Category: Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Vice-Chair Donald Swanstrom.

Attendance:
Officers Present: Chair Douglas Nelson (Phone), Vice-Chair Donald Swantsrom, Supervisor James Wilson, Clerk Lita Wallace, Deputy Clerk Shane Stolp, Treasurer Carol Nelson (Phone), Deputy Treasurer Raymond Barnes

Guests: Ted Wallace, Stephanie Jones, Stephen Jones

Clerk’s Report:
Wallace presented the January 2026 minutes. Wilson motion to approve the minutes, Swanstrom seconded, motion carried. Nelson yay, Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay.

Treasurer’s Report
January 2026
Total Funds on Hand 1/1/2026 $310,773.60
Plus: Deposits $841.68
SLC Apportionment $535.53
Interest $306.15
Less: Disbursements $1,594.26
Payroll $215.42
941 Payroll Taxes $1,149.34
Other expenses $229.50
Total Funds on Hand 1/31/2026 $310,021.02
Checks Written 2219-2223
Feb 2026
No receipts expected
Checks Written 2224-2228 $990.76
No transfer to checking needed

Motion to approve by Wilson, seconded by Swanstrom. Motion carried, Swanstrom yay, Wilson yay, Nelson yay.

Old Business

• Board of Audit Meeting and Budget Meeting scheduled on February 19, 7:00 p.m. at Pequaywan Firehall
• Public input wanted as St. Louis County updates its Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Seeking help to set-up the Pequaywan firehall after election at 8:00 p.m. to get ready for the Annual Town Meeting – Wilson and Swanstrom will be able to help
• Schedule on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at Pequaywan Firehall:
  Town Election, 5;00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  2. Annual Town Meeting, 8:30 p.m.
  3. Town Board Meeting – after Annual Town Meeting
  4. Board of Canvass Meeting – after Town Board Meeti
• Absentee Ballot Voting: Town clerk’s Office is open for March Town Absentee Ballot voting on March 7, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Contact the clerk at 218-525-4068 for location or for any other questions.
  
  New Business
• Sanding and steaming culverts in addition to plowing and how much it cost. Wilson motions to send letter authorizing county to provide services as requested as none are needed now (he will send it), Nelson second, motion carried. Nelson yay, Swanstrom yay, Wilson yay.

Correspondence Received:

• Email from St Louis County re-requirements for township to request services such as sanding, steaming culverts, etc.·
• Invoice from SLCAT (St. Louis County Association of Townships) for membership in the amount of $163.70. Wilson made motion to continue to be members, Swanstrom seconded, motion carried. Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay, Nelson yay
• Invoice from Daisy Wallace for January web maintenance in the amount
  of $12.50.
• Invoice from Microsoft to renew subscription in the amount of $129.99.
• Email from St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office for public to comment on their Hazard Mitigation Plan.
• Voter Master List received from St. Louis County Elections
• Permanent Absentee voter list received from St. Louis County Elections
• Thomas Jackson submitted a Withdrawal of Candidacy

Correspondence Sent:

• Form 2025 Local Weed Inspector Annual Township and City Report was mailed to Ada Tse and Paul Butler, St. Louis County Planning and Zoning, 320 West Second St. Ste 301, Duluth, MN 55802, signed by Weed Inspector Deborah Pomroy and Vice-Chair Donald Swanstrom.
• Treasurer filed the following year-end reports: Report of Outstanding Indebtedness, All State and Federal Payroll Reports, and MATIT Workers Compensation Audit Report

Public Comment Request:

• Nelson gave a reminder to be careful of emails coming in as a lot of scams have been ongoing.
• Stolp mentioned that there are grants available through the DNR for trails and facilities but work has to be done to obtain and we should keep this in mind should residents desire things. He will share the link with clerk where this information was found.

Next Meeting March 10, 2026, 8:30 p.m., Pequaywan Firehall

Swanstrom motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:44 p.m., second by Wilson, motion carried. Nelson yay, Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay.

Respectfully submitted by:
Shane Stolp, Deputy Clerk
Lita Wallace, Clerk

 

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:04 pm by Vice-Chair Donald Swanstrom.

Attendance:

Officers Present: Chair Douglas Nelson (Phone), Vice-Chair Donald Swanstrom, Supervisor James Wilson, Clerk Lita Wallace, Deputy Clerk Shane Stolp, Treasurer Carol Nelson (Phone), Deputy Treasurer Raymond Barnes

Officer Absent: None

Guest: Ted Wallace, Thomas Jackson, Allen Treviranus, Stephanie Jones, Stephen Jones, Deb Pomroy.

Clerk’s Report

Wallace presented the December 2025 minutes. A change was made for the copy of the Weed Report to correctly state completion but not submission. Wilson motion to approve the minutes, Swanstrom seconded, motion carried. Nelson yay, Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay.

Treasurer’s Report

DECEMBER 2025
Total Funds on Hand 12/1/2025 $300,090.72
Plus: Deposits $26,166.37
SLC Apportionment 24,209.33
Interest 1,178.04
State of MN Town Aid 779.00

Less: Disbursements $15,483.49
Payroll 1,265.77
Pequaywan Fire & EMS 12,500.00
MATIT – Work Comp 347.00
Deb Pomroy – Nox Weed 599.40
Hanft Friede – Legal 320.00
Other expenses 451.32
Total Funds on Hand 12/31/2025 $310,773.60
Checks Written 2207-2218

January 2026
No receipts expected
Checks Written 2219-2223 $1,594.26
No transfer to checking needed

Motion to approve by Wilson, seconded by Swanstrom. Motion carried, Swanstrom yay, Wilson yay, Nelson yay.

Old Business:

• FYI: Wilson completed the LBAE Training
• Noxious Weed Report by Deborah Pomroy. The weed report was given to Clerk Lita Wallace after signature by Vice-Chair Swanstrom to be mailed to St. Louis County Planning & Zoning.  Pomroy commented that Buckthorn was found in the burn brush pile at Pequaywan brush pile and it would be better that these noxious weeds would be burned at their source rather than transporting to the burn pile. It is actually illegal to transport. Recommendation to Town Board to share this finding at the annual meeting. Mr. Wilson requested Pomroy for some pictures of what these weeds look like to be posted at Pequaywan Inn and to send a writing to Pequaywan Lakes Association to be shared. Mr. Wilson also requests the Pequaywan Township website to be updated with this information.

New Business

• Board of Audit Meeting and Budget Meeting normally scheduled in January or February after the Town Board Meetings will be scheduled after February 18 when the Nelsons return from Arizona
• Appointing Absentee Ballot Board by Resolution. Clerk read the election judges and presented a resolution that those judges would be the Absentee Ballot Board which was subsequently signed by Wilson and Swanstrom.
• Regarding the March 10, 2026 election, two (2) Affidavit of Candidacy form were received. Thomas Jackson and Allen Treviranus were present to introduce themselves. A sample ballot will be posted on the website, posting board at the firehall, and at Pequaywan Inn on or after January 16, 2026. The election on March 10, 2026 is from 5-8 PM followed by the Annual Town Meeting at 8:30 PM followed by the Board Meeting and Board of Canvass thereafter.

Correspondence

Received:

• Email from MATIT providing a copy of WC Payroll Audit Report just submitted to MATIT
• Email from the Office of State Auditor advising that CTAS 2026 is now available for download in SAFES
• Invoice from Daisy Wallace for December 2025 web maintenance in the amount of $62.50

Sent:

• Email to St. Louis County Elections submitting open positions for March Town Election

Public Comment Request: None

Next Meeting: February 10, 2026, 7:00 p.m., Pequawyan Firehall

Wilson motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:29 p.m., second by Swanstrom, motion carried. Nelson yay, Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay.

Respectfully submitted by:
Shane Stolp, Deputy Clerk
Lita Wallace, Clerk

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Douglas Nelson

Attendance:

Officers Present: Chair Douglas Nelson, Vice-Chair Donald Swanstrom, Supervisor James Wilson, Clerk Lita Wallace, Treasurer Carol Nelson, Deputy Treasurer Raymond Barnes

Officer Absent: Deputy Clerk Shane Stolp

Guest: Ted Wallace

Clerk’s Report

Wallace presented the November 2025 minutes. Swnastrom motion to approve the minutes, Nelson second, motion carried. Nelson yay, Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay.

Treasurer’s Report

NOVEMBER 2025
Total Funds on Hand 11/1/2025 $305,459.91
Plus: Deposits $1,049.36
Interest 1,049.36
Less: Disbursements $6,418.55
Payroll 117.55
SLC – First half plowing 1,236.50
Pothole Repair – Premier 4,834.00
Other expenses 230.50
Total Funds on Hand 11/30/2025 $300,090.72
Checks Written 2200-2206

DEC 2025
SLC – 2nd half apportionment $24,209.33
Checks Written 2207-2218 $15,483.49 (including 2^nd half $12,500.00 for Pequaywan Fire Dept)
No transfer to checking needed

Motion to approve by Swanstrom, second by Wilson. Motion carried., Swanstrom yay, Wilson yay, Nelson yay.

Old Business

• Nelson reported that a letter was sent to all land owners in the Subordinate Service District
• Noxious Weed Inspector Deborah Pomroy reported that she filled out the annual online report required by St. Louis County Planning & Zoning and will submit to the clerk.

  New Business

• Wallace reported that LBAE training is available online right now and it would be best if another supervisor, in addition to Douglas Nelson, can complete the training by February 1.
• Selection of Election Judges: The names Diana Potter, Lori Rich, Shane Stolp, and Lita Wallace were submitted to the board to serve as election judges for the 2026 elections. Nelson motion to approve all four and use as the clerk see fit. Wilson second, motion approve. Nelson yay, Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay. Wallace confirmed that there is a balance of party affiliation.
• Swanstrom put in his resignation as supervisor with his last day on March 10, 2026.
• Wallace reported that there will be two supervisor positions to vote for this year during the town election. First is the position presently held by Douglas Nelson for a term of three years. Second is the position held by Donald Swanstrom for a remaining two years term. Anyone interested running for office must fill out an Affidavit of Candidacy Form which is available from the town website plus a $2.00 filing fee. The form must be filed with the town clerk between December 30, 2025 to January 13, 2026. Town election and March Annual Town Meeting is on March 10, 2026
• Wallace mentioned that the group officer email had been receiving a few spam emails that the filter was not able to control. Our web admin has been informed about it and she suggested to forward the spam emails to her and she will block them. Some are sophisticated so might still go through.
• Minnesota Paid Leave: C. Nelson explains that an employee can take up to 12 weeks of Medical Leave for their own health care or 12 weeks of Family Leave to welcome a child, care for a family member, support a family member’s military service or respond to some safety concern. The employee must at least earn $3,900 a year.

Correspondence

Received:

• Email from the State of Minnesota Office of the Auditor that an updated version of CTAS 2025 is available for upload.
• Email from St. Louis County Elections that they are conducting town election training for clerks
• Invoice from web admin Daisy Wallace for the month of November in the amount of $37.50
• Invoice from Weed Inspector Deb Pomroy in the amount of $599.40 (Noxious Weed inspection $570.00 plus mileage $29.40)

Sent:

• Letters sent to all land owners in the Subordinate Service District

Public Comment Request:

How will the upcoming meetings be conducted while Nelsons are out of the area? (Bonnie Dressen is unable to attend but has this question.)

Douglas and Carol Nelson will be participating in the meeting while they are gone to Arizona during the months of January and February via phone, Barnes will take over writing checks.

Next Meeting: February 10, 2026, 7:00 p.m., Pequaywan Firehall

Wilson motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m., second by Swanstrom, motion carried. Nelson yay, Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay.

Respectfully submitted by:
Lita Wallace, Clerk

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 James Wilson, Clerk Lita Wallace, Treasurer Carol Nelson, Deputy Treasurer Raymond Barnes, Deputy Clerk Shane Stolp.

Guests: Bonnie Dressen, Doug Dressen, Ted Wallace, Charles Kuettel

Clerk’s Report

Wallace presented the October 2025 minutes. Chair requested a few typographical error on the road report (plan to plant on section 4, life to lift on section 7). Swanstrom motioned to approve the minutes, Wilson seconded, motion carried. Swanstrom yay, Nelson yay, Wilson yay. Wallace presented the minutes from the Special Meeting on Subordinate District from October. Motion to approve by Swanstrom, Wilson second, motion carried. Swanstrom yay, Wilson yay, Nelson yay.

Treasurer’s Report

OCTOBER 2025
Total Funds on Hand 10/1/2025 $269,564.38
Plus: Deposits $48,074.79
Pequaywan Fire & EMS Radio Grant reimbursement 47,959.23
Interest 115.56

Less: Disbursements $12,179.26
Payroll 136.40
941 Taxes 1,001.24
Pequaywan Fire & EMS 9,975.83
Nelson Forestry – mow ditches 750.00
Other expenses 315.79

Total Funds on Hand 10/31/2025 $305,459.91
Checks Written 2192-2199

NOV 2025
Expected Receipts None
Checks Written 2202-2206 $6,300.75
No transfer to checking needed

Nelson motion to approve, Wilson second, motion approved. Swanstrom yay, Nelson yay, Wilson yay.

Old Business

• West Brach Road had the ditches mowed and the snow plow contract has been signed at the same cost as year prior with the County. KGM Contractors, a heavy highway contractor out of Cook, MN plans to walk the road with the board supervisors to obtain more information and recommendations on next steps.
• Approval for web admin to start researching information for domain conversion from .org to .gov with deadline date of June 2026 and decide on the target date for implementation. Nelson motion to approve, Wilson seconded, motion carried. Swanstrom yay, Nelson yay, Wilson yay.
• In the absence of Deborah Pomroy, Weed Inspector for the township, Barnes reported that the inspector has been out but has had a slow start due to items outside their control but to expect a report and an invoice next month.

New Business

• Clerk inquired about township opening a credit card for annual township charges instead of using personal credit cards of employees, i.e. Microsoft 365 Family annual subscription ($129.99 plus tax) and Go Daddy Web Domain Renewal every two years – $72.32. After further discussion including how neighboring township handles credit cards it was determined the treasurer will pay for these items on her credit card and seek reimbursement.

Correspondence

Received:

• Invite from St. Louis County Public Works Department for townships to be a part of the process in developing St. Louis County’s Safety Action Plan (outside of the Duluth metro area). Doug Dressen volunteered to attend and after board agreed, clerk will forward information on the date and time of meeting which is via the internet.
• Invoice from Duluth News Tribune in the amount of $166.04 for publication of Resolution to Establish a Subordinate Service District.
• Invoice from Web Admin Daisy Wallace in the amount of $37.50.

Sent:

• Resolution to Establish a Subordinate Service District was published in Duluth News Tribune on October 29, 2025

Public Comment:

None

Next Meeting: December 9, 2025, 7:00 p.m., Pequaywan Firehall

Motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:17 pm by Swanstrom, second by Wilson, motion carried. Swanstrom yay, Wilson yay, Nelson yay.

Respectfully submitted by:
Shane Stolp, Deputy Clerk
Lita Wallace, Clerk

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chair Nelson. Note: Meeting was originally scheduled to start at 8:30. However, since the Town Board Meeting ended at 7:26, Chair Nelson asked the residents present if the Special Meeting can be started at 7:30. Everyone present agreed. Jim Empey and Arlene Schierenbeck arrived at 8:30 for the meeting. Chair Nelson was present to talk with them and review what occurred at the 7:30 meeting.

Attendance:

Officers Present: Chair Douglas Nelson, Vice-Chair Donald Swanstrom, Supervisor James Wilson, Clerk Lita Wallace, Treasurer Carol Nelson, Deputy Treasurer Raymond Barnes

Officer Absent: Deputy Clerk Shane Stolp

Guests: Bonnie Dressen, Doug Dressen, Dale Gauthier, Lori Gherna, Al Hanson, Peggy Hanson, Stephen Jones, Jennifer Ludgate, Mike Nilsen, Nancy Nilsen, Ed Potter, Kathy Sykes, Tom Sykes, Brian Von Arb, Carmi Von Arb, Ted Wallace

Nelson started with the history and why the Subordinate Service District (SSD) has to be established and the time and work that Wilson and himself have put in since January of this year. A letter was sent to all West Branch Road landowners in January. In February/March, they received 10-15% response. With concerted effort, both of them knocked door to door to talk with landowners. The response was positive. By September, they were able to collect more than the required 50% signature. Only five expressed that they are not in favor.

Landowners who disagree have 60 days after the date it is published to submit a reverse referendum signed by at least 25% of the landowners in the district. If a Reverse Referendum is  presented to the Town board, the next step would be to hold a special election of landowners in the SSD, In the absence of a Reverse Referendum, the Resolution (see below) will become official at the expiration of the 60 days. Nelson read the Resolution to Establish a Subordinate Service District (see below). Nelson motion to approve the Resolution, Wilson second, motion carried. Nelson yay, Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay.

It is a township road so everybody in the township will pay for the road. However, landowners in West Branch Road will pay extra – about $30,000 total a year for all SSD landowners until the total cost is paid for. It will not be until 2027 before taxes in the SSD will be taken as July 2025 was the deadline for submission which we did not meet.

Resolution to Establish a Subordinate Service District

In accordance with Minnesota Statutes §365A,02 and §365A.08, Pequaywan Township hereby establishes a Subordinate Service District to include all landowners using the Township portion of the West Branch Road to access their property. This includes all landowners starting with Fire #8895 through the end of the road at Fire #9434. The Subordinate Service District will be established to help finance the replacement of the current blacktop road by adding to the Township Road & Bridge Fund until the new pavement and repairs have been completed and paid for. There will be an annual service charge totaling $30,000.00 added to the landowner’s taxes based on their current property values as established by St. Louis County Auditor’s Office.

Respectfully submitted by,
Lita Wallace, Clerk

 

 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Douglas Nelson.

Attendance:

Officers Present: Chair Douglas Nelson, Vice-Chair Donald Swanstrom, Supervisor James Wilson, Clerk Lita Wallace, Treasurer Carol Nelson, Deputy Treasurer Raymond Barnes

Officer Absent: Deputy Clerk Shane Stolp

Guests: Bonnie Dressen, Doug Dressen, Dale Gauthier, Lori Gherna, Al Hanson, Peggy Hanson, Stephen Jones, Jennifer Ludgate, Mike Nilsen, Nancy Nilsen, Ed Potter, Kathy Sykes, Tom Sykes, Brian Von Arb, Carmi Von Arb, Ted Wallace

Clerk’s Report

Wallace presented the September 2025 minutes. Wilson motioned to approve the minutes, Nelson seconded, motion carried. Nelson yay, Wilson yay. Swanstrom was a few minutes late so he was not able to vote.

Treasurer’s Report

SEPTEMBER 2025
Total Funds on Hand 9/1/2025 $270,198.97
Plus: Deposits $1,213.98
SLC – payment in lieu of taxes 35.19
Interest 1,178.79

Less: Disbursements $1,848.57
Payroll 874.75
Motorola – Radio batteries 617.10
Mowing of trail 200.00
Other expenses 156.72

Total Funds on Hand 9/30/2025 $269,564.38
Checks Written 2181-2191

OCT 2025

Expected Receipts
Fire Dept Radio Grant $47,959.23
Checks Written 2192-2198 $11,429.26
No transfer to checking needed

Nelson motioned to approve the minutes, Wilson seconded, motion carried. Nelson yay, Wilson yay.

Treasurer Nelson reported that we have $82,000.00 in the checking account and propose to purchase a new CD in the amount of $70,000.00 for five months maturity. Nelson motion to approve, Wilson second, motion carried.  Nelson yay, Wilson yay. After further discussion, Nelson motion to amend the maturity to 13 months, Wilson second, motion carried. Nelson yay, Wilson yay.

Old Business

• Meeting with Steve Krasaway, the County Engineer, about the West Branch Road – update report by Chair Nelson: On Tuesday, September 23. Jim Wilson and I met with Steve Krasaway, St. Louis County engineer in charge of our area. The meeting was very productive with the following advice:

1. We asked about the need to hire an engineer to create the plan to replace the road. He said it would be expensive at probably over $40,000.00. They do not hire an engineer when they replace roads as much is learned as they remove the old blacktop and have contingent funds to take care of problem areas. He did say it would cost about $10,000.00 to have a plan created for bidding purposes without all the core samples and other data, He said he will get us a contract to do this work.
2. It would be the most cost effective to do the whole road at one time instead of breaking it up into 2 or 3 phases.
3. Best case would be if we could piggyback onto their replacement of Pequaywan Lake Road Hwy 44 next year as they would help with the design, etc. This is scheduled for 2026 and they have not yet let it out for bids.
4. They will have a batch plant in the area to make the blacktop saving thousands of dollars. They currently pay $55.00 per ton. If we have to have it trucked in from Northland or Uland Bros, it will probably cost us $75.00 per ton.
5. When removing the old blacktop there are two choices. They can grind it up and load it into trucks for proper recycling or they grind it up and leave it on the road for the new roadbed. It makes great roadbed material. Better than class 5 gravel. Problem is it raises the height of the road and affects people’s driveways. We can also collect the old blacktop and use it in low areas with poor base materials.
6. Water is the number one enemy of blacktop. We should do what we can to keep water off the roadway. They slope the shoulders away at 24” along both sides. Our problem again is this change the heights of driveways and if we were to start excavating along our road, we have utilities in those areas that would have to be replaced.
7. The question of how thick the blacktop should be was interesting. Normal work is a double lift (2 layers) at about 3.5” thick. The thickness of the blacktop does not directly affect the longevity of the road. It’s all in the gravel bed that is properly installed. If a poor roadbed, the blacktop will deteriorate.
8. We asked about proper maintenance and Steve said fill the cracks every year. You must stop moisture from getting under the blacktop.
9. Asked about saving the patch areas we have recently done. He said, don’t bother as it’s not cost effective to start and stop.
10. We toured the road and looked at the culverts and drainage.
11. This is why we need a detailed plan of what we are going to do.
12. Steve volunteered to help and even come to Township meeting to answer questions.

• Status of plowing contract: there is no update
• Brush disposal day on October 4 (Wilson): The day went pretty well. There were 20 loads. Thank you to those that helped.
• Revise bid to fill pot holes on West Branch Road (Wilson): Proposing to revise the $2,000.00 approved last month. Premier Company can do the job for $4,800.00. Wilson motion to amend the amount and hire Premier Company for $4,800.00, second by Swanstrom, motion carried. Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay, Nelson yay.

New Business

• Bid to mow shoulders along West Branch Road: Wilson motion to hire someone to do the job for $750.00, second by Swanstrom, motion carried. Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay, Nelson abstain as he is related to the individual who will be working on the project.
• Mediacom meeting update (Wilson): Mediacom folks are very positive that the grant will pass and will be announced in December. Folks who attended the meeting suggested that we should request more cards for those not able to attend.
• Request by Rod Saline of North Star Township to pay half the cost of the banner signs used to promote the event: Nelson motion to approve $179.00 for half the cost of the banner signs, Swanstrom second, motion carried. Nelson yay, Swanstrom yay, Wilson yay.

Correspondence

Received:

• Invoice from Daisy Wallace for September web maintenance in the amount of $25.00.
• Letter from National Bank of Commerce that the Time Certificate in the amount of $31,462.70 matures on October 12, 2025 and will renew if not redeemed. 

Sent: None

Public Comment Request: None

Next Meeting, November 11, 2025, 7:00 p.m., Pequaywan Firehall

Wilson motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:25 p.m., second by Swanstrom, motion carried. Nelson yay, Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay.

Respectfully submitted by:
Lita Wallace, Clerk

The meeting was called to order at 6:59 p.m. by Chair Douglas Nelson.

Attendance:

Officers Present: Chair Douglas Nelson, Vice-Chair Donald Swanstrom, Supervisor James Wilson, Clerk Lita Wallace, Treasurer Carol Nelson, Deputy Treasurer Raymond Barnes

Officer Absent: Deputy Clerk Shane Stolp

Guests: Bonnie Dressen, Doug Dressen, Al Hanson, Peggy Hanson, Stephanie Jones, Stephen Jones, Charles Kuettel, Ted Wallace

Clerk’s Report

Wallace presented the August 2025 minutes. Swanstrom motion to approve the minutes, Wilson second, motion carried. Nelson yay, Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay.

Treasurer’s Report

AUGUST 2025

Total Funds on Hand 8/1/2025 $260,239.39
Plus: Deposits $10,982.08
SLC – payment in lieu of taxes 5,882.23
SLC – Taconite production 4,061.00
Interest 1,038.85

Less: Disbursements $1,022.50
Payroll 161.46
MAT dues 313.84
SLC – voting license 235.00
Other expenses 312.20

Total Funds on Hand 8/30/2025 $270,198.97
Checks Written 2176-2180
SEPT 2025
Expected Receipts None
Checks Written 2181-2191 $1,848.57
No transfer to checking needed

Wilson motioned to approve the Treasurer’s Report, second by Swanstrom, motion carried. Nelson yay, Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay.

Old Business

• Update on Subordinate Service District (SSD) progress for West Branch Road: Nelson and Wilson knocked door to door to acquire the required signatures for a petition from residents to establish an SSD. As required, Wallace verified that the petition is signed by landowners within the proposed SSD area and that the more than 50% requirement was met. The Board then scheduled a public hearing (October 14 after the Town Board Meeting), published in the Duluth News Tribune and other posting places. Once the establishment of an SSD has been approved and a resolution passed, landowners who disagree has 60 days to submit a reverse referendum signed by at least 25% of the landowners in the district. Upon receipt of a reverse referendum, the Township board will schedule an election for members in the SSD to make a final decision.The Auditor’s Office will calculate the property tax based on property value. It will be 2027 before they will see increase in their taxes.
• Special Meeting for a petition from property owners to establish a Subordinate Service District (SSD) has been moved to October 14 after the Town Board Meeting.
• Meeting with representatives of Mediacom will be held October 1 at 4:30 pm at Pequaywan Fire Hall update on Fiber optical cable internet: Mediacom is waiting for an approval of the federal grant which will be awarded in December. For now, Mediacom is interested to know how many people are interested. A link is provided on the flyer to fill out the online form.
• Planning for Pothole repairs on West Branch Road this fall: The Board is deciding whether to fill the potholes themselves or hire a company to do it. There was discussion on prices . A motion was made by Nelson and second by Wilson for $2000.00 to purchase materials in patching the holes by themselves.
• Results of Brush drop off day: Authorize purchase of another tarp to protect pile from snow before being burned: The Board thanks everyone who came and helped. Another tarp will be purchased in the amount of $100.00 to cover the brush.
• Update on snow plowing contract for 2025-2026 with St. Louis County, both Wallace and Nelson contacted Public Works and was told that the foreman has not submitted any additional requirements that needed to be done.

New Business

• Purchase of a brush mower to be used to clear along West Branch Road that is offset and towed with an ATV or tractor: The mower is a personal mower of Nelson which he is willing to have the township use.
• Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) is open again for funding opportunity. Application due December 12, 2025.

Correspondence

Received:

• Email from St. Louis County Public Works that snow plow online application is open.
• Email from St. Louis County Auditor’s Office that the Levy blank form pay for 2026 is available on their website.
• Invoice from Daisy Wallace for August web maintenance in the amount of $25.00.
• Invoice from Duluth News Tribune in the amount of $67.52 for legal posting of Public Notice re-establishment of Subordinate Service District.
• Invoice from St. Louis County Elections for OmniBallot license charge

Sent:

• Snow plow renewal application form filled out online.
• Final levy form mailed to St. Louis County Auditor’s Office.
• Legal posting with Duluth News Tribune re-Subordinate Service District meeting on October 14, online form completed.

Public Comment Request:

Bonnie Dressen is interested in working on the Wake Boat issue.

Doug Dressen shared his concern about Wake Boats. Interested to have a video tape recording or Zoom meetings.

Next Meeting, October 14, 2025, 7:00 p.m., Pequaywan Firehall

Nelson motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m., second by Swanstrom, motion carried. Nelson yay, Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay.

Next Meeting, October 12, 2025, 7:00 p.m., Pequaywan Firehall

Respectfully submitted by:
Lita Wallace, Clerk

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

Officer Absent: Deputy Treasurer Ray Barnes

Guests: Bonnie Dressen, Douglas Dressen, Stephanie Jones, Stephen Jones, Charles Kuettel, Ted Wallace, Lori Gherna

Clerk’s Report: Wallace presented the July minutes. Swanstrom motioned to approve the minutes, Nelson seconded, motion carried. Nelson yay, Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay.

Treasurer’s Report:

July 2025

Total Funds on Hand 7/1/2025 $275,348.39
Plus: Deposits $37,680.11
SLC Appropriations 35,740.35
State of MN – Town Aid 779.00
Interest on Accounts 1,571.40
Donations 1,000.00
Interest 1.63
US Treasury – FICA Tax Refumd 159.13

Less: Disbursements $52,789.11
Payroll 293.15
Legal 180.00
941 Federal Taxes 1,297.06
Motorola Solutions 49,866.30
MATIT General Insurance 1,004.00
Other expenses 148.60

Total Funds on Hand 7/31/2025 $260,239.39
Checks Written 2167-2175

AUGUST 2025
Expected Receipts MN DNR PILT $5,882.23
SLC Taconite Production
Checks Written 2176-2180 $1,022.50

Wilson motioned to approve the Treasurer’s Report, second by Swanstrom, motion carried. Nelson yay, Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay.

Old Business

• Update on Subordinate Service District: Nelson stated that they have collected over 50% of signatures required to increase levy by $30,000 per year by the residents along the road and this will continue until the road is completely repaved. Going forward the list of signatures will be verified by clerk and then a public notice will be published for a public hearing to occur. The plan is to have the public hearing immediately after the September board meeting. The town board will have to vote to accept the Service District and if approved, will have to wait 60 days for objections. If no formal objections are completed the Service District would become legal. The cut off to levy for 2026 taxes is July 1^st so the next deadline will be July 1, 2026 for collection in 2027 tax.
• Community Donation Program (Jim Wilson): There is now a page on the website acknowledging donations and a process to donate for those who wish. We don’t have a way of knowing who gives to the Fire Department but will work with the Department to see if they can share that information for donors over $500.
• State grant to improve parks and trails (Carol Nelson): Carol researched this grant and found that townships are not eligible as only available for county and cities. A different option does exist which recommends funding for environmental protection. In 2026 they gave funds of $103 million to over 100 projects. This is an option that could be reviewed in the future.

New Business

• Public hearing of proposed Subordinate Service District (SSD): Hearing date September 9^thfollowing regular board meeting.
• Phishing scheme exposing our contact information: Clerk stated that information has been exposed of town officers’ contact information. Chair Nelson intends to follow up on an article from the township insider referencing potential federal assistance on cyber security.
• Signage on corner of West Branch Road and Pequaywan Lake Road: Jim Wilson mows the area on a volunteer basis and removes the signs in the area to do the mowing and then historically places them back after completing. Wilson contacted St. Louis County and also read the ordinance that states no signage is allowed in the right of way. Any signage in the right of way will be removed as the abutting property owner has requested no signage be placed in this area as per the ordinance.

Correspondence

Received:

• 2025 Election Manual from St. Louis County Elections
• Invitation from St. Louis County Public Works Department to townships to join the newly developed Safety Action Plan (SAP) with the aim of reducing and ultimately eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries on the county road system.
• Invoice from Daisy Wallace for July web maintenance and special project to develop a new web page for the community donation fund in the amount of $250.00.
• 2025 membership Dues Statement from Minnesota Association of Townships (MAT) in the amount of $313.84.
• Email from St. Louis County Public Works Department that township application for renewal for the upcoming snow plowing application is now available and must be received by September 15, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

Sent:

• Snow plow online application for 10/1/2025-05/01/2026 season submitted and received by St. Louis County Public Works Department on August 11, 2025

Public Comment: The Public Comment section is a courtesy extended to persons wishing to address the Board. If you wish to comment during the Township Meeting, follow the protocol below. One public comment per citizen which is limited to two minutes. Submit request by the first Saturday of the month to peqclerk@gmail.com with your full name and comment information. The board can either address the issue, assign someone to address the issue, or do nothing.

• Douglas Dressen: Stated the Town Board is required to follow letting process as they plan to repair the road. Prior meeting records show Pequaywan Lakes Association was assigned responsibility of the town land in Rossini Road. Dressen also asks when meetings will be video recorded to avoid potential discrepancies in notes.
• Bonnie Dressen: Talked about going to the National Night Out with her poster regarding ordinances. She references from the MAT library a sample ordinance that can be used. A signed paper is required from the board to allow Dressen to obtain the sample. She requests the board sign this so she can obtain the sample ordinance.
• Shane Stolp: Gave thanks to town board for work on West Branch Road including road repairs, ditch work, and other volunteer work. Expressed concerns on any ordinances due to lack of enforceability and potential legal implications of the town board. Defined his view of what a community means.
• Chair Nelson proposes adding language to the Town Board website as follows: “Pequawyan Township and the Pequawyan Lakes Association discourages the use of Wakeboats, also known as wake surf boats or watersports boats, popular for their ability to produce large wakes suitable for surfing and wakeboarding. However, their operation can have several negative impacts on lake habitats primarily through shoreline erosion, disruption of aquatic vegetation, sediment resuspension, and disturbance of wildlife, all of which can degrade the ecological health of freshwater ecosystems. If you want more information on Wakeboats, please do a search and reference the University of Minneosta Wakeboat Study found here: UMN researchers study waves created by recreational boats | St. Anthony Falls Laboratory | College of Science and Engineering.  Swanstrom motioned to put language on the front page of the website, Wilson second, motion carried. Nelson yay, Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay.

Next meeting: September 9, 2025, 7:00 p.m., Pequaywan Firehall

Swanstrom motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 pm, second by Wilson, motion carried. Nelson yay, Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay.

Next Meeting, September 9, 2025, 7:00 p.m., Pequaywan Firehall

Respectfully submitted by:
Shane Stolp, Deputy Clerk
Lita Wallace, Clerk

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 $1,004.00Sent: NonePublic 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.

Next Meeting, August 12, 2025, 7:00 p.m., Pequaywan Firehall

• Respectfully submitted by:Shane Stolp, Deputy Clerk
  Lita Wallace, Clerk

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chair Douglas Nelson.

Attendance:

Officers Present: Chair Douglas Nelson, Vice-Chair Don Swanstrom, Supervisor Jim Wilson, Clerk Lita Wallace, Treasurer Carol Nelson, Deputy Treasurer Raymond Barnes

Officer Absent: Deputy Clerk Shane Stolp

Guests: Bonnie Dressen, Douglas Dressen, Dorothy Galinski, Stephanie Jones, Stephen Jones, Joseph Miller, Deb Pomroy, Art Peterson, Ted Wallace

Clerk’s Report: Wallace presented the May 2025 minutes. Swanstrom motioned to approve the minutes, Wilson seconded, motion carried. Nelson yay, Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay.

Treasurer’s Report

MAY 2025

Total Funds on Hand 5/1/2025 $279,163.91
Plus: Deposits $852.60
Interest on Accounts 852.60

Less: Disbursements $2,497.13
Payroll 344.83
St Louis Cty – snow plowing 1,236.50
Legal 495.00
Other expenses 420.80

Total Funds on Hand 5/31/2025 $277,519.38
Checks Written 2149-2155

JUNE 2025
Expected Receipts-None
Checks Written 2156-2166 $52,548.19
Transfer from CD & Savings made

Wilson motioned to approve the Treasurer’s Report, second by Swanstrom, motion carried. Nelson yay, Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay.

Old Business

• Invasive weed: Deb Pomroy reported that she surveyed the very northeastern part of the area owned by the township on the corner of Rossini Road and Pequaywan Lake Road, now dubbed as Pequaywan Township Park. The next targeted area will be the east northeast of King Lake. Deb stated that Pequaywan Township landowners could request to have their area surveyed for invasive weeds without charge to them or the township. It was discussed that the township can request landowners to eradicate the weeds on their property and if they don’t, the township can go in and eradicate and bill the landowner.
• Update on West Branch Road meeting with Sinnott Blacktop (reported by Chair Nelson): On May 21, Wilson and I repaired before signing met with Jon Mercier of Sinnott Blacktop Company. We inspected the road for bad areas the county indicated they wanted repaired before signing our next season’s plowing contract. We found two large areas that are in poor condition. We discussed removing the existing blacktop and digging down the gravel bed underneath. Then install a stabilization fabric and new class 6 gravel bed before installing the new blacktop. They would bring enough extra material to patch the new potholes that have developed this past spring. The larger area they repair, the lower the square foot pricing and these areas will not need to be redone when we blacktop the entire West Branch township road.

We inspected the four culverts and we found no sign of rust or deterioration. Jon said he saw no reason to replace them at the present time. This is great news as the cost of replacement will be significant. To date, I have not received his bid for the work.

• Chair Nelson reported that progress on petition to create Subordinate Service District is going well. To date, there are 20 landowners that have signed the petition. We have a “yes” commitment from five others but have not yet tracked them down. We need 36 total to pass the 51% requirement. So, we need 11 more people to sign. There are many we just have not been able to reach as of now.I have found very little resistance to the idea with the people I have talked with.
• Results of Brush disposal from Saturday, May 31: The township would like to thank Stephen Jones for his help and Stephanie Jones for bringing Chocolate Chip Cookies. It was suggested that go ahead and burn in your property if you can burn safely. If not, cut them and lay them on the ground.
• Jim Wilson’s idea for donations and community plaque with posting on our website: table for July

New Business

• Pequaywan Lake Association: Joseph Miller, the new president of the association was at the meeting and shared what were discussed at their first meeting on June 7. The items discussed were: (1) water quality; (2) Firewise; (3) public prevention use of the lake; (4) discourage use of Wake Boats (Art Peterson will send the clerk MAT information on ordinance for Wake Boats); (5) Social National Night Out which is scheduled on August 5 at 5:00 p.m. at Pequaywan Inn, $10 membership, food, music; (6) directory; (7) seeking Firewise volunteer liaison between the association and township.
• Response letter from St Louis County Planning and Zoning re-resident inquiry on topic regarding camper trailer/RV regulation for property owners: a representative is not able to attend the town meeting but sent the new Zoning Ordinance 62 and Amendments regulations which can be found on the town website under “About Pequaywan/St. Louis County Planning Regulations”.
• Date for fall Brush Disposal is October 4, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Fire Wise program and future efforts on preventions: Firewise program is managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). In the past, the township had participated in Firewise within which the township’s share is man hours. Swanstrom is very interested in pursuing this program and will make contacts with DNR to get information and get it set up. He also volunteered to be the liaison between the township and Pequaywan Lake Association for this project.
• FEMA letter about flood plain mapping of our area
• Election judges: Wallace reported that at the last Minnesota Association of Townships Spring Short Course training, the trainer reiterated that the board chooses the election judges to serve during elections. In the past, the township always had three judges so Wallace prepared the Resolution to Appoint Election Judges with those three and have the board approve it. Now that more folks volunteered to be election judges (total of five excluding Stolp as Head Election Judge), the board has to choose two from those five which will be completed in January or February. She also reported that Deb Pomroy resigned as an election judge.

Correspondence

Received:

• Response letter from St. Louis County Planning and Zoning re-camper trailer/RV regulation
• Email and postage letter from St. Louis County Planning Commission re- Hybrid Virtual and in-person Public Hearing they are conducting on June 17 about the Zoning Ordinance 62 amendments.
• Email from U.S. Census Bureau re-local update of Census Addresses
• Inquiry from a resident re- St. Louis County Planning and Zoning Land Use Ordinance of Camper/RV per land parcel
• Postage letter from FEMA Risk Mapping Assessment, and Planning informing townships of their program that helps communities to identify, assess and reduce their flood risk
• Invoice from Daisy Wallace in the amount of $25.00 for May website maintenance
• Invoice from SLCAT (St. Louis County Association of Townships) in the amount of $50.00 for attendance at the annual meeting on May 28, 2025 by Jim Wilson and Lita Wallace

Sent:

• Officers list with contact information mailed to Minnesota Association of Townships
• Two LBAE appeal response letters sent to two residents for results of their appeals

Public Comment Protocol: The Public Comment section is a courtesy extended to persons wishing to address the Board. If you wish to comment during the Township Meeting, follow the protocol below. One public comment per citizen which is limited to two minutes. Submit request by the first Saturday of the month to peqclerk@gmail.com with your full name and comment information. The board can either address the issue, assign someone to address the issue, or do nothing.

Public Comment Request: None

Next Meeting, July 8, 2025, 7:00 p.m., Pequaywan Firehall

Wilson motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m., second by Swanstrom, motion carried. Nelson yay, Wilson yay, Swanstrom yay.

Respectfully submitted by:
Lita Wallace, Clerk