Return to Archived Stories

*The board noted that the Stearns County Planning Commission approved the township's recommendations for a comprehensive growth plan: in concentrated areas, currently zoned R-5, Paynesville Township will not support rezoning to R-1; in the moderate areas (R-10), Paynesville Township will not grant variances from the 2-acre minimum lot size and therefore these areas will not qualify for clustering and the density bonus; some parcels within the moderate growth area which are currently zoned A-40 can be zoned R-10 in the future; and the township will not allow development rights to be transfered into the R-1, R-5, or R-10 districts.

*The board approved a new preliminary plat for Sheri Wood Acres. Virgil and Jeannette Kulzer want to divide a parcel of their property for their son. The board had previously held a public hearing and approved a proposed preliminary plat. The new plat is just slightly larger (34 acres now, instead of 24 acres). Sheri Wood Acres is a one-lot plat on Cedar Crest Drive.

*The board approved the purchase of a used 1992 pickup truck for the maintenance department for $3,000, using the old truck as trade. *The board approved changing their next meeting from Monday, Oct. 10, which is Columbus Day, a legal holiday, to Tuesday, Oct. 11. This meeting will be at 8 p.m.

*The board set a public hearing for Tom Haines on Monday, Oct. 24, at 8:15 p.m. Haines wants to rebuild his barn, which has a bad roof, but his existing accessory buildings exceed the township ordinance. He is requesting a variance in order to replace his existing barn.

*The board approved a winter meeting schedule as follows: Monday, Nov. 14, at 8 p.m.; Monday, Dec. 19, at 8 p.m.; Monday, Feb. 13, at 8 p.m.; Monday, March 13, at 8 p.m.; Tuesday, March 14, at 8 p.m. (annual meeting); and Thursday, March 16, at 8 p.m. Unlike previous years, the board agreed to keep all their meetings at 8 p.m. Previously, they had met at 8 p.m. during daylight savings time and at 7 p.m. during standard time in the winter.

Again this year, the board will not meet in January. They will hold two meetings in October and will resume holding two meetings per month in April.

*The board appointed supervisor Pat Meagher to represent the township on the city committee preparing for the Minnesota Design Team. Supervisor Harry Thielen will be the alternate.

*The board received a report about summer recreation from Paynesville Community Education and noted a funding request of $5,394 for their half of summer recreation expenses (in excess of revenues). The board will act on all charitable requests in March.

*The board discussed an easement request by Mike Carr, who wants to build a stairway from his residence down to Old Lake Road and wants to put part of the stairway in the township's right of way. The board had questions about the request and indicated that they would not want any liability and that there could be no parking on the trail. They did not make a final decision and directed clerk Don Wiese to contact Carr and see if he still wanted to apply for an easement.

*The board gave verbal approval to Hilltop Stop to get a 3.2-beer license. Stearns County needs to approve this request, and the township's recommendation will be forwarded to the county.