WILMA TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING,  JUNE 4, 2014

          Chairman Glen Williamson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Also present, Supervisors Gary Vink and Mike McCullen, Treasurer Patrice Winfield, Clerk Paul Raymond, Road Manager Mark Pallow,  County Commissioner Steve Chaffee, County Forester/Land Commissioner Greg Beck, and Pat Story and Jeff and Jean GrandPre.

OLD BUSINESS:  Wilma Land Sale Resolution:  Steve Chaffee said the County Board understands Wilma Township’s concerns, especially about preserving lands for future generations, but the county Board wants to move forward on selling the non-conservation lands in Wilma Township.  The Board does not intend to sell all the tax-forfeited land in Wilma Township, especially not right away.  They sympathize with our desire to preserve land for all the public, and not just for a private playground.  Steve said he personally does not want to sell all the public lands in Wilma Township.

Greg said the County does not necessarily want to override the township.  By law, they have to notify the affected townships, and the local govt. units have first priority to buy the lands, like Wilma is with our park.  The law was intended to allow towns to have input to deny sales but does not give them 100% veto power.  If the town votes to deny the sale, then there is a public hearing where people can give opinions and input on both sides.  The Commissioners have final say on whether to proceed with the sales.

Greg gave the history of tax-forfeited properties.  The County has 48-50,000 acres of county land. In the past, these were classified as Conservation lands, which the county kept public, and Non-conservation, which they would sell.  They have a third category, Memorial Forest, large tracts that they want to preserve and manage, but may eventually sell.  Out of 48,000 total acres currently, 33,000 acres are Memorial Forest, for timber sales and public use; 3,000 conservation lands, not for sale; and 12,000 Non-conservation, which they want to sell.  They determine Memorial lands by 5 criteria:  1. large acreage; 2. access; 3. public recreation; 4. timber potential; and 5. environmental uniqueness.  If 3 out of 5 apply, the land is Memorial forest, e.g., Crooked Lake land, which would be very high-value land if sold, but would deny the public access, so is Memorial.  Larger blocks in Sections 1 and 2 connect with New Dosey.  Greg said the old board, including Doug Carlson, didn’t want to sell County land, except for smaller 80’s and 40’s, but wanted the County to manage larger tracts.

Glen said that the County has already received money from timber sales. Gary said the access to the land in Sections 6 and 7 show access, but Doody has barricaded the road.  Beck said they told him he has to remove the barricades and can’t lock the gate.  Section 9, north of Glienke’s, is landlocked, and they would force access.

The County wants to sell the 240 acres in Section 11 to recoup the money spent on Schmedeke Lane extension.  The road was built better than a forest road for access to the timber, but also to make the land more attractive for sale.  In Section 18 Dollar Lake Road, 53 acres west of the road; end of Mayfield Road, 140 acres in two separate parcels. They purchased an easement from McHughs.  Section 7, north of Vink Road the  county already paid for access and will build a road if they sell it.  The County has expended $46,000 on these parcels, including the Schmedeke Lane Extension and the easements.

Glen said it sounds like no matter what the township wants, on July 15 the Board will overrule the township.  Glen said he can’t attend, so it’s up to Mike and Gary to appeal the Township’s interests.  Mike said for that $46,000 investment, the County did receive a lot of money for timber sales, and if the county sells all the tax-forfeited lands in Wilma, they will have no more land to manage.  Out of the 12 parcels in Wilma Township, the County wants to sell 8 of them, and they will only have 4 left, and then what, when there is no more land?  We are almost out of public lands, and public lands are more of an asset to the township.  Some of the lakes that used to be public access are now gated up.  Steve said he sympathizes because the same is true in his township; lakes they used to be able to fish are now locked.  Mike asked why they are so determined to sell the land, when they can get another timber harvest in 40-50 years if it is managed for the public?

Greg said he has opinions, but has to act as directed by the Commissioners, and if they tell him to designate lands for Memorial Forest, he will.  Greg said we need to compromise; he has a list of properties the County could revise.  Steve said the township needs to appear to appeal and explain their side, and the Commissioners need to hear how important public lands are to the people of Wilma Township.  Mike said he and Gary will be there.  Pat said they are speaking for him as well.  Mike said if we compromise and one parcel is sold every year, before long there will be no public land left.  Greg said our resolution sounds like Wilma does not want to have any tax-forfeited land sales ever.  He can understand that in larger parcels, but the County sometimes gets small acre lots.  Mike said the board doesn’t have a problem with that.

Township Park:  Glen asked what is the status of our Park; is the county going to give it to the township?  Greg said that because it has public waters, the state legislature has to approve the sale, and the county will convey it to Wilma under conditional use, like the south half of the Park (which the town gets free-and-clear in 2015).  No one knows for sure why the County or Wilma has no proof of the town owning the north 20 acres; they speculate that the process started and then stopped, although the county and everyone has always thought the whole 36.5 acres belonged to Wilma.  The town will have to pay a few hundred dollars for the sale.

Garbage in County Rights-of-Way:  Paul asked about the sofa and garbage dumped along the Duxbury Road by North Duncan Road, and the TV dumped at the end of the Mink Farm Road.  Steve asked if we had contacted Melzark; Paul said we notified the Co. Highway Dept.

McDermott Creek Dropoff:  Glen told Steve and Greg that we notified the Highway Dept. about the steep dropoff on McDermott Creek on the Markville Road, with no markers or barriers.  Greg said they would go check it out, and at least there would be some warning signs put up.

Schmedeke Lane Extension:  Glen asked what exactly is the County asking Eldon to purchase?  Greg said they are offering him 132 feet, but he will only be paying for 62 feet.  He will be buying 8 acres for the price of 4, so the County can retain access.  The deed will be for 8 acres.  If Eldon does not accept this, the county will not give us the road.  The deadline is first Tuesday in August; then the offer will be withdrawn.  If he doesn’t buy it, the county will sell the whole block but will retain the easement with the extension they built, 66′ of road.  They will sell it in 3 blocks.  If he accepts the agreement, Eldon will be getting 8 acres for the price of 4 and the other 4 will not be taxed.  He will have road frontage on a good township road, built up to County specs.

Conclusions:  Glen asked Paul to write a letter to Chaffee about McDermott Creek.  Glen moved that a committee of Mike, Pat, and Jeff draft a position paper on why Wilma Township does not want the County to sell any public lands in Wilma Township before the July 15 hearing, up to two hours at the $15/hour rate.  Paul said our resolution already spells out very clearly our reasons for denying the sales, and he read the relevant portions.  Mike said maybe they can elaborate a little for the Commissioners to understand our position, and he seconded the motion. The committee will present their report at the July 2^nd Board meeting, so it can be forwarded to the Commissioners before the July 15 hearing.

May Meeting Record:  Paul read the record of the May meeting. Glen made one correction:  the storm shelter cost $4,600, not $6,000, and with this correction, he moved to approve the report.  Mike seconded.  Patrice asked if Paul will send the report of Ben Glocke as a new hire, and if we have to report all our hires retroactively.  Paul said he will find out and take care of it.

Gravel:  Gary moved that Mark use the township gravel at Alden’s pit and have Hopkins haul it.  Mike seconded.

Summer Short Course:  June 26; Patrice got the form and will send it in for Glen, Gary, Paul and herself. Glen will drive if his truck is fixed.

2015 Assessments:  Mike moved to appoint Bob Brewster as our township assessor for 2015.

Duxbury Store 3.2 Beer license:  Glen moved to approve and sign the application for the Duxbury Store; Mike seconded.  Gary abstained.

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

Pine Co. Assessor (Special Assessments)             $        367.00

Paul (internet)                                                                  10.00

Mark (expenses)                                                              18.48

Glen (road inspection mileage)                                                  40.88

Patrice (expenses)                                                            19.80

ECE                                                                                 47.43

Mark                                                                                48.48

Gary                                                                              337.54

Antoinette Williamson                                                     13.85

Glen                                                                               192.78

Patrice                                                                              90.50

Federated Propane

Paul                                                                               253.04

Mike                                                                              170.85

Pat Story                                                                       120.00

Total Claims                            $     1,916.59

Gary moved to approve the Treasurer’s report and to pay all the claims and to transfer $1,900 from savings into checking.  Mike seconded.  Mike moved to adjourn the meeting; Gary seconded.  Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

____________________

Paul Raymond, Clerk

____________________

Glen Williamson, Chair

WILMA TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING, MAY 7, 2014

Chairman Glen Williamson called the meeting to order 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.
Paul read the record of the April meeting. Gary made one correction; he abstained in the vote on donations to the three public service organizations, not Mike. With that correction, he moved to approve; Glen seconded.

OLD BUSINESS: Schmedeke Lane Extension: Eldon was not at the meeting, so we do not know if or when he will be settling with the county for the land adjoining Schmedeke Lane. Glen asked Paul to write Eldon and tell him the County is waiting for a response from him before they will release the $10,000 to upgrade the Schmedeke Lane extension. Mark said there are land for sale signs at the road.

Wilma Resolution on Land Sales: All Commissioners received our response to the Auditor’s request to rescind our resolution, plus copies of the original resolution. Commissioner Steve Chaffee and Greg Beck will be attending our June board meeting.

Spring Short Course Report: Glen and Paul attended, and said it was one of the best short courses. The legislative update addressed bills and pending legislation affecting townships and MAT: Broadband for rural areas reduced from $100 million to $25 million; Fire fighter credit on state taxes, $500 per firefighter. Using websites for notices, bypassing newspapers.
Clerks/Treasurers: Need to register new hires, like Ben Glocke. @ MN New Hire. Applies to contractors also.
Insurance info for board members: discounts on home and auto, and big discounts on Rx’s: free to sign up: Met Life (medvana.com/metlife). MBA members can get auto and home discounts. Also vision insurance. July township aid: will get two checks in July. Record in Local Govt. Aid.Temporary account, #33401. In Oct. we’ll get our market value credit, PILT. We can keep the old CTAS when the new one comes out and install the new version. Road operators need calendars to keep track of roads and hours and what maintenance done. Meetings can be closed for personnel issues and contracts/bids, (and lawsuits if attorney present). Can close to discuss allegations of a person subject to board authority. Clerks are not subject to the Board, only to the voters. Closed meetings must be recorded. Law or statute authorizing closed meetings must be cited. Closed meetings always start as posted open meetings. They brought back reports and Power Points for the other Supervisors and Treasurer.

NEW BUSINESS: Spring Road Inspection: The Board set Wednesday, May 21, for the road inspection, starting at the store at 10 a.m. Mark said that Mayfield Road is washed out pretty badly and needs some immediate gravel and repair. Gary agreed. Glen moved to authorize Mark to order whatever gravel needed from Hopkins, or whatever they are allowed to haul with the current road restrictions. Mike seconded.

Duxbury Volunteer Fire Department Pancake Breakfast: Will be Sunday, May 25. Gary moved that they be allowed to use the Wilma Town Hall; Glen seconded.

Summer Short Course Registration: Deadline June 11 to pre-register for the Carlton short course on June 26. We aren’t sure who will be attending, so we can register at the June board meeting. $50 per officer if pre-registered.

Filing Notice for State and County Offices: The filing period is May 20 to June 3, 2014, for judges, sheriff, and other state and county offices.

Damage at Two Creeks: While Mark was plowing Two Creeks Campground in February he had to avoid a dumpster and accidentally damaged one of the underground storm shelters. The shelter cannot be repaired, and Glen requested the board to submit a claim to our insurance company for replacement, $4600. Gary said our policy as posted is “Wilma Township is not liable for inadvertent damages while plowing private drives.” Mike said he is concerned that the MAT insurance will tell us we can’t plow private drives any more. Glen said the law is clear that this is permitted, although private driveway grading is not allowed. The board directed Paul to send the claim to the MAT attorneys along with our policy notice, and find out if we can still make an insurance claim. Glen said he does not have property damage insurance for that part of the campground, so can’t file a personal claim. Mike said the board can inspect the damage at the Road Inspection meeting on May 21.

Legal Seminar: Couri/Ruppe Attorneys are holding a free legal seminar for township officers in Rutledge on September 27, from 9 to 4 p.m. We can car-pool. They cover road and liability and all township issues, and give free legal advice.

MAT District Meeting: Will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 3, at Anoka Ramsey College, Cambridge. Register 7 p.m., election 8 p.m. District Director Don Sherper is retiring and has asked Glen to replace him. Glen asked the board to send him and someone to nominate him. There is no tuition. Glen needs to file from June 5 to July 5 for Director. If he is elected, Glen will then be paid by MAT for all meetings and mileage, e.g. County Twp. Officers, Short Courses, District Meetings, State Conventions, which will save the township a lot of money.

Damage on Lost River Road: Pat Storey said that the driveway that blocked Lost River Road flooded, and he fixed it himself. He asked if the township had addressed this issue. Last fall, Pat Storey said someone had filled in the ditch at the cul-de-sac on Lost River Road to create a driveway, and the board said they would try to find out who was responsible. Paul wrote to Leighton Quinn, the project developer who implicated property owner Tom Foster and said: “I talked to Pat Story yesterday when I was up mowing and he did not mention it. Not sure Tom Foster will respond and/or correct the dip if it really is a problem. Personally I have never seen it cause a problem, but I am not up there all the time.” The September 11, 2013 meeting record notes: “Someone filled in the drainage ditch to create a parcel access driveway without putting in a culvert to drain the water, on the west side of Lost River Road just before the cul-de-sac, which created a flooding situation over the road. Mark will inspect this Friday when he checks on the tree locate, and then Paul can contact Mr. Quinn to see if he is aware of this and asking him to have it corrected. We will charge the offender for the gravel and grading needed to repair the road, and if the offender doesn’t put in a culvert, we will at their expense.” Since Pat already repaired the damage, the board did not take action, but they will inspect this more closely at the May 21 road inspection.
Pat had another issue with snowplowing in the recent heavy snowfalls. He said Lost River Road was not plowed out on April 4 or on April 15. Mark checked his records and said he did plow on April 4. But on April 15, the tire fell off the grader, and he was not able to get to Lost River Road, so Pat plowed it himself. He said he did call Mike McCullen, who had assured him the Lost River Road would be plowed. Mike was not aware of the grader issue. Pat asked to be reimbursed for his time, $120. Glen moved to approve; Mike seconded. Mike said this is an extraordinary situation and will not set a precedent; the township cannot allow private parties to plow or grade or do any work on township roads, because we have had so much damage done by well-meaning private citizens. Pat was given Mark’s number, and was told to call the Chairman and Mark if something like this happens again. Pat said he watched the people who lived at the end of River Cabin Road grade the cul-de-sac there and ruin it. The board will inspect this at the road inspection.
Pat said as far as the house at the DNR Eagle Head Station, it looks like MN DOT is going to tear it down; they’ve already started removing lights and fixtures. Tim Faust has not had any influence on their decisions. MN DOT has also said they reserve the right to park their vehicles in the pole barn if necessary; Pat told them that we can’t put our trucks outside whenever they want to use the property.

Langstrom Road Right-of-way: Dennis Schmedeke talked with Duane Glienke about cutting the trees in the right-of-way on Langstrom Road. Dennis wants to be paid for the timber. In 2010 Wilma told Arna Township that we only claim ¼ mile of Langstrom Lane, and we are not responsible for tree removal after that. The L & E Ericson Family Ltd. Partnership told us that they would take care of the trees on the east side of the road sometime in 2011. Gary said if Duane wants to cut the trees and pay Dennis, that’s between them.

Treasurer’s report and bills: Patrice gave the Treasurer’s report (attached) and claims were presented:

Glen Williamson $ 259.04
Patrice Winfield 90.50
Mike McCullen 92.35
Mark Pallow 265.96
Paul Raymond 341.69
Gary Vink 139.45
Seven Co. Senior Federation 100.00
Patrice (expenses) 10.00
MATAT Insurance 1,606.00
OSAC 100.00
Pine Co. Historical Society 100.00
Security Life (Dental) 443.52
ECE 53.87
The Evergreen 22.50
Pine Co. Courier 16.02
Federated Propane 10.68
Gen (expenses) 71.68
Aspire Inc. (website) 300.00
Paul (expenses) 15.93
MAT Short Course tuition 100.00
RDO Equipment 139.81

Total Bills $ 4,279.00

Gary moved to approve the Treasurer’s report and to pay all the claims, and to transfer $4,300 from savings into checking. Mike seconded. Mike moved to adjourn the meeting; Gary seconded. Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Paul Raymond, Clerk

attest: Glen Williamson, Chair