MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
PALMER TOWNSHIP
March 10, 2014
The regular meeting of the Palmer Township Board was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Palmer Township Hall, with all members present. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Kathryn Miller read the minutes of the February 10, 2014 regular meeting. Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve the minutes as read. Supervisor Larson seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Johnson read the Treasurers report.
Supervisor Larson made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s report for February as read. Supervisor Demeules seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Sheriff’s Report: Sheriff Brott presented the annual report for 2013. He stated that there were 1000 calls for service in 2013 in Palmer Township, up from the total in 2012 of just over 900. He informed the people in attendance that serious criminal activity in 2013 was down and included, 1 - assault, 1 - burglary, 1 - narcotics, 2 - criminal sexual conduct, 13 – thefts, 7 – criminal damage to property, and 7 - DUI's.
Chairman Ganz asked if the persons responsible for the mail thefts were still in jail and what would be their proposed punishment. Sheriff Brott stated that they were in jail, but no specific punishment is proposed. He stated that the Sheriff's Department would have more information at the April meeting. Chairman Ganz stated that he believed that the visibility of officers in the area, helped deter crime.
Fire Department: Chief Koren informed all that there had been 6 calls for service in Palmer in February. 5 medical, and 1 fire
Road Maintenance / Signs: Scott stated that he had been scraping today. He has opened the dry wells and opening all roads. He informed the Board that people living on Cedar Point have been complaining about the dip in the road on 108th Ave, that continues to fill with water, both from the snow melt and rain.
Mitch Hoefer stated that all the 911 signs are marked, and need to be reset when the ground thaws.
P.E.C. / Park Report: Earth Day will be held on May 17th. Hours 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The hauler will be Republic. Roger stated that a meeting will be held in April to set prices for certain items collected.
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County Park: Meeting was last week, and consisted of reviewing the progress reports on all existing project, and proposing new needed projects. Roger stated that the proposed projects along with proposed budgets would be passed along to the County Commissioners for their review and funding. Roger stated that Island View Park has many needed projects, including repair from 4-wheeler use.
Palmer Park: Chairman Ganz stated that the ski trails were not maintained this year, because of the bitter cold weather, and lack of a tow vehicles for the groomer. He stated that he was looking for an older snowmobile that would be up to the task.
Lake Association: Dan Merchant stated that the BLCA has been approached by some students at St Cloud State Universary about installation of bat, bird and butterfly houses around the lakes. These houses would encourage residents that help with insect control.
Dan stated that the DNR had checked the oxygen levels in Lake Julia. The levels are low, but should be OK. If a fish kill is noted, the DNR requested to be notified.
Legal Comments: David Meyers stated that appeal is moving forward. The date of the site inspections has been set for April 18th and judgement hearing for May 23rd.
OLD BUSINESS: None noted.
NEW BUSINESS:
Request for Supervisor Opinion - Kent Jorgenson – 11021 - 42nd St.
Mr Jorgenson was in attendance to explain that he proposed to build a storage building on the property for yard tools, bicyles, etc. He explained that there is an existing slab on the property, and he is considering building the storage building at that site.
Discussion was held regarding the condition, and location of the existing slab. As this slab is located very close to the road right-of-way, Chairman Ganz suggested that the site be moved back from the existing slab to allow better accessibility and safety for travel on 42nd Street. Mr. Jorgenson will meet with Marc Schneider from the County Zoning Department to discuss the specific needs.
COMMENTS/QUESTIONS:
Roger Johnson made a $200.00 donation on behalf of the Palmer Day Committee to be used for Park playground equipment upgrades. Chairman Ganz informed the audience that playground equipment is very expensive, roughly $80,000.00 and up for each piece of equipment. Building up the park fund a little at a time will help to replace needed equipment.
The water in the Township Hall is still frozen. Chairman Ganz stated we are looking at a new water line, or rerouting the existing line to the common area.
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Discussion was held regarding the type, location, etc. With use of a reservoir system, the toilets may be used, Mitch will check this reservoir and keep it full. Drinking water in the Town Hall is provided by a Culligan water cooler, and filtered water. All health concerns are being properly addressed.
Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve Claims #14043 to #14066 plus payroll. Motion seconded by Supervisor Larson. Motion carried. February total: $22,997.06
Chairman Ganz made a motion to adjourn. Motion seconded by Supervisor Demeules. Motion carried.
Adjourned at 8:06
Kathryn Miller,
Palmer Township Clerk Approved as read: April 14, 2014