WILMA BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING     JUNE 2, 2010

Chairman Glenford Williamson, Sr., called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.   Also present were Supervisors Michael McCullen and Gary Vink, Treasurer Patrice Winfield, Clerk Paul Raymond, and Eldon and Marjorie Schmedeke, Joseph Vink, and Mark Pallow.

Paul read the record of the May meeting.  Gary amended the township equipment inventory that we have two culverts, not one; and Patrice said that the payment to Jensen Tractor should have been made to Joe Vink.  Gary moved to approve the record as amended; Mike seconded.

OLD BUSINESS:   Grader Sales: Gary got the serial numbers for the old graders and will get the specs from Ziegler, so we can list them for sale.

Danforth Road Work: Mike said Danforth Supervisors may show up at the meeting to bill us for the road work; they said their clerk missed two meetings and that’s why we haven’t been billed.  Gary said that Steve Grabau who lives up on Eagle Head Road has complained that there has not been good maintenance on Eagle Head Road.   Gary told him to contact Danforth Township.  Kelch’s have moved their trailer from the right-of-way on Crooked Lake Road.

Town Park:   Glen spoke with Bruce and Donna Filler and asked them to attend township board meetings again.  She said that at the Annual Meeting the voters voted to put a culvert in and improve the access drive into the town park, and nothing has been done.  Glen said he wants to keep peace in our town.   Mike said that our roads have priority over a driveway into what is now just a forest of trees.  But Mike said that the Board could move the meeting temporarily to the park and inspect the current culvert  and see what would be required to improve the driveway access.  Joe said that with the hole in the existing culvert that the town could be liable if someone attempted to cross over the driveway and fell into the hole.

North Duncan Road:  Gary is to check the North Duncan Road and make a report on what is needed to build up the road as per the agreement of the board at the May meeting.

Pancake Breakfast: Mike thanked all those who participated in the Fire Department Pancake Breakfast over Memorial Day.  They made $2,200. about the same as other years.  350-360 people were served.  Carter and Laurel Delaittre donated $150 to the fire department.  Glen paid for 55 people at his campground to attend.

Langstrom Road: Dave Drake from Arna Township said they will cut the trees on the sides of the road after the first quarter mile, and said Arna claims ½ mile of this road for gas tax.

Grading/Billing: Gary asked Paul to bill New Dosey for half hour of blading Heller Drive, $75, their half:  $37.50.   Also to bill Lost River Road’s escrow account for 1/2 hour:  $75; and Mona Lane’s escrow account, ½ hour, $75.

Mink Farm Road: We are holding T & T Logging’s $500 escrow for this road.  Mark graded it.  Gary said that they did damage the road and scrape off the crown, and the road will need more gravel.  Gary and Mark will keep separate records of all repairs and gravel on the Mink Farm Road so we can give an accounting to T & T.

River Cabin Road: Glen got a call from a cabin owner who said the road needs grading and maintenance.

NEW BUSINESS:   Township Summer Short Course: The one at Black Bear Casino is July 1.  Mike moved that any officer who can should attend.  Paul has to take the election training for clerks.  Patrice will take the session on township indebtedness and accounting procedures.  Gary may also attend.  We will car pool.

Town Hall Repair: Mike said the back steps to the hall are a liability and need to be replaced.  He moved that he be authorized to pick up the risers and boards to build new steps, with 9” risers and one foot wide.  Gary seconded. Passed.

The windows in the hall are rotting and need to be replaced.  The builders who put in the ramp gave an estimate then, but that included new siding for the hall.  Glen suggested getting two bids for 8 replacement windows.  Mike said we should put a window in the north wall of the hall on the stage for light and circulation.  The doors are crooked and need to be replaced also.  We want double-hung insulated windows.  Mike moved that we get bids and estimates to replace the 8 windows, plus the window on the stage, plus install a new window on the north wall, and replace the two doors, by the August meeting.  Glen seconded.  Mike said that Jason Phaller works for a window company and he would be a good one to get an estimate from.  Paul will look for the orginal bid from the people who did the ramp.  Patrice said the Roberts, the people who did her house are very good and reasonable and she will get their information.

Election Judges:  We have to have judges for the fall elections.  Patrice and Donna Filler and Barb Smith have said they will serve.  There is training in August that all judges will need to attend.

Grader Use Policy: Joe asked if he is still a backup grader operator.  Mike and Glen said yes.   Joe said he filled the hole left by the old grader near the fire hall with two loads of his own gravel.  He asked if he or Mark could use the grader to smooth it out.  Glen said OK.  Joe asked if he or Mark can take the grader out in an emergency situation.  Glen said that they should call all three supervisors and if they can’t reach any of them, to notify Paul that they are taking the grader out.  Joe said that a few years ago he took the grader out to pull out a truck that was stuck and blocking Tamarack River Road.  They paid $150 for the pull-out, but Joe said there was some negative talk about him doing that, and he wants clarification on his authority.  Gary said the issue is liability, and the danger of being sued if something goes wrong and we damage someone’s vehicle or driveway.  Eldon asked what other towns would do?  New Dosey pulled the garbage truck out of the ditch, but Mike said that is a NGO mutual aid, not a private party.  Glen said he has a problem with us using our grader to pull someone out when there are other businesses who do this.  Glen moved that, apart from regular and necessary plowing and road grading, the grader cannot be used except in a medical, life or death situation, if someone is in eminent danger or a township road is being blocked.  In that case, the grader operator at his own discretion can use the grader.  Anything else, he must get at least two supervisors approval to use it, and if they cannot reach the supervisors, the clerk can make the decision.  Mike seconded.  Passed.

Fire Department Tank: Mike said the Fire Department bought a big steel tank to store water, and they would like to bury it behind the town hall if it stays in Duxbury (it may be moved to Cloverton).  Duane Glienke has indicated he would dig the hole and bury it.   Mike said there will be a lot of dirt displaced, and we could use it to backfill the foundation of the town hall.  He is applying for some grants to possibly use the ponds on Tamarack River Road for a water source, and Duxbury may not need the tank then.

Town Park Culvert: The board moved the meeting to the town park and inspected the culvert.  Mike used a flashlight and said the culvert is clear all the way through, but there is a hole in it that can be patched and filled.   Mike moved that Gary patch the culvert and fill the hole with gravel.  Glen seconded, and said we could make a little wayside park where the driveway crosses.  There is a small clearing and beautiful trees there.

Town C.D.’s: Patrice said the town’s C.D.s are coming due.  Mike asked if we’d have enough left in our funds to do the repairs on the hall if we have money tied up in the C.D.’s.   Patrice said there is more than enough in the Building and General fund.  The Road and Bridge fund is designated and can’t be transferred, Gary said.  Glen moved that Patrice be authorized to reinvest our C.D.’s as they come due without a new motion every 3 months.  Mike seconded.

Treasurer’s Report and Bills: Patrice gave the Treasurer’s report (attached).  Bills for June were presented:

The Evergreen                          $        26.25

ECE                                                   39.70

Mn. Township Agency                    1,606.00

Patrice Winfield (expenses)                 13.79

Joe Vink (expenses)                               7.75

Glenford Williamson                           37.87

Patrice Winfield                                  89.58

Gary Vink                                          123.28

Paul Raymond                                   118.20

Michael McCullen                               79.42

Mark Pallow                               299.21

Total Bills                       $    2,561.00

Mike moved to approve the Treasurer’s report, to pay all the bills, and to transfer $2,550 from savings into checking.   Gary seconded.  Gary moved that the meeting be adjourned; Glen seconded.  Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Paul Raymond, Clerk

WILMA TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING, MAY 5, 2010

Chairman Glenford Williamson, Sr., called the meeting to order at 7:30 with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Also present were Supervisors Gary Vink and Michael McCullen, Treasurer Patrice Winfield, Clerk Paul Raymond, and Eldon Schmedeke.

CLERKS REPORT;   Paul read the record of the April board meeting and the Road Inspection Meeting this morning.  Mike moved to approve the meeting report; Glen seconded.  Gary moved to approve the road report; Glen seconded.  Eldon said that road inspections should be done after a good rain because some roads are clay and get slippery after a rain, but are good when dry.  Mike said we have to publish the meetings five days ahead, and can’t predict rain.  Glen said that Gary can be authorized to check the roads after a hard rain.  Eldon said that officers used to do township business for free, and now want to be paid for everything they do.

Langstrom/Pete Anderson Roads: Gary moved that we list Langstrom Road as ½ mile and the Pete Anderson Road as a full two miles north on our next county gas tax report.  Mike seconded.  Passed.    Kenny Peterson Road: We have been claiming ½ mile for the Kenny Peterson Road.  After the first quarter mile the road is under water, even with our current drought.  Gary said the only way to keep it dry is if the DNR gets rid of the beavers.  Mike said he is against vacating any roads, but moved that we claim ¼ mile for gas tax, not ½ mile for the Kenny Peterson Road; Gary seconded.  Passed.

North Duncan Road: Glen said that this year we could put in two or three culverts and some pit-run gravel, about $5-7,000 worth, to build up the road after the mile and a half mark, and then every year do a little more.  Mike said that we want to keep a balance in the Road and Bridge fund for breakdowns and emergencies, and should not use more than 10% of the fund for the N. Duncan Road, about $7,000 this year.  Mike moved that we claim the full two miles for the N. Duncan Road on the gas tax report; Gary seconded.  Passed.   Glen moved that we spend a maximum of $7,000 to improve the North Duncan Road this year, with pit run gravel and two culverts, and that Gary be authorized to coordinate this project.  Gary seconded.   Gary said we put 14 loads of gravel on this road last year.  Glen also said that Gary should be authorized to cut the tree that has fallen across the road at the 1 mile point.

OLD TOWNSHIP GRADERS:   Mike said scrap prices are going down, but we could sell the 140 grader as a working grader, since Joe got it running this week.  Gary said the Cat-12 grader also runs, but not very well.  Glen asked where the graders are; Gary said up at the ponds.  They moved it so it wouldn’t be in Glienke’s field.  Glen said township property is all over and we need to keep better track of it.  Glen directed Paul to get the specs for the two graders and advertise them for sale in the Evergreen; Paul will talk to Joe to get the specs.  Mike said that we may get more as scrap than as a sale.  The 140 is the one with the new cutting blades; they are worth at least $500.  Mike said there are two V blades up at the farm; Gary said Joe bought one and Arna gave the other one to Joe.  Mike said he believes that this V-blade was part of one of the graders we bought from Arna, and it belongs to the town.  Glen said Dave Drake told him the blade belonged to Wilma; if it did, how could they give it to Joe? Gary said Mel Elliot said it belonged to Joe, and Dave is wrong.  Glen said that Arna told him we had to move it, so he thought it belonged to Wilma Township. Glen said he doesn’t understand how anyone can take township property and move it without authorization, and we need a way to keep track of our equipment.

Gary said we don’t have the land to store all our equipment.  Mike said that Mike Glienke had said he would donate the land next to the hall and the store to the town, but that Duane likely would not give or sell the town the land.   Gary had told him that the town could condemn the land by eminent domain for a fire hall, and this upset Duane.  Glen said that it is the supervisors’ job to protect town property, and if people can take equipment without permission it becomes anarchy and causes animosity and could lead to a liability.   Glen said  most people are good and have good intentions, but we need an understanding that except for emergencies no one can take or use township property without being duly authorized by the town board.  Mike made a motion that no township property or equipment can be moved without being duly authorized by a quorum of the town board.  Glen seconded, and said that in an emergency situation someone can call all three supervisors to get permission, and as a last resort, if none can be reached, they can call the clerk.

EQUIPMENT INVENTORY:   The Board made a list of the graders and equipment that belongs to the town:

Grader 1, at the Fire Hall

Grader 2, the 140, currently at the Pond

Grader 3, the Cat-12, at the Pond

3 Wing Blades, one on the current plow, #2 in the front yard,

And #3 on the Cat-12 plow.

1 or 2 V-plows; one in the front yard, 1 at the farm (if it belongs                                       to Wilma Township)

1 tank that came with the blue truck that Eldon bought

1 culvert, in the front yard

HOURS/WAGES:  Glen said that the remarks made at the last meeting that Gary was using the Supervisors job to make a living were hurtful and inaccurate, and that they should be retracted.  He said Gary works very hard for the township and provides an invaluable service.  Mike said he was only quoting what at least two townspeople had told him, and he is accountable to the citizens and their concerns, to allow them to be heard.  Paul and Patrice said they didn’t think Mike was specifically singling Gary out, but was referring to all the officers, and that they also took the remarks personally.  Patrice asked who could make a living on $1,000 a year?

Glen said he felt all the board members have the best interests of the town and township citizens at heart and as first priority, and we don’t have to be ashamed for being paid.

NEW BUSINESS:  Duxbury Store 3.2 Beer License:  Glen moved that the board approve the 3.2 beer license for the Duxbury Store and that Paul be authorized to sign the application.  Mike seconded.  Passed.

Legal Seminar: Our attorney Mr. Ruppe’s law firm is sponsoring a legal seminar for township officials in June.  The board already voted to authorize officers to go, and all three supervisors may attend.  Mike will be at Brad Hannula’s memorial service, and will drive up from there.

Pancake Breakfast: Gary moved that the Duxbury Volunteer Fire Department be allowed to use the town hall the last Sunday in May for the pancake breakfast, without charge.  Glen seconded.

Hall Light Switch: The light switch in the hall was heating up.  Mike moved that Patrice be authorized to buy a new switch.  Gary seconded.  Glen said he will donate a clock for the hall, since ours doesn’t keep good time.

TREASURER’S REPORT AND BILLS:  Patrice gave the Treasurer’s Report (attached).  Bills for May:

Glen Williamson                                    $              165.66

Patrice Winfield                                                       92.35

Gary Vink                                                             202.24

Joe Vink                                                                110.82

Paul Raymond                                                       268.74

Mike McCullen                                                        29.09

Paul Raymond (expenses)                                        15.43

Joe Vink (expenses)                                                 29.25

T & T Logging (Short Road Escrow refund)          500.00

Patrice Winfield (expenses)                                      32.04

Moske Logging (Dollar Lake  Escrow refund)         500.00

Jensen Tractor                                                    7.75

Duxbury Store                                                      2.50

ECE                                                                        42.68

Pine County Courier                                                 24.44

The Evergreen                                                         24.50

Glen Williamson (expenses)                                     34.00

Total Expenses          $            2,081.49

Mike moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report, to pay all the bills, and to transfer $2,000 from savings to checking.  Gary seconded.   Gary moved to adjourn the meeting; Mike seconded.  Meeting adjourned at 9:30.

Paul Raymond, Clerk

WILMA TOWN BOARD ANNUAL ROAD INSPECTION,  MAY 5. 2010

Chairman Glenford Williamson, Sr., called the meeting to order at the Town Hall in Duxbury at 10 a.m.  Also present were Supervisor Gary Vink, Clerk Paul Raymond, and Doug Moske and William Peno.

DUNCAN ROAD NORTH:   Because of Mr. Peno’s concerns for the N. Duncan Road, we went there first.  Wilma Township claims  1 ½ mile in our road report for gas tax, but in 1999 we recorded two miles north as a township road. In the first 1 ½ mile, the road needs routine blading and maybe some gravel in bad spots, but after that, where the grass starts, the road will need a culvert and pit run gravel in three large holes.  Gary said Slama could put a culvert in; it is too soft for a large gravel truck.  Mr. Peno has put corduroy which has deteriorated, and he has packed the holes with old newspapers and magazines to absorb water; Gary said this is why the road doesn’t dry out.  Even with our drought, the holes were wet.

DOLLAR LAKE ROAD:   Doug Moske asked the board to check the road so he could get his escrow deposit back.  The board said the road is in good shape and needs only regular blading, and told Moske we would refund his escrow at tonight’s meeting.

VINK ROAD:  Normal grading.

CROOKED LAKE/EAGLE HEAD ROAD:  Danforth takes care of these roads; they only need regular blading.

HELLER DRIVE:  Regular grading.  The culverts are holding up.

MC CULLEN DRIVE:  Regular blading.

LANGSTROM ROAD:  Arna Township is doing the road work this year.   Dave Drake said they want to do something about the trees in the right-of-way.   We had written to the Erickson Family Partnership last year about the trees, and they said they wanted to take care of them, but couldn’t do it until 2011.   Most of the trees in the right-of-way are past the ¼ mile point that is Erickson and Schmedeke land; past that it is State or County land.  We only claim ¼ mile for road tax, and we will write to Arna asking how much they claim for road tax, and telling them that they can cut the trees after the ¼ mile mark without landowner permission, but they should notify the DNR and county.

PETE ANDERSON ROAD:  Regular grading.

FUST LANE:   Regular grading.

S. DUNCAN ROAD:   At the Board of Review, Kratzke said that the South Duncan Road is on his land, and the Assessor removed the road from his taxes.  He has posted both sides of the road.  We used T & T’s escrow to repair the road and billed them $700 more to repair more damages they did. Now it only needs regular grading.

MINK FARM ROAD:  We still have T & T’s escrow for this road; it does have some ruts and damage from unloading their equipment.  Gary said we should see how much it will cost for gravel and to build up the crown, and take this from their escrow.  Glen said we need to account for any money we put on that road, and any escrow roads.

MAYFIELD ROAD:  Glen said we should cut some trees that are about to fall on the road about 1 ¼ mile in, but otherwise it just needs regular grading.

LITTLE TAMARACK LAKE ROAD:  Regular grading.

SHORT ROAD:  This road is in good shape and we can return T & T’s escrow payment for this road.

LOST RIVER ROAD:  Needs some gravel about ¼ mile up the road; otherwise, regular blading.   We will deduct this from Leighton Quinn’s escrow account.

RIVER CABIN ROAD;  Good shape; regular blading.

MONA DRIVE:  Regular blading.

KENNY PETERSON ROAD:  We have been claiming ½ mile for gas tax; we need to change that to ¼ mile.   After that, the road is under water and it would be very expensive to try to build it up.

Gary moved to adjourn the meeting; Glen seconded.  Meeting adjourned at 2 p.m.

Paul Raymond, Clerk