WILMA TOWN BOARD MEETING, OCTOBER 1 2008

Chairman Gary Vink called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. There were 16 citizens present, including Supervisors Michael McCullen and Glenford Williamson, Treasurer Patrice Winfield, Clerk Paul Raymond, and Toni Williamson, Joe Vink, Mark Pallow, Leighton Quinn, Ross Gay, Jason Patric, Daniel Larson, and Richard Noyes.

DANFORTH/WILMA RANGE LINE ROAD AGREEMENT: Danforth Township Supervisors Jason Patric and Daniel Larson attended to draw up a new agreement on maintenance of the joint range-line Crooked Lake and Eagle Head Roads. Gary said that the disputed invoice for 10/25/07 for 3 hours of blading the roads should be adjusted to $187.50 and resubmitted to Danforth Township. There was a ½ hour overcharge. Danforth had believed that we were billing for work done by Carlson’s Lumber, and that Carlsons claimed that our grader did not go down the road that day. We had grader records showing that the road was graded. Glen moved that we rescind the invoice for Gary’s road inspection on 6/7/08. Mike seconded.

Danforth is willing to take over responsibility for road maintenance; they said that Sandstone Township charged them half of what we charge. Mike said that Danforth will have to deal with the Kelch’s and their trailer, which is in the right-of-way. Mike moved that we draft a letter from both townships telling them that they have to move their trailer 33′ from the center of Crooked Lake Road. Glen seconded.

Glen moved that the Board accept Danforth Township’s letter of July, 2008, canceling the 2006 road agreement. Glen moved that the Board adopt a new agreement with Danforth Township where Danforth will be responsible for routine snowplowing, ditch work and grading of the range-line roads and will bill Wilma for half, not to exceed $100 per hour for the total cost to both townships. This agreement will be subject to amendment or renewal every September. Wilma will be held harmless and not liable for any damages or claims against Danforth Township arising from maintenance authorized by them. Wilma will be allowed to do emergency plowing or maintenance at our regular rates when Danforth is unable to do it.

Wilma has one last bill for Danforth under the old agreement, for putting 154 yards of gravel, 11 loads, on Crooked Lake Road on 8/7/08, at $8/yard, total cost $1,232, minus $500 from Carlson’s escrow account = $732, divided by two, Danforth’s half, $361.50.

ESCROW ACCOUNT: We still have no response from the Township Attorneys regarding our charging a road use fee from loggers instead of an escrow fee.

LOST RIVER ROAD: Leighton Quinn, Dick Noyes and Ross Gay attended to discuss the township taking over the Lost River Road. The agreement entered into in October, 2005, between the township and Leighton Quinn required a $2,500 escrow deposit by Mr. Quinn to pay for maintenance on Lost River Road until one year from the date that the last lot is sold in order for the town to take over the road. Mr. Quinn said that he may not sell all the lots, but keep some. Mike moved that the agreement be amended to say that this escrow deposit would be for two years from the date that it is received. Glen seconded.

WILMA FALL FEST: Patrice said she is available to help and had received door prizes from Ace Hardware and the Organic Carrot. Toni Williamson has a prize from the Grand Casino. The prizes can be raffled off for $1. Mark has a candy wreath. Glen and Tony made posters for the October 18 event.

TRI-TOWNSHIP DISPOSAL DISTRICT MEETING: Mike attended the meeting and they lowered taxpayer rates by $6/year. Some people in our township dumped trash on a road which required the disposal people to pick it up and dispose of it, including some paint. The Disposal District billed them $302 for the cleanup, but they didn’t pay. Mike directed Paul to write them and ask for payment, and tell them that if it is not paid in 75 days that we will have it assessed on their taxes. Paul will call the county assessor to make sure that we can levy a special assessment like that.

CHAINSAW POLE: Mark needs to rent a chainsaw pole to trim the trees on Heller Drive and Dollar Lake Road where they are hitting the grader. He called Hinckley Rental for quotes. Mike said it may be more economical to buy one than to rent. Mark said he also would like to rent a chipper to dispose of the branches. Mike moved that Mark be authorized to research the cost to rent and/or buy the pole and chipper, and to buy or rent the pole after calling the board members. Gary seconded.

BILLS AND TREASURER’S REPORT:

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

Pine County Courier $ 18.80

Hopkins Sand and Gravel 3,855.60

FNBNS 2,000.00

Bruno Deep Rock 126.22

US Treasury 477.52

Donna Filler 138.00

Antoinette Williamson 45.00

Mike McCullen 80.80

Gary Vink 81.96

Mark Pallow 169.92

Glenford Williamson 34.63

Patrice Winfield 71.58

133.40

Paul Raymond 240.00

110.82

TOTAL $ 7,584.75

Glen moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report and to pay all bills, and to transfer $7,600 from savings to checking. Mike seconded. Mike moved to adjourn the meeting; Glen seconded. Meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.

Paul Raymond, Clerk

WILMA TOWN BOARD MEETING, SEPTEMBER 3, 2008

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

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

Pete Anderson/Langstorm Range Line Roads: Arna Township Chairman David Drake sent a letter dated August 1 saying that Wilma did not put gravel on the end of Pete Anderson and Langstrom Roads in 2007 as per our joint road agreement, and informing us that they believe six loads of pit run gravel are needed at 58502, ditching at the new culvert, and 4 -6 loads of pit run at the low spot 100-200 yards north of Duxbury Road where it flooded, and that they plan to do this work this year, their maintenance year. We have the claim dated 1-15-08 showing that we did put 24 yards of gravel at the two road extensions in November, 2007 and billed Arna, and that they paid the claim.

There was a discussion on their other proposals. Gary and Mark inspected the road today, September 3rd, and they don’t believe that there is a need for 6 loads of gravel south of 58502. Gary said that if any gravel is used there, it should be class 5; pit run would just make it worse. In the area 200 yards north of the Duxbury Road, Gary again said that if anything, it should be class 5 gravel. Mike said he has heard several complaints about the Pete Anderson Road, people saying the crown is too high. Joe said that it is not too high; he drove the road both before and after they graded it and he didn’t see much difference. Mike said the area 200 yards north of Duxbury Road will always need gravel as it is low and sinking into the swamp. Joe said that if you put pit run gravel just 3″ deep with 4″ rocks it will just be scraped off; it needs at least 6″. He said the best practice is 4″ of pit run topped off with 2″ of class 5 gravel. Mike said if they do what they propose, we could just fix it next year in our year. Glen moved that we respond to their proposal, sending a copy of our paid claim showing that we did put the 12 yards of gravel at the end of both roads last year; and saying that Gary and Mark inspected Pete Anderson Road on September 3rd and do not believe the road needs 6 loads of pit run south of 58502; and that we agree with the third part of putting 4-6 loads of pit run 100-200 yards north of the Duxbury Road.

WILMA DAYS CELEBRATION: Glen said preparations are on for our Wilma Days celebration set for Saturday, October 18, from 6 to 11 p.m. Glen said we need a consensus that we will have the event and set a limit for the budget for food and entertainment and advertising. The board agreed to have it pot-luck and BYOB, with a band to play from 8 to 11. Mike moved that a $300 limit be set for the band and advertising, with Glen in charge of the planning committee, which will include Patrice. Glen seconded. Patrice suggested the name Wilma Fall Fest, which the board liked and adopted, with the possibility of making this an annual celebration.

DANFORTH RANGE LINE ROAD NEGOTIATIONS: We did not get a response to our invitation for their board to meet with ours. Mike said according to our agreement, the current agreement is still in effect until both boards agree in writing to change or nullify it. The board directed Paul to write to Jeff Shute, telling their board that we consider the agreement to still be in force and that we will not pay for any work authorized by or done by Danforth Township outside of this agreement until both boards can meet and agree on a new agreement, and to invite them to our October 1st meeting.

SNOWPLOW NOTICE: Paul needs to post and publish the notice that snowplowing fees are due for the 2008-09 season by the first Wednesday of November. The rates set by the town at the annual meeting are $75 for regular drives; $100 for driveways over 700 feet, with special plowing at $150 per hour

TREASURER’S REPORT AND BILLS: Patrice presented the Treasurer’s report (attached). Bills were presented:

FNBNS $ 2,000.00

ECE 43.44

The Evergreen 9.75

Patrice Winfield 36.00

131.59

Paul Raymond 87.73

Gary Vink 62.33

Glen Williamson 41.56

Pine County Courier 18.80

Federated Coop 423.01

Mark Pallow 125.60

7.00

Mike McCullen 41.56

Total Bills $ 3,028.37

Gary moved to pay all bills and to approve the Treasurer’s Report, and to transfer $3,050 from savings to checking.

SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT QUESTIONNAIRE: The Board had a discussion on how to respond to the questionnaire from the Soil and Water Conservation District. Mike said that he feels that the reponse is that there are too many governmental regulations on people already and that the most endangered resource is our taxpayers. He moved to send it back with his suggestions; Glen seconded.

AUTOMARK PUBLIC TEST: Patrice conducted the public test of the Automark Voting Machine, running test ballots that were collaborated by the Clerk and Board. The machine worked fine. The polls for the Primary Election will be open from 10 am to 8 pm, Tuesday, September 9. Judges will be Paul, Patrice, and Donna Filler.

Gary moved to adjourn the meeting; Mike seconded. Meeting adjourned at 10 p.m.

Paul Raymond, Clerk

WILMA TOWNSHIP TOWN BOARD MEETING, AUGUST 13, 20, 2008

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

Paul read the record of the July meeting; Glen moved to approve; Mike seconded.

OLD BUSINESS: Propane Prebuy: The deadline for locking in the prebuy price for propane was July 31, but Patrice called them and they gave us until August 14 to get it for $2.45, up from $1.79 last year. They filled the tank to 80% yesterday with 160 gallons. Mike moved to buy 1,000 gallons at $2.45. Glen seconded.

Sisterman Easement: There was an error in the land description on our application and resolution for the township easement into Sisterman’s property. Mike moved that the board approve the amended resolution to forward to the DNR. Gary seconded.

Park Logging Project: Duane Glienke is almost half done logging the poplar from the park site. He sent a check for $950 for what he’s taken so far.

Escrow Account Deductions: Gary said we have done road and gravel work on roads that were covered under escrow agreements, and that we need to deduct the costs from the loggers’ escrow accounts:

T & T Logging: They had $500 in the account for the South Duncan Road. $300 was used to restore the crown on 7-2-08; $200 was used in August for ditching, gravel and restorative work. They still have $500 in the account for the Pete Anderson Road, minus $66.75 for inspecting the road and the damaged road signs in March and July, total remaining: $433.25.

Tri-State Logging: Their $500 escrow for the N. Duncan Road was used 7-2-08 to restore the crown on the road ($300) and in August $200 for gravel.

ECE: Their $500 for the Little Tamarack Lake Road was used in August for gravel and restorative work.

Potlatch: They had $500 for Crooked Lake Road. $225 was used in November, 07 for roadwork on Crooked Lake Road, and $275 used on 8-7-08 for gravel.

Carlson Timber Products: They’ve had a total of $1500 for three escrow accounts. $1,000 was used on the Vink and Mayfield Roads in 2004; the $500 for Crooked Lake Road was used in August for gravel. Gary has the figures. Hopkins hauled it for us.

Glen said he is concerned about the way we are accounting for the amounts we are taking from these escrow accounts; just taking the entire account and saying it’s for the road is like voodoo economics, and the loggers will ask for and have a right to details of what was done and the costs and how much gravel was used. Joe said that if we don’t take photographs or do a joint road inspection with the loggers before and after their logging activities they could take us to court. Glen said we should investigate having a user fee instead of an escrow account so the loggers know in front that they will not be getting their money back. Gary said he always considered the escrow account to be a user fee. Gary said he does have the details of the dates and amounts of gravel and what grading and restorative work was done, but he didn’t have time to get it prepared for the meeting. He said the actual work and amounts was more than what we are taking from the escrow accounts. Mike said that a user fee to use our public roads may not be legal and he asked Paul to call the township attorneys to explain our escrow program and ask if a user fee would be legal and appropriate.

Townhall Ramp: We got a check for $6,000 for the ramp from the Secretary of State. Glen asked for an accounting for all the money used to build the ramp. Joe, Mark and Gary explained what they did. Donna questioned Gary billing for mileage since he does not have a driver’s license. He said his vehicle was used but Mark did the driving. Patrice questioned the hourly rate for labor. Mike said all these questions would be irrelevant if they did the work as sub-contractors and Mark did the work as the contractor hired by the town to build the ramp, and the board decided to treat Mark, Joe and Gary as contractors. They will not have to pay taxes on their claims. Paul’s work was as a township employee and he will pay taxes. Glen asked for recognition for all those who worked on the ramp, saying they did a great job. Mark said he is getting a bid for putting siding on the town hall to match our new outhouse.

New Dosey Billing: Gary asked Paul to bill New Dosey for grading and gravel on the Heller Road: $75, their half, for grading on 7-30; and $240 for their half of gravel and prep work on 8-7-08 (60 yards of gravel at $8/yard). The total for their half is $315.

Danforth Township Joint Road Agreement: Jeff Shute was going to be at the meeting but he came early and left. They wrote us on July 18 saying that Danforth will no longer continue the joint road agreement. They sent a check for $375 for work already done under the agreement, but they are disputing the 3 hours of blading on 10-25-08, $225. They said that Carlson’s were logging the road that week and never saw our grader do the road. Paul asked if we had the grader diary to prove that the work was done. Donna said she made a road diary at Becky’s request and asked if the grader operator is using it. Paul will find Mark’s claim for that date to show that Mark did grade the road. Mike said not to cash their check so it doesn’t imply that we are accepting it as full payment. Mike asked Paul to write to Jeff to invite their entire board to our meeting on September 3rd to negotiate a new road agreement. Danforth says Sandstone is grading the road for less than we charge.

Clean Water Restoration Act: Eldon asked for the floor to ask the board and township citizens to oppose James Obestar’s Clean Water Restoration Act initiative HR 24-21. He said this would be the biggest land and power grab by the federal government over private property ever. Patrice said that township board meetings are not the forum for private political views and lobbying; they are not political meetings. Glen read into the meeting record part of an article in the July-August Township News by Township Attorney Eric Hedtke on “Controlling Your Meeting:” “The purpose of the town board meeting is for the board to conduct town business. The review of the minutes from the previous month’s meeting are only subject to correction, amendment or deletion by members of the town board. Members of the audience have no right to demand corrections or additions. This general rule applies to most items that come before the board, including the treasurer’s report, claims for payment, considerations of contracts, and any other items of formal business that are exclusively within the purview of the town board. We recommend a public comment item on the meeting agenda, with restrictions, including a time limit on a person’s comments (3 – 5 minutes), requirements that the issue pertain to township business, and that the comment be directed to the board as a whole and that it won’t be a question and answer session. The board chair has the responsibility to move through the agenda, enforce rules of procedure, and stop disruptions.”

Assessment Contract: Bob Brewster sent a contract for the Board for 2008-09 assessments, 279 parcels at $5.50 per parcel = $1,534.50. Mike moved to approve the contract; Glen seconded.

N. Duncan Road Survey: Paul got a letter from Robin Matthews, Pine County Surveyor, saying he did extensive excavations on the North and South Duncan Road to try to find the original road survey markers, to see if Duncan Road is in the wrong location. Since they didn’t find anything, he said that the PLSS monuments that he found earlier are the correct PLSS corner locations

Grader Tires: Gary said the grader needs new tires. It will cost nearly $1,000 for both, and they should last the lifetime of the grader. Glen moved to buy two new tires; Mike seconded.

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

The Evergreen $ 6.00

Glen’s Tire 977.38

Hopkins Sand and Gravel 370.00

Pine Co. Courier 13.16

ECE 45.92

FNBN 2,000.00

Federated Coop (prebuy) 2,459.00

Askov Deep Rock 9.89

Napa Auto Parts 33.75

Lamperts (ramp) 1,228.06

Duane Glienke (ramp) 125.00

JR Construction (ramp) 2,995.00

Mark Pallow (ramp) 400.00

517.16

Gary Vink (ramp) 400.00

60.00

482.52

Patrice Winfield 138.52

88.40

Paul Raymond 144.99

50.63

Glen Williamson 27.70

Joseph Vink (ramp) 400.00

27.70

TOTAL BILLS $ 13,021.55

Mike moved to approve the Treasurer’s report and to pay all the bills and to transfer $13,050 from savings to checking. Glen seconded. Glen moved to adjourn and meeting; Gary seconded. Meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.

Paul Raymond, clerk