary Swenson

Guests: Yves Ouellette, Marqaret Heuston, Richard Ehman, Eric Ehman, Michele Evans, Lenny Laures, Harold Atkinson. Joseph Vroman, Patricia Nyberg, Art Reckinger, Carole Pasternar. Scott Nyberg.
 

Meeting called to Order by Gary Donovan at 7PM

Brenda Dicken made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Jeff Orth seconded the motion; it was voted on and passed.

Audit Report - Lloyd D. Johnson presented his firm’s audit proposal. Jeff Orth made a motion that we engage Lloyd Johnson’s firm to do the 2006 Township and Joint Powers Board audit. Brenda Dicken seconded the motion; it was voted on and passed.

Mail Boxes – Brenda Dicken received a call from Patricia Nyberg in regard to the mailboxes being moved from the driveways to the entrance of the CPDC sub-division. Brenda called the Post Office and asked when the policy has changed in regard to delivering mail within a sub-division. Brenda asked the Post Master if she could get the policy in writing.
 

Planning and Zoning meeting report – Douglas Butler gave a overview of the Ivy lodge (drug treatment facility) discussion at planning and zoning. The P & L Zoning denied the request. If this is appealed it would go to the Rochester Township Board for a final ruling.

Traffic Assessment report on Mayo Woodlands - Gary Donovan has talked to Bill Tointon and he said they are negotiating with CPDC and Mike Sheehan about that traffic study on Mayo Crossing Road. At this point there is nothing new to report.
 

Bonds – Gary Swenson said that he received a copy of two letters Mike Sheehan sent out dealing with performance bonds that are due for Heritage II and Boulder Creek.

Gary Donovan said that he will arrange a meeting with Mike Sheehan to discuss this and find out why the bonds have not been renewed.

Employee Appreciation - Douglas Butler made a motion that we give each of our employees $50.00 for dinner at the Hanger. Brenda Dicken seconded the motion, it was voted on and passed. Lenny Laures will have his 20th year anniversary in the spring of 2007.

Board Appreciation – Jeff Orth made a motion that we have an appreciation/social meeting on the third Thursday in February. Brenda Dicken seconded the motion; it was voted on and passed. Douglas Butler will look into this and report back to the board.

Sheriff’s Ranch – Douglas Butler stopped and visited with the new director (Rick Sundberg) at the Sheriff’s Youth Program and invited him to the January 11, 2007 Town Board meeting. He reminded Rich that their facility is operating under a conditional use permint that can be revoked. Douglas suggested that we all look at it prior to the next meeting.
 

Douglas Butler said the he received a call from Kate Mallmann about a traffic concern (excessive speed) on Mayo road if the IV Lodge would get approved. This is a county road that is within the city. The township has no jurisdiction on this road.
 

TREASURER's REPORT

Douglas Butler made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report. Brenda Dicken seconded the motion; it was voted on and passed.

Douglas Butler made a motion that we pay all the RochesterTownship claims #342 – 356 for $170,825.64, except the Rochester Service company bill until we find out if Rochester Sand and Gravel included it in there bill. Brenda Dicken seconded the motion; it was voted on and approved.

Brian Mueller made a motion to pay the JPB claims #674 – 702 for $31,852.61. Brenda Dicken seconded the motion; it was voted on and passed.

TCPA Report – Brenda Dicken reported that TCPA is and will be operating in the black through December 13, 2006. Building permits are down at this time of the year.

LGA – No meeting.

Animal Control - Douglas Butler talked to the city animal control officer (Scott). He said they need to get permission from the county sheriff before they can react to calls in the township. Once they get the permission, they will come out and take care of the problem. If they come out during working hours, the minimum call is for 2 hours at $17.00 per hour. If it is after working hours the minimum call is three hours.

Jim Stephan, Life Insurance - Gary Donovan talked to Jim Stephan about term life insurance. He is checking into what it would cost and will get back to him.

NPDES Report - Brenda Dicken and Gary Donovan updated the board on current discussions with the officials on this report

Community Policing - Nothing new our lawyer is reviewing the policy.

Right-of-way obstructions – Lenny presented two quotes, GGG. Inc. quote is $5,700 to set the criteria and do the inventory. McGhie and Betts quote was for $8,318 based on estimated time and hours. It was an estimate not to exceed $8,318.

Doug Butler suggested that we set a couple stop and report points and have the firm report back to the board when they have developed / research some criteria on headwalls or right-way obstructions. Art Reckinger said we should hire a consultant to determine what the criteria is on headwalls and right-of-way obstructions. Our agreement should be phases. Phase I. Determine what criterion is all ready out there on this subject. What existing design standards exist for road sections and right-of-ways. What is the definition of a road obstacles in the right-of-way in the speed zones 30 or less mph and 30+mph and residential and non-residential. Phase II to be determined later.

Art Reckinger suggested that we research what rules, statues and regulations currently exist for headwalls or right-of-way obstacle.

Jeff Orth made a motion that Gary Donovan contact McGhie and Betts and have them research current standards on road way obstacles. Brenda Dicken seconded the motion; it was voted on and passed.

Road Report – Lenny Laures, Brian Mueller and crew looked at several skid loaders. Lenny said they agreed on the recommending the Bobcat 205. The estimated cost is $21,000 plus the $6,000 for extras. Brenda Dicken made a motion that we authorize the purchase of the bobcat 205 with an estimated cost of $28,000. Brian Mueller seconded the motion; it was voted on and passed.

Brenda Dicken made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 11PM. Brian Mueller seconded the motion; it was voted on and passed.

Respectfully Submitted,

Gary Swenson, Clerk

Gary Donovan, Chair

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

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