Category: Minutes

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chair Charles Kuettel.

Attendance:
Town Officers Present: Supervisor Douglas Dressen, Supervisor Charles Kuettel, Treasurer Raymond G. Barnes, and Clerk Lita Wallace.
Town Officer Absent: Donald Swanstrom.
Guests: Bonnie Dressen, John Flanagan, Dorothy Galinski, Wes Haberger, Jim Hacking, Lee Kaplan, Paul and Lisa Klassen, Scott Mead, Deb Pomroy, Judy Strom, Tom and Kathy Sykes, Daryle Waldriff, Ted Wallace and John A. Wilson.

Clerk’s Report : The minutes of the Board of Supervisors meeting  on July 9, 2019 was presented and reviewed. Motion by Dressen to approve with correction on spelling of Swanstrom’s name, second by Kuettel, motion carried. 2-0-0.

Treasurer’s Report

JULY 2019

Total Funds on hand as of 07/01/2019 (Includes Investments) – $158,720.98
Plus: Deposits – $18,744.67
Less: Disbursements (July) – $1,339.29
Total Funds on hand as of 07/31/2019 – $176,126.36
July Check # 1463- 1468

AUGUST 2019

Claims (August) – $298.95
August Check # 1469 – 1471
No Fund Transfers Needed

Dressen motion to approve the July Treasurer’s Report and August Claims, second by Dressen, motion carried, 2-0-0.

Old Business

• West Branch Road Update: Kuettel reported that the project has been completed. The payment to Elmquist Sand and Gravel was for a total of $14,389.55 (original contract $13,800 + extra work $989.88; i.e., grass covering, mesh, and plant seeds). Kuettel also mentioned that there may be culverts that will need repair in the future.

New Business

• Speed Limit – Dressen reported that to preserve the road in West Branch Road, the township can put weight restriction and/or decrease the speed limit. If driveways are 75 feet apart or closer, speed limit can go down to 35 along the county road.
• Broadband internet service – Dressen will attend a meeting scheduled this month. Cooperative Light and Power is looking for matching funds to support the program.
• Township Resolution webpage – Wallace reported that a new webpage for Town Resolutions was created to accommodate the increasing number of resolutions and two new resolutions were posted this month.
• Township Final Levy Certification Form for taxes payable 2020 – Wallace reported that the form will be mailed this week. Deadline is September 30, 2019.
• Presidential Nominating Primary Expense Reimbursement Estimate – the State of Minnesota will reimburse townships, cities and counties for all expenses incurred during the Presidential Primary Election on March 3, 2020. St Louis County is requesting an estimate of expenses. Wallace prepared an estimate in the amount of $1,243.70 which will be submitted to the county before the August 15, 2019 deadline.
• Presidential Primary Election polling hours – March 3, 2020 at Pequaywan Firehall from 7:00 a.m. to 8::00 p.m.
• Laptop – Barnes reported that both laptops are about five years old and are giving trouble to both the treasurer and clerk. Barnes’ laptop is too slow and Wallace is having problem with CTAS freezing every data entry.
• Variance Request Permit Application for landowner Gregory Planting – will put on hold until supervisors can review the correspondence.

Received

• 2019 Minnesota Election Laws Book
• Email from St. Louis County Election Department re-Presidential Primary Election and requesting township to submit expense reimbursement estimate for the election
• Letter from St. Louis County Auditor’s Office with enclosure of the blank form of the Township Final Levy Certification form for taxes payable 2020. Form is due to the county by September 30, 2019.

Sent:   None

Public Comment:

• Scott Mead discussed DNR’s plan for public access to Pequaywan Lake. A suggestion was made to pressure DNR to allow only carry-in to avoid getting the lake infested with invasive species. We must help maintain the pristine lake. Another suggestion was to create a committee that can be called “Save Our Lake Association.” Judy Strom added that Pequaywan Lake Association has been monitoring the issue.
• Walking Trail: Lee Kaplan mentioned that the township might want in the future to consider spraying non-toxic salt pellet on the township land to kill weeds. 50 lbs would cover 100 feet.
• Judy Strom suggested that in lieu of a burnt pile, the township can hire a chipper and residents can then bring their pile. Location will be in an area on the township land. Charge for the chipper is $200 per hour. Maybe designate a time; i.e., 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. for a total of $800.00. Pequaywan Lake Association will chip in and charge $10.00 per family. A cheaper way is suggested to have residents bring their pile, then have the chipper come on a different day to do the chipping. Kuettel was hesitant to schedule it this year due to safety issues for a vehicle with trailer as there is no place to turn around. He is waiting for the County Assessor to tell him the price of the property that the township is hoping to acquire from the county. Hopefully, by next spring.
• Short Term Rentals:There was discussion about concerns for the quality of our lakes and disruption to neighbors and negative impact that short term rentals have in our area. Some of the suggestions were to require a buffer/privacy fence, at the rental owner’s expense. Also, to require a one week minimum stay for guests to reduce turnover and disruption to the neighborhood. St. Louis County is asking the community to submit in writing concerns, comments or input regarding short term rental (STR) regulations to: Planning and Community Development, Northland Office Center, 307 1st Street South, Suite 117, Virginia MN 55792. Deadline to submit is September 30, 2019. Contact person is Jenny Bourbonais at bournaisj@stlouiscountymn.gov or 218-749-0629.

Next Meeting, September 10, 2019, 7:30 p.m., Pequaywan Firehall, 8764 Pequaywan Lake Road

Meeting was adjourned at 9:07 p.m

Respectfully submitted by,
Lita Wallace, Town Clerk

July 9, 2019

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chair Charles Kuettel.

Attendance: Supervisor Charles Kuettel, Supervisor Donald Swanstrom, Supervisor Douglas Dressen, Treasurer Ray Barnes, Recording Secretary Marialice Arndt. Guests: Dick Arndt, Daryle Waldriff, and Scott Mead.

Clerk’s Report: The minutes of the Board of Supervisors meeting on June 11, was presented and reviewed. Motion to approve by Dressen, seconded by Swanstrom with corrections: Under Old Business add St Louis County contact is now Stacy and under Section 1: # 9350 remove 2 culverts and under section 2 #9322 add 2 culverts to stabilize. Motion carried, 3-0-0.

Treasurer’s Report:

June 2019

Total Cash on hand as of 06/01/2019 (Includes Investments) – $159,513.08
Plus: Deposits – $220.24
Less: Disbursements (June) – $1,012.34
Total Cash on hand as of 06/30/2019 – $158,720.96
June Check # 1456-1462

July 2019

Claims (June) – $1,339.29
July Check # 1463-1468
No Fund Transfer Needed

Dressen motion to approve the June 2019 Treasurer’s Report and the July 2019 Claims, second by Swanstrom, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Old Business

• Update on West Branch Road: After further discussion, an agreement was reached with Nick Elmquist to proceed with his plan for project on the West Branch Road maintenance. Dressen motion to accept Nick Elmquist’s bid, second by Swanstrom. Motion carried, 3-0-0. He is expected to start soon and is to sign the agreed upon contract.

• Resolution #2019-007: Resolution for use of motorized vehicles on township land was approved with correction. Motion by Dressen, second by Swanstrom. Motion carried, 3-0-0. Correction is to note that designated parking spaces should be excluded from the ban on motorized vehicles.

New Business

• Distribution of funds for CTAS accounts from the 2020 Levy of $35,000 was completed with designated dollars to following funds; Total General Fund $14,000, Fire and EMS $15,000.00, Road and Bridge (ongoing maintenance) $4,000, and Road and Bridge (Capital Reserve) $2,000.00. It was noted that having funds in the General Fund allowed for more flexibility. Motion to approve the distribution of funds by Dressen and seconded by Swanstrom, motion carried 3-0-0.

Correspondence

Received:

• Email from North Shore title requesting pending assessment information on a property in the township.
• Email from the Department of Revenue that the online Board of Appeal and Equalization training is now available.

Sent:

• Responded to North Shore Title’s email.

Public Comment:

Maintenance of township walking trail was discussed. Tall weeds make it hard to follow trail, possible mowing by a brush mower. Kuettel advised that the county was told to use the right of way for description to delineate the possible addition to the township land.

Additional conversation is ongoing about reducing the speed limit at entrance of West Branch Road, weight restrictions to curtail lumber truck, and perhaps a survey to the citizens. Insurance coverage was discussed and noted that General Liability would be provided under MAT. It is believed that none of the supervisors are bonded.

Next Meeting, August 13, 2019, 7:30 p.m., Pequaywan Firehall, 8764 Pequaywan Lake Road

Meeting adjourn at 8:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by,
Marialice Arndt, Recording Secretary

Posted by,
Lita Wallace, Town Clerk

Meeting was called to order at 7:32 p.m. by Chair Charles Kuettel.

Attendance: Supervisor Charles Kuettel, Supervisor Donald Swanstrom, Supervisor Douglas Dressen, Treasurer Ray Barnes, Clerk Lita Wallace. Guests: Dick Arndt, Marialiace Arndt, Deb Pomroy, Daryle Waldriff, and Ted Wallace

Clerk’s Report: The minutes of the Board of Supervisors meeting on May 14, 2019, was presented and reviewed. Motion to approve by Swanstrom, with correction on the letter from St. Louis County re-tax forfeited land, second by Dressen, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Treasurer’s Report:
MAY 2019
Total Cash on hand as of 05/01/2019 (Includes Investments) – $161,516.27
Plus: Deposits – $215.81
Less: Disbursements (May) – $2,219.00
Total Cash on hand as of 05/31/2019 – $159,513.08
May Check # 1446 – 1455

JUNE 2019
Claims (June) – $1,012.34
June Check # 1456 – 1462
No Fund Transfers Needed

Swanstrom motion to approve the May 2019 Treasurer’s Report and the June 2019 Claims, second by Dressen, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Old Business

• Update on land acquisition – Kuettel reported that they are waiting for the Assessor to physically examine the property and complete a property description. Stacy is the new contact in St. Louis County.
• Update on township land improvements – 500 trees have been planted and a thank you is extended to everyone that helped its completion. Picnic table to be built and donated by Alex Olson will be completed in August. John Wilson had installed the bench. He is requesting if he can plant a tree behind the bench. Motion to approve for Wilson to plant a tree by Swanstrom, second by Dressen, motion carried, 3-0-0. Dressen reported that he talked with Steve Nelson, Senior Planner at St. Louis County, about having a dozier clean the land that will make it feasible to apply for a grant money to push the driveway further.
• Update on West Branch Road – Work for West Branch Road are as follows:

Section 1: 195 ft ditching by #9350 500 foot (250×2) 12-18 inches shoulder with gradual slope, 56 ft retaining wall with large rock, 250 yards of gravel.
Section 2: by #9322 2 culverts for stabilization, 800 ft (400 x2 sides) 12-18 shoulder with gradual slope, 240 yards gravel.

Kuettel reported that he received two bids, one from KTM and one from Nick Elmquist. Nick Elmquist had the lowest bid for $13,400.00. Swanstrom motion to accept the bid from  Nick Ellmquist for $13,400.00 contingent upon meeting with Nick to clarify and determine that what he is planning to do is agreeable to all the town board, second by Kuettel, motion carried, 3-0-0.

The board also discussed a possible speed limit and weight restrictions in West Branch Road. Dressen will check the possibility of posting signs for these restrictions.

New Business

• 2019 MAT Summer Specialized Training registration – Thursday, June 27, DECC – Wallace will register herself and the three supervisors with MAT.
• Weed Inspection – Deb Pomroy will continue as Weed Inspector for the township with a salary of $20 per hour for a maximum of 10 hours and will devise a plan on areas to work on the time allotted. Weed inspection will be concentrated at the end of Rossini Road and the township property. If there is more time, she’ll work further down Rossini Road up to the boundary. Estimated completion will be later in the summer when the flowers propagate.

Correspondence
Received:

• Invoice from St. Louis County for Automark Machine/Firmware Maintenance in the amount of $180.00
• Email from Minnesota Association of Townships: (1) May Newsletter – Summer Specialized Training and Legislative Update; (2) Disaster Declaration Request for 51 counties money available for road damages
• Email from Duluth Association of Townships with Minutes of March 21 meeting
• Email from Alex Olson that his proposal to build a picnic table at the township has been approved by the Boy Scouts of America Eagle Board of Review
• Email from Minnesota Department of Agriculture – information on Garlic Mustard, an invasive species causing concern in the region
• Invite from S. Census Bureau to participate in the 2020 Census New Construction Program
• Letter from Minnesota State Demographic Center re-2018 Population and Household Estimates

Sent: None

Public Comment:

Next Meeting, July 9, 2019, 7:30 p.m., Pequaywan Firehall, 8764 Pequaywan Lake Road

Meeting adjourn at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by,
Lita Wallace, Town Clerk

 

Meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Chair Charles Kuettel.

Attendance:

Town Officers: Supervisor Charles Kuettel, Supervisor Douglas Dressen, Treasurer Raymond G. Barnes, Clerk Lita Wallace; Absent: Supervisor Donald Swanstrom

Guests: Marialice Arndt, Richard Arndt, William Jessen, Kevin Olson, Deb Pomroy, Ted Wallace, John Wilson

Clerk’s Report :

The minutes of the Board of Supervisors meeting  on April 9, 2019, was presented and reviewed. Motion by Dressen to approve, second by Kuettel, motion carried, 2-0-0.

Treasurer’s Report

APRIL 2019

Total Funds on hand as of 04/01/2019 (Includes Investments) – $162,797.83
Plus: Deposits – $219.53
Less: Disbursements (April) – $1,501.09
Total Funds on hand as of 04/30/2019 – $161,516.27
April Check # 1440 – 1445

MAY 2019

Claims (May) – $2,219.00
May Check # 1446 – 1455
No Fund Transfers Needed

Kuettel motion to approve the April 2019 Treasurer’s Report and the May 2019 Claims, second by Dressen, motion carried, 2-0-0.

Old Business

• Approval of the sale of the tax-forfeited land to the township
• Bids on road work for washout areas at West Branch Road
• Update on tree order – 500 trees are expected to be delivered the week of May 20. The township needs volunteers to help plant the trees as soon as it arrives. Tools for planting will be available. If you are available to help, please contact Charles Kuettel at 218-848-2436.

New Business

• Election Judge Kathy Sluka has resigned – moved to another state

Correspondence

Received:

• Letter from St. Louis County re-approval of the sale of a tax-forfeited land in the township
• Bill in the amount of $1,121.25 from St. Louis County for second half of 2018-2019 snow plowing at West Branch Road
• Letter from St. Louis County Planning and Community Development Department re-CDBG, HOME, and ESG Programs Requalification
• Invitation to attend a Planning Team Meeting for the update of the 2019 St. Louis County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan on Tuesday, May 29, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in Duluth’s St. Louis County Public Safety Office in 5735 Miller Trunk Highway
• Email from Kristin Fogard of St. Louis County Land and Minerals Department with information on the 2019 MDA Noxious Weed List
• Email from St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office requesting to fill out a Local Mitigation Survey form
• Copy of a letter from a resident, Bruce Sederberg, to the Land Commissioner requesting purchase of an easement from the county adjacent to a property he owns
• Email from St. Louis County Association of Townships (SLCAT) with attachments as follows: (1) Minutes of March 27, 2019 Meeting; (2) May 22, 2019, Meeting Agenda; and (3) notice of 2019 Annual Election and Annual Meeting on May 22, 2019
• Requests via email for information on a pending and/or levied assessments against two properties from North Shore Title Company
• May Meeting Agenda from Duluth Association of Townships

Sent:

• Completed Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update/2019 Local Mitigation Survey form to St.Louis County Sheriff’s Office
• Responded to emails from North Shore Title Company re-pending and/or levied assessments for two properties in the township

Public Comment:

• Project proposal from Alex Olson (through Kevin Olson) for the town board’s approval. Alex is working on his Eagle Project for Boy Scouts and would like to build a wooden picnic table with a roof over it for the new trail on the township land by Rossini Road with no cost to the township. – Motion by Dressen to approve proposal, second by Kuettel. Alex will submit proposal to the Boy Scouts for approval and if approved, construction will begin sometime in July. Supervisors will determine the location for the picnic table.
• John Wilson stated that the bench he is donating in honor of his father is almost done and would like to request the township to designate a spot for it at the township land in Rossini Road. The bench is made of wood and granite and measures approximately 4′ x 8′. The supervisors will determine where to place it and will most likely be in the same area as the picnic table. In addition, Wilson was given permission to drive his 4-wheeler to bring wood chips to place around the bench as it will be considered maintenance purposes.

Next Meeting: June 11, 2019, 7:30 p.m., Pequaywan Firehall, 8764 Pequaywan Lake Road 

Meeting adjourn at 8:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by,
Lita Wallace, Town Clerk

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chair Donald Swanstrom.

Attendance: Town Officers – Supervisor Donald Swanstrom, Supervisor Douglas Dressen, Supervisor Charles Kuettel, Treasurer Raymond G. Barnes, Clerk Lita Wallace, Guests Richard Arndt, Scott Mead, Ted Wallace

Clerk’s Report : The minutes of the Board of Supervisors meeting  on March 12, 2019, was presented and reviewed. Motion by Kuettel to approve the minutes, second by Dressen, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Treasurer’s Report

MARCH 2019
Total Funds on hand as of 03/01/2019 (Includes Investments) – $161,760.55
Plus: Deposits – $3,065.67
Less: Disbursements (March) – $2,028.39
Total Funds on hand as of 03/31/2019 – $162,797.83
March Check # 1428 – 1439

APRIL 2019
Claims (April) – $1,501.09
April Check # 1440 – 1445
No Fund Transfers Needed

Kuettel motion to approve the March 2019 Treasurer’s Report and the April 2019 Claims, second by Dressen, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Old Business

• Update on the acquisition of land – Swanstrom reported that he was advised by St. Louis County Assessor’s Office that a Resolution for State Deed Application for Tax-Forfeited Land is required for submission along with the application form. The Resolution will be discussed at the Reorganization Meeting right after the Town Meeting tonight.
• Reminder: Local Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting on April 18 at 1:00 pm at Pequaywan Firehall – The purpose of this meeting is to determine whether property in the jurisdiction has been properly valued and classified by the assessor.

New Business

• Appointment of township Chair and Vice-Chair – Swanstrom nominated Kuettel as the New Chair, Kuettel accepted. A Resolution was passed for the appointment of Swanstrom as the Vice-Chair. Motion by Swanstrom, second by Dressen, motion carried, 3-0-0.
• Oath of office for new supervisor – Wallace reported that Dressen was sworn-in before the April 1st deadline after completing all the required documentation as the new elected supervisor.
• New supervisor access to Town website – Wallace reported that Lee Kaplan had given access to Dressen to have access to the Town website. Wallace updated the list of supervisors, replacing Scott Mead with Dressen on the town website.
• Motion by Swanstrom, second by Kuettel to change co-signers on bank accounts, motion carried, 3-0-0. Barnes specified that as soon as the minutes of the April meeting had been put on the town website, he can start processing the transfer of signatory with the Credit Union from the departing supervisor Scott Mead to the new supervisor Douglas Dressen.
• New look of the meeting minutes – Wallace reported that at the recent training she attended, it was advised to have a sign-in sheet for the attendees which will be effective this month. Another change is that there will be three digits preceding a vote, the first number represent yay vote, second number nay vote, and third number abstain.
• Recording Secretary  to take minutes for May Board Meeting – Wallace requested for Recording Secretary to take and type up the minutes for the month of May, if need arises, due to a possible unavailability of the clerk. The request was approved.

Correspondence

       Received:

• Email from Lora Dugas, St. Louis County Assessor’s Office providing materials needed for the 2019 Local Board of Appeal meeting on April 18
• Email from Katherine Brey , St. Louis County Assessor’s Office providing a copy of the Assessment Book for Pequaywan township for LBAE meeting purposes
• Email from Erin St. Cyr, Accounting Officer, Government Information Division of Minnesota State Auditor’s Office verifying if a disbursement of $101,774.00 as part of  the annual 2018 Town Financial Report submitted to the State Auditor’s Office was for paving roads. (Note: Wallace responded that it was.)
• Election Roster (via email) from St. Louis County Election Department
• Newsletter emails from MAT (MN Association of Townships) announcing instructions and guidelines for Annual Meeting, Town March Election, Spring Short Courses, Legislative Update, Local Board of Appeal and Equalization Training and Advocacy Alert
• Invite email from U.S. Census Bureau to participate in the 2020 Census New Construction Program
• Email from Cathy Rouleau, SLCAT (St, Louis County Association of Townships) with the following information:  (1) February 27, 2019 Minutes; (2) Annual Meeting Minutes of May 23, 2018; and (3) Notice of SLCAT 2019 Election of Officers and Annual Meeting on May 22, 2019 at 5:30 pm at the Cotton Community Center
• Email from Wulf Gar of St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office requesting completion of a “Local Mitigation Survey” which will be used in the development of new mitigation actions for their next 5-year planning cycle with deadline date of April 26

      Sent:

• Mailed check and statement for officer life insurance to MATIT
• Mailed Precinct Summary Statement of March Town Election and info of new supervisor to St. Louis County Election Department
• Mailed updated list of board members and contact information to MAT

Public Comment

Next Meeting: May 14, 2019, 7:30 p.m., Pequaywan Firehall, 8764 Pequaywan Lake Road

Meeting adjourn at 8:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by,

Lita Wallace, Town Clerk

Meeting was called to order at 9:12 p.m. by Chair Donald Swanstrom.

Attendance: Town Officers – Supervisor Donald Swanstrom, Supervisor Scott Mead, Supervisor Charles Kuettel, Treasurer Raymond G. Barnes, Clerk Lita Wallace. Number of resident/s present: 7, number of non-resident/s present: 2.

Clerk’s Report: The minutes of the Board of Supervisors meeting  on February 12, 2019, was presented and reviewed. Motion by Mead to approve the minutes, second by Kuettel, motion carried unanimously, 3-0-0.

Treasurer’s Report:

February 2019

Total Funds on hand as of 02/01/2019 (Includes Investments) – $159,974.88
Plus: Deposits – $4,203.17
Less: Disbursements (February) – $2,417.50
Total Funds on hand as of 02/28/2019 – $161,760.55
February Check # 1423 – 1427

March 2019

Claims (March) – $2,028.39
March Check # 1428 – 1439

Motion to approve February 2019 Treasurer’s Report and March 2019 Claims by Swanstrom, second by Kuettel, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Old Business

• 2020 Town Levy – At the Annual Town Meeting, residents motion/second $35,000.00 levy with $15,000.00 going to Pequaywan Fire Department.
• Amount for Pequaywan Fire and EMS from 2020 levy – Kuettel motion to approve $15,000, second by Mead, motion carried, 3-0-0.
• Update on washout areas on West Branch Road – Mead and Kuettel with a resident worked on fixing the wash-out areas. Kuettel will contact KTM but will wait until Spring
• Update on land acquisition – Swanstrom reported that the Purchase Agreement is in the process of being finalized
• Update on who is responsible for plowing and/or shoveling snow at the Fire Department during election – Wallace expressed concern about the safety of individuals when the sidewalk or the front of the door is not shoveled. Supervisors decided that they will take care of shoveling snow during election day.

New Business

• Town Election result and report: Wallace reported that Douglas Dressen garnered 13 write-in votes; Scott Mead 1 write-in vote; and Ron Sluka, 1 write-in vote.
• Board of Canvass – election judges and supervisors certified the official town election result
• Kuettel motion, Mead seconded to extend an indefinite Option B appointment of Ray Barnes, treasurer, motion carried, 3-0-0.
• Approval for Town officers interested in attending the 2019 MAT (Minnesota Association of Townships) Spring Short Course Training – Mead motion, Kuettel second that officers are approved to attend any future MAT, LBAE, Election and other training required.
• LBAE (Local Board of Appeal and Equalization) Meeting scheduled on April 18, 2019, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Pequaywan Fire Hall
• Wallace suggested to re-schedule monthly meeting date/time during Federal and State Elections such as the Primary and General Elections that lands on the same date as the monthly town meeting as ballot counting takes longer time to process – will table during election year

Correspondence

Received:

• Schedule of Township LBAE Meeting from St. Louis County Assessor’s Office
• January 2019 SLCAT (St. Louis County Association of Townships) Meeting Minutes
• Email and postage mail from U.S. Census Bureau requesting return of the 2019 Boundary and Annexation Survey
• January 2019 DAT (Duluth Association of Townships) Meeting Minutes and Agenda for March 2019
• Email from MAT (Minnesota Association of Townships) re-Annual Town Meeting checklist, March Election, Spring Short Course training, Legislative Update
• Two Absentee Ballots by postage mail

Sent:

• Two Absentee Ballots by postage mail
• Treasurer submitted the Township’s 2018 Financial Information to the Office of the State Auditor-GID (Government Information Division)

Public Comment

Next Meeting: April 9, 2019, 7:30 p.m., Pequaywan Fire Department, 8764 Pequaywan Lake Road

Reorganization Meeting: April 9, 2019, after the Town Meeting, Pequaywan Fire Department, 8764 Pequaywan Lake Road

Mead  motion to adjourn at 9:39 p.m., second by Kuettel, motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted by,
Lita Wallace, Town Clerk

Meeting called to order: Town Clerk Lita Wallace called the meeting to order at 8:20 p.m. The meeting was held at Pequaywan Fire Hall with 11 residents and two non-residents present.

Election of a moderator: Don Swanstrom motion to nominate Phyllis Mead as moderator, second by Charles Kuettel, motion carried.

Clerk’s report: Charles Kuettel motion to approve the 2018 Annual Town Meeting Minutes, second by Scott Mead, motion carried.

Result of Township Election: Douglas Dressen garnered 13 write-in votes, One write-in vote for Scott Mead and one write-in vote for Ronald Sluka.

Annual Board of Appeals and Equalization Meeting:  April 18, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m., Pequaywan Fire Hall

Report from Pequaywan Fire & EMS: Number of calls in 2018 was 16 medical and seven fires. Pequaywan Fire & EMS is requesting $15,000 in 2020, an increase of $1,500.00. The fire department reported that they spent more than what they received from 2014-2018 and bought a new fire truck recently. Maintenance of new equipments are costly; SBCA tanks cost $900.00 good for 10 years with hydro testing every five years of the 20 tanks; volunteer firefighters have been doing minor repair on the trucks but maintenance must be done at an approved shop to be NFPA compliant; turnout gear for new firefighter is $2500.00 each. Other expenses include cost for repair of the current tanker, replenishing EMR bags after medical calls, foam and fuel supplies used during training exercises, insurance costs, firehall maintenance, and electrical costs. None of the fund goes to the fire department members except for training needs. Members are not paid. It is the state that puts money in their  PERA retirement fund.

Pequaywan Town Chair’s Report: Don Swanstrom, Chair of Pequaywan Township, reported that: (1) paving and repair of West Branch Road was completed by KTM Paving in early September of 2018 with a total cost of $101,774.00; (2) projects on the township property is continuing, with new culvert put in, asphalt paving, walking path, benches installed; presently working with the state on a purchase agreement for the tax forfeited land that abuts the township property on the north as far as Rossini Road, the property had been sprayed to kill the first growth of Poplar trees and new trees hd been ordered and will be planted when the season permits; (3) Deb Pomroy joined the township team as our new weed inspector – this is a very broad extensive project due to the many acres of land in our township and it is critical to locate and identify invasive species and devise a process to eliminate or contain them; and (4) in the process of forming a committee to develop a township Comprehensive Plan – the township is looking for residents who would be interested in committing to that process. Thank you to our talented and dedicated community who have been involved in these projects and other tasks of a recurring nature.

Road Report: West Branch Road repair update – total cost $101,774.00

• 9320-9298 and 9350-9432 – added 12′ Class 5 compacted 2.5′ new Bituminous
• 9274-9262 – saw cut and remove bituminous, 1 load class.regrading, installed new 24″ culvert, seeding/blanket/restoration
• 9244-9240 – dig out a ditch on East side of the road, 1.5″ new bituminous
• 9226-9216 – 1 load class 5/regrading, 2.5″ new bituminous
• 9200 – saw cut and remove bituminous, 2.5″ new bituminous
• repair soft spot near 9270

 Treasurer/Clerk Board of Audit Report

 

Fund	Beginning Balance	Receipts	Disburse-ments	Purchase of Investment	Ending Balance	Investment Balance	Total Balance
General Fund	13,844.06	18,207.52	24,173.05	67.92	7,810.61	67.92	7,878.53
Road and Bridge (On-going Maintenance	5,788.56	1,675.78	2,413.87		5,050.47		5,050.47
Fire an EMS	21,786.21	13,246.92	13,500.00		21,533.13		21,533.13
Roads and Bridges (Capital Reserve)	226,557.45	15,394.73	101,774.00	100,271.66	39,906.52	100,271.66	140,178.18
Total	267,976.28	48,524.95	141,860.92	100,339.58	74,300.73	100,339.58	174,640.31

Motion to approve 2020 general levy and any dedicated levies (road & bridge, plus others determined helpful to treat as designated and not just a budget item from the general fund) and to affirm total levy: Motion and second to approve the amount of $15,000.00 for the Pequaywan Fire & EMS as requested, motion carried. Charles Kuettel suggested to increase the levy to $35,000.00. Douglas Dressen motioned and Donald Swanstrom second for the 2020 town levy in the amount of $35,000.00 (with $15,000.00 for the fire department), motion carried.

Update, suggestions and discussions on possible projects for the land owned by the township in Rossini Road: burn pile

Set voting hours and place:

7:00 am – 8:00 pm, Primary and General Election, Pequaywan Fire Hall
10:00 am – 8:00 pm, Special Primary and General Election, Pequaywan Fire Hall
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Township Election, Pequaywan Fire Hall

Monthly meeting date/time: Second Tuesday of each month, 7:30 pm at Pequaywan Fire Hall (consider re-scheduling town meeting on Primary and General Election days that coincide with town meeting)

Annual Town Meeting date/time: Second Tuesday during the month of March following the Township Election

March monthly Town meeting: scheduled following the Annual Meeting

Posting Places:

– West Branch Road Sign board
– Pequaywan Fire & EMS bulletin board
– Pequaywan Inn
– pequaywantownship.org website

Meeting was motioned to adjourn at 9:05 p.m. by Scott Mead and seconded by Donald Swanstrom, motion carried.

Respectfully submitted by,

Lita Wallace
Town Clerk

Meeting was called to order at 7:37 p.m. by Vice-Chair Scott Mead.

Attendance: Town Officers – Supervisor Scott Mead, Supervisor Charles Kuettel, Treasurer Raymond G. Barnes, Clerk Lita Wallace

Number of resident/s present: 3, number of non-resident present: 1.

Clerk’s Report: The minutes of the Board of Supervisors meeting  on January 8, 2019, was presented and reviewed. Motion by Kuettel to approve the minutes, second by Mead, motion carried unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report

 JANUARY 2019

Total Funds on hand as of 01/01/2019 (Includes Investments) – $174,640.31
Plus: Deposits – $765.88
Less: Disbursements (January) – $15,431.31
Total Funds on hand as of 01/31/2019 – $159,974.88
January Check # 1415 – 1422

FEBRUARY 2019

Claims (February) – $2,417.50
February Check # 1423 – 1427

Mead motion to approve the January Treasurer’s Report and February Claims, second by Kuettel, motion carried unanimously.

Old Business

• Update on land acquisition- Mead reiterated that we may be able to get the 3.5 acres of land managed by the state for a small fee. The supervisors had met with folks from the county and they were very helpful.
• Town Election and Absentee Voting: Wallace reported that Town Election is scheduled on March 12, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Pequaywan Firehall. Absentee Voting runs from February 8-March 11. Contact the clerk if you have any questions (peqclerk@gmail.com). Wallace added that no one filed an Affidavit of Candidacy therefore, residents can write-in their candidate.
• Tree planting: Mead ordered 500 red pine trees about 6-12 inches high for a total cost of $163.00 plus $33.00 shipping. DNR has a few planting bars that we can borrow

New Business

• Annual Meeting: March 12, 2019, at Pequaywan Firehall, after the Town Election
• Special Meetings: (1) Board of Audit and Budget Meeting – February 8, 2019, after the Town Meeting; (2) Board of Canvass Meeting – March 12; and (3) Reorganizational Meeting – April 9 after the town meeting.
• Board of Audit/Budget Meetings: In the future, Barnes suggested that the board schedule a Budget Meeting before the Board of Audit meeting so that the budget for each account codes can be determined for CTAS purposes and Audit reports. Otherwise, the beginning balances will all show zero.
• Purchasing Microsoft Office software vs. renewing license when license expires in September 2019: Barnes explained that it is cheaper for the town to purchase the software when the current license expires since the license has an annual renewal of $108.00 while the software only costs under $200.00 per laptop. Motion to approve by Kuettel to purchase software for the two laptops, second by Mead, motion carried unanimously.
• Future road repairs for West Branch Road: Some residents reported  that there are areas having wash-out problems of the newly repaired road. Mead said the supervisors checked on it and decided that the road may need re-enforcement especially in swampy areas where it might be a possible more wash-out. Mead added that KTM needs  to be notified.

Correspondence

Received:

• Bill from Minnesota Benefit Association for officer’s annual life insurance ($165.00)
• Bill for SLCAT (St. Louis County Association of Townships dues ($161.80) and MAT (Minnesota Association of Townships) dues ($307.76)
• Emails from SLCAT: December 2018 and January 2019 Meeting Minutes, and St. Louis County Lobby Day Info
• Letter from St. Louis County Land and Minerals Department re-easement granted to the Town of Pequaywan across State tax-forfeited land in the NW1/4-SW1/4, Section 23, Township 54 N, Range 12 W for the purpose of right-of-way. This easement was granted on June 30, 1995.
• Email from St. Louis County Land and Minerals Department requesting certified, pending or future assessments information on a tax forfeited property that the county will be offering for sale at a future public auction
• Email from St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office requesting townships to link its Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Media Release to town’s website,
  https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNSTLOUIS/bulletins/228285b
• Email of Master List of voters for Absentee Voting usage from St. Louis County Election Department
• Email from Office of the State Auditor-Government Information Division (GID) reminding townships to report their annual financial activities to the Office of the State Auditor under Minn. Stat. 6.74
• Training schedule from Minnesota Association of Townships
• Letter from St. Louis County with enclosure of list of 2nd half 2018 permits issued

Sent:

• Responded to St. Louis County Land and Minerals Department’s inquiry re-assessment on properties in the township
• Emailed sample ballot for March election to St. Louis County Election Department as required
• Sent by postage mail an official March town election ballot to St. Louis County Election Department for UOCAVA usage

Public Comment: A resident is interested for information on where Pequaywan Fire Department is planning to spend the $1500.00 increase that they are requesting from the township.

Next Meeting: March 12, 2019, 9:20 p.m. or after Annual Meeting, Pequaywan Fire Department, 8764 Pequaywan Lake Road

 Mead  motion to adjourn at 8:30 p.m., second by Kuettel, motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted by,
Lita Wallace, Town Clerk