HomeMy WebLinkAbout[00a] Memo Organization Matters TOWNSHIP OF
SAINT 10SEPH CITY OF ST. JOSEPH
PO BOX 585 PO BOX 668
St. Joseph MN 56374 St. Joseph MN 56374
320 - 363 -8825 320 - 363 -7201
Aveyrens@cityofstjoseph.com
Date: March 9, 2012
To: Joint Planning Board
From: Judy Weyrens
RE: Organization matters
At the last Joint Planning Board meeting it became apparent that there is some confusion as to the roles
and responsibilities of the Board. The purpose of this memo is to help clarify the process and assist the
Board.
Authority The Joint Planning Board is the official hearing officer for all land use matters, with the
exception of rezoning. The decision of this board in all matters heard before them is
final and legally binding. Previously the Joint Planning Board was only a recommending
body and the hearing and final decision was the responsibility of the County.
Order Since we are new to the process, some housekeeping items need to be completed at
this time. The first order of business for the March meeting will to be elect a Chair and
Vice Chair of the Board. The chair will be responsible for signing all official documents
such as plats and development agreement.
Minutes All public hearings must be audio taped. The official minutes should be approved at the
Board level by motion with the signature of the Chair and Secretary.
Decisions All decisions, whether approval or denial, must be based on findings of fact. To help
facilitate the discussion staff will try and provide draft findings of fact which will include
the recommendation from Stearns County. The draft findings are simply a shell or
recommendation the Board may use as a resource when modeling their official findings.
Zoning
Administrator Stearns County remains the Zoning Administrator for St. Joseph Township and is
responsible for receiving all land use applications and forwarding comments to the City
and Township. If the approval requires security, permits, agreements or similar items,
Stearns County will facilitate the process and will enforce provisions.