Category: Minutes

Meeting called to order: Town clerk Lita Wallace called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. The meeting was held at the Pequaywan Fire Hall.

Attendance: Lita Wallace, Dan Ahonen, Amber Cruz, Scott Gronseth, Ross Gustafson, Charles Kuettel, Phyllis Mead, Scott Mead, Donald Swanstrom, Shane Stolp, Lynne Scalzo and  Ted Wallace

Election of a moderator: Phyllis Mead was nominated and elected as the moderator

Announce Agenda for Rest of Meeting (moderator, subject to modification by vote of electorate): no change

2020 Minutes: Motion to approve minutes of previous year’s Annual Meeting Minutes (copies provided by clerk): Charles Kuettel motioned to approve 2020 Annual Meeting Minutes, seconded by Scott Gronseth, motion carried

Reading of the Board of Audit Report as posted by clerk prior to meeting

Annual Board of Appeals and Equalization: scheduled on May 5, 2021, 3:00-4:00 p.m. via teleconference

Result of Township Election: Wallace reported that there is one supervisor position open for election. 59 mail-in/absentee ballots were received out of 148 resident voters. Charles Kuettel was elected with 59 votes.

Pequaywan Town Chair’s Road Report for West Branch Road:  Chair Charles Kuettel reported that the culvert remains a concern and will need replacement in the near future. There has been ongoing concern about the dead/dying trees along the road. The township will have to work with landowners to address the removal of the dead/dying trees.

New clerk and new treasurer effective March 10, 2021: Amber Cruz and Lynne Scalzo have been appointed as clerk and treasurer respectively. Lita Wallace will stay as deputy clerk and Raymond Barnes as deputy treasurer for one year.

Update, suggestions and discussion on possible projects for the land owned by the township in Rossini Road, including the tax forfeited property purchased from St Louis County. Plans for tree and brush drop-off was discussed for the months of May, June and July. No dates were set.

2022 Levy: Discussion and motion to approve general levy and any dedicated levies (road & bridge, plus others determined helpful to treat as designated and not just a budget item Pequaywan Fire & EMS in the amount of $16,500.00. The levy was motioned for approval by Kuettel and seconded by Gronseth, motion carried.

SUMMARY	2022 LEVY	2022 BUDGET
General Fund	$18,000.00	$18,060.00
Road and Bridges (On-going Maintenance)	$3,600.00	$3,500.00
Building/Property Maintenance Fund	$2,000.00	$2,000.00
Fire and EMS	$16,500.00	$16,500.00
Roads and Bridges (Capital Reserve)	$15,000.00	$15,000.00
Total	$55,100.00	$55,060.00

  Other years’ financials

SUMMARY	2021 LEVY	2021 BUDGET
General Fund	$12,000.00	$15,500.00
Road and Bridges (On-going Maintenance)	$3,000.00	$3,000.00
Fire and EMS	$16,500.00	$16,500.00
Building/Property Maintenance Fund	$0.00	$1,500.00
Roads and Bridges (Capital Reserve)	12,000.00	10,000.00
Total	43,500.00	49,500.00

 

SUMMARY 2020	2020 LEVY	2020 BUDGET	2020 RECEIPTS	2020 DISBURSEMENTS
General Fund	$  5,000.00	$19,000.00	$25,600.57	$29,195.82
Road and Bridge (On-going Maintenance	$3,000.00	$  2,500.00	$  5,518.96	$  3,242.50
Fire and EMS	$15,000.00	$5,000.00	$15,020.82	$15,000.00
Building/Property Maintenance Fund	$0.00	$0.00	$1,500.00	$0.00
Roads and Bridges (Capital Reserve)	$12,000.00	$  5,000.00	$7,485.12	$0.00
Total	$35,000.00	$41,500.00	$55,125.47	$47,438.32

2022 Annual Town Meeting: the state set the Annual Town Meeting on the second Tuesday of March following the Township Election. The Annual Town Meeting will be held at the Pequaywan Fire Hall.

Motion to set monthly Town Board Meeting date and time: Don Swanstrom motioned to set the Town Board meeting on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Pequaywan Fire Hall. The motion was seconded by Shane Stolp. All were in favor, motion carried. Exception of March meeting to be scheduled after the Annual Town Meeting.

Motion to set voting place: Ross Gustafson motioned to set Pequaywan Fire Hall as the primary voting place; and Pequaywan Trail Blazer Snowmobile Club as a possible secondary voting place (once they are contacted for confirmation)

Motion to set voting times:
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Presidential Nomination Primary Election, Primary Election and General Election
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., State Election
10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Special Primary Election and Special General Election
5:00 p.m. – 8:00p.m., Township Election

Scott Mead motioned to set the voting times listed, seconded by Ross Gustafson, all in favor, motioned carried

Posting areas:
-Pequaywan Association website: pequaywantownship.org
-West Branch Road Sign board
-Pequaywan Fire & EMS bulletin board
-Pequaywan Inn bulletin board

General Discussion of Items of Concern:
Shane Stolp inquired about the teleconference Township Board meetings and the accessibility of the phone number and passcode. Both the number and the passcode are posted on the Pequaywan Association website: pequaywantownship.org

Adjourn: Charles Kuettel motioned to adjourn the Annual Town Meeting at 8:09 p.m., seconded by Scott Gronseth, all in favor, motion carried

Respectively submitted by,
Amber Cruz, deputy clerk
Lita Wallace, clerk

Meeting was called to order at 7:37 p.m. by Charles Kuettel

Attendence:
Town Officers: Supervisor Charles Kuettel, supervisor Donald Swanstrom, supervisor Douglas Dressen, clerk Lita Wallace, treasurer Raymond Barnes, deputy treasurer Lynne Scalzo, and deputy clerk Amber Cruz.
Guests: Daisy Wallace, Bonnie Dressen, Jim Crace, Charmin Thramer, Greg Planting, Ted Wallace

Clerk’s Report
Since the meeting was conducted via teleconference, the supervisors read the January 12, 2021 minutes from the town webpage. Dressen motioned to approve the minutes, seconded by Swanstrom, motion carried, 3-0-0

Treasurer’s Report
JANUARY 2021
Total Funds on hand as of 01/01/2021 (Includes Investments) – $183,114.48
Plus: Deposits – $700.26
Tax Apportionment – $565.18
Filing Fee – $2.00
Interest on Accounts – $133.08
Less: Disbursements (January) – $19,684.06
Payroll – $1,085.44
Insurance – $973.00
Fire Department – $16,500.00
Other Expenses – $1125.62
Total Funds on hand as of 01/31/2021 – $165,130.68
January Check # 1614 – 1626

FEBRUARY 2021
Claims (February) – $2,323.43
February Check # 1627 – 1635 & 20121
No transfers to the Checking Account will be needed.

Old Business
• File retention- Wallace went over the files in the filing cabinet and took out election materials for shredding and left files that are required for permanent retention; i.e. historical, minutes, and financials. There is a need for the purchase of another filing cabinet. Dressen motioned for the approval of a filing cabinet purchase, the motion was seconded by Swanstrom, motion carried 3-0-0.
• Effective March 10, 2021, Amber Cruz and Lynne Scalzo will take over as clerk and treasurer, respectively, while Wallace will stay as deputy clerk and Barnes as deputy treasurer for one year. Wallace is going to check on the need for Cruz and Scalzo to retake oath of office for new positions.
• March Town election by mail-in balloting: All ballots must be received by the town clerk by 3:00 p.m. on March 9. Envelope must be signed by a witness.
• Opening for an IT to manage trouble shooting the town’s webpages using WordPress: Don mentioned that he received a proposal from a company in Duluth. Daisy Wallace was asked to submit a proposal on the costs/ services she would provide.
• The March 9 Annual Town Meeting will take place in-person at the Pequaywan firehall at 7:30 p.m. with the option to table the meeting and reconvene in May. This meeting is to be followed by the March Town Board Meeting at 8 p.m. and the Board of Canvass Meeting at 8:30 p.m. Swanstrom motioned to approve the location, and time of all the meetings, Dressen seconded, motion carried, 3-0-0. April meetings will be discussed during March meeting.
• Public hearing re-Conditional Use Permit Application for short-term rental of a property located in the township: There is an open hearing at the county on February 11, 2021. Below is the link to access the hearing.

New Business
• Schedule of LBAE Meeting, May 5, 2021, 3:00-4:00 p.m. via teleconference
• Motion to accept upcoming training for elected/appointed town officers Dressen motioned to accept, seconded by Swanstrom, motion carried 3-0-0
• Review future road grants: Scalzo is going to look into the requirements for next year and start working on the application this summer. (see below for more information)

Correspondence
Received:

• Email from SLCAT with January meeting agenda scheduled on January 21, 2021
• Email from Office of the State Auditor Government Information Division advising that the 2020 State Auditor CTAS data files and financial statements may now be submitted with a deadline date of March 31, 2021
• Follow-up email from St Louis County Planning and Community Development re-telephone Public Hearing on February 11, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. for a property located at 9335 Pequaywan Lake Road.For info on how to participate, visit the county website at: https://www.stlouiscountymn.gov/departments-a-z/planning-development/boards-committeesLink for the hearing: (Password, case-sensitive is: Planning) https://stlouiscountymn.webex.com/stlouiscountymn/onstage/g.php?MTID=e198a86386337be2e5585ffa0f5908da9
• Email from St Louis County Planning and Community Development Department re-Phase 3 SLC Small Business Covid-19 Relief Grant Guidelines and Application
• January newsletter from Minnesota Association of Townships with advice on conducting March Annual Meeting for COVID-19; CTAS 2021 update; IRS standard mileage rate of $0.56 per mile; Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) grant application for road improvement projects; schedule of seminar/web online training for town officers
• Email from St Louis County with Master List of voters for March Town Election
• Email from St Louis County re 2020 Annual Township Noxious Weed Report to be filled out and submitted to Land and Minerals Department
• Email from Minnesota Benefit Association re- enrollment period for Group Life and Group Disability Income program for MN Township Officers
• Email from US Census Bureau on Boundary and Annexation Survey (BAS) they are conducting in 2021
• Email from Office of the State Auditor on the availability of CTAS 2021 program for download
• Two (2) Absentee Ballot Application
• Bill for SLCAT ($161.80) and MAT ($307.76) dues for 2021

Sent:
• Sent by postage mail 140 mail-in ballot envelopes to resident voters
• Emails to MAT and St. Louis County Elections with revised list of officers adding new deputy clerk and deputy treasurer
• Submitted the 2020 Annual Noxious Weed Report to St Louis County, Land and Minerals Department c/o Kristin Fogard via email

Public Comment:
• Resident request to vacate a road easement that runs into private property. This is a follow-up from a discussion last September 2020. The supervisors are agreeable to vacate the road and will look at the procedure to make it happen either by motion or resolution to dissolve the easement. Thramer provided the material, Worksheet & Sample Documents for Establishing, Altering or Vacating Roads, from Minnesota Association of Townships and a map of the property.– Charmin Thramer, Greg Planting
• Lighting issue noted in November Board meeting minutes – Shane Stolp (note: this was not discussed as Stolp was not in attendance)
• Short term rental conditional use application at 9335 Pequaywan Lake Road – Jim Crace, Patti Rich. Crace explained the past history of the property as a previous short term rental but applying again due to new regulations by the county and the restrictions they require for renters.

Next meeting March 9, 2021, after the March Annual Meeting, at Pequaywan Firehall.

Dressen motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m., seconded by Swanstrom, motion carried 3-0-0.

Respectively submitted by,
Amber Cruz, deputy clerk
Lita Wallace, clerk

Meeting was called to order at 7:45 pm by Charles Kuettel.

Attendance:
Town officers: Supervisor Charles Kuettel, supervisor Donald Swanstrom, supervisor Douglas Dressen (via telephone), clerk Lita Wallace, treasurer Raymond Barnes, deputy treasurer Lynne Scalzo, and deputy clerk Amber Cruz.

Discussed and set-up budget amounts for 2021
Budget in the amount of $49,500.00 that was approved in 2020 for 2021 was not changed. Swanstrom motioned to approve, seconded by Kuettel, motion carried, 2-0-0.

Discussed and set-up budget amounts for 2022
Proposed budget:
General Fund: $18,060.00
Road and Bridges (On-going Maintenance): $3,500.00
Building/Property Maintenance Fund: $2,000.00
Fire and EMS: $16,500.00
Roads and Bridges (Capitol Reserve): $15,000.00
Total Amount: $55,060.00

Swanstrom motioned to approve the proposed budget in the total amount of $55,060.00, seconded by Kuettel, motion carried, 2-0-0.

Discussed levy recommendation for 2022 for presentation to the residents at the March Townhall Meeting
Proposed Levy:
General Fund: $18,000.00
Road and Bridges (On-going Maintenance): $3,600.00
Building/Property Maintenance Fund: $2,000.00
Fire and EMS: $16,500.00
Roads and Bridges (Capital Reserve): $15,000.00
Total Amount: $55,100.00

Swanstrom motioned to approve the proposed levy in the total amount of $55,100.00, seconded by Kuettel, motion carried, 2-0-0.

Kuettel motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m., seconded by Swanstrom, motion carried, 2-0-0.

Respectively submitted by,
Amber Cruz, Deputy Clerk
Lita Wallace, Clerk

Meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Charles Kuettel

Attendance:
Town officers: Supervisor Charles Kuettel, supervisor Donald Swanstrom, supervisor Douglas Dressen (via telephone), clerk Lita Wallace, treasurer Raymond Barnes, deputy treasurer Lynne Scalzo, and deputy clerk Amber Cruz
Guest: Ted Wallace

Review Clerk/Treasurer’s Reports

• Wallace provided a copy of the CTAS Summary of Receipts report from January to December 2020.
• Reviewed treasurer and clerk’s Disbursements Ledgers (compared Fund/Account/Object Codes); board members selected 3+ disbursements to review and check.
1. #1524 reviewed: disbursement to Donald Swanstrom for meeting attendance- payroll/schedule was used to verify.
2. #1529 reviewed: disbursement to Lita Wallace- Election judge hours, office supplies and mileage claim used to verify.
3. #1515 reviewed: dispersed to Pequaywan Fire Department- no claim due to approval of board during a meeting (oral agreement, see minutes from 1/08/2020).
4. #1539 reviewed- disbursement to Lee Kaplan for township’s website annual renewal.
• Reviewed treasurer and clerk’s Receipts Ledgers (compare Fund/Account) – do direct deposit have triplicate receipts, verified that deposits are noted on the appropriate bank statement, board members selected and reviewed 3+ receipts.
1. #80320 reviewed- from ’20 MN DNR PILT- receipts shown by treasurer and confirmed in both clerk and treasurer’s ledgers.
2. #90120 and #90220 reviewed- 18 month certificate- receipts shown by treasurer and are broken down in books for placement into accounts.
3. #60320 reviewed- PNP Reimbursement for expenses incurred by the township during the Presidential Nomination Primary (PNP) election; email receipts for $1174.85 from the state auto deposit for placement into designated accounts.
• Reviewed Bank Statements to check that Cash Control Statement demonstrates same balance as the Bank Statement: Cash on hand balance of $183,114.48 on the December 2020 Bank statement shown by clerk matched the December 2020 Cash Control Statement.
• Verified that clerk and treasurer are balancing and reconciling bank statements (have the same balance), and Schedule 1 matched for both treasurer and clerk.

Swanstrom motioned to approve that all the records show no discrepancy, All the records matched to the penny; seconded by Kuettel, motion carried, 2-0-0.

Swanstrom motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 pm, seconded by Kuettel; motion carried 2-0-0.

Respectively submitted by,
Amber Cruz, Deputy Clerk
Lita Wallace, Clerk

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm by Charles Kuettel

Attendance:

Town officers: Supervisor Charles Kuettel, supervisor Donald Swanstrom, supervisor Douglas Dressen, clerk Lita Wallace, treasurer Raymond Barnes, deputy treasurer Lynne Scalzo, and deputy clerk Amber Cruz.

Guests: Pequaywan Fire & EMS Fire Chief Dale Brooks, Paul Klassen and Lisa Klassen

Clerk’s Report: Since the meeting was conducted via teleconference, the supervisors read the December 8, 2020 minutes from the town webpage. Dressen motioned to approve the minutes, seconded by Swanstrom, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Treasurer’s Report:
DECEMBER 2020
Total Funds on hand as of 12/01/2020 (Includes Investments) – $170,204.59
Plus: Deposits – $13,795.77
Tax Apportionment – $12,799.39
Township Aid – $864.00
Interest on Accounts – $132.38
Less: Disbursements (December) – $885.88
Payroll – $614.88
Office Expense – $16.00
Worker’s Compensation Policy – $255.00
Total Funds on hand as of 12/31/2020 – $183,114.48
December Check # 1606 – 1613

January 2021
Claims (January) – $19,684.06 (includes $16,500.00 for Pequaywan Fire & EMS)
January Check # 1614 – 1626
No transfers to the Checking Account will be needed.

Dressen motioned to approve the December 2020 Treasurer’s Report and Claims for January 2021, seconded by Swanstrom, motion carried, 3-0-0.  As per Minn. Stat. 367.18, the township board has audited and approved the claim; (2) the clerk has indicated his or her approval that the board took the action indicated; (3) the treasurer indicates there is money available in the township’s account to pay the claims; and (4) the board has delegated the authority to issue the check.

Old Business

• Township Board Meetings: February meeting will be held via teleconference.
• March meetings (Annual Town Hall, Town Board, Board of Canvass) may be held via Zoom or in-person.
• Board of Canvass meeting must be conducted within two days after the March Town Election (to certify the elected officer) by teleconference or in-person which will be discussed during February meeting.
• If the Annual Town Hall and Town Board meetings are conducted in-person and if attendance reaches capacity (to maintain proper social distancing), the meetings will be tabled until warmer weather will permit an outdoors meeting. Levy is not due to St. Louis County until August so voting can be done in the spring. The two meetings will be discussed further during the February meeting. Brooks mentioned that the front area of the Pequaywan Firehall may be used if the weather is nice. Fire trucks may be taken out if there is no snow that day. Brooks also mentioned that he will test the Pequaywan Firehall for internet speeds for possible Zoom meeting usage.
• New township officers: Amber Cruz and Lynne Scalzo where hired as the deputy clerk and deputy treasurer, respectively. Wallace sworn them in for the Oath of Office on January 9, 2021. Swanstrom motioned a $15.00/hour salary during their training phase up to March 9, 2021. On March 10, 2021, they will take over the clerk and treasurer positions and they will be paid the same salary as the present clerk and treasurer are receiving. Seconded by Dressen, motion carried, 3-0-0.
• Swanstrom motioned to add Cruz and Scalzo as signatories for all the accounts with Superior Choice Credit Union, seconded by Dressen, motion carried, 3-0-0.
• One hundred forty two (142) letters were sent by Wallace via postage mail advising resident voters of mail-in balloting for March 2021 Town Election. Ballots will be mailed no later than February 9, 2021 with return address sent to Wallace. Pequaywan Ballot Board will review the ballots and will be opened and counted March 9, 2021.
• Reminder for 2 meetings: Board of Audit Meeting and Budget Meeting scheduled on January 26 at 7:00 p.m. at Pequaywan Firehall – this is an Open Meeting (we will follow COVID-19 guidelines – must wear a mask, hand sanitizer provided, social distancing to limit number of people)

 New Business

• Brooks reported that in the near future, the roof of the firehall will need replacement. The cost is being looked at, as well as, avenues for payment. The fire department is setting aside money for the repairs. He submitted a budget spreadsheet for the fire department from the last few years and requested the amount of $16,500.00 for 2022, same as in 2021, for contribution from the township.
• Approval of Resolution #2020-001, appointing 2021 Election Judges. Swanstrom motioned to approve, Dressen seconded, motion carried 3-0-0.
• Approval of Resolution #2020-002, Appointing the Absentee and Mail-in Balloting Ballot Board for 2021 March Town Election. Swanstrom motioned to approve, Dressen seconded, motion carried 3-0-0.
• Conditional use permit application for short-term rental for a property located in the township that St. Louis County is considering a meeting on February 11, 2021: Wallace is to send information to the supervisors about the approved St. Louis County Provisions for Short Term Rental for review before responding.
• Opening for an individual to manage trouble shooting the town’s webpages using WordPress: Swanstrom mentioned that he knows someone and that he will talk with the individual.
• Requests have been made to reduce the speeds on Pequaywan Lake Road from the north end of the big lake to Pequaywan Inn. A survey of the residents may be conducted, as well as checking with St. Louis County and state level. The state controls the speed limit.

Correspondence

Received:

• Letter from St. Louis County Planning Commission re-conditional use permit application located in 9335 Pequaywan Lake Road for short-term rental and consideration for a meeting on February 11, 2021
• Emails from Phil Chapman of St. Louis County Elections re: (1) approval for mail-in balloting and various email responses to inquiries; (2) Town Clerk Election Guide; (3) Absentee Voting Administration Guide; (4) address label file and list of resident voters for sending letters and ballots to resident voters for town election; and (5) envelopes use for mail-in balloting
• Email from Minnesota Association of Townships with information on how to use mail-in voting for the March township election
• Weekly email newsletters re-COVID-19 from St. Louis County
• December 2020 newsletter from Minnesota Association of Townships
• Email from St. Louis County Land Minerals Department re-2020 Annual Noxious Weed Report to be filled out and submitted by January 31, 2020
• Email from Office of the State Auditor stating that CTAS 2021 is now available including 2021 Tax Tables
• Invoice of $65.18 from St. Louis County Auditors Office for services completed in the preparation and delivery of the Proposed Tax Notice
• Resume from applicants for clerk and treasurer positions
• Affidavit of Candidacy from Charles Kuettel for supervisor position
• Annual Report of Outstanding Indebtedness as of December 31, 2020, received rom St. Louis County Auditor’s Office to be completed by February 1, 2021.

 Sent: 

• Resolution #2020-015, Authorizing Mail Balloting for 2021 March Town Election and Resolution #2020-008, Designating Annual Polling Place emailed to St. Louis County Elections
• Workers’ Comp Survey mailed to MATIT
• Emailed to St. Louis County a copy of Public Notice for the supervisor opening for March town election
• Letters sent by postage mail to 142 resident voters re-mail-in balloting for March township election
• Submitted the following documents via electronic filing to the State of Minnesota:  (1) Minnesota Unemployment Insurance; (2) Minnesota Sales and Use Tax; and (3) Minnesota Withholding
• W-2s sent by postage mail to town officers
• Deb Pomroy, Pequaywan Township Weed Inspector, completed and signed the 2020 Annual Township and City Report, co-signed by Kuettel, was submitted to the St. Louis County Agriculture Inspector
• Annual Report of Outstanding Indebtedness as of December 31, 2020, sent to St. Louis County Auditor’s Office

Public Comment: None

Next Meeting: February 9, 2021, 7:30 p.m. via teleconference

Adjourn meeting: Dressen motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m., seconded by Swanstrom, motion carried 3-0-0.

Respectfully submitted by,
Lita Wallace, Clerk
Amber Cruz, Deputy Clerk

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

Attendance: Town officers: Supervisor Charles Kuettel, Supervisor Donald Swanstrom, Supervisor Douglas Dressen, Clerk Lita Wallace, Treasurer Raymond G. Barnes.

Clerk’s Report: Since the meeting was conducted via teleconference, the supervisors read the November 10, 2020 minutes from the town webpage. Dressen motioned to approve the minutes, seconded by Swanstrom, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Treasurer’s Report

NOVEMBER 2020
Total Funds on hand as of 11/01/2020 (Includes Investments) – $171,717.42
Plus: Deposits – $135.50
Interest on Accounts – $135.50
Less: Disbursements (November) – $1,648.33
First Half Snowplowing Township Road – $1,121.25
Other Disbursements – $527.08
Total Funds on hand as of 11/30/2020 – $170,204.59
November Check # 1599 – 1605

DECEMBER 2020
Claims (December) – $885.88
December Check # 1606 – 1613
No transfers to the Checking Account will be needed

Dressen motioned to approve the November 2020 Treasurer’s Report and Claims for December 2020, seconded by Swanstrom, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Old Business

• West Branch Road update: a supervisor will check the plowing turnaround area with damages on newly planted trees
• Future voting and meetings update:
  1. Location of the Annual Townhall and March Town Board meetings will be discussed at the January Town Board Meeting.
  2. There were 134 residents that voted during the November 3 General Election which was conducted by St. Louis County via mail-in voting.
  3. January meeting will be conducted via teleconference.
  4. Swanstrom motioned and Dressen seconded to schedule the Board of Audit Meeting and Budget Meeting on Tuesday, January 26, at 7:00p.m. Motion carried, 3-0-0. These are open meetings.
  5. Wallace reported that due to COVID-19, the municipal governing body may authorize mail balloting by resolution for the March 2021 town election. And also due to COVID-19, two of the election judges are not available to serve and back-up judges may also not be available. Due to the worsening situation with the virus and not knowing what it will be like in March, Dressen motioned to submit a resolution to conduct mail balloting during the March 2021 town election, Swanstrom seconded, motion carried, 3-0-0.
• Update on the deputy clerk and deputy treasurer open positions:
  1. Discussion will include possible letter to township residents and the possible dismantling of the township if we can’t fill the open positions.
  2. Wallace reported that as of this date, there were no applicants for the deputy clerk/clerk position. Kuettel instructed Wallace to put together an advertisement for clerk position in the Duluth News Tribune, must reside in Duluth or surrounding area.
  3. Barnes reported that Lynne Scalzo applied for the treasurer position. Swanstrom motioned, Dressen seconded to accept the hire of Scalzo as treasurer-in-training, motion carried, 3-0-0.
  4. Kuettel presented a rough draft of a letter for residents requesting assistance in finding an individual to apply for the clerk position and explaining the possible scenario in case one is not found.
• LBAE supervisor training: Kuettel had completed the training

New Business

• Polling place and resolution for 2021 elections: Pequaywan Firehall has been designated as the polling place for March 2021 elections per Town Resolution # 2020-008, Resolution Designating Annual Polling Place
• Report open town officer position/s to St. Louis County for March town election: one supervisor position is open

Correspondence

Received:

• Newsletters via email from Minnesota Association of Townships re-polling place designation for 2021; and operational guidelines operating the township amid
  COVID-19
• Email from EDDMapS (Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System) coordinator confirming that a local EDDMapS verifier has verified that plant determinations submitted by Deb Pomroy, town’s Noxious Weed Inspector, on August 5, 2020, was correct and will be publicly available on maps and download
• Schedule of SLCAT meeting for December 2020 to March 2021 meetings
• Email from St. Louis County’s COVID-19 weekly partner communications with information on the new COVIDawareMN app that will notify the population if someone who’s been near them later test positive for coronavirus, COVIDaware MN | State of Minnesota COVID-19 exposure notification applicatio

Sent: None

Public Comment: None

Next Meeting, January 12, 2021, 7:30 p.m., via teleconference

Adjourn meeting: Swanstrom motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m., seconded by Dressen, motion carried 3-0-0.

Respectfully submitted by,
Lita Wallace, Town Clerk

Meeting was called to order at 7:34 p.m. by Chair Kuettel.

Attendance: Town officers: Supervisor Charles Kuettel, Supervisor Donald Swanstrom,

Supervisor Douglas Dressen, Clerk Lita Wallace, Treasurer Raymond G. Barnes.

Clerk’s Report: Since the meeting was conducted via teleconference, the supervisors read the Ocotober 13, 2020 Minutes from the town webpage. Swanstrom motioned to approve the minutes, seconded by Dressen, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Treasurer’s Report

OCTOBER 2020

Total Funds on hand as of 10/01/2020 (Includes Investments) – $172,757.54
Plus: Deposits – $2,081.11
CARES Election Grant ($449.00)
Transfer to Building/Property Fund from General Fund ($1500.00)
Interest on Accounts ($132.11)
Less: Disbursements (October) – $3,121.23
Transfer from General Fund to Building/Property Fund ($1500.00)
Other Disbursements ($1621.23)
Total Funds on hand as of 10/31/2020 – $171,717.42
October Check # 1593 – 1598

NOVEMBER 2020

Claims (November) – $1648.33 (includes snowplowing bill)
November Check # 1599 – 1605
No transfers to the Checking Account will be needed

Dressen motioned to approve the October 2020 Treasurer’s Report and Claims for November 2020, seconded by Swanstrom, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Old Business

• Update on West Branch Road – some residents have expressed concern on trees going down partly in township area. No update yet whether the repair on West Branch Road had been completed.
• Discussion on upcoming township meetings – with the uncertainty of the effects of COVID-19, the township will continue to meet via teleconference and will keep discussing monthly. For the election and Annual Town Meeting in March, the township will try to find a location to conduct the election and the meeting. Barnes will check with the Snowmobile Club if their building can be used.
• Update on clerk and treasurer positions – The position for clerk and treasurer are still open. No application has been received as of this date. Barnes will talk with the incoming North Star clerk if she might be interested. The only problem is that she cannot be in two places during the Annual Town Meeting. Kuettel requested Wallace if she will be available to conduct the Annual Meeting and serve as Deputy Clerk. Wallace agreed.
• Dressen mentioned that there was a situation when an individual called asking about the vehicle axle weight limit in West Branch Road but has no idea how big the equipment is.

New Business

• Invasive weed report – Deborah Pomroy, Town of Pequaywan Weed Inspector, reported that she completed the submission of the required Noxious Weed Survey Report online via EDDMaps to St. Louis County Land Department. She mentioned that other government agencies such as the MN Department of Agriculture reviews the report but nothing has been done by the agencies.

Correspondence

Received:

• Email from Minnesota Association of Townships re-the 2020 MAT Educational Conference and Annual Meeting schedules
• Various emails from St. Louis County Elections re- upcoming General Election on November 3
• Email from Frontier Communications verifying if they need a permit for a work to be done on the township between homes 9196 and 9182 West Branch Road
• Email from Minnesota Association of Townships re-2020 MAT Educational Conference and Annual Meeting on November 20 to be held via Zoom webinar due to the pandemic
• Email from St. Louis County Association of Townships re-Agenda for October 28 Zoom meeting, minutes of February 2020 meeting, minutes of the 56th Annual meeting on May 22, 2019 and the By-laws
• Snowplowing bill for West Branch Road from St. Louis County Public Works Department in the amount of $1,121.25 for 1st half of 2020-2021
• Bill from Deborah Pomroy, Pequaywan Township weed inspector, in the amount of $200.00, for the survey completed in two areas specified in the report below
• Bill from Minnesota Association of Townships Insurance Trust in the amount of $255.00 for Worker’s Compensation premium covering 1/1/2021-1/1/2022 due 1/1/2021

Sent:

• Minnesota Unemployment Insurance and the Minnesota State Withholding Reports have been filed electronically with the State of Minnesota by Barnes
• Noxious Weed Survey Report of burning site on township land located at T54N R12W NE1/4 of NE1/4 Sec 19 and weed survey of St. Louis County gravel pit located at T54N R12W NE1/4 of SE1/4 Sec 18 was submitted by Deborah Pomroy to St. Louis County Land Department thru EDDMapS, http://www.eddmaps.org/

• Submitted the Resolution Adopting the Minnesota Township General Records Retention Schedule to Minnesota Historical Society – confirmed received on 11/10/2020

Public Comment:

• Outdoor lighting – the individual that requested this topic was not able to join the meeting but the supervisors agreed that it is a concern. They could make recommendations but the township cannot enforce it.

Next Meeting, December 8, 2020, 7:30 p.m., via teleconference

Swanstrom motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:16 p.m., seconded by Dressen, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Respectfully submitted by,
Lita Wallace, Town Clerk

Meeting was called to order at 7:34 p.m. by Chair Kuettel.

Attendance: Town officers: Supervisor Charles Kuettel, Supervisor Donald Swanstrom, Supervisor Douglas Dressen, Clerk Lita Wallace, Treasurer Raymond G. Barnes, Recording Secretary Marialice Arndt

Guests: Richard Arndt, Lisa Klassen, Paul Klassen, Shane Stolp, John Wilson

Clerk’s Report: Since the meeting was conducted via teleconference, the supervisors read the September 8, 2020 minutes from the town webpage. Dressen motioned to approve the minutes with spelling correction of his last name, seconded by Swanstrom, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Treasurer’s Report

SEPTEMBER 2020

Total Funds on hand as of 09/01/2020 (Includes Investments) – $174,718.78
Plus: Deposits – $135.21
Interest on Accounts ($135.21)
Less: Disbursements (September) – $2,096.45
Total Funds on hand as of 09/30/2020 – $172,757.54
September Check # 1580 – 1592

OCTOBER 2020
Claims (October) – $1621.23
October Check # 1593 – 1598
No transfers to the Checking Account will be needed

Dressen motioned to approve the September 2020 Treasurer’s Report and Claims for October 2020, seconded by Swanstrom, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Old Business

• Update on the West Branch Road repairs: Kuettel stated that part of the work was done and will be completed the week of October 19.
• Tree branch drop off site update: Kuettel mentioned that tree drop off is done for the year and dates for 2021 will be scheduled in the spring. Motion by Dressen to close the tree drop off site for 2020 and to request Pequaywan Volunteer Fire Department to burn the pile after a snow fall, seconded by Swanstrom, motion carried 3-0-0.
• LBAE training: Supervisor Dressen had scheduled a mid November date to complete the training. Supervisor Swanstrom has not completed the training.
• Position opening for deputy clerk: At this time there has been no application received for the deputy clerk position. Ray Barnes will discuss the position with an interested party when North Star Township meet this Thursday. Supervisor Dressen suggests that meetings go through Zoom for more interest in the meetings in general but also for the deputy clerk position.

New Business

• Monthly town board meetings and upcoming meetings and elections including budget meeting, board of audit meeting, annual town meeting, board of canvass meeting, reorganization meeting, LBAE meeting, and annual town election: Discussions need to be had about safety protocol for meetings and election or locate a larger capacity location. Pequaywan Firehall can accommodate up to 13 people. The snowmobile club is 40×60 and may be a solution as the grooming equipment will not be housed until after April 1^st. If Zoom is considered a practice, run would be prudent.
• Wallace reported that the township received CARES election grant funding from the state through St. Louis County to assist the township with 2020 election cycle preparation and related costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the amount of $449.00. The amount submitted was for $515.98. The default allocation included the following factors: a flat base allocation for all counties, 2018 voter turnout, 2018 absentee voter turnout, number of registered voters, number of polling places, and population.
• Barnes will create a new fund titled Building Property and Maintenance Fund in the amount of $1,500.00 which will come from the General Fund.
• Town residents Marialice Arndt, Richard Arndt and John Wilson proposed to install a flagpole, a landscape rock and a granite plaque in the corner of West Branch Road with the landowner’s approval. Motion by Dressen for Richard Arndt to apply for a Cooperative Light & Power (CLP) Roundup Grant to install a flagpole at the corner of West Branch Road using the township as Representative Organization, seconded by Swanstrom, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Correspondence

Received:

• Email from Brian Fritsinger, St. Louis County Administrator re-CARES grant to Small Cities and Town to reimburse election and non-election expenses incurred related to COVID-19
• Email from Phil Chapman, St. Louis County Elections re-CARES grant for reimbursement of expenses related to election in the amount of $449.00
• Email from Lora Skarman of St. Louis County Assessor’s Office re-LBAE Minnesota training for 2021 LBAE meeting

Sent:

• Submitted the CARES grant reimbursement form for election expenses related to COVID-19 in the amount of $449.00 to St. Louis County

Public Comment:

• Short term rental/license: St. Louis County Ordinance 62 will go into effect in January 2021. Chair Kuettel said that Pequaywan Township has no jurisdiction for enforcement of short term rental/license as that is the role of the county.

Next Meeting, November 10, 2020, 7:30 p.m., via teleconference

Dreseen motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:29 p.m., seconded by Swanstrom, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Minutes was taken by Marialice Arndt, Recording Secretary

Respectfully submitted by,
Lita Wallace, Town Clerk

The meeting which was held outdoor was called to order at 6:42 p.m. by Chair Kuettel. Attendees were following 6-foot social distancing.

Attendance:

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

Guests: Richard Arndt, Bonnie Dressen, Lisa Klassen, Paul Klassen, Deb Pomroy, Faye Swanstrom

Clerk’s Report

A copy of the minutes of the Board of Supervisors meeting on August 12, 2020 was provided to attendees, Motion to approve by Dressen, second by Swanstrom, motion carried, 3-0-0

Treasurer’s Report

AUGUST 2020
Total Funds on hand as of 08/01/2020 (Includes Investments) – $169,188.54
Plus: Deposits – $8,844.16  (2020 MN DNR PILT $3,867.51; 19 Tac Prod-Aug20 Dist $4,841.00; Interest on Accounts $135.65)
Less: Disbursements (August) – $3,313.92
Total Funds on hand as of 08/31/2020 – $174,718.78
August Check # 1570 – 1579

SEPTEMBER 2020
Claims (September) – $2,096.45
September Check # 1580 – 1592
No transfers to the Checking Account will be needed.

Motion by Swanstrom to approve August Treasurer’s Report and September Claims, seconded by Dressen, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Old Business

• September in-person meeting was held outdoor.
• Update on the tree branch drop off site and discuss next date for drop off: There were 51 individuals who came on August 29 to drop off dead trees. One problem is that branches were not cut off from the trunk. Reminder to make sure that trunks are de-limbed or branches separated from the trunk. The township thanks Richard and Marialice Arndt for helping during the drop-off. Kuettel and Dressen finished the access road. Next drop off date is September 26 from 10: a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Richard Arndt will have the key to the gate and will supervise the site.
• West Branch road damage – what to do if contractor damage (discussion on road damage while unloading large equipment for work on homeowner property): It was decided that in the latest case, the road was not properly firm and the township must pay for the repair. Per Minnesota Association of Townships, the landowner is liable for road damage due to work connected with their property and may seek reimbursement from the contractor.
• Weed control update – Once leaves fall, Pomroy and Dressen will inspect for Buckthorn.
• Mail-in voting for November General Election – 136 letters from the township mailed on August 24 to resident registered voters.
• Walking path: Dressen mowed the walking path for the last time this year. The path is greatly improved and the area provides a lovely walk.
• LBAE training: reminder to supervisors that needs re-certification to complete the online training for 2021 LBAE meeting.

New Business

• Position opening for deputy clerk: The deputy clerk hired earlier this year has put in her resignation. And since the current town clerk is leaving the position in March 2021, the township really needs to hire a deputy clerk as soon as possible so that person can be trained to take over the clerk position. It is vitally important that this position is filled, so please ask any prospective applicants to contact the town clerk at peqclerk@gmail.com. The posting with required qualifications and duties can be found at https://pequaywantownship.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/deputyclerk.pdf.

Correspondence

Received:

• Auditor approval letter from St. Louis County Auditor’s Office re-approval to switch Pequaywan Township to a mail ballot precinct for the 2020 General Election
• LBAE training information for 2021 appeals season from Minnesota Department of Revenue
• From Minnesota Association of Townships: District 10 meeting in August; 2020 Fall Legislative & Research Committee meeting; August 2020 Newsletter
• From St. Louis County re- (1) County Small Business COVID-19 relief grants available starting August 24; (2) maintenance programs for 2021
• Special assessment request from Steve Ball & Associations for a property at 9021 West Branch Road
• Special assessment request from North Shore Title for a property at 8887 Pequaywan Lake Road

Sent:

• Mail-in voting letter for the November General Election to 136 registered resident voters

Public Comment:

• Short-term rental (STR) and enforcement: St. Louis County Ordinance 62 will go into effect in January 2021. A local resident has applied for an STR application. Another local resident has stated some complaints but was advised to concentrate more on the illegal activities than the lesser problems.
• Speeding in Highway 44: Increased speed continues to be a problem in Highway 44. The township is looking into adding road signs for lower speed.
• A resident inquired about the Rossini Road being closed for traffic: Rossini Road signs do not indicate date of work on road. Kuettel called St. Louis County and was told that September 9 is the only day the road was closed so a culvert can be installed.

Next Meeting, October 13, 2020, back to regular time at 7:30 p.m. and will be held via teleconference. Barnes will be the moderator with Wallace as back-up. Will contact Lee Kaplan for assistance in setting up the teleconference.

Dressen motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 p.m., seconded by Swanstrom, 3-0-0.

Minutes were taken by Bonnie Dressen.

Respectfully submitted by,
Lita Wallace, Town Clerk

AGENDA

The meeting which was held outdoor was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chair Kuettel. Attendees were following 6-foot social distancing.

Attendance:
Town officers: Supervisor Charles Kuettel, Supervisor Donald Swanstrom, Supervisor Douglas Dressen, Clerk Lita Wallace, Treasurer Raymond G. Barnes

Guests: Marialice Arndt, Richard Arndt, Bonnie Dressen, Jim Hacking, Paul Klassen, Ken Kost, Deb Pomroy, Tom Sykes, Ted Wallace, Daryl Waldriff, John Wilson

Clerk’s Report:

Wallace presented the minutes of the Board of Supervisors Meeting  on July 14, 2020 and July 29, 2020 Emergency Meeting. Revision was suggested to add that instead of in-person voting in November, it will be mail-in voting for the July 14 meeting minutes. No changes on the Emergency Minutes. Motion to approve by Dresden, second by Swanstrom, motion carried, 3-0-0

Treasurer’s Report

JULY 2020

Total Funds on hand as of 07/01/2020 (Includes Investments) – $148,470.88
Plus: Deposits – $22,890.22
Less: Disbursements (July) – $2,172.56
Total Funds on hand as of 07/31/2020 – $169,188.54
July Check # 1563 – 1569

Motion by Swanstrom to approve July Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Dressen, motion carried, 3-0-0.

AUGUST 2020

Claims (August) – $3313.92
August Check # 1570 – 1579
No transfers to the Checking Account will be needed

Motion by Swanstrom to approve August Treasurer’s Report and the Claims, seconded by Dressen, motion carried, 3-0-0

Old Business

• August in-person meeting was held outdoor.
• September in-person meeting will be held at Pequaywan Firehall with a possibility of conducting it outdoors, weather permitting, following guidelines for in-person meeting. September Town Board Meeting has been revised to start at 6:30 p.m. Motioned by Swanstrom, seconded by Dressen, motion carried, 3-0-0.
• Status and possible date for tree disposal at township land/opening of collection area for dead trees: St. Louis County is scheduled to inspect and approve that a culvert is not needed in the driveway to the tree disposal area. Kuettel reported that the tentative date for the tree disposal area will be Saturday, August 29, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Requirements are that maximum diameter must be 10 inches and the branches must be de-limbed/ separated from the trunk.  Second burning will be scheduled sometime in September and will be announced during the September meeting. Swanstrom motioned the opening of the area and the date and time, seconded by Dressen, motion carried, 3-0-0.
• Update on the walking trail: Dressen reported that he had finished mowing the trail and mentioned that there is a huge problem with thistle. He commented that “the walking trail is an absolute jewel for the township.” The township is hoping that more people will use it.”
• Fire threat from dead trees at West Branch Road: Swanstrom reported that he talked with Kelly Sandroski of St. Louis County and they are interested in getting the trees taken cared of as we are. Landowners could be advised to take care of the issue and if they don’t do anything with it, the township can decide what to do next. DNR has more authority on it. Some guests suggested to write a letter to the property owners to ask them to remove the dead trees. The dead trees are in the county land within the right of way.
• DS200: Wallace reported that she talked with the company that sells DS200 and was told that the machine processes ballots at 300 per hour. The county stated that it is not a requirement to purchase the machine, a township can continue to do hand count. Since the town only has under 150 registered voters, the supervisors decided that it is not worth it to purchase the machine for over $5,000.00 . Swanstrom motioned to advise the state that the township declines the grant, Dressen seconded, motion carried, 3-0-0.
• Cares Act grant for Election 2020 expenses: Wallace reported that the state through St. Louis County has approved this grant to cover expenses incurred during state and federal elections during this pandemic. Example of an expense will be plexiglass barrier.
• August 2020 Primary election update – 32 out of 135 registered voters voted in-person. There were 13 Absentee Ballots.
• November 2020 General Election mail-in voting: Registered voters will be receiving their ballots for November election from St. Louis County
• Discuss the following resolutions:
  1. Records Retention and Filing System for Townships
  2. Statutory Conflicts of Interest
  Dressen motioned to approve the two resolutions, Swanstrom seconded, motion carried, 3-0-0.

New Business

• Dressen reported that there is someone selling a landmower that the township can purchase. Dressen motioned to set-up a Building/Property Maintenance fund for $1500.00, Swanstrom seconded, motion carried, 3-0-0.
• Chinese Mystery Snails (click to view image) in the area and how to dispose of them: Pomroy reported that she had seen hundreds of Chinese mystery snail in the area. She also mentioned that these snails (click to view image) were found at the little lake two years ago. Furthermore, she said that to properly dispose of them, DNR advises to bury them in the ground. The snails carry parasites transmissible to ducks and they are decimating certain population of waterfowl. Dressen suggested for Pomroy to do a research for helpful websites that can be posted to the town webpage. Guests were concerned that folks are bringing boats that are used from other lakes and bringing invasive species to the lakes here.

Correspondence

Received:

• Newsletters from the Office of the State Auditor with information on CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid Relief, and Economic Securities)
• Several emails from St. Louis County Elections: clerk/election judge training; election supplies; rosters; PPE (hand sanitizer, disinfectant spray, masks) available for pickup; reminder to do preliminary test of the Automark machine prior to holding the public accuracy test; DS200 manual; mailing labels for registered voters; sample mail ballot letter; CARES Act; names of voters that requested Absentee ballots for August election to be marked on the roster
• Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State with instructions on VEGA-2 grant funds and expenditure reporting for the purchase of DS200 counting machine
• Governor Walz’s Executive Order 20-81 from St. Louis County which says beginning July 25, 2020, all Minnesotans must wear a face covering in all public indoor spaces including polling places
• Requests from Steve Bell & Associates, and North Shore Title to verify special assessments levied on properties in the township
• Minnesota Association of Townships (MAT) re-unsolicited packages of mystery seeds appearing to come from China
• MAT special teleconference on CARES Act funding for townships
• S. Census Bureau updates on the Final Boundary Validation Program
• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources re-CPL grant program open for applications to nonprofit organizations and government entities with purpose of funding conservation projects that restore, enhance, or protect forests, wetlands, prairies, or habitat for fish, game, and wildlife in Minnesota with grant ranging from $5,000 to $400,000

Sent:

• Emailed Resolution 2020-012 Supporting Mail Voting for November 2020 General Election to St. Louis County Elections
• Emailed list to St. Louis County Elections of training completed by election judges

Public Comment:

Next Meeting, September 8, 2020, 6:30 p.m., Pequaywan Firehall, 8764 Pequaywan Lake Road

Dressen motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 p.m., seconded by Swanstrom, 3-0-0.

Respectfully submitted by,
Lita Wallace, Town Clerk