June 12, 2007 Township Board Meeting

Supervisors Present: Mark Freeman, Rick Fry, Scott Mead

Others: Marialice Arndt, Town Clerk; Keith Stoneburner, Treasurer

Approximately 14 residents

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by Chairman Freeman.

Regular Business

The May board minutes were read and approved by Supervisors Freeman & Mead. All ayes, motion carried.

Treasurer Report

The May treasurer report available for review. Only checks written were for the supervisors.

Old Business

Authorize Expenditure for Township Website and Establish Guidelines

∙ Freeman moved to authorize up to $200.00 per year for township website. Mead seconded, all ayes, motion carried.

A trial period will be used to determine if unapproved minutes are appropriate for the website. Fry is developing the site, will initially place copy on the website and at a later time see if a second password can be used for clerk to place copy on website. Policy for requesting hard copy/e-mail version of minutes was discussed. It was determined a Information Request Form requesting copies needs to be submitted to the clerk (copy of form attached) and copies will be supplied at $.25 per sheet plus postage. Copies are to be prepaid. If a large number of copies are requested it needs to be further discussed and perhaps a flat fee would be charged or actual cost of copies and time needed to compile information may be accessed. Method of taking minutes was also discussed. Supervisors want the minutes to be professional and factual and suggest only topics with action taken be placed in the minutes. In certain situations the findings of fact and reasoning behind the decision may be included.

New Business

Petition to Vacate Portion of Truck Trail Road

Discussion of a posting advising of a petition to vacate a portion of Forest Truck Trail Road determined that no action was needed by the Township but the posting was a legal matter. The old road currently is titled as public property and with the petition the land will become private property accrued to the lot owners.

Pequaywan Lake Fire Department Relief

Treasurer of the Relief Association, Roger Petry, gave a presentation about the retirement program for the volunteer fire department. Currently approximately $5800 is contributed to the fund by the State. The levy that the township accesses for fire protection does not contribute to the fund. He requested signatures from Freeman and Arndt for forms that he needed to file with the state. Mead volunteered to be a Trustee from Pequaywan Township. Petry advises that frequently Townships make provisions to contribute to the Relief Fund and after a meeting with the Pequaywan Fire Department a request may be made asking Pequaywan Township to contribute.

Other Business

∙ Minnesota Association Township Membership Cards Distributed to Supervisors

∙ MN State Demographer figures gives our 2006 population as 139 with 69 households

∙ Cooperative Striping Contracts Signed – Township Cost is to be cost of 150 gallons of paint

∙ The Lake Association requests use of the Fire Hall on July 28th for a picnic – No alcohol is to allowed

Meeting Dates

July Monthly Meeting July 10 at 7:30 PM.

∙ Fry moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 PM. Freeman seconded, motion carried.

Prepared by Marialice Arndt

April 10, 2007 Township Board Meeting

Supervisors Present: Mark Freeman, Rick Fry, Scott Mead

Officers Excused: Keith Stoneburner

Others: Marialice Arndt, Town Clerk

Approximately 55 residents and guests

The meeting was called to order at 7:30  PM.

It was discussed and determined that Mark Freeman will continue as Chair and Rick Fry will continue as Road & Bridge Supervisors.

Regular Business

The March  board minutes were read and approved by Supervisors Freeman & Mead.  All ayes, motion carried.

Treasurer Report

The March treasurer report available for review.

Old Business

Planning Commission Summary

A summary letter has been received from St Louis County Planning Commission recommended denial of the rezoning (without prejudice).  Fry has had communication with Scott Smith who has replied that they are waiting for a soil report from the federal government and a decision on county wide rezoning could come in mid-to- late summer.

New Business

Website Creation

Fry is investigating creation of township website and volunteers to maintain it.  Site would offer  approved and unapproved minutes, agenda  and e-mails for all of the supervisors.

C Freeman moved to authorize Fry to proceed with website with supervisors being given consideration to content and bring facts back to the May meeting.  Mead second.  All ayes, motion carried.

Northshore ATV Club Request for Support

A letter was received from the Northshore ATV Club requesting support for a Grant and Aid trail.  A lengthy informational discussion was had with questions taken by the Northshore ATV Club officers.  Freeman requests names of citizens that were willing to work with the ATV Club to see if a compromise on this issue could be reached.

Resident Chris Larsen presented the following and requested that it be placed in the record:

Pequaywan is in the Cloquet Valley State Forest.

The Minnesota Legislature has directed the Department of Natural Resources to complete by 2008 an OHV reclassification of all State Forests. Recommended reclassifications of several northeastern State Forests are now approaching the point for public comment. The Cloquet Valley State Forest undergoing this process of forest OHV classification and OHV planning. The map of the forest has been released and is attached, it is a draft map, bear that in mind.

The next step in the process is to present it to the public at two meetings in June on about the 20th and 21st. At that time you can learn more about the plan, although more will be available on the DNR website sooner.

Trail planning in northern Forests has become more contentious because the Legislature intervened through the infamous “North of Highway 2” legislation which directed DNR to declare all Forests in the region to have “Managed” status : OHV road and trail use allowed unless posted closed) rather than the possibility of “Limited” status which restricts OHV use to roads and to trails clearly posted as open. (Some forests are closed to all OHV use.) DNR has some flexibility in the matter but legislative intent is all too clear.

Counties are the wildcards in OHV planning. Counties in northwestern Minnesota have been strong ATV supporters. St. Louis County has been very strongly supportive of OHVs and ATVs. The tougher decision making stages of trail planning have yet to occur and use of county lands and right of ways are on the table. Fortunately, local opposition to more extreme ATV proposals has led County officials to review their course and they have sent the plan to the public without an endorsement of either limited or managed designations.

The Friends of the Cloquet Valley State Forest supports the designation of the forest as Limited and within that structure will try to work with others to find trails for reasonable use of ATV as a form of transportation and recreation in the forest. ATVs, however, have proven to be especially damaging and intrusive in the some areas of the CVSF and almost everyone seeks to preserve and protect the areas from harm. The County has worked with the DNR on this and the plan is being sent out without a determination of what designation it will be.

The plan is based at this point on a “Managed” designation, the most liberal one legal for the forest. The other designations are the compromise “limited” in which motorists have to stay on trails like the Northshore Club is proposing. But at this time they can go on anything that appears to be a trail. Not just marked ATV trails. If you think it’s sensible for ATVs and Trucks and Motorcycles to stay on Marked Trails like the Northshore Club trails, then you want the “limited” designation. Otherwise trails like the Northshore one is proposing will be in ADDITION to all the other trails. If you think this is confusing you’re right. We have our legislature to thank! There are lots and lots of different kinds of roads and trails that OHVs are permitted on, learn the difference. Read the attached information. When you read information consider the source, is this someone who derives their livelihood from OHV business? Factor that into the equation. Clubs receive reimbursement from many sources. They get funding via the county and DNR from funds derived from gas taxes and registration taxes, they get support from the industry in the form of grants and gifts, they get support from those who sell ATVs in many different forms. A big part of their work is as advocates for the ATV industry.

The problem with the “Managed” designation, is even if a specific trail is ideally constructed and situated, even if there are no objections to a specific trail. As long as we have a “managed” forest instead of the limited designation ( Limited makes sense and provides far more riding than the closed forest)

If we support more trails in a “Managed” forest, we will have all the problems as before, with MORE ATVs trucks and motorcycles. People will wonder why are they still riding on the ditches and sides of the roads? Why are they coming thru trails and ending up on my property? Why are they making a mess out on Fred’s place, they’ve got a mud pit. Why is there an ATV rental agency down the street?

So on or about June 21 you’ll have a chance to hear what the DNR and County have to say,
from then you can give information to them. Do so in WRITING and send the responses BOTH to the County Commissioners and the DNR.

This is not hard! And it’s all that is asked of you as a citizen, participate! Let them know your questions and your thoughts.

Be polite and specific. These folks are all good people working hard.

Ask the DNR and County Commissioners to make the Cloquet Valley State Forest a Limited Forest. Then and only then will Grant in Aid trails solve problems

Please take every opportunity to offer written comments to our County and DNR. A good turnout for the open houses that are planned for on or about the evenings of June 20 and 21 will help the DNR and County understand that while we wish to be tolerant of other’s hobbies, we do wish to put the needs of the forest first.

Forrest Boe
500 Lafayette Road
Box 52
St. Paul, MN 55155-4040
651 259-5615
Brian McCann and Forrest Boe
500 Lafayette Road
Box 52
St. Paul, MN 55155-4040
e-mail: brian.mccann@dnr.state.mn.us 

(651) 259-5627

3rd District
Commissioner Bill Kron, Board Chair
Please share with All Commissioners
Room 208
100 N. 5th Avenue W. Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 726-2562
email: kronb@co.st-louis.mn.us

Definitions
Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this shall be interpreted so as to give them the same meaning as they have in common usage and so as to give its most reasonable application. The words “must” and “shall” are mandatory? the word “may” and “should” is permissive. Words used in the present tense shall include the future, and words used in the singular number shall include the plural number as well.

ATV All terrain vehicle” means a motorized flotation tired vehicle of not less than three low pressure but not more than six tires, that is limited in engine displacement to less than 800 cubic centimeters.

County Administered Tax Forfeited Lands: State owned lands held in trust for the taxing districts which are administered by the County
Designated trails. – Trails that are indicated on maps, and/or signed for specific uses.

DNR: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Forest Road: are not public roads like federal, state, county or local highways. Forest roads are typically open to use by both highway –licensed and off highway vehicles but are subject to closure to some or all types of vehicles at various times for safety or resource management reasons. Forest roads are classified as system or minimum maintenance depending on the frequency of use and intended maintenance standards

Highway Licensed vehicles: Any motor vehicle current and duly licensed for public highway/road travel.

Limited Forest – means motorized vehicles may operate only on forest roads and trails that are posted or designated as open.

Managed Forest- Motor vehicles may operate on forest roads and forest trails unless they are posted and designated closed. Signs will need to be posted if trails cross private land and the owner wishes to keep the public off.

Closed Forest -Motor vehicles and snowmobiles are not allowed Minimum Maintenance road – forest roads that are used for forest management access on an intermittent basis. These roads normally are not through roads and may be gated and opened only during certain times of the year. These roads are typically not maintained to the level where low clearance highway vehicle can routinely travel on them and will be signed for specific uses.
Motor Vehicle – Any self propelled vehicle including, but not limited to , automobiles, trucks, dune buggies, minibikes, motorcycles, trail bikes, and all terrain vehicles (ATVs), but not including snowmobiles.

Nondesignated trails – trails that are not designated and signed for a specific use and are therefore generally closed to motorized use in a limited forest. They all remain entirely open in a “managed” forest unless specifically closed.

Non Motorized trail: Trails that are designated and/or signed for recreational use including but not limited to walking, hiking, ski, horse and bicycling.

OHM “Offhighway motorcycle” means a motorized, offhighway vehicle traveling on two wheels and having a seat or saddle designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control, including a vehicle that is registered under chapter 168 for highway use if it is also used for offhighway operation on trails or unimproved terrain.

OHV – Off Highway vehicle a generic term used to refer to all terrain vehicles (ATV), off Highway motorcycles (OHM), and off road vehicles (ORV).

ORV “Off road vehicle” means a motor driven recreational vehicle capable of crosscounty
travel on natural terrain without benefit of a road or trail. Offroad vehicle does not include a snowmobile an all terrain vehicle a motorcycle a watercraft a farm vehicle being used for farming a vehicle used for military, fire, emergency, or law enforcement purposes a construction or logging vehicle used in the performance of its common function a motor vehicle owned by or operated under contract with a utility, whether publicly or privately owned, when used for work on utilities a commercial vehicle being used for its intended purpose? snowgrooming equipment when used for its intended purpose? or an aircraft.

System Forest Road – are more frequently used and will typically be designed and maintained to a higher standard graveled with class five material that allows use by most highway – licensed vehicles

In state forest land classified as managed:

* Motor vehicles may operate on forest roads and forest trails unless they are posted and designated closed. Signs will need to be posted if trails cross private land and the owner wishes to keep the public off.

* Counties may adopt a resolution to modify the above restrictions on county-administered land within state forest boundaries.

* EXCEPT: Persons lawfully engaged in hunting big game or constructing hunting stands during October, November and December, retrieving big game during September, or trapping during open seasons, may use ATVs off forest trails in a manner consistent with the general operating restrictions. This exception does not apply in the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest.

In state forest land classified as limited:

* OHV use is permitted on state land and on county administered land within the boundaries of a state forest on all designated OHV roads and trails. These will have signs.

* Counties may adopt a resolution to modify the above restrictions on county-administered land within state forest boundaries

* Motor vehicles may operate only on forest trails or other areas that are posted and designated open.

* EXCEPT: Persons lawfully engaged in hunting big game or constructing hunting stands during October, November and December, retrieving big game during September, or trapping during open seasons, may use ATVs off forest trails in a manner consistent with the general operating restrictions. This exception does not apply in the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest.

In state forest land classified as closed:

* Motor vehicles and snowmobiles are not allowed except:

o Vehicles licensed for highway use may use forest roads that are not posted or gated closed.

o Vehicles may operate on frozen public waters where it is not otherwise prohibited.

o Snowmobiles may operate on designated trails.

Kristin Larsen is a member of Friends of the Cloquet Valley State Forest
More information is available regarding the issue by contacting
friends@friendscvsf.org

The group is devoted to responsible development in the Cloquet Valley State Forest

Meeting Dates

May  Monthly Meeting May 8 at 7:30 PM.

C Freeman moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:45  PM.  Fry seconded, motion carried.

Prepared by Marialice Arndt Date

______________________________

APPENDIX TO APRIL 10, 2007 MINUTES

List of Volunteers

The following residents have volunteered to work with the Northshore ATV Club to discuss if a compromise can be reached for the club to build a grant and aid ATV trial in the Pequaywan Township area.

Dave Allison
9211 Pequaywan Lake Road
Duluth, MN 55803
218-848-2248

Ray Barnes & Deb Pomroy
8143 Pequaywan lake Road
Duluth, MN 55803
218-525-7502

Bonnie Dressen
9241 Pequaywan Lake Road
Duluth, MN 55803
218-848-2010

Kris Larsen
9424 West Branch Road
Duluth, MN 55803
218-848-2368

I HAVE SUBMITTED THIS LIST TO THE BOARD AND AM WAITING FOR INPUT ON WHOM THIS IS TO BE PRESENTED TO.

MARIALICE ARNDT

TOWN CLERK

4-11-07

March 13, 2007 Annual Town Meeting

Meeting convened: 8:20 PM after Elections

Attendance

∙ All Supervisors present in addition to Clerk and Treasurer and approximately 25 residents

Clerk Marialice Arndt called the meeting to order at 8:20 PM. A motion was made and seconded to elect Richard Arndt to preside as Citizen Monitor for the meeting. Motion carried. March 2006 minutes were read, motioned and seconded to approve. Motion carried. Motion and seconded to approve to waive reading of all checks written and received in 2006. Citizens had copies of financial report and no questions were raised. Motion and seconded to approve Treasurer report. Motion approved.

Rick Fry gave road report. He advised that the road had heaved from frost and that major patching may be needed after frost out.

The levy for taxes was discussed. Motioned and seconded that the levy remain at $23,000. Motion carried.

A report was given by Clerk Arndt on the Annual Election. Scott Mead was elected by a vote count of 33 to 22 over incumbent Brian Landstrom for the three year term of Supervisor. Incumbent Treasurer Keith Stoneburner received 16 votes as a write in candidate and agreed to continue in his capacity as treasurer for the next two year term. There were also 8 other write in candidates for treasurer with votes ranging from 1 to 4 votes each.

Motioned and seconded to authorize signing of resolution for establishing voting hours. The resolution is to read that the hours for polling place to remain open from 5:00 to 8:00 pm for all Annual Town Elections and the polling place to remain open for voting from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM for Primary, General and Special Statewide Elections. Motion carried. Additional judges will be sought to help with the longer voting times and Clerk Arndt will inquire if the head judge is in fact to be present for all of the voting.

Motioned and seconded that the monthly meetings continue to be held at the PVFD Hall on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 PM. Motion carried. Motioned and seconded that the next Annual Meeting be held on the second Tuesday of March 2008 after the Annual Election. Motion carried.

Afer discussion of postings being placed in a local paper it was concluded that the current postings are adequate. There is however times, such as accepting certain bids, when it is mandatory to do so.

Discussion of posting minutes on website was had and Freeman advises he had inquired about placing minutes with the Association of Townships and the application is very extensive. It was proposed that an compromise to keeping all residents informed (seasonal and snowbirds) that “unofficial/unapproved” minutes be placed on the Lake Association’s website. It was advised that a disclaimer be made that the recordings are not official and not approved. It was suggested a volunteer/appointee from the Lake Association take minutes from the meeting and present them to the party hosting the website.

ATV trail ways discussion was had. The category of Managed and Limited was discussed and also the usage of side-by-side machines. At the St Louis County board meeting held March 13th the council voted to approve a DNR submitted plan for ATV usage. Within 90 days there will be public hearings to discuss this plan.

Motioned and seconded to adjourn at 9:35 PM. Motion carried.

Prepared by Marialice Arndt

March 10, 2007 Township Board Meeting

Supervisors Present: Mark Freeman, Rick Fry, Brian Landstrom

Treasurer, Keith Stoneburner

Marialice Arndt, Town Clerk

Approximately 7 Residents

The meeting was called to order by Chair Freeman at 9:35 PM after election and Annual Meeting.

Regular Business

The February board minutes were read and approved by Supervisors Freeman & Fry. All ayes, motion carried.

Treasurer Report

The February treasurer report available for review. Stoneburner advises that the former insurance vendor, Country Insurance, has been notified that we have a new vendor and he also advises that the former vendor had been providing E & O insurance.

Old Business

Pequaywan Rezoning Hearing

Landstrom and Fry attended the Planning & Zoning meeting on March 8th in Virginia. The request of rezoning appeared to headed for approval when additional debate ensued and the request was denied. It was pointed out that Pequaywan does not have a land use plan. Lot size of non-riparian areas, and a challenge to county authority was presented as means of explanation. Also discussed was that water uses could be restricted by limiting outboards (DNR issues), and questioning if citizens were properly represented as the Resolution was passed in October. It was reported that Pequaywan was not instructed properly by county agents. The request was denied without prejudice. Mark Johnson with the P & Z St Louis County will continue following this issue and advise us what the next step might be.

New Business

Assessment fee for Pequaywan Township

A letter has been received advising the Al Ringer, contractor for assessing properties in Pequaywan Township, will increase his fee from $4900 to $5150. He will send out the billing after June 30th. Even with this increase his fees are lower than having this work done by St Louis County.

Gas Tax Money

A letter from St Louis County advises that the town levy must be $17307 for 2008 under road and bridge to receive gas tax money from the county.

Local issues

In response to last month’s citizen concerns about the money spent to support the PVFD Fye reported that in 2006 the PVFD responded to 27 calls of which 18 were in the township and 10 were in the unorganized area. It as discussed that it is an advantage for resident’s insurance costs to have a local fire department.

Meeting Dates

March Monthly Meeting, April 10th at 7:30 PM.

∙ Fry moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:50 PM. Freeman seconded, motion carried.

Prepared by Marialice Arndt

February 13, 2007 Township Board Meeting

Supervisors Present: Mark Freeman, Rick Fry, Brian Landstrom

Keith Stoneburner, Treasurer

Marialice Arndt, Town Clerk

Approximately 11 Residents

The meeting was called to order by Chair Freeman at 7:30 PM.

Regular Business

The January board minutes were read and approved by Supervisors Freeman & Fry. All ayes, motion carried.

Treasurer Report

A comprehensive power-point presentation was given by Treasurer Stoneburner. With visuals of graphs and charts the township fund balance, expenditures and receipts were laid out for 2006 and back to the 1980’s.

Old Business

Auto Mark Voting Machine Insurance Coverage and Other Insurance Issues

After presentation of township finances current insurance needs were discussed. Stoneburner had done the research and proposed the board approve the resolution to have MATIT provide E & O, Workers Insurance, Liability (including the AutoMark) policies for the township. Freeman read the resolution and it was voted on. The premiums are E & O from 3-1-07 to 2-29-08 $498.00, W/C 1-1-07 to 2-29-08 $ $158.00 and PAL 3-1-07 to 2-29-08 $308.00 per year.

∙ Freeman moved to authorize signing of MATIT’s resolution to provide three policies for the township for E & O, Worker’s Comp, and Liability insurance. Landstrom seconded. All ayes, motion carried.

Pequaywan Rezoning Hearing

The February 14, 2007 Rezoning hearing was postponed due to lack of a Planning Commission quorum. It has been rescheduled for March 8, 2007. A new notice will be sent with time and place of meeting. Comments or questions can still be submitted to Tyler Lampella regarding the rezoning until prior to the hearing.

New Business

County Road Maintenance Agreement

A new fee of $665.00 per mile per year for 2007-2008 snowplowing season will begin on November 1, 2007. This letter of notification is to serve as an Addendum to the existing snowplow agreement currently on file.

Local issues

Residents had questions on the rezoning and questioned what the intent of the rezoning was. Fry addressed the question and replied that it would affect new development only.

Meeting Dates

March Monthly Meeting , March 13, 2007 after the election (5:00 – 8:00 PM) and Annual Meeting.

∙ Freeman moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 PM. Fry seconded, motion carried.

Prepared by Marialice Arndt

January 9, 2007 Township Board Meeting

Supervisors Present: Mark Freeman, Rick Fry, Brian Landstrom

Excused: Keith Stoneburner

Others: Marialice Arndt, Town Clerk

Approximately 13 Residents

The meeting was called to order by Chair Freeman at 7:30 PM.

Regular Business

The December board minutes were read and approved by Supervisors Freeman & Landstrom. All ayes, motion carried.

Treasurer Report

December financials were available for review.

Old Business

Auto Mark Voting Machine Insurance Coverage and Other Insurance Issues

Treasurer Stoneburner was absent at the January meeting but has had discussion with Chair Freeman and advises an outline of insurance issues will be present at the February meeting.

Conversion to November Local Elections

Each of the board members expressed that perhaps a local election in March with no other elections to be considered would retain the uniqueness of our township and that would offset any expense that a separate election would incur. It was reintegrated that currently there is no avenue to reverse the decision to return to the March time frame. If citizens were to express an interest in converting to November local elections the topic could be presented at the Annual Meeting.

New Business

Planning Commission Meeting February 2007

A letter has been received advising that Pequaywan’s request for rezoning Boyer, Moose, King, Little Coyote, Kokoosh, Buzz, Valley, Sand, Ace, Ruth, Joker Warren, Schaeffer, Chris, Loren Bear and any other unnamed lake that meets request limitations from RES- 5 to RES-4 will be heard at the next regular Planning Commission meeting in February 2007. Official notification of date, time and place will be sent approximately 2 weeks prior to the meeting. Any comments can be submitted to the Commission by correspondence to Planning Department, 307 First Street South, Virginia, MN 55792 or via e-mail to andersonm3@co.st-louis.mn.us.

PVFD 2008 Budget

Rick Johnson of the PVFD presented the 2008 request for funding of the fire department. The amount requested was $8,800.00 which is the amount requested the last few years. The budget will be taken into consideration at the March Annual Meeting when the levy is determined. Johnson stated that last year the budget was short due to larger than expected equipment repair. Conversation was had that there may be a considerable expense to convert their radios to digital. The board expressed that if needed the VFD could come back to the board for further discussion of their needs.

St Louis County Public Works 2007 Crushing, Crack Sealing and Striping Program

The Board directed Arndt to draft a letter to the Public Works Department requesting crack sealing of the township portion of West Branch Road and stripping of the lower part of the township portion of West Branch Road if the County portion is stripped. It has been past practice to present the County with a letter requesting maintenance of crack sealing and stripping of West Branch Road and our requests have been granted.

Community Decision Making and Conflict Resolution Workshop

Town officials and citizens have an opportunity to attend a Community Decision Making and Conflict Resolution workshop on Monday, January 29th in the Cotton Town Hall from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The fee is $10.00 which includes lunch. The grant is made possible by grants from Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation and Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program. These presentation have been well received in various townships.

Training for Local Board of Appeals & Equalization

Legislation enacted in 2003 requires that, at each meeting of Local Board of Appeal and Equalization, there be at least one voting member who has, within the last four years, attended an appeals and equalization course developed or approved by the Commissioner of Revenue. The Board advises that all of the current board members have received the training within the last four years. Training is being offered January 17, 2007 9:30 to Noon at the Cotton Town Hall.

Local issues

Discussion was had about snow plowing schedules. The residents were advised that the schedule is determined by the County Tool House. A resident commented that an earlier time would make it easier for those traveling early for work. The board felt that the plowing is done quite timely and advise that consideration is given to the routes where the school bus travels. Calls have been made to the County requesting sanding to be done on the West Branch Road due to slippery conditions making it unsafe for the school buses. They have responded twice in recent weeks to do sanding on West Branch Road.

A resident requested that a printed agenda be placed on the Lake Association website for interested parties to stay on top of local issues. It was said that any agenda topic was to go through the supervisors prior to being placed on the agenda. It was reiterated that as the township does not have rights to the Association website the board is uncomfortable with placing official minutes on the website. It was also reiterated that if minutes were to be placed on a website they would contain only action taken and no dialogue as is currently in the minutes.

Meeting Dates

February Monthly Meeting , February 13, 2007 7:30 PM

∙ Freeman moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 PM. Fry seconded, motion carried.

Prepared by Marialice Arndt

December 12, 2006 Township Board Meeting

Supervisors Present: Mark Freeman, Rick Fry, Brian Landstrom

Excused: Keith Stoneburner

Others: Marialice Arndt, Town Clerk

Approximately 12 Residents

The meeting was called to order by Chair Freeman at 7:30 PM.

Regular Business

The November board minutes were read and approved by Supervisors Freeman & Landstrom. All ayes, motion carried.

Treasurer Report

November financials were available for review.

Old Business

ATV Grant and Aid Trail

With the changes after the current state elections and with the changing of the seasons the work that was being done by the local ATV club towards a Grant and Aid Trail appears to be at a standstill. A discussion of local trails may continue in the fall of 2007.

New Business

Conversion to November Local Elections

It was brought to the attention of the board that if a conversion to November local elections were to be discussed and considered at the March Annual Meeting a resolution needed to be passed by the board attesting to their plan to change the election month. Within that resolution a schedule of terms of office for the transition must be provided. This topic will be further discussed at the January meeting.

Meeting Dates

December Monthly Meeting January 9, 2007 7:30 PM

∙ Freeman moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 PM. Fry seconded, motion carried.

Prepared by Marialice Arndt

October 10, 2006 Township Board Meeting

Supervisors Present: Mark Freeman, Rick Fry, Brian Landstrom

Excused: Marialice Arndt, Keith Stoneburner

Others Approximately 100 Residents

The meeting was called to order by Chair Freeman at 7:35 PM.

Regular Business

September board minutes read and approved by Supervisors Freeman & Landstrom. All ayes, motion carried.

September special board minutes read and approved by Supervisors Freeman & Landstrom. All ayes, motion carried.

Treasurer Report

No Treasurer report

Old Business

Draft of Zoning Classification Request read and approved to proceed to submission to planning commission by unanimous vote.

New Business

ATV Trail

County Commissioner Peg Sweeney in attendance. Presented county side of the trail proposal and what had happened at County Board Meeting Today. Tried to rescind county resolution concerning trail and failed. Stressed that the trail was just conceptual. County board passed resolution requesting that the trail only be on State and County land. Current trail design does not meet parameters specified by the State. DNR has not decided which county will be awarded the trail. Minimum of 2 public hearings are required for any trail. Trail would not use any county or twp right of way. No confiscation of private land. Answered questions to the best of her ability with the information that was available. Lots of questions from the floor. She supports ATV trail in county, but not necessarily here.

Steve Johnson from hwy dept attended to answer questions about ROW. ATV can ride in ditch bottom or backslope. HWY dept intention was just for road.

Pequaywan Permits

Are there permits issued to Pequaywan Inn for anything?

Meeting Dates

November Monthly Meeting November 14, 2006 7:30 PM

∙ Freeman moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 PM. Landstrom seconded, motion carried.

(Minutes prepared by Rick Fry)

September 12, 2006 Township Board Meeting

Supervisors Present: Mark Freeman, Rick Fry, Brian Landstrom

Keith Stoneburner, Treasurer

Others: Marialice Arndt, Township Clerk

7 Residents

The meeting was called to order by Chair Freeman at 8:45 PM.

Regular Business

August board minutes read and approved by Supervisors Freeman & Landstrom. All ayes, motion carried.

Treasurer Report

Stoneburner reported that there was unexpected revenue that he contributed to the double levy in the year 2005. In relation to that Arndt reported that the deadline for filing of the Final Town Levies for 2006 to be collected in 2007 is September 15th.

∙ Freeman moved to file a zero final levy for 2006 to be collected in 2007 to correct the double levy imposed in 2005. Fry seconded. All ayes, motion carried.

Arndt will drop off the Final Town Levies form and speak with Richard Olson, Deputy St Louis County Auditor, to make sure the filing is done correctly and that a zero levy is appropriate as he stated verbally by the phone. The board agreed that if we loose our gas tax money when filing in this manner that it would be okay.

Old Business

Do we need to approve St Louis County All Hazard Mitigation Plan?

∙ Fry moved to approve the St Louis County All Hazard Mitigation Plan. Landstrom seconded. All ayes, motion carried.

Fire chief Lucia was consulted to see if we needed to file this form as the VFD had already done so. It was agreed that the Township should also approve the Plan.

Second Bid for Enclosed Portion for Town Sign

It was clarified that as previously discussed that a plastic sleeve would be used to protect any posting and it would be attached using the magnetic letters.

Auto Mark Voting Machine Insurance

Stoneburner is making inquiries about the insurance coverage for the Auto Mark voting machine and will report back at the October meeting.

New Business

Fire Chief Lucia Requests Contract for Burning Yard Waste Management Site

∙ Freeman moved to approved Pequaywan Lake Volunteer Fire Department/Pequaywan Township Agreement that states PVFD agrees to burn brush piles at the Wet Lake Gravel Pit as per agreement with St Louis County and Pequaywan Township. Landstrom seconded. All ayes, motion carried.

Meeting Dates

October Monthly Meeting October 10th 7:30 PM

∙ Freeman moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 PM. Landstrom seconded, motion carried.

Prepared by Marialice Arndt, Clerk

September 12, 2006 Special Township Meeting

SPECIAL MEETING

Supervisors Present: Mark Freeman, Rick Fry, Brian Landstrom

Keith Stoneburner, Treasurer

Others: Marialice Arndt, Township Clerk

7 Residents

The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Rick Fry at 9:10 PM

Fry reiterated that the Township is considering requesting St Louis County Planning Commission to rezone all Resident 5 lakes to Resident 4 to restrict compressed development on smaller, shallow lakes. This would change new building requirements to be 4.5 areas and 300 feet of shoreline frontage (current Res 4 is 2.5 acres and 200 feet frontage). The most recent discussions with the DNR advises that Pequaywan is heading in the right direction and the Planning and Zoning advised that this is being discussed to be done at the county level but in 2-3 years time. Planning and Zoning advised that it was improbable to consider going from Resident 5 to Wild and Scenic zoning, as discussed at the August meeting, but that it would be considered reasonable to request rezoning from Resident 5 to Resident 4. Comments were heard that they felt that this issue will likely intensify statewide and also that it should be something done at the County level. After discussion it was agreed that a draft would be presented to Mark Johnson of the St. Louis County Planning and Zoning to get his input. The matter will be discussed at the regular October Town Meeting.