Author: peqclerk

July 13, 2021 Township Board Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm. by Charles Kuettel.

Attendance
Town Officers: Supervisor Charles Kettel, supervisor Donald Swanstrom, supervisor Doug Dressen, clerk Amber Cruz, deputy clerk Lita Wallace, treasurer Lynne Scalzo and deputy treasurer Raymond Barnes
Guests: Ted Wallace, Sue Johnson, and Carol Nelson.

Clerk’s Report
Copies of the June board meeting minutes were provided to all who attended. An update to the ‘old business’ section on the West Branch rd portion was made. The following was changed: the original total of $300 was changed to $350. A motion to accept the changes and the corrected minutes was made by Dressen. The motion was seconded by Swanstrom, motion carried 3-0-0

Treasurer’s Report
June 2021
Total Funds on hand as of 06/01/2021 (Includes Investments) – $160,462.48
Plus Deposits (June) – $131.29
Interest on Accounts – $131.29
Less Disbursements (June) – $1,544.12
Payroll – $1,436.05
Website Administration – $37.92
Other Expenses – $70.15
Total Funds on hand as of 06/30/2021 – $159,049.65
June Check # 1678 – 1688

July 2021
Claims (July) – $1,229.08
July Check # 1689 – 1697
No transfers to the Checking Account will be needed

Motion to accept the treasurer’s report was provided by Swanstrom. The motion was seconded by Dressen, motion carried 3-0-0

New Business

• Update on opening for township treasurer position: Carol Nelson is interested in the position and will begin training in the treasurer position. A motion to approve Nelson for training was provided by Swanstrom. The motion was seconded by Dressen, motion carried 3-0-0
• Road access approval is needed from the Township road supervisor for Sue Johnson’s property, Little Cloquet Cove, located at 9028 West Branch road. The approval is to be on-file with St. Louis County. The clerk is to write a letter of approval granting access to the Little Cloquet Cove. This will then be signed by the Board Chair. Motion to approve the letter was provided by Swanstrom. The motion was seconded by Dressen, motion carried 3-0-0
• Application for Variance was submitted by Donald King to St Louis County. A Application for Variance meeting is to be held on August 12, 2021 and the County is asking for the township’s comments. The clerk is to write a letter to the county stating that the township approves of the structure. A motion to approve the structure and letter of approval was provided by Swanstrom. The motion was seconded by Dressen, motion carried 3-0-0
• The American Rescue Plan Act will be looked into further by Kuettel
• Deputy clerk Lita Wallace turned in her laptop, which was in turn given to Carol Nelson for treasurer training.
• A motion to train the clerk Amber Cruz further in CTAS was provided by Swanstrom. The motion was seconded by Dressen, motion carried 3-0-0

Old Business

• Update on West Branch road: Nick Elmquist will have the repairs completed by winter
• Update on tree/branch disposal: In June a total of 25 loads were disposed of. Richard Arndt has been volunteering to run the disposal. The next disposal date is July 17, 2021 (weather permitting)
• Update on Minnesota Department of Revenue’s demand for missing withholding tax return: it was submitted

Correspondence
Received

• Email from St. Louis County Planning and Community Development on the CDBG citizen advisory committee opening
• Email from Minnesota Association of Townships (MAT) about a webinar on requesting American Rescue Plan Act funds
• Email from Judith Strom with information on the tree disposal posted on the Lake Association website
• Email from MAT pertaining to the retirement of the Finance Director
• Email from MAT with important information from Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) on American Rescue Plan Act funds
• Email from MAT containing the June 2021 newsletter
• Email from Sue Johnson regarding the approval of her conditional permit
• Email from Donald Rigney of St. Louis County Planning Commission on the approval of a conditional use permit for 9028 West Branch road
• Email from Sue Johnson requesting approval of road access for 9028 West Branch road to be on-file with St. Louis County
• Email from Pequaywan Township treasurer Lynne Scalzo containing her resignation of township treasurer
• Email from Lora Skarman of St. Louis County Assessor’s Office about upcoming changes to the Board of Appeal and Equalization training
• Invoice of $45.00 from Daisy Wallace for website administration
• Email from Lora Skarman of St. Louis County Assessor’s Office on Minnesota Department of Revenue Board of Appeal and Equalization updated online training for the 2022 appeals season
• Letter from the IRS for address change
• Email from Michelle Claviter-Tveit of St. Louis County Planning and Community Development on a application of variance received by the county
• Invoices from Nick Elmquist in the amounts of $400 and $350 for road repairs

Sent

• Forwarded letter received from St. Louis County Attorney’s Office that was intended for North Star township
• Emal to Sue Johnson pertaining to her conditional use permit approval and the need to attend the July Township Board meeting

Public Comment

There was no public comment

Next Meeting August 10, 2021 at the Pequaywan firehall with the additional option of attending via teleconference

Motion to adjourn was provided by Dressen. The motion was seconded by Swanstrom, motion carried 3-0-0

Kuettel adjourned the meeting at 8:12 pm.

Respectfully submitted by,
Amber Cruz, clerk

Meeting was called to order at 7:32 pm. by Charles Kuettel

Attendance
Town Officers: Supervisor Charles Kuettel, supervisor Donald Swanstrom, supervisor Doug Dressen, clerk Amber Cruz, deputy clerk Lita Wallace, treasurer Lynne Scalzo and deputy treasurer Raymond Barnes
Guests: Ted Wallace, Richard Arndt and Maryalice Arndt

Clerk’s Report
Copies of the May board meeting minutes were provided to all who attended. An update to the ‘old business’ section on the Moose Lake easement was made. The following was added: ‘and if township needs to be involved in ownership.’. A motion to accept the changes and the corrected minutes was made by Swanstrom. Dressen seconded the motion, motion carried 3-0-0

Treasurer’s Report
MAY 2021
Total Funds on hand as of 05/01/2021 (Includes Investments) – $162,701.40
Plus: Deposits (May) – $127.71
Interest on Accounts – $127.72
Less: Disbursements (May) – $2,366.63
Payroll – $778.87
2^nd Half Snow Plowing – $1,121.25
Website Administration – $157.50
File Cabinet – 211.21
Other Expenses – $97.80
Total Funds on hand as of 05/31/2021 – $160,517.89
May Check # 1668 – 1677

JUNE 2021
Claims (June) – $1,544.12
June Check # 1678 – 1688
No transfers to the Checking Account will be needed.

Motion to accept treasurer’s report was provided by Swanstrom and seconded by Kuettel, motion carried 3-0-0

Old Business

• Update on West Branch road. Nick Elmquist inspected and proposed the township work in two areas first. Gave an estimate of $350 for labor and materials. He will re-evaluate in late August/early September. A motion to accept Nick’s estimate for minor repairs was provided by Swanstrom. The motion was seconded by Dressen, motion carried 3-0-0. A motion to reimburse Nick for $400 in gravel for burn area was requested by Kuettel. The motion was provided by Swanstrom. Dressen seconded the motion and the motion carried 3-0-0.
• Update on the River road easement. Lita Wallace researched and could not locate any documents or information relating to the River road easement. Kuettel talked to Greg Planting and was informed that Planting has not yet heard from the county. The township and Planting will wait to hear more from the county before any more action is taken.
• Resolution for compensation update. The motion to increase the meeting pay to $50 for each meeting and to keep the rest of the compensation the same was requested by Kuettel. The motion was provided by Dressen and seconded by Swanstrom. Motion carried 3-0-0

 New Business

• Future MAT training available. LBAE training needs to be completed by Swanstrom in June.
• Motion to have Daisy Wallace create an administrator email account for the website was provided by Swanstrom and seconded by Dressen. Motion carried 3-0-0
• For file retention, any deeds should be kept permanently in a fireproof storage. A motion to purchase a fireproof envelope for file retention was provided by Swanstrom and seconded by Dressen. Motion carried 3-0-0

Correspondence
Received

• Email containing the revised minutes for the 2021 LBAE
• Email from Susan Van Norman from St. Louis County Public Health containing the weekly newsletter as well as the new state and CDC covid guidelines
• Email with the Minnesota Opportunity Collaborative Webinar Series 2021 information
• Email with the monthly newsletter from the Minnesota Association of Townships (MAT)
• Letter from Minnesota Department of Revenue with a demand for missing withholding tax return
• Email from Michelle Claviter-Tveit of the St Louis County Planning and Community Development with a reminder and information on the Planning Commission hearing for June 10, 2021
• Email from the Minnesota Office of State Auditor with a notice of CTAS update
• Email from MAT with an Advocacy Alert
• Email from Cathy Rouleau from St. Louis County Association of Townships (SLCAT) with the access code for the annual meeting on May 26, 2021
• Letter from the SCLAT with information on the May 26, 2021 meeting as well as the 2020 Annual meeting minutes
• Email from Paul McDonald of St Louis County on the county’s new launch of online permitting for septic systems
• Invoice from Daisy Wallace for website administration in the total of $37.92
• Email from Teresa Hirsch of St Louis County Public Works- Maintenance Division with the results of the calcium chloride dust control bid for 2021
• Email from MAT containing information on the American Rescue Plan Act
• Email from Daisy Wallace with a request to add to the agenda
• Letter from the St Louis County Attorney’s Office containing a newsletter
• Letter from MAT containing MAT Official Membership cards for board members

Sent

• Email to SCLAT informing them of the change in clerk address
• Letters of results to residents that submitted appeals for the LBAE meeting
• Letter to MAT requesting 2 more membership cards

Public  Comment

There was no public comment

 Next Meeting July 13, 2021 at the Pequaywan firehall with the additional option of attending via teleconference.

Motion to adjourn was provided by Swanstrom and seconded by Dressen, motion carried 3-0-0

Kuettel adjourned the meeting at 8:49 pm.

Respectfully submitted by
Amber Cruz, clerk

Meeting was called to order at 7:36 pm. by Charles Kuettel

Attendance
Town Officers: Supervisor Charles Kuettel, supervisor Don Swanstrom, supervisor Doug Dressen, clerk Amber Cruz, deputy clerk Lita Wallace, treasurer Lynne Scalzo and deputy treasurer Raymond Barnes
Guests: Gregor Planting, Scott Mead, Ron Lake and Judy Strom

Clerk’s Report
Since the meeting was conducted via teleconference, the supervisors read the April 13, 2021 minutes and the Reorganizational meeting minutes from the town webpage. Motion to accept the April minutes was provided by Swanstrom and seconded by Kuettel, motion carried 3-0-0. Motion to accept the Reorganizational minutes was provided by Swanstrom and seconded by Dressen, motion carried 3-0-0.

Treasurer’s Report
APRIL 2021

Total Funds on hand as of 04/01/2021 (Includes Investments) -$166,048.49
Plus: Deposits (April) – $131.00
Interest on Accounts – $131.00
Less: Disbursements (April) – $3,478.09
Payroll – $1,096.96
Automark Machine – $180.00
Employer’s Federal Tax Form 941 – 1^st Qtr:  $1,806.18
Other Expenses – $394.95
Total Funds on hand as of 04/30/2021 – $162,701.40
April Check # 1652 – 1667

MAY 2021
Claims (May) – $2,366.63
May Check # 1668 – 1677
No transfers to the Checking Account will be needed.

 Old Business

• Update on the West Branch road. Nick Elmquist is inspecting the road over the course of the next few weeks. He is to submit a report and estimate for the June township board meeting.
• It has been requested of residents, Thramer and Planting, to have the county provide proof that the river road is indeed under the township. The township will only get involved upon proof the road is a township road.
• Update for the 66’ easement on Moose Lake road. Supervisors Kuettel and Swanstrom inspected Moose Lake road. It is to be on record, John Wilson has stated that he will pay all expenses and maintenance. He will continue to do so until all the lots have sold. Upon that happening, the expenses and maintenance will transfer to the new landowners. Wilson is still waiting to hear from the county on full clarification and if the township needs to be involved with ownership.
• Resolution for compensation, update. Lynne Scalzo is to look further into comparable townships and their compensation. This will be revisited at the June township board meeting.

New Business

• Tree/Branch disposal for 2021 is to be held from 10 am to 2 pm on June 19, July 17 and August 21 at the township property, weather permitting. The requirements are as follows: the maximum diameter is 10 inches or less, branches must be delimbed/separated from the trunk, and no rotting/decayed wood allowed.
• It is stressed that there is an increased fire danger in the Pequaywan area. It is highly recommended that dead trees and brush be cleared from properties to try and lesson the fire danger. There was a fire in Pequaywan on 5/08/21 that burned 10 acres. This fire had the potential to be much worse.
• The location for future meetings is to be at the Pequaywan firehall. There will be the option of attending via teleconference. For all who attend in person, social distancing guidelines will be followed, and masks will be required at this time.
• There is a St Louis County Planning Commission meeting June 10, 2021 on the application for a conditional use permit for property located at 9038 West Branch Road

Correspondence
Received:

• Email from Katherine Brey from the St Louis County Assessor’s Office containing the 2021 Assessment Book for Pequaywan
• Email from Joell Odell of the St Louis County Assessor’s Office on updates for the Local Board of Appeals and Equalization (LBAE) meeting that was held on May 5, 2021.
• Email from Vaughn Larson about their property’s valuation notice
• Email from the Minnesota Association of Townships – Legislative update and advocacy alert
• Email from Kathy Rouleau of the St Louis County Association of Townships reminding about the meeting held on April 28, 2021.
• Invoice from Daisy Wallace for the total of $157.50 for the township website maintenance
• Invoice from St Louis County Public Works Department for the total of $1121.25 for the AR snowplowing 2020-2021 2^nd half billing
• Minnesota Association of Townships newsletter for April 2021
• Email from Charmin Thramer regarding the vacating of the River Road easement.
• Email from North Shore Title wanting information regarding pending or levied assessments against a property on Pinewood Road.
• Email from Angela Lepak of St Louis County Planning and Community Development regarding an application for a conditional use permit located within Pequaywan Township.
• Email from Joell Odell of the St Louis County Assessor’s Office with the minutes for the LBAE meeting that was held May 5, 2021.
• Email from Charmin Thramer regarding the request to vacate the River Road easement

Sent:

• Email to Joell Odell of the St Louis County Assessor’s Office with the teleconference information for the meeting held May 5, 2021.
• Email to North Shore Title on the request for information on property located on Pinewood Road.
• Email containing the Certification Form for the LBAE meeting that was held on May 5, 2021, to Joe Odell of the St Louis County Assessor’s Office
• Email and phone call to Ron Lake about property located on Pinewood Road.
• Email to John Wilson regarding the request for an easement on Moose Lake Road
• Email to Charmine Thramer regarding the request for vacating an easement on River Road.

Public Comment

• Ron Lake requested permission of the township to extend/create road access to his property off Pinewood road. He was informed that the township has no issue with his plan to extend/create road access.
• Scott Mead, representing the Garden Club, requested township permission to plant a tree and install a plaque on township land, in remembrance of Marylin. Permission was granted under the condition that the plaque be small. Mead will meet with the supervisors to designate a location on the township land.

Next Meeting June 8, 2021 at the Pequaywan firehall with the additional option of attending via teleconference.

Motion to adjourn was provided by Swanstrom and seconded by Dressen, motion carried 3-0-0

Kuettel adjourned the meeting at 8:40 pm.

Respectfully submitted by
Amber Cruz, Clerk

 

 

Meeting was called to order at 7:33 p.m. by Charles Kuettel

 Attendance:
Town Officers: Supervisor Charles Kuettel, supervisor Don Swanstrom, clerk Amber Cruz, deputy clerk Lita Wallace, treasurer Lynne Scalzo and deputy treasurer Raymond Barnes.
Guests: John Wilson

 Clerk’s Report
Since the meeting was conducted via teleconference, the supervisors read the March 9, 2021 minutes from the town webpage. Motion to accept the minutes was provided by Swanstrom and seconded by Kuettel, motion carried 2-0-0. Board of Canvass minutes were also read from the town webpage. Motion to accept the Board of Canvass minutes was provided by Swanstrom and seconded by Kuettel, motion carried 2-0-0.

 Treasurer’s Report
MARCH 2021
Total Funds on hand as of 03/01/2021 (Includes Investments) – $166,038.41
Plus: Deposits – $2,773.68
Forfeited Tax Sale Apportionments – $2,653.90
Interest on Accounts – $119.78
Less: Disbursements (March) – $2,763.60
Payroll – $2,091.22
Officer Life Insurance – $229.00
Other Expenses – $443.38
Total Funds on hand as of 03/31/2021 – $166,048.49
March Check # 1636 – 1651

April 2021
Total Disbursements – $3,478.09
Payroll (April) – $1,096.96
Claims (April) – $2,381.13
April Check # 1652 – 1667
No transfers to the Checking Account will be needed.

 Old Business

• West Branch Road update: There are areas with bad cracking of the road that need to be repaired. Board is requesting that Nick Elmquist inspect the road and submit a bid for the repairs by the May Board meeting. Motion to have Nick Elmquist submit a bid was provided by Swanstrom and seconded by Kuettel, motion carried 2-0-0
• Update on the request to vacate part of the River Road easement: The Board is to contact the Minnesota Association of Townships as well as St. Louis County on having a special meeting to vote on the vacating of the easement and to set a resolution. Owners of the property will need to be present. Motion to set-up a special meeting to be held in May provided by Swanstrom and seconded by Kuettel, motion carried 2-0-0
• Minnesota Association of Townships was contacted about record retention for public notices found on the township website. Old public notices can be deleted as there are hard copies of the notices available. All old election training materials have been shredded. A new filing cabinet has been purchased and installed.
• Reminder-Reorganizational meeting to follow Township Board meeting
• Reminder-LBAE (Local Board of Appeal and Equalization) meeting on May 5, 2021, from 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

New Business

• Oath of office conducted 3/20/21 for elected supervisor Charles Kuettel
• The May Township Board meeting will be held via teleconference. Motion to hold the meeting via teleconference was provided by Swanstrom and seconded by Kettel, motion carried 2-0-0
• Motion to have the clerk Amber Cruz, create an account on freeconferencecall.com and become the host for all teleconference meetings was provided by Swanstrom and seconded by Kuettel, motion carried 2-0-0
• Website update from Daisy Wallace. IT web support, a new Theme for the website had been created and replaced so you will notice a change in the appearance.

Correspondence
Received:

• Email from Minnesota Association of Townships (MAT) for Spring Short Course and Registration information
• Email from Local Boards of Appeal & Equalization (LBAE) on the LBAE 2021 Assessment for Taxes Payable 2022
• Email from Susan Van Norman of St Louis County Government on a Covid-19 vaccination eligibility update that those all those 65+ and unpaid essential caregivers, food service, fast food, bar and restaurant workers, and grocery and convenience store workers, postal and mail delivery workers, are now eligible for vaccination.
• Invoice from St Louis County for Automark machine maintenance for $180.00
• Emails from Cathy Rouleau from St Louis County Association of Townships (SLCAT) (1) minutes for the February 24, 2021 meeting; and (2) March 24, 2021 meeting agenda
• Minnesota Association of Townships (MAT) March 2021 newsletter
• Invoice from Daisy Wallace for township monthly web maintenance in the amount of $37.50
• Email containing the sales book for the LBAE meeting from Joe Odell, Residential Appraiser for St. Louis County Assessors Department

Sent:

• List of officers emailed to St Louis County Elections, and Minnesota Association of Townships
• Delivered March 2021 town election materials to St. Louis County Elections

Public Comment:

• John Wilson seeks help in getting a 66′ easement from the DNR on the first segment of Moose Lk. Road off Highway 44. Mr. Wilson was requested to get clarification from the state on what role the township is to play, and if a resolution would be efficient. It was also requested of Mr. Wilson to provide a document or letter on what needs to be done for the easement. Supervisors Kuettel and Swanstrom are to do a walk through of the location on April 15, 2021. This is to be readdressed at the May Board meeting.

Next Meeting May 11, 2021, 7:30 p.m. via teleconference

Kuettel adjourned the meeting at 8:27 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by
Amber Cruz, Clerk

 

 

 

Meeting was called to order at 8:32 p.m. by Charles Kuettel

Attendance:
Town Officers: Supervisor Charles Kuettel, supervisor Don Swanstrom, clerk Amber Cruz, deputy clerk Lita Wallace, treasurer Lynne Scalzo, and deputy treasurer Raymond Barnes.
Guests: none in attendance

Discussion of the following resolutions:

• Resolution designating Polling Place for the 2022 election/s as the Pequaywan Firehall at 8764 Pequaywan Lake Road Duluth, MN was approved. The motioned to approve was provided by Swanstrom and seconded by Kettel, motion carried 2-0-0
• 2022 Levy in the amount of $55,100.00. Distribution are as follows: General Fund – $18,000.00; Road and Bridges (on-going Maintenance) – $3,600.00; Building and Property Maintenance – $2,00.00; Fire and EMS – $16,500.00; and Road and Bridges (Capital Reserve) – $15,000.00. The motioned to approve was provided by Swanstrom and seconded by Kuettel, motion carried 2-0-0
• Resolution appointing Chair as Charles Kuettel and Vice Chair as Don Swanstrom was approved. The motion to approve was provided by Swanstrom and seconded by Kuettel, motion carried 2-0-0

Resolutions to be discussed at a later time

• Resolution establishing a Policy for the Compensation and Reimbursement of Town Officers was tabled. Motion to table until the May Board meeting was provided by Swanstrom and seconded by Kuettel, motion carried 2-0-0.

Motion to adjourn meeting was provided by Swanstrom and seconded by Kuettel, motion carried 2-0-0. Meeting was adjourned at 9 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by
Amber Cruz, Clerk