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, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Teek, Deputy Treasurer Jennifer Maciewski.
Clerk’s Report: Since the meeting was conducted via teleconference, the supervisors read the May 12, 2020 Minutes from the town webpage. There were no corrections cited, after which the Minutes were motioned for approval by Swanstrom, seconded by Dressen, motion carried, 3-0-0.
Treasurer’s Report
MAY 2020
Total Funds on hand as of 05/01/2020 (Includes Investments) – $149,426.73
Plus: Deposits – $152.60
Less: Disbursements (May) – $887.84
Total Funds on hand as of 05/31/2020 – $148,691.49
May Check # 1543 – 1551
JUNE 2020
Claims (June) – $1544.27
June Check # 1552 – 1562
No transfers to the Checking Account will be needed
Swanstrom motioned to approve the May 2020 Treasurer’s Report and Claims for June 2020, seconded by Dressen, motion carried, 3-0-0.
Old Business
- St. Louis County Election contacted Walllace inquiring what the township’s planned purchase date and use of the DS200 voting machine. Wallace to contact the State of Minnesota to inquire about the purchasing deadline so we don’t lose our grant. We will hold off ordering until we hear the decision on whether it will be voting by mail this year or not.
- Reimbursement of the Presidential Nomination Primary Election costs via the state’s SWIFT system: Barnes is working with the state to get the amount refunded
- Concern of dead trees in West Branch Road – Swanstrom volunteered to contact St. Louis County Forester to get an opinion as to the hazard of the dead Balsam since some of them are on private property. With the information from St. Louis County and after the burning area is opened, a communication will be sent to residents.
- There are two areas of curvy road in West Branch Road that the township would like straightened and will be working with Nick Elmquist to inspect the area and determine the cost.
- West Branch Road weight limit sign. Dressen installed the sign on June 1st and reported no inquiries about the weight limit yet.
- SCCU Lobby Opening on June 8th – adding deputy clerk and deputy treasurer to co-sign on the account. Barnes to make an appointment with Brad/SCCU, Teek and Maciewski; then acquire signatures from town officers.
- Township Land update
(1) New driveway permit: driveway permit has been obtained at the cost of $100.00. There are two driveway options and either option is acceptable. Driveway is in the process of getting work started.
(2) Tree pile area: Pequaywan Fire Department is agreeable to the proposed location of the burn pile. There was a discussion on burning the pile vs. chipping wood. Burning is free and will serve as training for the fire department. The cost of chipping wood is $200.00/hour and will require a place to put the chips. The township will continue to evaluate chip or burn potential as the property is developed.
(3) Application for Property Tax Exemption: Kuettel mailed the Application for Property Tax Exemption to St. Louis County and hope it will be a permanent application that will not require renewal every 2-3 years.
New Business
- Workers’ Comp coverage for election judges: Barnes reported that the election judges are automatically covered along with the town officers as the premium is based on total annual payroll submitted to Minnesota Benefit Association at the end of the year.
- Township meeting: The board tentatively agreed to conduct an in-person meeting in July at Pequaywan Firehall if it is safe to do so. We will follow guidelines associated with COVID-19 to protect the health and safety of our officers and the public, some of which are: limited number of attendees, 6-foot social distancing, wearing masks, not to attend the meeting if sick or exposed to someone who is sick,, and providing hand sanitizers. Windows may also be opened for more ventilation.Things can change rapidly, therefore, final decision as to whether it will be an in-person meeting or via teleconference will be posted on the town webpage 10 days prior to the July 14th meeting and at the door of Pequaywan Firehall.
Correspondence
Received:
- Two LBAE Letters of Appeal
- Email from St. Louis County Public Health Division with link to online business guide for businesses affected by the pandemic
- Email from Minnesota Association of Townships re-invitation on a teleconference with Governor Walz on May 19 at 5:00m.
- Email from US Census Bureau, Regional Weekly Partner Briefing invitation on May 14 at 10:00 m.
- Email from St. Louis County re-Election Judge Party List
- Email from US Census Bureau, Regional Weekly Partner Briefing invitation on May 28, 3:00-4:00 p.m.
- Email from Minnesota Association of Townships, May 2020 newsletter
- Weekly email update from St. Louis County Public Health Division re-COVID-19
- Email from Minnesota Secretary of State re-VEGA-2 Reallocation Opportunity
- Email from US Census Bureau, Regional Bi-Weekly Partner Briefing invitation on May 28 at 3:00 p.m.
- Email from St. Louis County re-Application for Property Tax Exemption on Pequaywan Township parcel
- Email from St. Louis County Government Services re-CDBG-CV funding application
- Email from Minnesota Secretary of State re-PNP Payments
- Email from Minnesota Association of Townships – newsletter re-Tuesday Township conference calls, Survey from Center for Rural Policy & Development, MAT Office Summer Hours and web seminar schedule
- Email from St. Louis County re-2020 Calcium Chloride Dust Control Bid #5619
- Email from Minnesota State Demographic Center re-how to challenge the population and household estimates from the State Demographer
- Email from Census Bureau: Regional Bi-Weekly Chicago Region-Partner Briefing
Sent:
- CTAS 2019 financial report submitted online to the State of Minnesota Auditor’s Office in March 2020
- Town Levy for 2021 sent by postage mail to St. Louis County Assessor’s Office in May 2020
- Application for Property Tax Exemption to St. Louis County mailed in June 2020
Public Comment:
Dressen was informed that the Clover Valley Initiative continue to acquire broadband funding from another source and the individual was inquiring if the township is still able to provide financial support as previously pledged. The supervisors agreed that financial support will be provided as promised.
Next Meeting: July 14, 2020, 7:30 p.m., tentatively scheduled to be in-person (will be updated whether it is a teleconference or in-person meeting at least 10 days before the scheduled meeting.)
Meeting was motioned to adjourn at 8:19 p.m. by Swanstrom, seconded by Dressen, motion carried, 3-0-0.
Respectfully submitted by,
Lita Wallace, Town Clerk
Stephanie Teek, Deputy Clerk