WILMA BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING NOVEMBER 5, 2014

          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, Treasurer Patrice Winfield, Clerk Paul Raymond, Road Manager Mark Pallow, and Pat Story and Ben Glocke.

OLD BUSINESS:   Fire Hall Doors:   Pat asked to be first on the agenda.  He got four bids for the fire hall doors; two that are very close, Dave’s Garage Door from Rush City and Randy Buerman, from  Richmond, both around $5,400.00.    Randy is Mark’s brother-in-law and Mike said he thinks Randy did work for the township before.  Paul asked that whatever bid is chosen could they also fix the back door of the town hall, which is mis-aligned and had a big gap?  Pat said neither contractor is a carpenter and they can’t do it.  They will put window in the door for $50 extra.  Mike moved to hire Randy Beurman; Gary seconded; passed.  Pat said all the companies recommended 6” thermal seal be put on the bottom of the doors.  He said we can have 6” thick apron in front of the hall for $2,000-3,000.  The board said to wait on this.

Snowplowing Fees:  The deadline is tonight.  Glen moved that the deadline be moved back one week, to November 12, to allow everyone interested to pay.  Mike seconded; passed.  Steve Grabau voted yesterday but did not pay for snowplowing. His is the drive over ½ mile the board made the policy for.  Mark said it is not a driveway but a path through a field and he almost got stuck more than once, and he doesn’t feel good about plowing this.  Glen made a motion that at the discretion of the board on the advice of the grader operator, if a drive doesn’t meet the feasibility and safety threshold for the protection of the equipment and the driver, that we can refuse to plow that drive.  Mike seconded; passed.  Mark said that the North Duncan Road can be scary to plow also.  If Steve doesn’t pay, the point is moot.

October meeting:  Paul read the record of the October meeting.  Gary moved to approve; Mike seconded.

Schmedeke Lane Extension:  The Board passed a resolution to adopt the Schmedeke Lane Extension as a township road last January.  The county said they would release $10,000 to the township to bring the road up to specs if the resolution were recorded with the county, and as we submit invoices for the work done.  This is based on the county’s estimate of  $8,000 for 800 cubic yards of Class 5 gravel to top the road; $1,000 to repair the culvert and put in rip rap to reinforce it; and another $1,000 for misc. ditch and rock and cleanup.  The board passed and signed another resolution stating: “The Board of Supervisors of the Town of Wilma accepts the county’s terms and conditions in their entirety, and makes no further demand on the County for any work on this road extension.  Once the repairs are completed under the budget and funds provided by the county, Eldon Schmedeke will make no demands of the township or county for maintenance of the entire Schmedeke Lane above and beyond the same maintenance as for any other township road.”  Mike moved to record the road resolution to accept the Schmedeke Lane Extension as part of our existing Schmedeke Lane, and to authorize the Road Manager Mark Pallow to add this project to his agenda for 2015.  Glen seconded.  Gary voted nay. Passed.

NEW BUSINESS:  Road Report:  Beaver Dam:  Mark said beavers have almost plugged the 4 foot culverts on Heller Drive.  He and Gary checked it out.  Gary said if we use a fire hook to pull out some of the debris, the water movement will attract the beavers and they can be shot.  Mark said he wants to ask Duane Glienke if he can try to pull out the debris with his backhoe.

Range Line Roads:  Mark gave Paul a list of all the Range Line and Escrow Account roads that he has plowed or done work on, and the hours to charge to Danforth or New Dosey or to the escrow accounts.

T&T Escrow Account:  We are holding three escrow payments from T& T.  Mark said they’re done logging and he’d like to have their deposits refunded.  Gary said they damaged the culverts on Mink Farm and Eagle Head Roads.  They also hauled on Crooked Lake Road.  Mark said there was no damage on Crooked Lake Road.  Mike said we still need to deduct the time for the inspections and for routine gravel and grading; if they haul on a road they do damage.  Mike said we should take $150 from the Crooked Lake T&T escrow account for restoration.  Glen said we want to be able to justify any work so it is not arbitrary:  we can charge two inspections and grading and restoration, and the time grading.  He said we can document $111 in costs, deducted from $500, refund $389.  Paul said he could write again to all the loggers and to the DNR and County Forestry, explaining our axle weight-limit ordinance and the importance of joint inspections both before and after the hauling.  Gary said to make it clear that every road needs a separate escrow account. Gary said he thought we voted to take the entire escrow account if they miss an inspection, but Glen read the ordinance and it just leaves any damage assessment up to the Road Manager.  Mike said we should table the T&T escrow issue until the next meeting when we can also go over the Mink Farm and Vink Roads and give Mark time to inspect them.

Tamarack Pine Drive:  Mark said Hayward Logging damaged Tamarack Pine Drive and we should keep their entire escrow.  T&T also worked on that road and was concerned that they would be blamed for Hayward’s damages.

Short Road:  Mike said T&T is also logging on our Short Road.

Chains:  Mark said he needs two sets of chains for the grader. Mike moved to authorize him to get them; Gary seconded.

New CTAS Program and Computer:  Glen said he’s found a laptop computer for Patrice for $379, plus tax. Mike moved to authorize Glen to get the computer and to remove the programs and data from our old computer.  Gary seconded.  Mike moved that we sell our old computer to Fran Levings for $75.  Gary seconded.

 

Starowoitow Refund:   They paid $50 damage deposit and $25 hall rental.  They pretty much cleaned up the hall after them.  Gary moved to refund their deposit; Mike seconded.  It’s too late for tonight’s claims, but Paul can notify them that it’s coming.

DNR Hearing at Hall:  Bob Brewster requested the use of our hall on December 1 for a hearing with the DNR about aerial spraying and over-spraying of herbicides.  Gary asked why they don’t use Arna’s hall?  Glen said our hall borders the St. Croix State Forest where they are spraying and we are centrally located.  Mike said the fire chiefs also want to use the hall in November for a meeting.  Glen moved that both the DNR and the fire chiefs be permitted to use the hall with no rental fees.  Mike seconded.  Passed.

Outhouse Holding Tank:  The tank is full and stinks.  Mike moved to have Paul call Purple Pumper to pump it out.  Gary seconded; passed.

Mike apologized for missing two meetings in a row.  He said he will work on this not happening again.

Treasurer’s Report and Bills:  Patrice gave the Treasurer’s Report (attached) and claims were presented:

Pine County Courier                                   $          26.32

ECE                                                                       57.54

Security Life Dental                                             443.52

MAT State Convention Tuition                                     495.00

Jeff GrandPre (election)                                          39.00

Land and Cabins Culverts                                    538.50

Duxbury VFD (annual support)                                 4,500.00

The Evergreen                                                        27.00

Jeanne GrandPre (election)                                     36.00

Glen Williamson (expenses)                                   33.60

Antoinette Williamson (judging)                          147.00

Antoinette Williamson (Fall Fest expenses)                   183.14

Paul (election, mileage, expenses)                         417.11

Stephanie Hanson, The Procrastinators               300.00

Patrice (election, expenses)                                  252.92

Patrice                                                                  303.83

Mike McCullen                                                       62.79

Glen Williamson                                                   153.19

Gary Vink                                                            129.29

Mark Pallow                                                          49.87

Paul Raymond                                                     193.01

Total Bills                      $     8,388.63

Gary moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report, to pay all the claims, and to transfer $8,300 from savings into checking.  Mike seconded.  Gary moved to adjourn the meeting; Glen seconded.  Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Paul Raymond, Clerk__________________________________

Attest:  Glen Williamson, Chair________________________________

 

 

 

 

WILMA TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING, OCTOBER 1, 2014

          Chairman Glen Williamson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Also present were Supervisor Gary Vink, Treasurer Patrice Winfield, Clerk Paul Raymond, Assistant Road Manager Ben Glocke, Pat Story, and Sheriff candidate Jeff Nelson and Ziegler Sales Rep VJ Polkus.

Paul read the record of September’s meeting.  Gary moved to approve; Glen seconded.

Jeff Nelson:   Glen gave Jeff the floor. He is visiting town board meetings to see what the people’s needs and concerns are.  Gary said a big concern is county and commercial vehicles and trucks disregarding the 30 MPH speed limit in Duxbury and who don’t stop and barely slow down at the stop sign on the Duxbury Road.  Some big trucks have gone through the intersection at high speed.  Gary said he wants Jeff to address this if he is elected.  Jeff said they could get a car out here.

Ziegler Cat:   VJ Polkus said he is the new sales rep for Ziegler.  He said he knows we did have a Caterpillar Grader.  Our new grader is a John Deere, and Joe Vink owns the old grader.  VJ said that through the cooperative purchasing venture the town can get parts and equipment at state discount prices.

OLD BUSINESS:  Schmedeke Lane Extension:  The Board adopted a resolution to adopt Schmedeke Lane Extension as a township road, but we haven’t recorded this yet.  Gary said as far as he is concerned, Eldon missed the County’s deadline so the town should rescind the resolution and leave the road in the condition it is.  His concern is that the $10,000 the county is offering to pay the town to build up the road won’t be enough to bring the extension up to the condition to satisfy Eldon, and it will be an ongoing issue.  Glen didn’t like that the county wants invoices before any payments to the township.  Paul looked for any written agreement by the county to give the township the money in front, but said this isn’t an issue if we really do spend the money on the road and can prove it.  The county has had past issues with Wilma’s keeping escrow accounts without proving the money was spent.  There was no motion to record the resolution.

Storowoitow Reunion:  They have checked the hall and will clean up before and after their reunion on October 11, from noon to 6.  They would like to have the water hose connected.

Township Legal Seminar:  Paul said it was one of the best trainings he has ever attended, and the attorneys gave him session books for all of our officers, including the treasurer.  There was a wealth of information on roads and legal issues, and the power-point printouts cover almost everything that was discussed so all the board members can have the information.  Paul said he doesn’t understand how they can provide these trainings free to townships, including all the refreshments and lunch and printed materials.  We retain Ruppe as our town’s attorney, but the seminar was free.

CTAS Training:  We will be able to download the new program soon.  Training is offered in Duluth on Oct 6; Patrice has registered but hasn’t heard if the session is full.  Paul and Toni can attend the training at the MAT Convention.  Glen said they checked, and she can’t attend the training if she is not registered.  He offered a compromise:  if Toni can register for one day plus the banquet, she will not submit a claim for a half-day meeting.  The difference is $75 to attend the Duluth training vs. $145 to attend the convention.  Gary moved to approve this compromise, Glen seconded.

New Computer:    The new CTAS program requires at least Windows 7 to operate.  Our computer is obsolete.  Glen is researching a new laptop.

Town Hall Wiring:   Chuck Drilling checked out our wiring needs with Pat Story and gave an estimate of  $4,600 to bring everything up to code, install 6 ceiling cord reels to avoid having extension cords snaking through the hall; to rewire the outside fuel tank;  install new 120 volt circuits for the two furnaces; and install wiring for three door openers.  The board agreed to only install one electric opener for the grader bay, so the cost will be less.  The cord reels are the most expensive item; they run $600-700 each, but Pat said they would make the hall much safer.  Glen moved that Pat be authorized to work with Chuck and to authorize Chuck to upgrade and repair the fire hall electricity up to $4,600.  Gary seconded.  Glen moved that Pat be reimbursed for all his mileage connected with the fire hall repairs. Gary seconded.   Pat declined a stipend for his work.

Fire Hall Doors:  We did not get a bid from either Klocke or from Mark’s brother-in-law.  Pat said he knows several insured contractors.  Glen moved that Pat be put in charge of all the fire hall upgrades, the doors and the wiring, and be authorized to hire contractors for the work.  Gary seconded.

NEW BUSINESS:  Road Report:  Ben gave the report for Mark.  He said the Mayfield Road project is going very well and just needs one more load of gravel which Hopkins will spread with their truck and Mark can grade.  Ben said Mark bought a pressure washer, which he will lease to the township. His concern is that it would be used by unauthorized people if the town buys one and leaves it in the hall. Glen said the board directed them to buy a pressure washer for the township.

Road Records:  Glen emphasized the importance of Hopkins Gravel noting which roads they put gravel on and the amounts, and for Mark to keep track of all work done on our roads by individual road, especially on range line roads or on roads where escrow accounts are being held.  We can’t document damages and repairs to escrow roads without the records.  Loggers are still working on Tamarack Pine Drive and on the Vink Road.  Glen said we need a claim for the tree removal on Langstrom Lane so we can bill Arna for half.  Patrice gave Paul the claims for last month so he can do the billing.

Road Manager:  Ben indicated that Mark prefers to just work on the roads and he doesn’t like all the record keeping and paperwork.  Glen asked if Mark would like to be the grader operator, but have someone else take over some of the Road Manager duties? Mark would still have to keep some record of what roads he graded or worked on. The town bought him a recorder so he could dictate verbal records.  Ben will talk with Mark and discuss this with him, and convey the board’s urgency for detailed and accurate road records for the escrow and range line billings.

Fust Lane:    Glen  got a call from Mary Raiche asking that Fust Lane be

renamed Raiche Lane since their family has owned land on the east side of Fust Lane for over 100 years, and no Fusts currently own land or live on Fust Lane any more.  Gary gave the history of the road committee when the county went to 911 road numbers; most roads kept their traditional names unless the county made us change them.  All the maps and dispatch records and road signs have these new names, and the cost and confusion of changing a road name now is prohibitive.  There is a family named Raash near Fust lane, and this could cause more confusion. Pat said that township road names are not intended to memorialize anyone or to feed personal egos but only to mark a point for emergency vehicles and the postal service.  Glen will notify Mary Raiche of the decision.

Snowplowing Fees Due:  Fees for the 2014-2015 winter season are due by the next board meeting, November 5^th.  Same rate as last year, $75, $100 driveways over 700′, plus driveways from 1,000′ up to ½ mile, $175; and over ½ mile, $350.  Paul will post and publish the notice.

Township Officers Meeting:  Saturday, October 25,  9 a.m. At Hinckley American Legion Center.  There was a discussion on which officers should be authorized to attend; elected officers, or also appointed deputies?  Patrice asked that when we have all three Supervisors present, that they vote on a policy:  if the elected official attends township educational meetings (not training meetings or short courses) should their deputies also be paid to attend these meetings?  She said she is speaking as a taxpayer, and is concerned that the township is paying for too many meetings, and some are redundant if two people with the same office attend.  Gary said he agrees.  Patrice refunded her pay for the District 7 meeting and said there was nothing there that helped her be a better treasurer.  Paul said they did have crucial information on tax deductions for election judges, and to hear updates and legislative actions makes us better officers and better civil servants.  We are among the lowest paid township officers according to the legal seminar, and every officer does much work for the town that is never billed or paid.

Fire Hall Crushed Rock:  Pat thanked the township for laying down gravel and crushed granite in front of the fire hall, to mitigate some of the puddling and mud tracking.  Gary said there are still pools of water.

Wilma Fall Fest:  Will go on as scheduled.  Paul and Toni and Glen will be the committee, and Jeff has said he will help if he is in town.  Paul said to have Toni set a time and date for cleaning up and prep work and decorating the hall.

2014 Town Mileage Certification:  This is due November 15.  We now claim 16 miles of township roads maintained in 2014.  If we record the Schmedeke Lane resolution, it will extend Schmedeke Lane from ½ mile to almost ¾ miles for 2015.

Treasurer’s Report and Claims:  Patrice gave the Treasurer’s Report (attached) and bills were presented:

Mark Pallow                                     $        69.26

Gary Vink                                                   137.91

Paul Raymond                                            256.73

US Treasury                                                         493.28

Patrice (expenses)                                         21.26

Patrice (including refund of $75)                  29.56

Glen                                                              60.25

ECE                                                              55.38

Hopkins Sand and Gravel                          163.16

Mark Pallow                                               100.00

Duane Glienke                                            225.00

Glen                                                                4.48

Paul (expenses)                                             42.48

Ben Glocke                                                   83.11

Total Bills            $     1.737.86

Gary moved to approve the report and to pay all the claims and to transfer $1,700 from savings into checking.  Glen seconded.  Gary moved to adjourn the meeting; Glen seconded.  Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Paul Raymond Clerk                                                     ___________________________

 

Attested to by Glen Williamson, Chair___________________________

WILMA TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING ,  SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

          Chairman Glen Williamson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Also present were Supervisor Gary Vink, Treasurer Patrice Winfield, Clerk Paul Raymond, and Ben Glocke.

Paul read the record of the August meeting; Glen moved to approve; Gary seconded.

OLD BUSINESS:  Schmedeke Lane Extension:  Glen met with Eldon, who told him that he did pay the county the money they were requiring to turn the extension over to Wilma Township.  He gave Glen a statement asking that Schmedeke Lane “Must be extended 300 more feet to properly accommodate access to the newly created 100 acre parcel, including a culvert and pit run gravel, built up with class 5 gravel, 26′ wide.”  Gary said he understood that the issue was closed since Eldon had missed the deadline, and he doesn’t feel the town should proceed any further.  Let the county keep the road as it is.  There was a question of whether the county will still give the township the road and the $10,000 to improve it if Eldon does not sign and agree to our January agreement with the county:  “Agreement by the Town of Wilma and by Eldon Schmedeke, Citizen of Wilma Township, to Accept Pine County’s Offer and to Abide by the County’s Terms and Conditions for the Buildup and Repair of Schmedeke Lane Extension.”  Eldon has not signed the agreement, which does not provide for any further extension or development of the road beyond it’s existing length.  Glen said the township and the board cannot afford to extend the road, and he made a motion that the township accept the County’s offer to pay Wilma Township $10,000 to build up only the existing extension, if the county will honor this agreement without Eldon’s signature.  Paul will write to Cathy Clemmer.  She has made it clear that “If Wilma adopts the road and the County pays Wilma for the repairs, once the Road Order is filed with the Pine County Recorder, the County will be out of the picture and any further requests/demands concerning the road will be between the township and Eldon.”

Wilma Fallfest:  Dennis Hanson of the Procrastinators will turn 70 the day of Fallfest, October 18, and Stephanie would like to recognize him.  Dinner will start at 6 p.m., and the music at 7:30.

District 7 MAT Meeting, Cambridge:  Four officers attended, as well as Fran and Dave Levings-Baker, to show support for Glen who was running for Director.  There were a lot of important legislative issues covered and representatives from Franken and Nolan’s offices spoke, plus we got new information on election judges and their tax status and procedures.  Glen made it to the fourth ballot, but was not elected.

Township Legal Seminar:  This free all-day seminar covers many legal issues affecting townships.  Paul plans to attend.  Saturday, September 27, 9-4 p.m. in Rutledge.

Fire-Hall Doors and Wiring:  Paul solicited a quote from a building contractor for replacing the doors, and Glen asked Mark to get a quote from his brother-in-law. So far we have gotten no estimates.   We will replace three doors, with the large grader door with a electric door opener.   Pat Story met with Chuck Drilling to get an estimate to bring the fire hall up to electrical code and wire for the new garage door opener. We should have the quote at the next meeting.

Road Report:  Ben represented Mark for the road report.  Ben asked what Hopkins charges for loading and for hauling gravel.  They will be bringing gravel to Mayfield Road tomorrow, a load of class 5  to top the 24′ x 30′ culvert at the washout.  This is 9” larger than the old one.  Mark and Ben and Duane Glienke will install it.  Ben said they had to cut trees that posed hazards on the road.  Gary said the people on the road moved the warning barricades he put up and put logs in the washout, without replacing them, so he had to.

NEW BUSINESS:  Propane Prebuy:  Gary moved to prebuy 1200 gallons at $1.849/gallon.  Glen seconded.

T&T’s Escrow Deposit for Vink Road:  Mark said to refund their $500 deposit, but deduct one load of class 5 gravel.  Gary said they crushed the culvert on the road.  One load is about 14 yards, about $200.  T&T have three escrow accounts:  2/15/14. $500 for Crooked Lake Road; 1-2-14 $500 Mink Farm Road; 9/11/13, $500 Vink Road.  No action taken.

Pressure Washer:  Ben asked permission to purchase a pressure washer to clean

the road grader.  Gary moved to authorize Mark or Ben to buy an electric  pressure washer, up to $300, or up to 20% over without Gary’s authorization.  Glen seconded.

Cooperative Purchasing Venture:  We got an application; Glen said to fill it out and send it.

Fleet and Surplus Services Division:  All officers had to sign the renewal to be able to purchase surplus inventory.  We haven’t used surplus services.  Mike was not present to sign.

State MAT Convention, November 20-23 in Duluth:  Glen moved that he and Paul be authorized to attend.  Gary seconded.  Paul will drive.  Gary said to keep receipts of any expenses.

Yard Light:  Our hall yard light flickers on and off.  Glen instructed Paul to call ECE to have them repair it.

Sentence-to-Serve, Town Hall Painting:  Dan Raden is the new coordinator for the program.  He said they could paint the town hall if we provided the paint, and pressure-washed the hall before hand.  They can’t do it until next summer.  Paul said he could do it this fall, but Gary said it is already too cold.

New CTAS Program:  This will be implemented in the new year.  Training in the new program will be offered at the State MAT Convention and also in Duluth on October 6.  Patrice said the township will need a new computer for the program; the OS on the old one will be obsolete.  Glen moved that he be authorized to research computers  and printers for the township.  Gary seconded.      Patrice said our current printer still works but sometimes freezes.

Treasurer’s Report and Claims:  Patrice gave the Treasurer’s Report (attached).  Bills presented:

Hopkins Sand & Gravel                                                $           526.72

Jeanne GrandPre (election judge)                                        66.00

Paul (expenses, training and election training, July)         138.60

Mark Pallow                                                                       61.60

Federated Propane Cooperative                                              2,218.80

Glen (expenses)                                                                  78.40

Paul (expenses and election, Aug.)                                    219.60

Joe Vink                                                                              60.00

Jeff GrandPre (election)                                                      72.00

Patrice (expenses, election)                                               148.00

Evergreen                                                                              7.32

Pine Co. Courier                                                                 13.16

ECE                                                                                    58.67

U.S. Treasury                                                                   594.40

Mark Pallow                                                                     254.89

Ben Glocke                                                                       180.08

Paul Raymond (July and August)                                     341.69

Gary Vink                                                                         154.23

Glen                                                                                  157.92

Patrice                                                                               168.08

Total Bills:                     $        5,520.00

Gary moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report and to pay all the claims, and to transfer $5,500 from savings into checking.  Glen seconded.

Glen moved to adjourn the meeting; Gary seconded.  Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

__________________________

Paul Raymond, Clerk