Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Nelson.
Attendance:
Town officers: Chair Douglas Nelson, Vice-Chair James Wilson, Supervisor Douglas Dressen, Clerk Lita Wallace, Treasurer Carol Nelson, Deputy Treasurer Ray Barnes
Absent: Deputy Clerk Shane Stolp
Guests: Bonnie Dressen, Stephanie Jones, Stephen Jones, Deb Pomroy, Daryle Waldriff, Ted Wallace
Clerk’s Report
Copies of the minutes were distributed to attendees and they were given time to read it. Dressen motion to approve the minutes, Wilson second, motion carried. Nelson yay, Dressen, yay, Wilson yay.
Treasurer’s Report
OCTOBER 2024
Total Funds on Hand 10/1/2024 $276,228.12
Plus: Deposits $406.55
–Interest on Accounts 406.55
Less: Disbursements $4,549.54
–Payroll 1,268.45
–Other Expenses 931.17
–Payroll 941 Report 1,113.67
–St. Louis County 2024-2025- 1/2 Snow Plowing 1,236.25
Total Funds on Hand 10/31/2024 $272,085.13
Checks Written 2073-2087
NOVEMBER 2024
Expected Receipts NONE
Checks Written 2088-2095 $1,663.68
No transfer to checking needed
Treasurer Nelson proposed opening two (2) CD’s at $50,000 each with the National Bank of Commerce. Nelson reported that she will be closing the CD’s with Superior Choice Credit Union.
Dressen motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report, second by Wilson, motion carried. Nelson yay, Dressen, yay, Wilson yay.
Old Business
- Update on West Branch Road by Chair Nelson: On October 30th, we received notice from St. Louis County that our application for snow removal on the West Branch Road had been approved. This was a welcome notice after all the work that had been done removing trees, trimming edges and removing everything overhanging the road. I did a second ride along with Kelly Gronsorowski from St. Louis County and he said we did a really good job. Thanks goes to Jim Wilson, Brian Von Arb, Chris Sands, Jeff Somrock and Jim Hacking. We learned a lot from this project and will be able to do a more efficient job when we are required to do it next time. The residents along the West Branch Road stopped to talk to use and thank us for what we were doing. I received no complaint about cutting the trees that were a problem for the plow.
Kelly reminded me of the area that needs to be patched next year before he signs off on the plowing contract again. I am working with Kevin Smalley with Sinnot Blacktop to set up a game plan for next spring to do the repairs and possibly seal coat the patches that have been done in the past to extend their useful life. We are going to set up a meeting for next week and as soon as I have that information, I will advise everyone.
While working the ditches along the West Brand Road, I discovered a second culvert in a different location than the two main culverts. I have no history on this culvert as to when it was installed.
The Subordinate Service District has been on the back burner with most of our time being devoted to road maintenance. I will begin working on this again very soon.
- Status of Invasive Species grant money by Bonnie Dressen – RFP due at 4:30 p.m. on November 22, 2024 – Bonnie has been working on it and will submit an RFP on the deadline date.
- Update on election process and open hours for voting: Wallace reported that there were a total of 95 in person voting and 29 absentee voting. Forty five voters voted between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. almost half of the voters who voted in person. Due to this, the board decided that they are not going to propose any changes on the start time of voting for all state and federal elections which will remain at 7:00 a.m.
- Purchase of a tarp for covering burn pile. 20 X 20 medium duty at Northern Tool costs $29.99 (20 x 30 HD costs 89.99): For this purpose, an agreement between Daryle Waldriff and the board to purchase a 20’x100′ tarp from Waldriff for $125.00.
- Setting a fine for violation of load limits tabled from last month: D. Nelson said that he contacted the MAT attorney Steve Fenske, General Counsel for advise on this matter but have not hear back as of yet. Again, I will keep you updated as I receive information. Looking to implement this in spring.
- Laptop estimate costs – Barnes proposed buying two HP laptop for $630.00 each which will be for the clerk and treasurer. The laptops now in possession of the clerk and treasurer will be transferred to the deputies. The board requested for Wallace to contact John Wall to help install Microsoft Office. Dressen motion to approve purchase of two laptops for $630.00 each, second by Wilson, motion carried. Nelson yay, Dressen, yay, Wilson yay.
- FYI: 2024-2025 Snow plowing contract of West Branch Road with St. Louis County was approved after the supervisors with community help cleared the trees and brush along the road as required by the county
- CTAS/Social Security Tax: in the past elections, Social Security were taken from election judges’ salary. C. Nelson and Barnes are working with the State’s CTAS folks on how to correct it in CTAS.
- Discussion on distance of the easement: (Action) – Wilson will locate his deed to check what is says about easement.
- Signs will be posted in the township that says:
“Pequaywan Lakes Area Association
Wake Boats are Prohibited on Pequaywan Lake
Thank you”
New Business
- Minnesota Association of Townships is inviting officers to join them for “Township Day at the Capitol” on January 27, 2025. They will pay registration fee.
Correspondence
Received:
- Various election information materials from St. Louis County including Absentee Ballot voter names, rosters and other items needed for the General Election on November 5.
- Email from St. Louis County re-new proposed ordinance which prohibits the operation of cannabis businesses.
- Invitation to participate on the Township Day at the Capitol.
Sent:None
Public Comment: The Public Comment section is a courtesy extended to persons wishing to address the Board. If you wish to comment during the Township Meeting, follow the protocol below. One public comment per citizen which is limited to two minutes. Submit request by the first Saturday of the month to peqclerk@gmail.com with your full name and comment information. The board can either address the issue, assign someone to address the issue, or do nothing.
Public Comment Request: None
Next Meeting, December 10, 7:00 p.m., Pequaywan Firehall
Meeting was motion to adjourn at 7:50 p.m. by Dressen, Wilson second, motion carried. Nelson yay, Dressen, yay, Wilson yay.
Respectfully submitted by
Lita Wallace, Clerk