Category: Minutes

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 29^th 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

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

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)

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 15^th.

∙ 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 10^th 7:30 PM

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

Prepared by Marialice Arndt, Clerk

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.

Supervisors Present: Mark Freeman, Rick Fry

Excused: Keith Stoneburner, Brian Landstrom

Others: Marialice Arndt, Township Clerk

11 Residents

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

Regular Business

July board minutes read and approved by Supervisors Freeman & Fry.

Treasurer Report

Treasures report approved by Freeman & Fry.

Old Business

County Yard Waste Management Site Dates Set

Saturday September 2^nd Hours 12:00-4:00

Saturday October 21^st Hours 10:00-2:00

Saturday May 5^th Hours 10:00-2:00

Saturday June 9^th Hours 12:00-4:00

It was agreed that residents of the Unorganized Township and Pequaywan Township would have access to this waste management site. Accepted items will be leaves, grass clippings, pine needles, twigs/branches no larger than 8″ in diameter. Any material brought to site in bags must be empted and bags removed. No stumps, no roots, no trees allowed. There will be zero tolerance of abuse of this program – if abuse occurs the site will be closed to all residents.

Internet Access to Township Meetings

Surrounding Townships were called and very few of them offered internet access. The citizen that had requested the postings on the internet was called by Chair Freeman and after discussion he felt the citizen thought that postings of public meetings on Pequaywan.com and the available of requesting copies from the Town Clerk was sufficient. Any citizen can request copies by providing a written request to the Town Clerk and at the expense of twenty-five cents per page. Minutes can also be viewed at the VFD by making arrangements with the Town Clerk.

Town Sign Update

Bob Hirsch has advised that materials have been ordered and he has been paid half of his bid. A second bid will be necessary to include an enclosed space below the original sign. His lead time is to be 4-6 weeks.

PVFD Polling Place Construction Update

The contract for the improvements has been signed by the appropriate staff at the state level and work will be completed ASAP.

New Business

Approval of St Louis County All Hazard Mitigation Plan

Tabled until the September meeting. Freeman will discuss with Fire Chief John Lucia about the necessity of this approval and report back in September.

Grant Writing Seminars Offered Through MN Council on Foundations

Arndt presented information about beginner courses being offered by MN Council on Foundations for grant writing. Arndt advised that perhaps some staff from the Township should consider taking the course and also provided a copy of information for the VFD. Arndt was advised that any training applicable to the township duties is permissibly and to review upcoming class dates if she wishes to attend.

Auto Mark Voting Machine Insurance

Arndt was advised to discuss insurance of the Auto Mark voting machine with treasurer Stoneburner.

FYI

Educational Conference and Annual Meeting of the MN Association of Townships to be held at the DECC November 16-18, 2006

Meeting Dates

September Monthly Meeting September 12^th 7:30 PM

Special Public Meeting September 12^th at approximately 8:30

∙ Freeman moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 PM. Fry seconded, motion carried.

Supervisors Present: Mark Freeman, Rick Fry

Excused: Keith Stoneburner, Brian Landstrom

Others: Marialice Arndt, Township Clerk

13 Residents

The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Rick Fry at 7:55 PM

As the result of development of additional lots on King Lake, concerned citizens brought to the Township the topic of zoning to restrict compressed development on smaller, shallow lakes. Fry has reported that to initiate the process of possible rezoning a Special Meeting was to be held seeking citizen input and subsequently a resolution from the Township requesting the County to consider our requests. St Louis County has encouraged the Township to consider this process but acknowledges that it is a very political topic. Town Board discussed that they would be more comfortable with the knowledgeable staff of DNR and St Louis County Planning and Zoning making any rezoning decisions. Citizens commended that it is the responsible of the Township to protect our community and another comment was that perhaps the rezoning topic was directed back to the Township as local officials would be more informed of the local lakes . Fry has made numerous calls and still has not deemed what standards should be considered for each zoning and what density would be appropriate. A zoning category of Wild and Scenic was discussed. Citizens commented that common sense would tell us that less dense development on smaller, shallow lakes would be best for the community and the health of the lake and the environment.

After discussion it was determined that Fry will make additional phone calls to the Planning and Zoning Department and the DNR to clarify various issues. It was also suggested that he contact Morse County who has gone through the rezoning process. A second Special Meeting will be called on September 12^th after the regular monthly meeting. Fry will seek names of the appropriate people to invite to that meeting to provide information on this complicated issue and these names will be provide to Clerk Arndt and a formal request and invitation will be made.

Prepared by Marialice Arndt, Clerk

Supervisors Present: Mark Freeman, Rick Fry, Brian Landstrom (arrived at 7:50)

Treasurer Excused: Keith Stoneburner

Others: Marialice Arndt, Township Clerk

7 Residents

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

Regular Business

June board minutes read and approved by Supervisors Freeman & Fry.

Treasurer Report

Treasures report approved by Freeman & Fry.

Old Business

Township Sign

Bob Hirsch submitted bid for construction of new town sign. The design consists of metal framing and magnetic lettering and a decorative design at the top. This design and the design submitted by Highland Signs were discussed.

∙ Landstrom moved to authorized the expenditure for a new town sign from Bob Hirsch asking that he modify the design to include a weather proof section for postings. Freeman seconded the motion. All ayes, motion carried.

Advisory Speed sign

Fry advises that after discussion with the county that we reconsider advisory signs on West Branch Road. It is possible that if Pequaywan puts up signs it can be construed to mean that we make these areas official walkways/bikepaths/atv accessible and could be considered liability if accidents occur. It was noted that private residents can put up signs if they choose on their property. No action taken .

Grant Application

Pequaywan was awarded the HAVA grant for polling place handicap accessible improvements in the amount of $7,045.00. The award if for parking and paving in the amount of $3,650 (400 sq ft concrete), $520.00 for signs, and $2,875.00 for auto HYD closer entry door and lockset. Application for funds to upgrade vanity, install grab bars, and refinish wall and floor at the old vanity location was not granted. The work has however been authorized to complete the handicap accessible construction at the PVFD.

County Yard Waste Management Site

The Agreement for Yard Waste Management between St Louis County and Pequaywan Township was read and discussed. As the Agreement reads materials allowed will be grass clipping, leaves, pine needles, branches and twigs. No trees, roots, or stumps will be accepted. The Board determined that a maximum diameter of 8″ for branches will be allowed. It is cautioned that there will be zero tolerance for abuse of this site and if abuse is noted the site will no longer be made available to any residents. To start with the program will offer two dates in the fall and two dates in the spring. Appropriate dates will be discussed at the July 22 Pequaywan Lake Association Meeting. As the material dries and as the contract reads the site needs to be burned and the fire department has informally agreed to do the burning.

Rezoning

It was determined that a public meeting will be held on August 8^th immediately after the regular town meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss rezoning of R5 lake properties to R4. Lakes affected will be listed at that time and a resolution to present to the County will be drafted.

Arndt was directed to post a public notice of the special meeting.

New Business

Township Prize Donation for 2006 MAT Annual Conference

The request for a township prize donation to the 2006 MAT Annual Conference was tabled.

Correspondence from Title Companies

Arndt advised that a conversation was had with the former clerk and it was determined that as the township does no improvements on properties and therefore there are no outstanding payments that a response of “ None” and “No Township Improvements” should be made and forms mailed back to the title companies.

Fire Training

∙ Freeman moved to endorse the IS700 National Incident Management System. Landstrom seconded. All ayes, motion carried.

A 4 hour training for the VFD was recently held and it was learned that in order for the Fire Department to remain eligible for grant funding a resolution endorsing the IS700 NIMS was necessary. The IS700 NIMS is a management plan on how to deal with a national incident.

Board Minutes on the Internet

An email from a seasonal resident was read by Arndt. It requested that the Board Minutes be placed on the internet to make it easier for all residents, especially those who are not able to attend the meetings, to have access to the business discussed at the meetings. Discussion was had that it be appropriate for only approved minutes to be posted, that a tighter reporting fashion of minutes might be necessary, and it was also discussed that to have full control that a township (or other government entity) site should be where the minutes be posted. Board members will research how other townships handle this issue and the matter will be discussed at the August meeting.

FYI

A resident reported that after a minor incident on Birch Knoll Drive that the US Postal Service will no longer drive up to the individual homes on Birch Knoll Drive. Mail had been delivered previously for many years. He didn’t expect action but wanted the Board to be made aware of the issue.

Meeting Dates

August Monthly Meeting August 8^th 7:30 PM

Special Public Meeting August 8^th at approximately 8:30

∙ Freeman moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 PM. Landstrom seconded, motion carried.

Supervisors Present: Mark Freeman, Rick Fry, Brian Landstrom

Treasurer Present: Keith Stoneburner

Others: Marialice Arndt, Township Clerk

3 Residents

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

Regular Business

May board minutes read and approved by Supervisors Freeman & Landstrom.

Treasurer Report

Treasures report approved by Freeman & Fry.

Old Business

911 Address Signs

Sharon Lewerer, Information Specialist, at the non-emergency 911 number 218-726-2920, addressing division at St Louis County advises that if residents request 911 signs they would cost $25.00. Pequaywan board discussed safety and felt that fire fighters and first responders are not hindered by current signage and suggest residents that wish to have the new style sign contact the County for assistance.

Township Sign

Freeman will contact local resident Bob Hirsch to see if he could produce and if he would be interested in developing a new town sign. Also, Mike Degrio, of Northern Graphics & Highland Signs ( 727-1294 or 722-7086) has been met with and will produce a graphic layout and email a couple of designs for a new sign. The graphics will be reviewed at the July meeting along with discussing response from Hirsch.

Advisory Speed sign

Fry will check with County about proper placement of signs cautioning drivers of children at play, bikers, ATV riders, and walkers.

∙ Landstrom moved to authorize Fry to purchase signs cautioning drivers of children at play, bikers, ATV riders and walkers to be placed on West Branch Road. Freeman seconded the motion. All ayes, motion carried.

Grant Application

The HAVA grant for polling place handicap accessible was to have been awarded on June 7^th. The administrator of the grant was contacted on June 13^th and she advised that the final decisions had not been made yet and a letter would be mailed on Friday June 16^th.

∙ Fry moved to accept John Lucia’s proposal as written for the handicap accessible improvements. Freeman seconded the motion. All ayes, motion carried.

∙ Fry moved to authorize the handicap accessible improvements to be done after notification of HAVA grant award. Freeman seconded. All ayes, motion carried.

County Yard Waste Managment Site

A call was made to the South St Louis Count Land Manager John Thompson at 218-625-3700 (5713 Old Miller Truck Hwy, Duluth, MN 55811) to inquire about an agreement for a yard waste managment site on County property. Forester Roff within that office advised that a letter from Pequaywan making a request for county land use for yard waste management would start the procedure. A copy of the agreement letter that North Star is working under was reviewed to deem the criteria they work under. Roff proposed the gravel pit off Hwy 44 to be a logical site.

∙ Freeman moved to authorize Arndt to write a letter requesting the use of County land for a yard waste management site for the residents of Pequaywan. Landstrom seconded the motion. All ayes, motion carried.

Pequaywan.com Speed advisory

Sue Johnson has honored our request and posted a slow down notice on her website.

Rezoning

Pequaywan supervisors agree to support requesting the County to rezone R5 lake properties to R4 for lakes that are less than 80 acres and are 10′ or less in depth for new construction. This would change the current guidelines of 200′ of shoreline and 2 ½ acres to 300′ frontage and 4 ½ acres. Fry will contact County to confirm procedure of postings for public meeting and this matter will be discussed further at the July town meeting.

Meeting Dates

July Monthly Meeting August 8^th 7:30 PM

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

Supervisors Present: Mark Freeman, Rick Fry, Brian Landstrom

Treasurer Present: Keith Stoneburner

Others: Marialice Arndt, Township Clerk Excused

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

Regular Business

April board minutes read and approved by Supervisors Freeman & Landstrom

Treasurer Report

Treasures report approved by Freeman & Landstrom

Old Business

Township Sign

No progress on township sign.

Board of Appeals

Board of Appeals was held On May 3^rd with 3 people appealing

Grant Application

Arndt filed a grant application for the handicap access improvements. Town board will wait to see how much of the grant is awarded before getting started on improvement.

New Business/Information Items

Calls will be made to the county for help with proper signage on West Branch Road.

Sue Johnson will be contacted to request placing a notice concerning speed on her website.

A letter will be prepared to be presented to the Lake Association about speed on West Branch Road.

Placement of new style 911 sign is normally initiated by the fire department. No action was taken by the Town Board at this time. Estimated cost of 911 signs is $20,000. Clearing the area around current 911 signs would help with visibility.

The tax overcharge situation has not been resolved. It was suggested that the Township Association attorney be contacted about any problems that might be caused by a zero charge for township taxes next year and to see if there would be any adverse problems.

Meeting Dates

July Monthly Meeting July 11^th 7:30 PM

∙ Freeman moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:06 PM. Landstrom seconded, motion carried.

Prepared by Rick Fry, Supervisor