Jeff Schlaeger

The working planning commission meeting included a discussion regarding light emanating from greenhouses located at 7440 Cabin Drive, where the representative reported on the installation of wall curtains to mitigate light spill, noting that covering the tops is not planned due to cost and construction limitations. Commission members expressed disagreement regarding the impact of the lighting. The commission also discussed the need for a building permit concerning the new shades, referencing a previous email interpretation. Key action items involved tasking a subcommittee to prepare a final draft of the proposed noise and nuisance ordinance for the next regular meeting. Furthermore, the commission agreed that the Clerk Assistant should update the zoning ordinance draft with revisions before resubmitting it for legal counsel review. Updates were provided on mattress storage, the upcoming town election, salt application on Country Drive, and general discussion on using plastic versus steel culverts.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the previous regular commission meeting and a working meeting. Old business centered on a public hearing regarding an application from Christopher J. DeGray for an excavating and landscaping business. The Commission recommended approval of the interim use permit application, contingent upon the applicant planting a row of conifer trees by July 1, 2026, to mitigate visual impact and dust. Discussion also covered a revised nuisance ordinance, which includes a new section incorporating Minnesota Statutes and Rules by reference, to be reviewed at the next working meeting. A reminder email was noted concerning a fence permit requirement for a specific property.

The public hearing convened to seek testimony regarding an application submitted by Christopher J. DeGray for an interim use permit to operate an excavating and landscaping business at a specified property. The commission reviewed required elements from the zoning ordinance, and Mr. DeGray agreed to twelve additional restrictions recommended by the commission following discussions in prior meetings. Concerns raised by the public regarding dust, noise, and light were addressed by Mr. DeGray, leading to an understanding that he would plant a row of conifer trees to minimize these impacts by July 1, 2026. The next procedural step involves the planning commission making a recommendation to the board for a final determination.

The board meeting agenda was approved with additions including a website update and planning commission membership discussion. The Treasurer's November report was presented and approved, showing an ending balance of $298,268.67. The board approved payment for regular checks and two late-arriving bills from Amazon Business and the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. Authorization was granted, at no cost, for Mike Wickeham to use the town hall for firearms training sessions in April and May 2026. The planning commission's recommendation to approve Christopher J. DeGray's application for an excavating and landscaping business was accepted. Zoning discussions included follow-up on property cleanup requirements and a fence permit reminder. Road issues concerning snowplow blockage of a resident's driveway were addressed. Authorization was approved to connect the town hall to ECE Fiber at a monthly cost. The board hired Mollie Davis for the administrative assistant position. New business included approving Resolution 2025-12 appointing election judges and an absentee ballot board for the March 2026 election, reviewing newspaper quotes for official publication, and approving liability insurance evaluations. Barb Dreyer was appointed to the planning commission, replacing the Treasurer. The board addressed lighting complaints via correspondence.

Key discussions focused on the Daniel Smith interim use permit, where the commission recommended adding specific justification to the findings of fact regarding a sign's placement due to the unique parcel characteristics. The Zoning Administrator raised concerns about current practices not aligning with legal guidelines, citing instances such as an unauthorized emergency meeting authorization during spring flooding in 2023 and unauthorized camera installation. The budget forecast indicated a potential shortfall of $60,000 to $70,000 for 2024/2025 if the levy remains unchanged, prompting suggestions to review expenditures, potentially reduce road grading frequency, and reconsider road widening expenses. The commission also reviewed proposed administrative citation ordinances for enforcement and held a general discussion regarding building permits, inspection costs, and specific public complaints about inspection handling. Finally, the Chair noted concerns regarding a proposed marijuana-growing operation, clarifying that the township lacks legal authority to prohibit it.