The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Douglas Nelson.
Attendance:
Town officers Present: Supervisors Douglas Nelson, Supervisor James Wilson, Supervisor Don Swanstrom, Clerk Lita Wallace, Treasurer Carol Nelson, Deputy Treasurer Ray Barnes
Absent: Deputy Clerk Shane Stolp
Guests: Katie Dellenbach, Bonnie Dressen, Dorothy Galinski, Charles Kuettel, Ted Wallace
Clerk’s Report
Wallace presented the March 2025 minutes. Swanstrom motioned to approve the minutes, Wilson seconded, motion carried. Nelson yay, Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay.
Treasurer’s Report
MARCH 2025
Total Funds on Hand 3/1/2025 $285,223.77
Plus: Deposits $2,244.40
Interest on Accounts 100.01
St. Louis Cty – Town Aid 2,144.39
Less: Disbursements $5,402.27
Payroll 1,989.98
Pequaywan Fire & EMS 3,000.00
Other expenses 412.29
Total Funds on Hand 3/31/2025 $282,065.90
Checks Written 2129-2138
APRIL 2025
Expected Receipts
None
Checks Written 2139-2148 $2,905.97
No transfer to checking needed
Carol Nelson reported that another $40,000.00 CD was opened. One CD for $40,000.00 for 5 months is due in October and the $78,000.00 CD is for 25 months.
Don Swanstrom motioned to approve the Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Wilson, motion carried. Nelson yay, Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay.
Old Business
- Finalize resolution on Memorial Tree planting on township land: The draft of the resolution prepared by Wallace was approved with amendment to add other options such as installing an engraved stone and donating to the Pequaywan Township or the Pequaywan Fire Department. It was suggested to have John Wilson’s name on top of the list for the engraved stone to honor his land donation. Motioned to approve by Wilson, seconded by Swanstrom, motion carried. Nelson yay, Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay.
- Update on progress of Subordinate Service District: Nelson specified that a letter was sent to 71 property landowners in West Branch Road. The proposed District needs 51% or 36 signatures. At the present time, only 20 have confirmed. There will be a service charge/levy of $35,000.00 per year based on property values until accumulated funds combined with the Pequaywan Township Road and Bridge Funds. Documents will be forwarded to the township lawyer.
- Bonnie Dressen reported that she received communication from St. Louis County that the grant application for the Invasive Species AIS has been declined but was encouraged to apply again. Bonnie also reported that the Water Board signs are ready for posting.
New Business
- Douglas Nelson was voted as Chair and Donald Swanstrom as Vice- Chair. Nelson yay, Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay.
- Mediacom is requesting the Townships of North Star, Pequaywan and Ault (up to White Lake) to provide a letter of endorsement for a grant application with USDA. The board approved to send a letter of endorsement. Mediacom is interested in bringing optic broadband to property owners in these townships. Nelson yay, Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay.
- Spring tree disposal is scheduled on May 31 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Information will be posted at posting places.
- Wallace reported that MAT (Minnesota Association of Townships) mentioned during the Spring training last April 4 that Amazon is offering free Amazon Business Prime to townships. Wallace offered to attend the webinar by Amazon on April 16 and will try to apply if they would require the township’s Tax ID # and not personal SSN.. The board approved for Wallace to participate in the webinar.
- Katie Dellenbach announced that Tom Getchell stepped down as the Pequaywan Fire Chief and she will be taking over as the new Fire Chief. She also announced that the Fire Department received a grant of $50,483.00 for the purchase of 10 encrypted radios. However, they are not able to receive the grant as they are not a governing body. They are also required to purchase the radios and then get reimbursed. She is requesting if the township can pay for the purchase and then get reimbursed once they receive the grant in a month’s time. Wilson motioned to approve, Swanstrom seconded, motion carried. Nelson yay, Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay.
- Reorganization Meeting (after the Board Meeting)
Correspondence
Received:
- Invoice from St. Louis County in the amount of $99.65 for online election training of election judges
- Invoice from Daisy Wallace in the amount of $218.38 ($155.88 for Dreamhost Web Annual Renewal, and $25.00 for website administration)
- Local Board of Appeal and Equalization (LBAE) meeting supplies for CVT 502 Pequaywan Township from St. Louis County Assessor’s Office
Correspondence from North Star Township requesting for Pequaywan Township’s participation to the meeting and public forum by Mediacom during the months of March and April
Sent
- Officer update list to St. Louis County Elections and Minnesota Association of Townships
Public Comment Request: None
Next Meeting: May 13, 2025, 7:00 p.m., Pequaywan Firehall
The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.