Crow Wing Township

Planning Commission Meeting

December 8, 2014

Call to Order – 6:00 p.m.

Commission: Chairman Brad Arnold , Linda Schuety

Town Board Supervisors: Greg Smith, Mark Platta, Dave Schultz

Staff: Town Clerk, Susan Amick

Brad called the meeting to order and the pledge to the flag was recited.

Robert & Arlene Jones were present for review of their conditional use permit for The Farm on St. Mathias.  Parking in the right of way at their events was covered and the Jones’ are taking steps to prevent this in the future.  They will continue to inform those responsible for events of parking requirements, continue to post “No Parking” signs on the roadside, etc.  Clarification on the progress of the installment of the mound for the private SSTS (septic system) installed.  Their goal is to have it finished by June. 30^th, 2015.  Explanation was provided  that the current septic system currently gets limited use, not a lot of public  use.  (Porta Pottys are on site for large events.)  It was determined that a certificate of completion of the SSTS will be presented to the planning commission in person or mail by June 30,2015 by Mr. & Mrs. Jones.

Tim Moore was in attendance to visit with the planning commission and town board members regarding the opening for a planning & zoning administrator for Crow Wing Township.  The history of the reason for creating the position in 2007 & townships previous work relationship with Community Growth Institute was explained to Mr. Moore.  There was a question and answer period regarding the needs of the township in relation to the position.  Various options and ideas to fill the position were talked about, including Brad contacting Chris Pence at the county to discuss possibilities, as well as continued follow-up with the other communities who were previously served by CGI.

Dave Schultz made a motion to hire Tim Moore as an independent contractor on a temporary basis at $30 per hour plus expenses.  Mark Platta seconded the motion.  Motion passed.

The planning committee and town board will continue to work together, and with Tim Moore as an independent contractor in the upcoming months to meet the planning and zoning needs of the township residents until the matter can be brought before the Annual Township meeting in March when the matter can be presented to the residents for feedback.

It was determined that the next scheduled planning commission meeting on January 12, 2015 will be canceled and the board will merge the following night with the town board meeting on Tuesday January 13, 2015 to allow for ongoing dialogue regarding the planning administrator position.

Brad shared the following communication:

Brad informed the board that Kevin Vogel  from the Safari Wildlife Park would like a permit to serve alcohol.  He also inquired about a variance to the highway 371 set back. 

The county contacted Brad to inquire what the township may think about American Peat mining peat moss on the tax forfeited land in the township. 

The meeting adjourned by general consent at 7:50 p.m.