Category: Minutes

Present:  Mark Freeman, Rick Fry & Scott Mead

Absent: Keith Stoneburner, Treasurer

8 township residents present

Next Meeting set for May 13, 2008

February 12^th, 2008 meeting minutes read by clerk.  Approved by Mark, 2^nd approval by Scott.

Old business discussed:

Rick discussed the condition of the roads and that stripping the cracks may not help much longer.  Discussion may need to be had on a better “fix” for the roads.

The resort property on little Pequaywan was mentioned in that it is to be for sale, but still advertising “For Rent” sign.

Board of Appeals & Equalization meeting set for April 30^th, 2008.

Scott discussed the Hazard Waste pick-up at Northstar Wednesday, May 21, 2008 2pm-7pm. Free of charge

It was asked if there would be interest of having our own recycling drop-off center here to make money, but the response was that we have an agreement with Northstar that the Pequaywan resisdents go down there for recycling.

Motion to adjourn meeting by Mark, 2^nd by Rick. All voted aye.

Meeting convened: 8:25 PM after Elections

Attendance

∙ All Supervisors present in addition to Clerk and Treasurer and approximately 24 residents

Clerk Marialice Arndt called the meeting to order at 8:25 PM. A motion was made and seconded to elect Richard Arndt to preside as Citizen Monitor for the meeting. Motion carried. A motion and second was made to wave reading of the minutes from the March 2007 Annual Meeting. Motion carried. A motion and second was made to wave reading of all checks written and received by the treasurer. Motion carried. A financial report was presented for all to review and no questions were asked.

Rick Fry gave road report. He advised that the road is snow covered and a total assessment would not be made until the pavement was bare. Last year’s county assessment was that it was not in good enough shape for them to patch. After assessment later this spring, if it is deemed necessary to patch, a contractor will need to be found to do the job.

The levy for taxes was discussed. Motioned and seconded that the levy remain at $23,000. Motion carried. Of the $23,000 levy $9050 is for fire protection.

A report was given by Clerk Arndt on the Annual Election. Rick Fry was reelected for another three year term of Supervisor. April Smitke was elected as the new town clerk for a two year term.

Motioned and seconded to authorize an amendment to the resolution establishing voting hours. The resolution reads 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. An amendment was motioned to authorize school board election hours to be from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Motion failed. An amendment was motioned to authorize school board election hours to be from 7:00 AM until 8:00 PM. Motion carried.

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 2009 after the Annual Election. Motion carried.

Discussion of locations for postings was had and it was concluded that the current postings are adequate. Posting sites are at the Pequaywan Inn town bulletin board, PVFD bulletin board, Pequaywan.com website and PequaywanTownship.org website. There is however times, such as accepting certain bids, when it is mandatory to publish in a newspaper.

After discussion on whether the Town of Pequaywan should start the process of developing a comprehensive plan, a motion was made and seconded to develop a citizen committee who would develop a letter that would explain what a comprehensive plan, pose the question if the citizens would favor a comprehensive plan being developed and to bring the topic back for further discussion at the April Town Meeting. Motion failed.

It was not necessary to authorize budget for any MAT training sessions as the elected officers have permission to attend any training that they wish to.

When asked if a consideration could be given for higher pay for the head election judge who has more responsible than the other election judges the topic was deferred to a regular monthly town meeting where the supervisors could address the issue.

A request was made by the fire department for all citizens to consider volunteering. The majority of the volunteer firefighters have many years of seniority and some new recruits would be welcome. There are many levels of involvement that a person can consider.

Motioned and seconded to adjourn at 9:45 PM. Motion carried.

Prepared by Marialice Arndt

Supervisors Present: Mark Freeman, Scott Mead, Rick Fry

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

The meeting cancelled due to the late hour after conducting local elections and Annual Meeting.

Supervisors Present: Mark Freeman, Scott Mead

Supervisor Unexcused: Rick Fry

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

Approximately 8 residents

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

Regular Business

The January board minutes were read and with correction of “treasurer report was available for review”, was approved by Supervisors Freeman & Mead. All ayes, motion carried.

Treasurer Report

The January treasurer report was available for review. Treasurer Stoneburner presented financial overview for 2008. He also presented graphs of budgeting expenses from the recent past years.

Old Business

Comp Plan

Arndt reported that the cost of securing list of all township residents from the county would be approximately $80.00. Such a list would be necessary if a survey was developed and mailed. Mead suggests that a volunteer committee be organized at the March Annual Meeting to work on the comprehensive plan. Freeman expressed that the process and final result would probably not have much value or “teeth”. Residents expressed that it would be a community builder giving residents a voice in how our community grows.

East Shore Road and Pinewood Road Property

A registered letter was mailed to the one resident who has not responded to the proposal of Pequaywan Township purchasing property for resale to involved property owners. The resident responded as not being interested. Residents suggested that township pay for land and let the involved group finish the process of variances etc. Board advises that their legal advise the last time this process was done was that the township needed to have all the variances etc in place before selling to individual land owners. Freeman suggested that perhaps after Pequaywan purchased the land that a interest charge would be accessed on amount of purchased price to said property owners until the lengthy process was complete. That way the rest of Pequaywan residents would not have any impact of the process (loss of interest on money paid out). Residents will continue researching process procedure and report back in March.

Security Gate on County Property

A citizen commented on a security gate that appears to be on County property at the January meeting. Freeman advises that when he contacted the Land Department he was advised that the gate was on residents property but that it appears that the gate blocks access to the county gravel pit at that property site. If we wish to continue inquiry we are to call back in the spring for them to continue evaluation.

New Business

County Association and Minnesota Association of Township dues for July 1, 2007 through June 20, 2008 are due in the amount of $392.80 ($99.00 for County and $292.80 for MAT)

Invoice for Snow Plowing done by county from January – June 2008 is due in the amount of $731.50. Notice received that increase for snow plowing beginning November 1, 2008 will be $700.00 per mile.

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

West Branch Road was stripped in 2007 and a refund check of excess funds of $761.11 has been received.

Received notification that ownership of the AutoMARK has been transferred to the township. We were advised to recharge batteries in AutoMARK every 6 months to prolong life of the batteries. Recharge could take 2-3 hours.

Meeting Dates

March Monthly Meeting March 11, 2008 after local elections and Annual Meeting.

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

Local Elections March 11, 2008 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM PVFD

Annual Meeting to be March 11, 2008 approximately 8:30 PM after election results tabulated.

Prepared by Marialice Arndt

Supervisors Present:

Mark Freeman, Rick Fry, Scott Mead

Keith Stoneburner, Treasurer

Others Marialice Arndt, Town Clerk

Approximately 9 residents

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

Regular Business

The November  board minutes were read, corrected  and approved by Supervisors Freeman & Mead.  All ayes, motion carried.  A correction was made to clarify that it was not WLSSD but rather the St Louis County’s Hazardous Waste Site that takes in various items.  Residents were advised to call for items accepted and fees involved.

Treasurer Report

The November  treasurer report was available for review.

Old Business

Comp Plan

An invitation has been issued to Jessie Shombert of the Sea Grant Program to speak about Comp Planning.

Resort on Little Pequaywan

The County Attorney is considering taking legal action against the resident that is renting his property out as a resort.

ATV Trail from West Branch Road to Bear Lake

The county has advised that the ATV trail from West Branch Road to Bear Lake will be blocked.

High Water Level of Pequaywan Lake

The dam height guidelines were determined by the DNR and it has not been changed.  Fall rains have put the water 6-8″ over the top of dam and trees are under water.  There appears to be no beaver activity affecting the water level.

East Shore Road and Pinewood Road Property

Resident Gordy Larsen presented a list of homeowners that have been notified of the possibility of Pequaywan Township purchasing property for resale to involved property owners.  All residents have responded but one; a letter has been mailed to said resident with no response. Due to the complexity of the matter the issue will probably be brought back to the board for discussion in the spring of 2008.  It was discussed that the Land Department no longer inventories property lines but is now done by Land Surveyors.

New Business

Filing Dates

January 1 through January 15, 2008 are the dates for filing for office for the March elections.  One Supervisor Position and one clerk position is to be on the March ballot.  Forms are available at the Hall and from Clerk Arndt.

Meeting Dates

January  Monthly Meeting January 8^th at 7:30 PM.

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

Prepared by Marialice Arndt Date

Approved as to form and content by Mark Freeman, Chair Date

 

Meeting called to order at 7:30 by Freeman

Supervisors Mead, Freeman, and Fry present

Clerk Arndt and Treasurer Stoneburner Excused

Minutes read and approved Freeman & Mead

Treasurers report available for review

Old Business:

Resort on Little Pequaywan still appears available for rent.

Trail to bear lake currently not included with state trail.

Comp plan possible funding from sea grant program. Possible Jessie Shomberg come in January possible no charge for study UMD. Mead to check on this.

New Business:

Should West Branch be listed as not part of trail system?

Supervisor Mead attended county twp meeting.

St. Louis County Solid waste will accept without charge, appliances, used oil, batteries, tires and wheels small fluorescent lamps. Small fee for tv, monitors, keyboards, cpu and 8 foot fluorescent lamps.

Lake rental problems not confined to Pequaywan. Same issue is happening on Lake Vermillion.

Weed control is a real problem for County. Petition for putting spotted Knapweed on advise on noxious weed list. Spotted knapweed toxic, will kill small trees.

Discussion on the possible purchase of county property located in area between East Shore Road and Pinewood Road by Pequaywan Township for resale to involved property owners. Board asked for more input to be sure all parties involved in the area, were fully informed that there was the possibility of purchase. Documentation required proving that all parties were approached about the possible purchase. The Township must be guaranteed instant payment to proceed. The property owners will be charged for all legal fees incurred by the township.

DNR to be contacted about the level of Little Pequaywan Lake. Appears to be too high.

Soup and dessert before the next meeting 5:30-7:00

County can mandate weed removal.

Motion to sign petition on listing spotted knapweed made by Fry was approved.

Motion to adjourn by Freeman and seconded by Fry

Meeting adjourned at 8:30

Supervisors Present: Mark Freeman, Rick Fry, Scott Mead

Supervisors Unexcused: Keith Stoneburner, Treasurer

Others: Marialice Arndt, Town Clerk

Approximately 8 residents

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

Regular Business

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

Treasurer Report

The October treasurer report was available for review.

Old Business

Comp Plan

It was discussed that funding to develop a comp plan is not available at this time. Mead will continue to look for sources.

Resort on Little Pequaywan

Fry contact the County and was advised this matter is unresolved and that the County Attorney was to be involved. Matter is on-going.

ATV Trail from West Branch Road to Bear Lake

The supervisors have not had any further conversation with any residents about the trail.

New Business

HAVA Guidelines for Townships

The deadline for compliance to the new HAVA guidelines for townships has been extended to 2010. As AutoMark compatibly is inevitable the board decided that we will use AutoMark compatible ballots for the March local election.

Meeting Dates

Next Monthly Meeting November 13^th at 7:30 PM.

∙ Freeman moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 PM. Fry seconded, motion carried.

Prepared by Marialice Arndt

Supervisors Present: Mark Freeman, Rick Fry, Scott Mead

Others: Marialice Arndt, Town Clerk,  Keith Stoneburner, Treasurer                                                 Approximately 8  residents

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

Regular Business

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

Treasurer Report

The September treasurer report was available for review.  As the only expenses were for supervisors no checks were cut.

Road Report

Fry called and requested the County to give advice on whether West Branch Road  would benefit from signage about soft/no shoulder concerns.  The issue was unresolved after conversation with the County.

Old Business

Comprehensive Plan:

Further discussion was had on the need for a Comprehensive Plan for the Township of Pequaywan.  Some residents see a plan as a vision of what the citizens desire for our community, while others express concerns about language in the plan might put us in controversy with the County Planning & Zoning .  It was discussed that as the planning process is lengthy and expensive that a grant would be necessary to proceed with such a plan.

Resort on Little Pequaywan:

The property owner that has used his property as a resort was issued a Cease and Desist order which has been countered by his lawyer that argues that the property is not being run as a resort.  Matter is on-going.

New Business

Boat Ramps:

Residents who build boat ramps may or may not be required to have a permit to do so.  The criteria seems to be if trees/foliage are removed to build ramp.  Residents are advised to contact county authorities if planning to put in a boat ramp, to be in compliance and also for the protection of our lake water quality.

School Elections:

A letter has been received from School District #381 that a levy referendum will be placed on the November 6, 2007 ballot.  Requested information will be mailed to them.

ATV Trail off From West Branch Road to Bear Lake

A long-used ATV trail off from West Branch Road to Bear Lake crosses two private property lines.  Apparently some posting has been done but to no avail.  A question was posed by a group if this trail would/could be closed.  Townships do have the power to outlaw ATV useage on a township road.  As West Branch Road has no shoulder, riders need to ride on the road.  It was questioned if the Township could be held liable as the road has no shoulder. In questioning the DNR about legality of riding on a township road, a resident was advised that a rider cannot legally ride strictly on the road and another resident was advised that it was legal to ride on the road.  Apparently it depends on circumstances, enforcement officer, and if it comes to legal matters, the judge.  No action taken.

Hazardous Waste Disposal:

North Star Recycling will hold a Hazardous Pick-up day in the spring of 2008.  Further information to follow.

Brush Day:

Brush Day to dispose of yard waste will be Saturday September 15^th from 9:00 am to noon.  The disposal site is the gravel pit off from Highway 44 near the storage units.

Residents’ Questions

A resident representing Pequaywan Lake Association inquired if the Township would partner with the Lake Association in placing uniform marker buoys on the lakes.  With discussion, it was determined that being involved in placing buoys could lead to liability issues and it was deemed not appropriate to be involved.

Meeting Dates

October  Monthly Meeting October 9^th at 7:30 PM.

Weed Inspector holding meeting in Cotton on October 24^th.

WLSSD will hold a coffee/open house at the North Star Recycling Center in the AM of October 13^th.  Pequaywan residents are encouraged to attend.

C Freeman moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:35  PM.  Fry seconded, motion carried.

Prepared by Marialice Arndt Date

Supervisors Present: Mark Freeman, Rick Fry, Scott Mead

Supervisors Excused: Keith Stoneburner, Treasurer

Others Marialice Arndt, Town Clerk

Approximately 11 residents

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

Regular Business

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

Treasurer Report

The August treasurer report was available for review.

Road Report

West Branch Road has been stripped by the County. An invoice requesting 95% of the payment was received and paid in the amount of $1696.50. A resident asked if a “no shoulder/soft shoulder” sign should be posted. He was concerned after witnessing a car leave the road. Currently trees are left close to the road to prevent such incidents. Fry will call and request the County to give advice on whether the area would benefit from signage.

Old Business

New Business

Letter has been received from Elections Systems advising that increases in pricing will become effective January 1, 2008. These increases may affect St louis County Auditor’s costs for managing elections and may then be passed on to townships/cities. A call was made to the auditor’s office and we were told that the increase should not be very large and there is still HAVA funds available to handle expenses. Arndt reported that the AutoMark is currently with the County being upgraded and for maintenance. It should be returned by next week.

Brush Day

Brush Day to dispose of yard waste will be Saturday September 15^th from 9:00 am to noon. The disposal site is the gravel pit off from Highway 44 near the storage units.

Comprehensive Plan

Mead advises that many townships currently have comprehensive plans. The metro cities are mandated to have such a plan. The plan is to outline the communities goals and vision for the near future. Such planning would be proactive in planning for land useage. Grants that have helped with this process, which could cost around $5,000, are not as available as in the past. Mead advises he will continue looking into the process and funds available

Fireman Relief Fund

Mead advises that he attended the August 1^st Fireman Meeting. At that meeting the Relief Fund was increased from a benefit of $400.00 to $475.00. This is a pension fund for the volunteer fireman who receive no other compensation for their service to the community.

Township Resolution

Mead presented a memo for signatures that will be mailed to the County Commissioners. The memo reaffirms the Townships position requesting the Cloquet Valley State Forest be classified as “Limited”. The memo will be mailed in partnership with Ault, Fairbanks, Alden and Gnesen Townships.

Fry asked for point of personal privilege to announce that he will be accepting donations for Breast Cancer in conjunction with the Dragon Boat Festival.

Resort on Little Pequaywan

Fry was called about activity on a property on Little Pequaywan. The property owner is leasing his property out as a resort. Fry called County P & Z and was advised that the property must apply for a conditional use permit. Neighbors within 1/4 mile will be notified and a public hearing will be held.

Environmental Issues

Spotted Knapweed is more prevalent this year. The state has turned the control of noxious weeds over to the County. To request a spray program 51% of the townships in the county must petition for the control spray.

Zebra Mussels are another concern that all residents should be aware of. To prevent spread of the mussel boats and trailers should be cleaned and inspected after boating in other bodies of water.

Residents Questions

It was asked if the gate about 1 mile down West Branch Road would ever be open to traffic. The county has closed that access to traffic and it will remain closed.

An inquiry was made if there was any news about a possible cell phone tower in our area. There was no news to report.

Meeting Dates

September Monthly Meeting September 11^th at 7:30 PM.

∙ Freeman moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 PM. Mead seconded, motion carried.

Prepared by Marialice Arndt

Supervisors Present: Mark Freeman, Rick Fry, Scott Mead

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

Approximately 9 residents

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

Regular Business

The June board minutes were read and amended minuted approved by Supervisors Freeman & Mead.  All ayes, motion carried.  A correction was made “There were no checks written in the month of May” was to be the correct statement under the treasurer report.

Treasurer Report

The June treasurer report available for review.

Old Business

Township Website

Rick Fry advised that the website address is pequaywantownship.org and the cost with GoDaddy.com is $87.93 for two years.  He previewed the site on a laptop; advising that it is very simple with no graphics to make it easier for dial-up users.

Fireman Relief Association:

A statement made by Mr. Petry last month was questioned and found to be in error.  He stated that the Township guarantees the pension amount to the fireman volunteers.  As the township and the fire department are two separate entities the non-profit (i.e., the fire department), is to be the guarantor.

New Business

St Louis County Planning and Zoning Amendments:

Notice of proposed Amendments to Zoning Ordinance Article V, Ordinance 46 and Ordinance 33 were provided for review.  Written comments will be taken until July 27^th and a public meeting will be held on August 9, 2007.

Lake Association Use of Hall for Picnic:

After discussion at the Lake Association Meeting it was determined that space and parking would pose a problem so they will not be using the hall for their picnic.

Meeting Dates

July Monthly Meeting August 14 at 7:30 PM.

Mead moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:50  PM.  Mead seconded, motion carried.

Prepared by Marialice Arndt Date