The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chair Douglas Nelson.
Attendance:
Officers Present: Chair Douglas Nelson, Vice-Chair Donald Swanstrom, Supervisor Jim Wilson, Clerk Lita Wallace, Treasurer Carol Nelson, Deputy Clerk Shane Stolp, Deputy Treasurer Raymond Barnes
Guests: Bonnie Dressen, Douglas Dressen, Stephanie Jones, Stephen Jones, Deb Pomroy, Kathy Sykes, Tom Sykes, Chris Jussila, Karen Jussila, Sarah Parker, Katie Dellenbach
Clerk’s Report: Wallace presented the June 2025 minutes. Swanstrom motioned to approve the minutes, Wilson seconded, motion carried. Nelson yay, Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay.
Treasurer’s Report:
JUNE 2025
Total Funds on Hand 6/1/2025 $277,519.38
Plus: Deposits $1,571.40
Interest on Accounts 1,571.40
Less: Disbursements $3,742.39
Payroll 1,762.06
Legal 60.00
Other expenses 1,920.33
Total Funds on Hand 6/30/2025 $275,348.39
Checks Written 2156-2166
JULY 2025
Expected Receipts St Louis Cty $35,740.35
Checks Written 2167-2174 $2,922.81
2175 – for PFD radios $50,000.00
Swanstrom motioned to approve the Treasurer’s Report, second by Wilson, motion carried. Nelson yay, Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay.
- Old Business
Pequaywan Fire Department: Chief Katie Dellenbach discussed an update on the purchase of the radios, Fire Wise program they are working on and how the township can cooperate and be involved and passed along a request for more brush drop off dates from residents. Katie talked about having a defensible structure defined as having a 30’ radius around structures with no brush that could light easily. Katie discussed a variety of options around utilizing the Fire Wise program including: renting a chipper and encouraging people to bring brush in as the association had requested an additional tree drop off day, a training day on evacuation planning, or other ideas to help the community. After further conversation, Katie will reach out to her contact to get a day set up for preparedness training for this fall. She will also reach out to neighboring townships to see if they would like to join the day.
- Invasive weed: Deb Pomroy reported that she continues to complete her surveys and will complete reports after she is done. Deb stated that anyone who wants to come along on the survey is welcome to tag along. A resident asked to look at the weeds in the big lake as the association was concerned about them spreading. She reported Little Pequaywan some years ago had 50 clumps of an iris type invasive species. No action was taken.
- Update on West Branch Road: Proposal has been received from Sinnott to make repairs of about 1/3 mile of existing blacktop, excavation of soil and placement of class 5, geofabric and 2 lifts of blacktop at a cost of $262,130. Chair Nelson will get the county contact for plowing to see what minimum repairs are needed to renew the plowing contract. While this repair is expensive it will not be the same price per unit going forward as the remaining road area will not necessarily require full excavation like this area. A resident asked if an environmental impact study is required with the Board responding with their intentions to move forward with the county recommendations.
- Status of Subordinate Service District petition: 23 residents have signed, 5 are committed but unsigned out of 36 needed. Plan to go door to door to gain the necessary support to get the petition signed.
- Update on Fire Wise program: Swanstrom had nothing to add beyond Fire Chief report.
- Contribution proposal for help funding Township: Jim Wilson brought up that previously when people wanted to contribute money to the township there wasn’t a way to do this in a way they would be recognized. We could add a community plaque in the fire hall that would list anyone – or they could remain anonymous- who donated more than $500. Funds could be designated to specific funds like road and bridge, fire department, or general fund. We could add a page to the township website. Town Board will continue to explore this.
New Business
- Discussion about creating a Township Ordinance: Chair Nelson has started doing some research with MAT. We have never had an ordinance previously so this would be a first. Resident discussion followed around pros and cons of having ordinances with no action taken.
- Town officers eligible to serve as Moderator during Annual Town Meeting: Clerk Wallace reported that at the last annual meeting it was difficult to find a moderator so she asked MAT if officers can serve as moderator. MAT stated that officers can serve if they are a permanent township resident.
- Minnesota Grant Watch (Greater Minnesota Regional Parks & Trails
Commission): Chair Nelson brought a report forward from the MN Grant Watch where we could apply for funds by 7/31/25. No action taken. - Brush drop off date: Chair Nelson asked for interest of an additional day. Wilson heard from one person in the association and Nelson has also heard more interest. A date of August 30, 2025 from 10 AM – 1 PM was established and agreed to unanimously by the board.
Correspondence
- Received:
- Invoice from Daisy Wallace for June web maintenance in the amount of $25.00
- MATIT Premium Notice for coverages for Inland Marine and General Liability \, Public Employer’s Liability in the amount of $1,004.00
Sent: None
Public Comment Request: A guest asked if we could start streaming the meetings. Chair Nelson will look into this.
Next Meeting, August 12, 2025, 7:00 p.m., Pequaywan Firehall
Swanstrom motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:51 pm, second by Wilson, motion carried. Nelson yay, Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay.Respectfully submitted by:
Shane Stolp, Deputy Clerk
Lita Wallace, Clerk