Alexandria Township

Alexandria, Minnesota 56308

Minutes of the meeting of 04-20-09

A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Alexandria Township was held on the 20^th Day of April 2009 at the Alexandria Township Conference Room, 610 Fillmore Street.

ROLL CALL: Supervisors present were Bryon Alstead, Louis Ross, and Roger Thalman. Also present were Gregg Raisanen, Clerk, and Mona Billmark, Treasurer. As said members formed a quorum and the meeting was called to order by Chairman Thalman at 6:00 PM.

Alstead, seconded by Ross, made a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

Alstead, seconded by Ross, made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 6, 2009 regular board meeting as written. Motion carried unanimously.

Ross, seconded by Alstead, made a motion to authorize payment of claims 9103-9115 in the amount of $4,335.95. Motion carried unanimously.

Supervisor Casper joined the meeting.

2008 FINANCIAL AUDIT: Wayne Johnson, Chris Mitchell Accounting, reviewed the 2008 financial audit with the board. He reported that the township’s total assets at the end of 2008 were $1,959,669, net assets were $1,895,261, and total fund balance at the end of the year of $621,972. He stated the township did a good job of budgeting however it should increase the budget for planning and zoning.

ENGINEER’S REPORT: Residents from the Homestead Road area were present to express frustration with the continued closure of Homestead Road that was damaged due to spring flooding. George Moon reported that the road-closed sign continues to be knocked down and expressed concern that a motorist might damage their vehicle or get hurt if they hit the washout. Jeff Kuhn reported that the township has been waiting for FEMA to inspect the road and the township will be repairing the road. Other residents expressed concern with the lack of gravel on Homestead Road and O’Brien Road. Engineer Kuhn reported that these roads are scheduled for gravel this year once the road restrictions are lifted.

Engineer Kuhn reported that one of the residents located on the private road that extends north of Erickson Heritage is not interested in paying for the improvements of this private road therefore he recommended that this road not be included in the improvement of Erickson Heritage roads. Alstead, seconded by Casper, made a motion to authorize Engineer Kuhn to advertise for bids for the reconstruction of the roads in Erickson Heritage and to schedule the bid opening on May 20, 2009 at 11:00 AM at offices of Widseth, Smith, Nolting.

Ross, seconded by Casper, made a motion to authorize Alden Just Road Maintenance to temporarily fix the washed out roads by hauling and placing gravel in the damaged areas. Motion carried unanimously.

Alstead, seconded by Casper, made a motion to authorize Engineer Kuhn to obtain gravel quotes for the township. Motion carried unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS: Clerk Raisanen reported that Charter Communication canceled payment on the franchise fee check making it necessary for him to transfer $12,000.00 from the savings into the checking account to cover checks that were authorized at the previous meeting. He indicated that he has received correspondence from Charter indicating that they are in Chapter 11 reorganization and that the bankruptcy court has authorize Charter to pay the franchise fee. Hopefully the township should be issued a new check shortly.

Clerk Raisanen reported that he has been in communication with Educators Benefit Consultants regarding a HRA for the administrative assistant. He said that they would consider setting up a HRA account with the township. Total cost to the township would be $2.00/month and Bonnie would be charged 0.19% against the account for maintenance fees. Ross, seconded by Alstead, made a motion to authorize Clerk Raisanen to set up a HRA account with Educators Benefit Consultants in the amount of $60.00/month. Motion carried unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS: Alstead, seconded by Ross, made a motion to appoint Russ Niskanen to the Alexandria Township Planning Commission for a three-year term. Motion carried unanimously.

Clerk Raisanen reported that two written quotes for calcium Chloride application were included in the road maintenance service quotes. Alden Just Road Maintenance provided a quote for $0.985/gallon and Runge Grading quoted $1.03/gallon. Ross, seconded Casper, made a motion to contact with Alden Just Road Maintenance for calcium chloride application in the amount of $0.985/gallon. Motion carried unanimously.

Being no further business Alstead, seconded by Ross, made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 6:50 PM.

Respectfully Submitted.....

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Gregg Raisanen, Clerk

Approved this _____ day of _________, 2009

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Roger Thalman, Chairman