WILMA TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING,  OCT. 3, 2012

           Chairman Glen Williamson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Also present were Supervisors Mike McCullen and Gary Vink, Treasurer Patrice Winfield, Clerk Paul Raymond, Road Manager Mark Pallow, Eldon and Marg Schmedeke and Joe Vink.

          CLERK’S REPORT:  Paul read the record of the September meeting.  Eldon said he had some corrections and clarifications of the record:  On Steve Chaffee’s claim that the county had put $30-40,000 into the Schmedeke Lane extension, Eldon said at most they paid $30,000.  The record says that Archie Schmidt helped Eldon survey Schmedeke Lane originally; in fact it was Joe Vink who surveyed it, with Eldon going behind him.  And when Eldon said he had paid almost $5,000 in taxes to the township, the actual figure is $4,994 in a 6-year period on the west half of his property. Gary moved that with these corrections and amendments, that the record be approved.  Mike seconded.

OLD BUSINESS:  Dump Truck:   Mike brought it into G&D Auto because Mark had a medical appt. andGary didn’t want to wait 3 hours.  Mike got a written checklist from Mitch, which said it has a strong motor and strong tranny, may need U-joints and some adjustment in the shift.  Denny Vork said he would ask $9,000 if he were selling it, and Mike said he paid $7,000 and only used it a few months.   Joe said he feels that if we’re going to get a truck, that we should get a larger one that could haul gravel as well.   Eldon said we paid so much for the plow that he couldn’t see the town spending another $6,000 for a truck when the plow does a good job on roads and private drives.  He is concerned that the truck may be used like a toy and end up parked at private residences.  He believes Mike could get more from a private sale than from the township.  Glen said if the town would buy it, the price should be the original offer of $5,000, not $6,000.  Mark said the positives would be getting drives plowed faster, but he didn’t think it was a good investment.  Patrice and Paul made observations about the truck doing less damage to drives.  Marg said the clerk and treasurer should not be allowed to speak under Robert’s Rules since they are paid employees.  Glen said he has freedom as Chairman to conduct meetings however the board wants, and they have decided to allow citizens the right to speak and have input into township issues, although by law they do not have to.  He is not bound by Robert’s Rules of Order.  Eldon said he hopes the board never tries to restrict speech by the public in our meetings and run them like dictators. Gary said we have no place to park the truck indoors, and he would rather this money be used to repair the fire hall from the grader and wind damage.  Joe said the hall heaved, which moved the center divider.  SinceGary did not make a motion to proceed, the matter died.

Legal Seminar Report:  Paul gave a summary of the topics at the legal seminar our attorney’s office held on Sept. 29.  He got two extra books for the supervisors, and made copies of the section on fire contracts for Patrice.  They had a lot of information on ordinances; we need to record our ordinance and publish a summary in the paper, and file it in the county law library.

Town Hall Addition:   Ron Proffit from Proffit Lumber is going to come out to see about a plan for an addition.  He can also check the fire hall damage and see what is needed for repairs.   Patrice said next Wednesday is not good for her, but she will check her schedule and let Paul know so they can set a time and date.  We will have Gary come to show the fire hall damage.

10-Ton Weight Limit Ordinance:  Robert Ruppe read the whole ordinance and background documents at the legal seminar for free.  He said we should strengthen the language of the need and objectives for the ordinance, but it was good. Gary said we need to make it clear that if the hauler does not send a representative for the road inspections before and after hauling, that our road manager can made decisions.  Paul will fix these issues for the final signed ordinance. Gary said we should wait to order signs.

Garysaid Sommerland has been hauling sand on theNorth Duncan Roadand they have damaged the road.  By law, anyone damaging a public township road is liable for any repairs caused by their damages.  Glen moved that Gary and Mark inspect the damages and write a bill.  Paul will send a copy of the ordinance with the bill.   Mike seconded.

Lost River Road Mail Delivery:  Paul made a formal request to Postmaster Renee Leaf for an extension of Kenny’s mail route to allow deliveries to the end of the road.  She said the USPS is not granting any extensions now. At the legal seminar Paul showed Engineer Shane Nelson a map of Lost River and Shane said they could make a turnaround for the deliveryman a little way past the entrance sign for Lost River Hideaway, and it could stay within our right-of-way, or they could get permission from the parcel owners on both sides of the road to widen the right-of-way.  No culverts would be required, and not much gravel.  Glen said we should wait until we get a decision from the USPS before we decide on the turnaround.

Back Door Lock:  Mark said he will get the lock fixed.  Paul made a copy of the key to replace his.

NEW BUSINESS:  Fall Fest:  Patrice and Toni and Glen are working on donations of prizes.  Glen is working on a casino package, and hoping to get a concert prize.  No band has been booked.  Patrice will try to contact Fran Levings to get bands that play at the art shows.  Glen said in worst case, he can DJ, or we can have Karaoke with Glen’s machine.  Toni made posters with the pot-luck part of the dinner emphasized.

Snowplowing:  The deadline is next meeting, November 7.  Paul will publish and post this.

Fire Contract:  Glen moved to approve the contract and to pay the Duxbury Volunteer Fire Department $4,500. Gary seconded.

County Township Officers’ Meeting:   Saturday, October 27.  Gigi asked that we come at 8:30 for the donuts.  Officers need to help set up chairs.  Glen can’t attend, but Paul will serve as treasurer and secretary.  Paul will propose that the County Officers send a delegate to the State MAT Conference in St. Cloud, and will volunteer Glen to go.

Road Damages:  Mike said that weekenders and some cabin owners are tearing up our roads.  He asked Paul to write a generic letter warning people that they are legally liable for damaging roads and that we can assess damages on their property taxes.  He can place the letters at their gates or at the cabins.  He said to state the Minnesota statutes that apply, like with Sommerland.

TREASURER’S REPORT AND BILLS:  Patrice gave the Treasurer’s Report (attached).  Claims were presented:

Patrice Winfield                                $        94.35

Glen Williamson                                         33.85

Mike McCullen                                           33.97

Paul Raymond                                           305.69

Gary Vink                                                  149.07

G&D Auto                                                 100.00

Paul Raymond (expenses)                          244.87

U.S.Treasury                                            362.52

Mike McCullen (mileage)                            19.80

ECE                                                            53.76

Patrice Winfield (expenses)                        10.00 

Total Bills:                              $    1,408.18

Gary moved to approve the report and to pay all the bills, and to transfer $1,400 from savings to checking.  Mike seconded.  Glen moved to adjourn the meeting; Gary seconded.  Meeting adjourned at 9 p.m.

Paul Raymond, Clerk

WILMA TOWNSHIP   SEPT. 5, 2012 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING

          Chairman Glen Williamson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Also present were Supervisors Gary Vink and Mike McCullen, Road Manager Mark Pallow, Treasurer Patrice Winfield, Clerk Paul Raymond, and Joe Vink and Eldon and Marg Schmedeke.

           Paul read the record of the August meeting.Garymoved to approve; Mike seconded.

OLD BUSINESS:  Ordinance Establishing 10-Ton Weight Limit on Wilma Township Roads Without Permit:  Paul wrote up the ordinance as per the Minnesota Township Laws Book and the ordinance documents from the Mn. Assoc. of Townships library.  He sent a copy to the MAT Attorney Kyle Hartnett asking for his professional advice and feedback on the enforceability and legality of our draft.  He supported us on the right to put weight limits on our roads.  “Having a permit that would require an escrow account would be a reasonable condition to be overweight.”  He stressed the importance of clear inspections and documentation if we use any of the escrow funds.  The legal seminar our attorney and Couri&Ruppe are giving later this month will cover enforcing ordinances, and resolutions and ordinances.

Road Report:  Mark gradedHeller Drive, total one hour divided by half for New Dosey, $75.  He also didCrookedLake road, 3 1/2 hours total, Danforth’s half, $175 as per our agreement.  They have not returned their copy of the signed agreement yet, but may not have had a meeting yet. Mark said he didn’t apply any gravel except to Little Tamarack Lake Rd. andTamarack Pine Drive.  He wants to put some gravel onHeller Road; Paul needs to write to New Dosey Twp. and tell them.

Yaggy-Colby Escrow refund:  We will bill them for one load of gravel on theTamarack Pine Drive, and for one hour of Mark’s time.  $18 plus $192.75, and refund them $289.25.    Park Falls Hardwoods is still working on their site off Little Tamarack Lake Road.

Town Hall Addition:  Paul was telling Ron Proffit of Proffit Lumber inDanbury about our project, and he said he knows some contractors and builders who may be willing to look at and do our project.  So far, no one has contacted Paul or Patrice.

Legal Seminar:  Because of its relevance to our weight-limit ordinance, Glen said we definitely should send one or more people to the Couiri & Ruppe Township Legal Seminar.  The seminar is free.  Mike moved to send Paul;Gary seconded.    Paul will bring all our documentation on the ordinance to get their free feedback.

Dumptruck Purchase:  Mike gave Paul the VIN# so we can get an insurance binder.  Joe asked why we’re buying a pickup.  Glen explained that it would be able to do most of the private drive plowing with much less damage.  Joe said we had a pickup plow, but Mike said George Anderson got stuck with it once plowing out Tiny Jensen’s, and the town got rid of it after that.  Mike said he would be willing to drive it for plowing if Mark, Joe or Frank Rehberger aren’t free to plow snow.  He said he does want to drive it to the inspection because he is still legally liable for it, even if the town gets insurance under our plan, so all three guys will bring it in to G&D for an inspection. VIN # 1GDJV34W6JJ511399, 1988 GMC CB V35 model.

NEW BUSINESS;  Schmedeke Lane Extension:  District 3 Commissioner Steve Chaffee called Glen about the possibility of the town taking over the extension the county built onSchmedeke Lane to access timber, and adding it to the existing township road.  He wants us to accept it as it is since they put $30-40,000 into building the extension.  Eldon gave some of the history of that road back to 1976, and how he built it surveyed it with the help of Archie Schmidt.  In 1986 the county wanted to get access into their timber, but they said they wanted control of the road.  He wouldn’t agree to this.  Eldon said the road is crooked because of the hill, and before the township takes over the road they should insist that it be straightened and have ditches and be brought up to county road standards.   The county told him they couldn’t level the hill, but he told them they could.  He said he only wants the same quality of road that they would expect him to do.  Eldon said he doesn’t think any township gravel has ever been put on that road, although he has paid the township almost $5,000 in taxes.  Glen moved that Paul  write to  Steve Chaffee and tell the Board of Commissioners that Wilma township would accept the road extension as a township road if the county will bring it up fully to county standards and specs, including proper ditching.  Mike seconded.

Lost River Road Mail Delivery:  Pat Story’s family is moving full time to their home at the end ofLost River Road.  The Postmaster has told him there are three options to get mail.  1.  The Postal Service grants an extension to Kenny Monson’s route to includeLost River Road; 2. The county puts his mailbox post on theMarkville Road, far enough away from the intersection for visibility, which would be near the horse farm; or 3. That all theLost River Road mail boxes be placed at the entrance to the subdivision, and the entrance widened enough so that Kenny is able to make a complete u-turn and not have to back out onto theMarkville Road.  Pat said he didn’t personally want to pay for the widening, and didn’t think the other residents would.  Paul will write to Sandstone Postmaster Renee Leafe telling her thatLost River Road is aWilma Township Road and that we request an extension to the postal route to includeLost River Road, since we have elderly residents on that road who need mail delivery.  He will explain thatLost River Road is a public road that is well maintained and passable year around, and that we anticipate more full-time residents who will need delivery on this road.

Mayfield Road Dead-end sign:  This got knocked down and broken off.  Paul will write the county highway dept. to have them remount it.

Fall Fest Committee:  Will be Saturday, October 20.  Patrice said she is very busy, but will be on the committee.  Other members will be Glen and Toni and any volunteers.  Discussion and consensus that we would like to get a different band from last year.  Ideally Denny Hanson’s band would be willing to play.  We have a $500 budget.  We need to make it very clear that it is a pot-luck supper.  Last year we ran out of food because so many people didn’t bring any.  Otherwise, the town could provide some of the food.  Patrice said the Old School Art Center has live music every weekend, and she can ask Fran for references to different bands and acts.  Discussion and consensus that country/Folk/bluegrass is what we would like.

Town Hall Ramp:  Paul asked for the job to stain the ramp for the hall.  The board wanted a cedar or oak stain.  Discussion of pay rate.  Labor is paid at $15/hour.  Paul said he thought he would get his clerk’s pay, $12/hour.    Mike moved to hire Paul to stain the ramp and the back steps and to be paid at the labor rate, plus supplies.  Glen seconded.

State MAT Conference:  Paul withdrew his application to attend.  It will be in mid-November inSt. Cloud.  Glen said he still wants very badly to go, and that he believes it will benefit our township to show our support and participation in state township issues, and to vote on different township and legal issues, and to meet with attorneys and public officials.  The cost is almost $600 to send him.  Mike said he doesn’t feel this is as profitable to the township as short courses or legal seminars, and the $600 cost isn’t justified.  Eldon said we could better spend our resources, like on roads. Gary also said he didn’t see the cost benefit for the town.  There was no motion and no decision.

Township AED:  Mike showed the AED that the town was granted by Essentia Ambulance Service.  Marg asked what it was and how it worked.  Fran Levings plans to ask Shawn McCullen to demonstrate and teach CPR and AED use to the Pine County Wanders when they meet at Patrice’s house on Sept. 26.

TREASURER’S REPORT AND CLAIMS:  Patrice gave the Treasurer’s Report (attached).  Bills for Sept. were presented:

Yaggy-Colby Escrow Refund           $        289.25

Patrice Winfield (expenses, judge)              108.50

Paul Raymond                                            194.36

Patrice Winfield                                          229.99

Antoinette Williamson (judge)                    105.00

ECE                                                              59.58

Gary Vink                                                    76.43

Mark Pallow                                               203.80

Mike McCullen                                             29.72

ArnaTownship                                          960.00

HopkinsSand and Gravel                        1,156.50

The Evergreen                                              22.00

Barb Smith (judge)                                     110.00

Paul Raymond (judge, expenses)                276.12 

Total Bills                      $      3,892.79

Garymoved to approve and pay all the claims, to transfer $3,900 from savings to checking, and to approve the Treasurer’s report.  Mike seconded.  Mike moved to adjourn;Garyseconded.  Adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Paul Raymond, Clerk