Sand Creek Township

Monthly Meeting Minutes

May 5th, 2022

DRAFT

Officers Present

Chairman Chad Sandey, Supervisor Bruce Hunstad, Supervisor Bill Schneider, Treasurer Myron Pauly, Deputy Treasurer Kevin Nordick, Clerk Maggie Gallentine, and Deputy Clerk Emily Nordick.

 

Others Present

Matt Stordahl – Stantec, Curt Hennes – PLSLWD, Jennifer Jensen, Mark Jensen, Travis Cherro, Deb Pauly, Timur Volchkov, Chris Price from Interlock Concrete Products, and Todd Dvorak – Dvorak Excavating.

 

Called to Order

The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 7:03pm by Chairman Chad Sandey. The Pledge of Allegiance was said.

Due to COVID-19 we are practicing safe social distancing.

 

Minutes

Minutes for the April meeting were presented to the Board. Motion to accept the April Meeting Minutes by Bruce, second by Bill, Unanimous at 7:04pm. Motion to erase the April recording of minutes by Chad, second by Bill, Unanimous at 7:04pm.

 

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer’s Report for May was submitted by Myron. Motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report by Bruce, second by Bill, Unanimous at 7:05pm. Bruce asked to collect ARPA funds on spreadsheet due to purchase of laptops and MS Office software for Township Officers. Chad explained what ARPA funds are and what they can be used for.

 

Monthly Claims

 

                        Dvorak Excavating (gravel, grading, tree trimming)    $  20,004.50

                        Bryan Rock Products                                                    $  29,600.34

                        Stantec (Berkshire project, general Eng.)                     $    1,962.50

                        Couri & Ruppe (gen. legal fees)                                   $    1,150.00

                        Scott County Treasurer (tax assessment)                     $  24,300.00

                        MATIT (Worker’s Compensation Policy)                      $    1,837.00

                        MATIT (4 corners training for Kevin Nordick)              $         65.00

                        Dem-Con Companies (furniture disposal)                    $       108.99

                        Southwest News Media (meeting notices)                   $       113.03

                        Maggie Gallentine (cell phone, dust coat letter, etc.)   $       580.33

                        Steve Gallentine (pickup/paint stakes for dust coat)    $         46.75

                        Bill Schneider (purchase stakes, mileage)                     $         38.01

                        Bruce Hunstad (2 HP laptops & MS Office software)   $    2,523.14

                        Kevin Nordick (2 HP laptops & MS Office software)    $    2,279.24

                        New Prague Mini Storage (May rent)                           $       113.00

Payroll                                                                         $       969.67

Payroll                                                                         $       401.72

Payroll                                                                         $       581.80

Payroll                                                                         $       309.37

Payroll                                                                         $       512.54

Payroll                                                                         $       678.77

Payroll                                                                         $       263.20

 

 

                                                            Total                                         $  88,438.90

 

Motion by Bruce to accept the monthly charges as read, second by Bill, Unanimous at 7:10pm.

 

 

Public Comment:  Jennifer Jensen asked about road construction at 282 & 13. Matt Stordahl explained there is new overlay going down in 3-phases on Hwy 13 from 282 to 10, from 10 to 2 (roundabout), then from 2 to New Prague.

 

 

BUSINESS/DISCUSSION:

 

Sheriff’s Department: Det. Muelken spoke about the Report that listed 53 calls for service, down from 64 last month: 12 traffic, 9 assists, 8 medical, 3 accidents, 2 Disturbance, 2 suicidal person (same person at Valley View), 3 suspicious, and 1 alarm.  New Ordinance in Scott County being proposed for possession of catalytic converter(s) that are not attached to a vehicle and do not have a proof of ownership.

 

Prior Lake Spring Lake Watershed District:  Curt Hennes noted Board President Mike Myser may be resigning for business reasons. Vice President Bruce Loney will be taking over in mid-June. The most senior staff has been with the district for 2 years. 8,300 pounds of carp were removed at the sein in February which was not as much as in 2021. Spring Lake West project for cleaning out an iron-enhanced sand filter installed for water quality. Waiting for easement rights to get to cleaning it out. Curt is waiting to hear who will be the Watershed District’s representative at our monthly meetings.

 

Stantec: Matt Stordahl provided updates on the following Projects/Topics: Unofficial detours caused by TH 282 road project: Diane Langenbach (MNDOT) will be getting forms together and will turn in for reimbursement.  Berkshire Extension Project: Temporary easements are needed and are working to bring to completion. Stantec couldn’t get MNDOT to give a straight answer on what documents needed to include. Sport Wheels owner was going to get the temporary easements notarized. Matt to check with Sport Wheels to ensure signing. Bid opening June 24th. TH 169 Overpass Project: Detailed designs of bridge going on now. Designs are scored on price, and impacts. Bruce wants to review the resident’s driveway design with Matt as it should be gravel and the smallest width possible. 2022 Local Partnership Program (LPP) Grant: Working with Scott County on LPP Grant for 2 Township projects – 166th Street extending to Jordan Avenue and Jordan Avenue connecting to 173rd Street.

 

Timur Volchkov Staff Report Recommendation: Timur is looking to build his parents a home on his property and requires an Interim Use Permit (IUP). Scott County Staff Report acted favorably for the request for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) for immediate family. An IUP is required for the detached dwelling unit. Conditions for the variance and Permit were read by Chad. Motion by Chad based on the criteria for approval listed in the staff report, we as Sand Creek Township are recommending the approval of the Interim Use Permit for Timur Volchkov to use and add an attached accessory dwelling unit to his property, second by Bruce, Unanimous at 7:49pm.

 

Sutton Ridge Farm Staff Report Recommendation: Jennifer and Mark Jensen require a variance and Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Due to the layout of their farm site, they need 133-foot setback instead of 150-foot. Recommendation by Chad based upon findings that are listed in the Staff Report Sand Creek Township recommends approval for the requested variance from the required 150-feet road centerline setback to 133-feet to construct a building for agritourism including farm stays, second by Bruce, Unanimous at 7:56pm. The new building will be for agritourism for farm stays (rent rooms like Airbnb), sell their meat/products, education, tours, wellness walks, school kid visits, and U of M tours. A favorable Scott County Staff Report was given for the CUP. Chad read 13 conditions for the Permit.  Motion by Chad based on the criteria for approval it is listed in the Staff Report we, Sand Creek Township recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit to conduct an agricultural tourism operation including farm stays and a farm market noting that this recommendation is subject to approval of the conditions listed in the Staff Report that must be satisfactorily addressed prior to the County Board consideration of the project, second by Bruce, Unanimous at 8:11pm. Military Appreciation Day will be September 10th.

 

Interlock Concrete Products Recommendation: Chris Price from Interlock Products said they are looking to expand and build a new plant 45,000 sq. foot building. They are asking for a 52-foot height variance from 45-foot. Their existing building will to continue to be used while the other is going up. Then they will stop production in the old building and decide what to do with it and may repurpose it. They have a 5-year lease with option to renew with Final Grade. They are concerned about Condition #12 of the CUP. They do not want to plant trees on the eastern edge, but can plant anywhere else. Chad read conditions for approval, and to strike Condition #12 due to lease. Motion by Chad based on the criteria and conditions for approval listed in the Staff Report Sand Creek Township recommends the approval of the amended Condition Use Permit for Interlock Concrete Products to add an addition 45,000 sq. foot production building noting that this recommendation is subject to Staff approval of the outstanding conditions listed in the Staff Report and they should be satisfactorily addressed prior to County Board consideration, and also strike Condition #12 because there is currently a lease in place for the storage of their building products that makes planting trees not viable, second by Bruce, Unanimous at 8:29pm. Variance height for the building (52-feet) is required due to their equipment height. Scott County Staff Report recommended approval of variance. Motion by Chad based on criteria for determining variance hardships listed in the Staff Report, Sand Creek Township recommends approval of the variance from the required 45-foot height maximum in the I2 District to 52-foot height to construct a building for concrete product production, second by Bruce, Unanimous by quorum (majority) at 8:33pm. Bill left the room for a short time.

 

Bluff Drive Area Application Resolution: Local Partnership Program (LPP) for us to apply for State funding. We want to combine Jordan Avenue connection to 173rd Street Project and 166th Street extension to Jordan Avenue Project for funding. Chad read the Resolution (2022-02) and motion, second by Bruce, Unanimous at 8:38pm.

 

Website Update and Task List: Emily updated the News section by adding 2022 County Notice of Filing (office to be voted on in 2022 election), Mosquito Control posting, and Agenda. Bruce suggested adding Sutton Ridge Farm agritourism information, and sent the CIP spreadsheet for the website. Chad recommended reviewing News for stale/old information. Task List: Removed 3 completed items – 1 under Berkshire header, and 2 under Scott County. Emily also updated the status of the computers as complete. No Workshop meeting this month.

 

Bridge Report: Motion by Chad to approve Xanadu Bridge Report when the Report is found, the respective Township Board member can sign it, second by Bill, Unanimous at 8:56pm.

 

REPORTS/DISCUSSIONS:   

 

Bruce Hunstad: Bruce attended the 169 Corridor Coalition Executive meeting and Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting. The Board of Appeal reconvened meeting will be May 9th. He removed a snow fence and also attended the Annual Road Inspection.

 

Bill Schneider:  Bill attended the Annual Road Inspection.

 

Road Report:  Bill said roads look pretty good and have had grading done after the rains. There is a new form for Todd Dvorak (Dvorak Excavating) to use every month with dates and priority of road projects. Highest priority is grading and reclaiming shoulders. Dust Coating will be June 2-3. Tree trimming, brush work, and clearing drain on Golfview Drive are on the list. Motion to approve the Road Report by Bruce, second by Chad, Unanimous at 9:22pm.

 

Chad Sandey:  Chad attended the Board of Appeal and Equalization, Annual Road Inspection and SCALE meeting.

 

Motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:23pm by Chad, second by Bill, Unanimous.

 

Submitted By: _____________________________________________________

Emily Nordick, Deputy Clerk

 

 Approved by ______________________________________________________

Chairman, Chad Sandey