Wells Township, Rice County, MN.

February 3, 2014 Minutes

WELLS TOWNSHIP
February 3, 2014
7:00 p.m.
Wells Town Hall

On Monday February 3, 2014 the Wells Town Board met at the Wells Town Hall.

Board members present: Jeff LaCanne, Nancy Johnson, Rich Cap, Marlene Pohl and James Zahn.

Also present were: Don Langer,  Archie Kasperick Jr., Karen Kasparick, Steve Salzwedel, Charles Swanson, Gay Swanson, Butch Hoffman, Jim Hausen, Alec LaCanne, Brianna Dihl, Colin Johnson, Roy Winjum, Pam Sartor and Brian Schmidt.

The January 6, 2014 minutes were read by James Zahn. Rich Cap moved to accept the minutes and Nancy Johnson seconded the motion. The motion carried.

The treasurer’s report was given by Marlene Pohl. Rich Cap moved to accept the treasurer’s report and Nancy Johnson seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Since the City of Faribault hasn’t responded with a meeting date to discuss shared roads, Board member Nancy Johnson requested that Jim Zahn send a follow up E-mail.

The Thomas Furlong variance request postponed until February 6 at 7:00 P.M. was discussed. The Board was going to try to discuss with Mr. Furlong before February 6. They believe he doesn’t need a variance if his plat is approved.

The Court case with Donald Jorgenson was discussed. He wants the Township to pay for maintenance on his road which is a private road.  All of the other residents in attendance who live along that road want it to remain private. Several of are willing to attend the court hearing and testify in the Townships favor. The date of the court hearing was discussed and it doesn’t work for some of board members. Nancy Johnson made a motion to send a letter to the court requesting a date change. Rich Cap seconded the motion and it passed.

Brian Schmidt is trying to purchase the cabin next to the public access on Roberds Lake. This property is currently land locked with the only access thru the Public access parking lot. Because the property is land locked he is having trouble getting a loan and was wondering if there was some way the property could be connected to the private road. He was advised that Roy Winjum owns a strip of property that could make this connection.

Rich Cap attended the annual District One Hospital Meeting. Patty Fritz is submitting a bill to the State Legislature to allow the sale of the hospital. If the sale goes through Township residents will no longer be taxed to support the hospital.

Kathryn Smith of 4328 Roberds Lake Trail requests to use the Town Hall for the annual “Roberds Lake Garage Sale”. The board approved her request.

Don Langer reported on the airport expansion committee meeting. Due to lack of space required for safety the committee is submitting a request to expand the current runway to 4900 feet. This length will only handle the current class of aircraft that can now land at the airport. The estimated cost for this expansion is $7,000,000.

Marlene Pohl presented the Ballot proof for the March 11, 2014 election.

Marlene Pohl presented a Resolution in support of a comprehensive omnibus transportation finance bill requested by the Minnesota Association of Townships. The resolution was signed and forwarded.

Don Krenske is requesting a driveway to his 6 acre property on Bellview Trail. Board members expressed concern because the current snow level prevents them from reviewing this driveway access. Rich Cap moved table this request until April when the Board could review the site. Nancy Johnson seconded the motion and it carried.

Jon Hansen was concerned about the abandoning of Becker Avenue and advised the board that they hadn’t followed the proper procedure to abandon the road. Mr. Hanson was advised the board was in the process of meeting the requirements so the road could be abandoned.

 Nancy Johnson moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 P.M. Rich Cap seconded the motion and it carried.

Respectfully submitted
James Zahn
Deputy Clerk