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

WILMA TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING AUGUST 1, 2012 

          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, and Road Manager Mark Pallow.

Paul read the record of July’s meeting;Garymoved to approve; Mike seconded.

OLD BUSINESS:  Weight Limits on Township Roads:  We wrote to Greg Beck, County Forester and to Kurt Schneider, the County Land/Zoning Administrator telling them of our desire to put a 5-ton weight limit on all our township roads without a special permit, so we know who is doing the logging and hauling and so we get our escrow payment.  Kurt Schneider replied that we should recognize the positive financial and economic impact logging has on our community.  He said that Wilma received over $30,000 in direct payments from the logging activities in the past 10 years.  He said he could not give legal advice and advised us to contact the township attorneys on the drafting of an ordinance.  He did copy the Sheriff and theCountyAdministrator with his letter. Glen suggested wording for an ordinance:

Whereas,WilmaTownshiproads have been damaged by hauling activities, and

Whereas, when such damages have occurred in the past Wilma has had limited compliance with restoring our roads or meeting our escrow requirements,

Therefore the Wilma Township Board of Supervisors hereby enacts an ordinance setting a 5-ton limit on trucks hauling on Wilma Township roads without a special permit from Wilma Township, which would include a deposit of $500 into an escrow account, which can be refunded minus administrative costs if the road is returned to its original condition as determined by a road inspection by our Road Manager.  Violation of this ordinance requirement is a misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine and or/jail time.

Mike asked how we can make an exception for local businesses who need to haul lumber into a building site, or for a garbage truck that might exceed 5 tons.  He suggested raising the limit to 10 tons, which would still exclude full logging trucks, which can weigh almost 50 tons.  Glen said he saw another township road with a 5-ton weight limit, but can’t remember where.  The Supervisors will note if they see any signs like that so we can contact their boards and see how their ordinances work.  Mike suggested our signs read “Permit required over 10 tons:  Wilma Township Ordinance.”

Glen moved that Paul research the wording of an ordinance, to comply with correct procedures, and that he have the township attorneys go over it, and that he research enforcement options.

Garyquestioned the $30,000 figure and asked how much we received recently in PILT.  In 2011, we got over $12,000.

Mark said that Tri-State took all of their wood fromN. Duncan Road.  They stopped payment on their last escrow payment, but we did keep their original escrow payment when they didn’t do any logging, but did drive a cat up the road.

Tamarack Pine Drive:  Mark put one load of gravel on the spot the surveyors damaged, and graded it when he was grading the whole road.  Paul asked if he could break down the time he spent just on that part; he said he couldn’t, but we could bill for one hour of his time, which would include inspections, plus the load of gravel.  We won’t have the gravel cost untilHopkins’ bill comes.

Essentia AED:  We got a defribulator from Essentia ambulance service, and the fire department got one.  Mike has them at his home.  He will find a place in the fire hall where both the town and the fire dept. can have easy access to it.

NEW BUSINESS:  Road Report:  Mark put 4 loads on Little Tamarack Lake Road.  Park Falls Hardwoods sent their $500 escrow deposit for that road.  CrookedLake Road project is complete and within budget.  Mark has a little more grading to do on that road.

Danforth/Wilma Road Agreement:  The Supervisors reviewed the new Road Agreement makingWilmaTownship responsible for all grading and snowplowing and maintenance, including beaver abatement, at the grader rate of $100/hour, equally divided. Gary asked if there could be an emergency clause allowing Wilma to do emergency work like tree removal without Danforth’s approval. Gary said it is a state law that all obstructions be removed as soon as possible from public roads, so Glen said the clause isn’t necessary.

Absentee Ballot Board:   Glen moved that Paul Raymond, Toni Williamson, Patrice Winfield and Barb Smith be appointed to the Absentee Ballot Board in case Wilma has any absentee ballots that need to be counted and verified. Gary seconded.  Passed.

Dumptruck:  Mike and Fudally Tackle are finished with the dumptruck he bought for the cleanup, and he is offering it toWilmaTownship for $6,000.  He had intended to offer it for $5,000 but he had a lot of extra expenses due to the long time before we were paid for the work.  The truck includes a plow, which we could use on driveways.  Mike said he would be willing to operate the truck plow if we needed an operator.  Mark said the truck is in good shape, and Mike said he researched a lot of trucks before he bought it, and that G&D Auto told him this was the best one.  Mike said he would feel better as a Supervisor if the town had the truck checked out at G&D before we bought it.  Mike will get Paul the VIN# and make and model so he can call the Township Insurance so it is covered for the trip to town.  Mark and Gary will go in with it.   If we buy it, we can get the title transferred and get plates.  Mark said we can get tax-exempt plates.

State MAT Conference:  It is Sept. 13 inCambridge.  Don Sherpa, our district rep, has strongly encouraged officers to go.  Glen can’t go, but he does want to attend the state conference in November.  Paul said if it is a budget issue, we shouldn’t send anyone to the district conference and save the money to send Paul and Glen to the state conference.  Patrice said that as a taxpayer, she doesn’t think we should send people to the state conference, because of the costs for motel from Nov. 15-17, plus the conference tuition and mileage.  Glen said there are many, many benefits to the township and board members from this conference.

Automark Test:  The public test of our voting machine will be tomorrow at noon at Patrice’s.  Paul posted and published this and the Primary Election, which is Tuesday, August 14, from 10 until 8.

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

Patrice Winfield                                $        100.01

Gary Vink                                                  264.65

Mark Pallow                                               280.22

Paul Raymond                                            126.43

The Evergreen                                                9.00

ECE                                                              59.06

Pine Co. Courier                                           22.56

Mike McCullen                                             33.07

Patrice Winfield (expenses)                          30.10

Paul Raymond (expenses)                            10.00

Glen Williamson                                           38.69 

Total Bills            $        974.00

Garymoved to approve the Treasurer’s Report and to pay all the claims, and to transfer $1,000 from savings to checking.  Glen seconded.  Mike moved to adjourn;Garyseconded.  Meeting adjourned at 9:15.

Paul Raymond, Clerk

WILMA TOWNSHIP JULY 11, 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 Mike McCullen and Gary Vink, Treasurer Patrice Winfield, Clerk Paul Raymond, Road Manager Mark Pallow, and Eldon and Marjorie Schmedeke.

Paul read the record of the June meeting; Mike moved to approve;Garyseconded.

OLD BUSINESS:  Yaggy-Colby Escrow Fund:  For the surveying work and digging onGeorge Anderson Road by Pallows.  Mark said he doesn’t have a report yet on all the deductions.

Federated Pre-buy Propane:   Patrice said it went down 10 cents to $159.9.  Mike moved andGary seconded to purchase 1200 gallons at $159.9.  Passed. 

Township Plow use by citizen:  Mark used the township pull-behind grader on Two Creeks Campground driveway. Gary said this should be a charge.  Glen said he had no idea that Mark was using township equipment, but he is willing to pay; he asked if $20 would be enough.  Mike moved to accept this payment;Gary seconded.  Glen recused.

Tri-State Loggers/N. Duncan Rd:  Gary said he’s seen Tri-State going up Duncan Road at least twice, taking at least two 40 ton loads of wood from their log pile.  Mike said we need to restrict access to that road, putting a ton-limit so that without a permit, no loggers can use the road.  The permit would include the escrow payment.  He said we need to pass an ordinance and forward a copy to the county attorney, and find out from the sheriff if they will enforce our ordinances.  Mike said we should get signs for our roads that state a weight limit of 5 tons (or possibly 3 or 7 tons) regardless of the season without special permit fromWilmaTownship.  A log truck weighs 47 tons full.  Glen asked the clerk to research the legality of passing an ordinance or resolution stating road weight limits, with a penalty of $500 fine or 90 days in jail for violators, or what we legally can do as a township.   Mike said Markville enforces their zoning ordinance and they confiscated a bulldozer from a citizen for violations. Gary said to specify the problems we have had with crushing culverts, wrecking road signs, rutting roads, and without a permit we have no knowledge of who is using our roads.

Crooked Lake Road/Danforth Twp. Agreement:  We have started the bulldozing and grading work onCrooked Lake Road. Gary said Jeff Shute agrees that we need to write a new agreement/resolution between the townships stating that Wilma is taking over all gravel, grading and maintenance, with the new grader charge, with the townships dividing the costs.  Paul will have it for the next meeting.

FEMA Payment:  We got payment of 97.5% of our claims.  Glen moved that Wilma pay Mike McCullen/Fudally Tackle their full amount, so his part is settled.  Once we submit all the invoices, the state will pay the balance.  Patrice got the dates of gravel purchases so Paul and find the claims. Gary seconded.  Mike abstained; passed.

Summer Short Course:  Glen, Gary, Patrice and Paul attended. Gary took the mandated assessor training; Paul took the mandated head election judge training.  Patrice and Glen took training on legal and budgeting issues for townships.  The treasurer must sign checks last.  Townships are able to be tax exempt for purchases;  Patrice got a certificate of exemption for utilities and purchases.  At our Board of Review, if we don’t have a quorum of supervisors we can lose our right to assess for two years.

Eldon said we are spending too much money on training.  If the state or county is mandating certain training for elections or assessors, they should pay for it.  He said most of what the board learns at these training meetings could be learned by getting written reports.

NEW BUSINESS:  Annual Meeting:  Since the supervisors must be present following the election for the Board of Canvass, Mike moved that supervisors be paid for attending the annual meetings at the regular hourly rate.  Glen seconded.  If a supervisor serves as moderator, he/she will be paid that rate, $50.

Wilma Assessor Agreement:  Glen moved that we hire Bob Brewster to do our 2012/13 assessments, 276 non-exempt parcels @ $5.50 each= $1,518.00, same rate as past few years. Gary seconded.  Passed.

Wilma Population:  The State Demographer reported a population of 67 people in 33 households.

Park Falls Hardwood Escrow:  They will be logging on state land off  Little Tamarack Lake Road.  Lynn Erickson met with Mark to do a road inspection before the work.  They will send the escrow.   Eldon said if we don’t get gravel on the edge of the road, it will collapse into the lake.  Gravel is needed at the culvert and in potholes.

Treasurer’s Report and Bills: 

Mike McCullen                                                     $           33.97

Patrice Winfield                                                             205.68

Paul Raymond                                                               215.11

Gary Vink                                                                      172.66

Mark Pallow                                                                  274.56

Glen Williamson                                                            142.71

US Treasury (2^nd qtr.)                                                    474.32

Fudally Tackle                                                           29,250.00

Paul Raymond (exp.)                                                        61.64

MATITTownshipPolicy                                                      1,605.00

HopkinsSand and Gravel                                            9,529.97

Pine Co. Courier                                                               13.16

Glen Williamson (exp.)                                                     75.48

ECE                                                                                  68.76

Federated Propane                                                                 1,508.18

Toni Williamson (election training)                                  49.98

Patrice Winfield (exp. /Training)                                       76.82

Barb Smith (judge training)                                              49.42 

Total Bills                               $    43,807.42

Mike moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report (attached) and to pay all claims, and to transfer $44,000 from savings to checking. Garyseconded. Garymoved to adjourn the meeting; Mike seconded.  Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Signed:  Paul Raymond, Clerk