Wednesday April 3, 2024, Wilma Township

Board of Supervisors Meeting

Chairman Mike McCullen called the meeting to order at 7:45. We started the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Also, present Supervisor Glen Williamson, Supervisor/Road Manager Alden Shute, Treasurer Patrice Winfield, Clerk Paul Raymond, Stefanie Williamson, Stan and Tracy Riley, Angie Anderson, Lori Shute, Todd Johnson of Arna Township, Kim Felton, and Katie Ackerman.

Board of Reorganization: Paul was sworn in at the Spring Association of Townships meeting on March 30, 2024. Mike McCullen took the oath of Office of Supervisor as sworn in by Paul Raymond. The vote of the Board of Supervisors for Chairman of the Board was taken. Mike McCullen nominated himself, Alden Shute nominated Glen Williamson for Chair, Glen seconded the motion. A unanimous vote for Glen Williamson as Chair. Mike did not vote. Glen nominated Mike for Vice Chair, a unanimous vote for Mike as Vice Chair.

Treasurer Patrice Winfield chose Northview Bank in Sandstone.  

Alden made a motion for the Board to approve the notices to be posted to the Pine County Courier, the Evergreen, and Wilmatownship.com and the bulletin board. Mike seconded the motion, and it passed.

Alden requested that the payment for 2024/2025 snowplow contracts be made by the October Town Board Meeting. Wednesday October 2, 2024. Mike made a motion to approve this Alden seconded the motion, it passed.

Last year the township donated money to Family Pathway, OSAC now know as 210 Gallery, Pine County Historical Society, and Seven County Senior Federation. It was in the amount of $75.00 apiece.  Mike made a motion to do the same as last year of $300.00. Alden seconded the motion and it passed.

Mike made a motion to approve the wages as listed on the agenda dated April 3, 2024, Alden seconded the motion, it passed.

Mike made a motion to accept the ground rules as listed in the agenda dated April 3,2024, Glen added that each speaker be given 5 minutes to speak. Alden seconded the motion.

Paul Raymond read the minutes of the March 6, 2024, meeting minutes. The Chair asked for a motion to accept the minutes. Alden made note that there was never a motion to adjourn, Glen did not make the motion and Alden did not second it.

Patrice Winfield questioned why all the information was in the minute regarding the voter questioned by Paul at the election. She said it was not discussed at the last meeting. Patrice wanted to make clear what she said. “He was in the book as a registered voter at that address at that point we have no right to question him. They question him when he registers, if he registers at that address, he would have had to have the proper information to register. Once he is registered, we don’t have the right to ask for their I D or anything else.”

Stefanie referred to her email correspondence with Kelly Schroeder and read the email to the meeting. An excerpt of that is:

I cannot speculate as to where Mr. Peterson lives or does not live, as you can see in MS.30.301 there are 13 variations to determine a residence it is not black and white. You only noted 3 of those residences as circumstances below actually. For example, item 3 you noted below, it says that without the intention of making that precinct a home, without a formal investigation there is no way to answer this question. I can tell you that Mr. Peterson was a registered voter in the precinct yesterday and did not need to register to vote and when he did register to vote he was not vouched for. His voter registration passed all the checks. His name and address matched his DVS record or social security administration and postal verification card which is not forwardable and was successfully delivered.”

There was discussion as to what can be done if there is no motion to end a meeting. Mike directed Paul to inquire to the MAT Attorney as to what to do when a meeting is not ended. There was no motion made and the board did not vote to have Paul investigate the matter. Paul volunteered to remove the time and the adjournment from the minutes.

At this time the Chair Glen Williamson, states: “As the chair I have totally lost confidence in the Clerk giving an accurate minute. In my opinion you are stuck with me for another year. The Clerk is absolutely biased in the way he puts stuff down and he puts his own interpretation constantly. His own opinion instead of reporting on the minute. So, if there is a motion to accept the minute go ahead. Mike made a motion to accept the minutes. There was no second on the motion. The motion was declined.

The Chair made a resolution to appoint Stefanie Williamson to take the Board of Supervisors minutes for Wilma Township. The resolution was submitted to the Clerk to be made a part of the record. Mike questioned the legality of this and Glen explained that this is only taking the minutes and there is no requirement in the law that the Clerk take the minutes of the meeting. Glen made a motion to accept the resolution and Alden seconded it. It passed. This change was made before the meeting no correction is needed at this time. Paul Raymond made it clear at this time that he had 34 votes in the next election and that would be all he needed to remove Glen Williamson from his seat as Supervisor.

When asked if he was directed by the board to mail out applications for absentee ballots Paul replied:

“I did not send any applications for absentee ballots to anyone unless they asked for it or requested it.

When confronted with the name of a citizen who received one without asking for one, an additional two names were mentioned. Paul then informed us that this is legal.

Stan Riley made a statement to be on the records that: “The clerk has set up and told a member of the board who he has the ability to deal with the community, that a whole year from now that they will no longer be on the board because he has been out talking to people and he has already confirmed that you will not be on this board a year from now.”

Stefanie Williamson read the minutes from the meeting on Wednesday March 6, 2024. Alden made a motion to accept the minutes as read by Stefanie Williamson, Glen seconded. Passed. This was changed before the meeting not correction is needed at this time.

Road Report: Alden Shute gave the road report. He plowed lived on roads and driveways, twice, and then did all the roads because there was too much snow left on them.

Jim Bredesen has been trapping the beaver on Eagle Head Road, he thinks he’s got them all. “I don’t think there is an agreement that we hire him, but he is just willing to do it.” Alden requested that we put a bounty on the beaver, “I think he got 4 of them. In the long run I think he will save us a lot of money. Every other outfit that has come in has charged a setup fee and then so much per beaver. I am going to recommend that if he does it again, we give him $25.00 per beaver. He told me he already took 4. We should pay for only the ones that affect the roads.”

Glen called for a motion to pay the $25.00 each for the 4 that he took. There was no second, there was no vote.

Mike suggested finding out what Jim wants for the beaver trapping. There was no motion or vote on this.

New Business:

Lost Ballot: Paul Raymond presented an absentee ballot that he had lost. Patrice, as head judge, was given the ballot and stated there was no date on it. Patrice noted that it had not gone through the mail. Paul admitted said that it was handed to him. Patrice stated that she would not be able to check the roster to confirm that the absentee voter had indeed not voted in person. The Chair, Glen directed Paul as Clerk to inform Kelly Schroeder: According to the Clerk, “the ballot was misplaced, that was originally given to him”, there is not a date on it and he wants to count it 3 weeks after the election. Additionally, Patrice will keep the ballot and leave it unopened until directions from Kelly Schroeder as to what should happen with this ballot. There was no motion to follow up with Kelly Schroeder, there was no vote.

Spring Short Course: All 5 officers are planning to attend the Spring Short Course. Patrice will bring the check to the DECC in Duluth to pay for our officers to attend.

MAT Property Auto and Liability: The Board of Supervisors went over the insurance policy to confirm that the insurance is only covering items that are owned by the township.

Notary Stamp: The Clerk requested that a motion be made to get a new notary stamp for the Deputy Clerk. Glen asked if someone would make a motion to get the Deputy Clerk a new notary stamp. Alden requested we table the subject until such time that the Minnesota flag issue is resolved so as not to have to make another purchase in the near future.

Assessor Board of Review and Equalization: If the citizens have tax concerns, bring your concerns here to the Board of Review. Wilma Town Hall at 1:00 pm on April 15, 2024.

Township Day at the Capitol: The Clerk will attend. The information about Township Day at the Capital is on the agenda for anyone who wants to go.

Duxbury VFD Pancake Breakfast: Mike as the Fire Chief asked permission to use the Town hall on May 26, 2024, being the Sunday of Memorial Weekend for the Fire Department Pancake breakfast. Alden made a motion to allow the fire department to use the town hall for their pancake breakfast. Mike seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

ARPA reporting is due April 30th: The Clerk has not gotten the information needed to start the report as the portal just opened on April 1st. Money was transferred to the internet fund and there is still a lot of money left.

Election Fraud: Per Mikes request a police report regarding the investigation into election fraud in 2022 was obtained. The report stated that there was not enough evidence to prove fraud beyond a reasonable doubt. The case was closed on March 18, 2024.

Agenda additions:

Todd Johnson from Arna requested to be on the agenda to ask tax-related questions. Todd informed the Board that he would be handing them a “Data Request” for public data. He then asked that the Supervisors sign a document stating that they had received it. Todd asked that I (Stefanie Williamson) read the document he was handing out. I declined to read his document. Todd continued to pass out his document. The Board refused his document and at the end of five minutes asked that Todd Johnson end his remarks as the rules of our meetings require.

Stan Riley reported that the Vink’s were drinking at the town meeting and carrying firearms. Other people remarked on the smell of alcohol and reported that during the meeting drinks were made in the parking lot. “We would like to make sure that does not happen again.” Kim Felton said.

Stefanie Williamson reported that the minutes recorded for the town meeting were recorded in a way that changed the entire meaning of a motion Paul Raymond had made. The motion was:

To allow the fire department to post important notices on the township website. This was seconded by Tom and passed with a vote of 7 to 6.  Let the record reflect that this was the motion voted on by the people of the town and that is what should be followed for posted on the town website. The Clerk agreed to remove a post that does not follow this format from the town website.

After quoting statements made by Mike at the Arna Town Meeting:

During the Wilma Township meeting I made a motion to have the Fire Department information more transparent to the township. That was voted down. Based on Mikes statements at the Arna Town Board meeting.

It is the duty of this Board of Supervisors to ensure that the fire protection they are contracting is effective and the best that it can be.

I am asking that someone on the board make a motion: and the motion should read.

To investigate other resources for fire protection and EMR services for Wilma Township. We need all pertinent information by the next meeting of the Wilma Township Board of Supervisors. Wednesday May 1, 2024. The Clerk to send an email to the Wilma Town Board that includes who was contacted and the status of the report by April 24, 2024. And a full report be made to the Board at the meeting on May 1, 2024. Glen made such motion, Alden seconded and passed.

Angie Anderson stated that she knows people who would like to join the fire department but were not able to find enough information on the fire department website to do so.

Treasurers report and claims: Total bills $4605.35 and I will transfer $4600.00 from savings to checking. Alden made a motion to pay said bills and make the transfer. Mike seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Alden made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Glen seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. At 9:20pm.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2022 WILMA TOWNSHIP BOARD OF REORGANIZATION AND SUPERVISORS’ MEETING

Chairman Glen Williamson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Also present: Supervisor Mike McCullen, Treasurer Patrice Winfield, Clerk Paul Raymond, Road Manager Alden Shute, Maureen Rioux, Stan and Tracy Riley, Angie Anderson, Doug Witta, and Rod Sorgaard.

BOARD OF REORGANIZATION: Glen took the Oath of Office for Supervisor. Committee of two Supervisors and the Clerk to nominate and appoint a Supervisor to fill the remainder of Gary Vink’s term: Glen opened the floor for anyone who is interested in taking Gary’s seat on the board until next March election. Maureen Rioux, Stan Riley and Doug Witta all said they would like to serve. Glen opened the questioning of the three candidates, with Mike and Paul also asking questions, mostly on their history in Wilma Township, what they like about the town and what they would like to change; their attendance at previous Board of Supervisor meetings, and how independent and objective they can be and not side with either of the other Supervisors to create a ruling clique or cabal. Mike nominated Maureen; Paul seconded. All eye. Paul administered the oath of office to Maureen and she took her seat at the Supervisors’ table next to Mike. Mike nominated Glen to serve as Chairman; Maureen seconded. Passed. Mike moved that Maureen be assistant Chair; Glen seconded; passed. Treasurer Patrice designated Northview as our bank of deposit. Mike moved that The Evergreen and Pine County Courier and the Town Hall and the township website be our notice-posting and publishing places. Mike moved that the wages and salaries for 2022 as proposed at the March meeting be adopted; Maureen seconded, passed:

Approve wages and fees for 2022-2023:

2021 2022

WAGES Chairman $105/Mtg. (3 Hrs). 105/meeting

Supervisor 100/mtg. (3 Hrs.) 100.00/mtg.

Clerk 100.00/meeting 100.00/mtg.

Treasurer 100.00/meeting 100.00/mtg.

Clerk and Treasurer reports 16.00/hr. 20.00/hour

General Labor 16.00/hour 20.00/hour

Major Mech. 30.00/hour 30.00/hour

Mech. Asst. 16.00/hour 20.00/hour

Grader Op. 25.00/hr 25.00/hour

Annual Meeting Moderator 75.00/mtg. 75.00/mtg.

Out of Town Meetings 100.00/half day 100.00/half day

150.00/full day 150.00/full day

Election Judges 16.00/hour 18.00/hr.

Zoom Meetings for all Board Members 20.00/hr. 20.00/hr

Hourly rate, Chairman $24.50; Supervisors $22 (Supervisor Labor $20/Hour)

Mileage: Federal rate for officers, judges, delegated township representatives, for judges training, township officers training, and association meetings, etc. $.58.5/mi. for 2022.

Monthly Board Meetings: Glen moved that we meet the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in 2022/2023. Mike seconded; passed. Township Donations: Requests from OSAC, Family Pathways, Pine County Historical Association and Seven County Senior Federation for continued contracts. . Mike moved to give $75 apiece to each of them; Glen seconded. Passed.

Snowplowing 2022/2023: Mike moved that we keep our private drive snowplowing rates for the 2022-2023 season the same as last year: $75; Drives over 700′, $100; 1,000′ to ½ mile: $175/season; over ½ mile, $350. Glen seconded; passed.

Garbage Board Representative: Mike said he had the position for a year or so many years ago, but since then Gary always served as Wilma’s representative, partly because the meetings were held at the Duxbury Store. They will not be using the store, but will have meetings in Markville or in the Wilma Town Hall. Mike moved that the board vote every year on a representative to serve for one year, and he nominated Glen to serve for 2022-23 until the next Board of Reorganization. Maureen seconded. Passed.

BOARD OF SUPERVISOR’S MEETING: March Meeting Record: Paul read the record of the March meeting. Mike moved to approve; Glen seconded. Passed.

ROAD REPORT: Obstructed Driveways: Alden had said there are two drives that he will not plow again in 2023 because of so many obstructions in the road. One was Lisa McCullen and Mike talked with her about it and she agreed to meet with Alden to see what corrections she needs to make. Alden said the sidewalk is hard to miss and he might hit it.

Snow Berm in North Duncan Road: The DNR does snowmobile trail grooming on the trail that uses part of North Duncan Road. Alden said they groomed both sides of the road and built up a big snow berm in the middle of the road that he had to go out an plow down, and he told Paul to charge the DNR $150 for the hours’ work, $150.

South Duncan Road Entrance: Alden said the road makes an unnecessary bend at the end so trucks cannot drive out to the east but have to go west and turn around. He would like to straighten the last hundred feet of the South Duncan Road where it enters the Duxbury Road; the curve makes it very difficult for trucks to make the turn. The land on the west side of the road is county land. On the east side the owner is Diane Raasch. He thinks it would take 10 loads of gravel. Mike said we’d have to get permission from the owner and may have to pay for the easement. The proposed change is outside of our right-of-way, but Doug said it could be in the County Right-of-way on Duxbury Road. Alden said it starts before that. Paul was initially instructed to contact Diane Raash to get her permission to straighten the road but Alden said we should contact the county first to see why the road was curved in the first place and if we can straighten it.

Grader: Alden fabricated mud flaps and changed the cutting blade. He bladed South Duncan Road and improved the cul-de-sac at the end.

County Land Sales: The County sent us their proposed land sales on the North Duncan Road, 3 40-acre parcels and one 80-acre plot. 40 on the northeast corner of the intersection of the Duxbury Road and N. Duncan and 80 on the west side. Mike said people have hunted and camped on this land and it has been public use for years. Doug said that Carlson Timber logged it all off. Mike said the Board’s position has always been to oppose any selling of public land in Pine County, since these are hunting and recreational lands used freely by the people and the board passed a resolution in 2020 to the county to state such. Mike moved that Paul to write to the County and share our reasons for opposing this and all land sales. Glen seconded; passed.

Back up Grader Operator: Glen said Alden needs a backup trained grader operator for when he is unable to do our roads. Stan Riley volunteered and said he is trained in big equipment. Mike and Patrice both said that Steve Menth was already trained and hired as backup grader operator and Mike said we spent hundreds of dollars to train Steve. He may have sold his truck, but he seems to be on the road again. Mike said Alden should find out if Steve is still active and available and should make his decision.

Supervisor’s Road Inspection Meeting: Date for inspection will be set at May 4 Board Meeting.

OLD BUSINESS: Pine County Township Officers’ Meeting: Was Saturday, March 26, at the Community Center, Hinckley. Glen reported that we had good attendance with 21 townships and with speakers and reports by Senator Jason Rarick and Representative Nathan Nelson, County Attorney Reese Frederickson, Commissioners Teri Lovgren and Steve Hallan, Sheriff Jeff Nelson, Mindy Sandell from Veterans, Michael Miller, District 7 Director. The big focus on was on broadband and ECE’s plan to bring fiber optic to the homes of all Wilma residents within the next five years.

MAT Spring Short Course: March 15 – 16: They were changed to online only. All sessions were free and are all still available on the MAT website, including downloads and power-points:

Information-library: https://www.mntownships.org/information-library/spring-short-courses Handout on Links to MAT Resources and Attorneys: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jywJ0v-cDIX1XDMAfZnKFszJKKUNmn4S/view

New Officer Orientation Day 1, March 14, 2022: Outline of Power point: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ASRAt7hAI-EMza6NB2FsJWDvDrcsa5_f/view

Video for New Officers: https://youtu.be/HIiQWkWkTrA

Conflict Resolution, For All Board Members: Handout: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-CSxh0kd3HiGPelIf0Cx4KOq6AeTRvrA/view

Video on Conflict Resolution: https://youtu.be/gvMv8LB_o5E

Harassment in the Workplace (For All Officers:) Handout: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Jc3q4fqg9Lzdjrl8tyNCj7l4k1uvFQt0/view

Sample Anti-Harassment Policy: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18PSpuYn3_d0XEQfsyp2zO5wzio5NTePd/view

Video on Harassment in the workplace: https://youtu.be/87emS6q2NeY

Video on Legislative Updates (For All Officers): https://youtu.be/r0CeKADv83s

Town Roads, Topics and Q&A (For Supervisors and Road Manager): Power-point Roads: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZwdpGH0wfwcQUnbyzv73VklWRAzdObQY/view

Video on Roads: https://youtu.be/2L_tf_BTwbQ

CTAS Investments (Clerks and Treasurers): Power-point: https://youtu.be/2L_tf_BTwbQ Video: https://youtu.be/HfcLmlc_XbQ

CTAS Transfers and Indebtedness: Power-point: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1JD98CaRhk55Fy50Zz0hgvqOPl5c-FHuk/edit#slide=id.p1 Video: https://youtu.be/QEhl1nVsKRs

Handout: Year-end Reporting: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1A6ncf7w2ga5TtH9ZdRNCm7wnAKHhiHEEntTZHzw2HmA/edit Handout: CTAS Chart of Accounts 2022: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15F4bHX5xZacyLPqQlaesK5PGzyrNCDuz/view

NEW BUSINESS: Board of Appeal/Equalization: For voters to appeal 2023 property tax assessments, will be Monday, April 11, 2022, 1 p.m. With County Assessor Lorri L. Houtsma and Wilma Assessor Bob Brewster. So far we have received no appeals.

Garbage Pickup Increase andTownship Dumpster: The Tri-Township Disposal District Board is restricting pickup to improved parcels only, with no refunds, at $80 per year, $3.08 per pickup day. Weekenders without cabins will be dumping at our dumpster. Mike said people have been abusing our dumpster and he took three TV’s to Pine City today. He proposed moving the dumpster behind the town hall and putting up a No Dumping sign in the front near the outhouse. Stefanie said we should get a professional sign. Glen proposed a resolution stating that the Wilma Town Hall dumpster is only for Wilma Town Hall and Fire Department use, and that signs be posted prohibiting dumping. Maureen seconded. Passed. Paul will get a sign from M&R Signs.

Unemployment Accounts: We are not being billed for unemployment payments for the Grader Operator this year so far, and we received some help from the stimulus bill so we don’t have large payments like other years. We just got our first bill for about $245. Mike apparently thought we were talking about the premium, not the payments for the grader operator, and thought this was high. Paul read the letter from the MN Unemployment regarding their subsidy, and that we may owe a total of $2,000 eventually.

Dental/Life Insurance: Gary’s beneficiary got his life insurance. We need to enroll Maureen. We are canceling Gary’s dental insurance with Ameritas, but Patrice said she needs some major work and wants to sign up. She needs the premium plan for her type of work which is $50 per month and asked if the township would continue to pay half for dental insurance. Mike moved that the township pay half of Patrice’s dental premium; Glen seconded. Passed.

Treasurer’s Report and Claims: Patrice gives the treasurer’s report. Total bills for April are $3,962.80. Total to transfer from savings to checking, $4,000.00. Mike moved to approve her report and to transfer the funds. Maureen seconded.

Motion to Adjourn: Mike moved to adjourn the meeting; Glen seconded. Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7, 2021 WILMA TOWNSHIP BOARD OF REORGANIZATION AND SUPERVISORS’ MEETING

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7, 2021  WILMA TOWNSHIP BOARD OF REORGANIZATION AND SUPERVISORS’ MEETING

Chairman Glen Williamson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.  with the  Pledge of Allegiance.  Also present: Supervisors Mike McCullen and Gary Vink, Treasurer Patrice Winfield, Clerk Paul Raymond, and Road Manager Alden Shute, plus Arna Supervisors Pam Berg and Jan Proffit.  Patrice made a pie and shared it with everyone before the meeting.

            BOARD OF REORGANIZATION:    Mike took the Oath of Office for Supervisor, Patrice for Treasurer. Mike nominated Glen Williamson to serve as Chairman; Gary seconded.  Passed.  Mike moved that Gary Vink be assistant Chair; Glen seconded; passed. Treasurer Patrice designated Northview as our bank of deposit. Mike moved that The Evergreen and Pine County Courier and the Town Hall and the township website be our notice-posting and publishing places.  Mike moved that the wages and salaries for 2020 as proposed at the March meeting be adopted:   Chairman $105/meeting (over three hours, $22.50/hour);  Supervisors,  $100/meeting (over three hours additional $20.00/hour);  Clerk and Treasurer $100/meeting. Special reports and paperwork  $18/hour.  Election judges $16/hour (including head judge).  Grader Operator $25/hour for grading and plowing; $20 hour for inspections and reports;  Assistant Grader Operator, $20; General labor $16/hour; Major mechanical work, $30/hour; Mechanic Assistant, $16/hour; Annual Meeting Moderator, $75/meeting; Out of town meetings, $150/full day; $100/half day. Mileage at Federal rate, now $.57.5/mile.  Hourly rate, Chairman $22.50; Supervisors $20 (Supervisor Labor $16/Hour) . Zoom meetings $20 per hour for all board members.   

            Mileage:  Federal rate for officers, judges, delegated township representatives, for judges training, township officers training, and association meetings, etc.  $.56/mi. For 2021. Gary seconded; passed.

             Monthly Board Meetings:    Glen moved that we meet the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in 2021/2022.  Gary seconded.                                                      

Township Donations:  Requests from OSAC, Family Pathways, Pine County Historical Association and Seven County Senior Federation for continued contracts. At 2018’s annual meeting, a total of $300 for all requests was approved by the voters for 10 years. Mike moved to give $75 apiece to each of them; Glen seconded.  Passed.

            Snowplowing 2021/2022:   Mike moved that we keep our private drive snowplowing rates for the 2021-2022 season the same as last year:  $75; Drives over 700′, $100;  1,000′ to ½ mile: $175/season; over ½ mile, $350.  Gary seconded; passed.

            BOARD OF SUPERVISOR’S MEETING:  March Meeting Record:   Paul read the record of the March 3 meeting.  Mike moved to approve; Gary seconded.

            ROAD REPORT:   Pete Anderson Range Line Road:   Arna Township Supervisors Jan Proffit and Pam Berg asked to speak about the invoice for road work on the Pete Anderson Road, to get clarification on the charges. Jan  said the copy she saw was so faint it could not be read, but it was for $1200 for ditching on Pete Anderson Road.  She said they were never contacted for approval for this project.  Alden said he took responsibility for that omission and will contact them from now on for major work.  Paul gave Cheryl the addendum to the old Arna Agreement that said Wilma would do all road work on Pete Anderson Road and bill Arna half. He said the invoice he sent Cheryl Wickham was very clear, so she may have made a copy that was faint. Paul apologized for misplacing his copy of the invoice he sent to Arna and will ask Cheryl to send him a copy. He will ask if Arna wants us to mow Pete Anderson Road or if they want to do it.  Alden  gave his report on plowing/grading, repairs, etc.   Alden inspected all roads for winter damage and bladed some roads but most were too wet.  We didn’t have too many frost boils this year.  Supervisor’s Road Inspection Meeting:   Date for inspection will be set at May 5 Board Meeting. Alden wants to put some gravel on some roads, to be finalized at the road inspection. 

            Jerry’s Roadside Mowing Bid:  Jerry Telker says his original bid of $1,000 to $1,500 will likely be lower depending on what roads we want done; closer to $550 – $750.  Mike moved that we hire Jerry’s Mowing to do our roads in 2021.  Gary seconded; passed.

            OLD BUSINESS: Escrow Accounts:   Patrice does not want to keep carrying over escrow accounts for long-completed road projects. Attached is a report of escrow accounts and roads they were for; some going back to 2013. Board decisions: T&T Logging was dissolved and the two Fornengo brothers formed a new company. The board directed Paul to contact the MAT Township Attorney about the $1,923.25 of their money we are holding, some for roads as long ago as 2009. Mark Sauter Logging, S. Duncan Road: He is still working on this project, so keep the escrow.  Carlson Timber, Schmedeke Lane;  return full $500 escrow.  Wermerskichen Timber: Gary said he remembers there was some damage 8 years ago. Mark Pallow was Road Manager then and no report of damages was given to Patrice or Paul. Gary moved to take their whole $500; Mike seconded.  Midwest Hardwood Corp.: S. Duncan Road.  Some damage was taken out in 2014; Glen moved to return the full balance of $276. Gary seconded.  Hayward Land & Logging, Tamarack Pine Drive, $500. Gary said he remembers there was some damage 7 years ago.  Gary moved to take their whole $500; Mike seconded. Patrice will put these escrow accounts into the regular R&B Fund.

            MAT Spring Short Course:  They were changed to online only.  All sessions were  free and are all still available on the MAT website, including downloads and power-points.   Supervisors Day 1:  Cyber security; Easiest Catch:  the Dark Net;   Weed Inspections & Noxious Weed Law;   Understanding Your Fire Department;  The Danger of Nature: Town Powers and Obligations with Noxious Weeds and Destructive Animals.  Clerks & Treasurers:  May – What a Typical Month in Clerking Looks Like?  “Treasurer 101;”  Junk Drawer of Questions & Technology Options.   All Officers Training: Special Meetings;   Personal Injury Claims Against the Town.

            Pine County Township Officers’ Meeting:   Was Saturday, March 27, 9 am at the Community Center, Hinckley, hosted by Wilma Township.  Four board members attended.  Good attendance with at least 50 officers and speakers and reports by Senator Jason Rarick and Representative Nathan Nelson,  County Attorney Reese Frederickson, County Auditor Kelly Schroeder, Caleb Anderson from Zoning and Septic; Commissioners Teri Lovgren and Steve Hallan, Brett Grundemeier from the DNR.

            NEW BUSINESS:   Board of Appeal/Equalization: For voters to appeal 2022 property tax assessments, will be Monday, April 12, 2019, 1 p.m. by Conference Call for County Assessor Lorri L. Houtsma and Supervisor Mike McCullen. Glen will have a speaker for his phone.  Wilma Assessor Bob Brewster will attend in person.  So far we have received no appeals.

            Garbage Pickup Increase:  The Tri-Township Disposal District Board has sent out a Notice of Proposal (attached).  They cannot refund payments on more than one parcel so are proposing restricting pickup to improved parcels only, with no refunds, at $80 per year, $3.08 per pickup day.  Our board has concerns that people who are used to having pickup after a weekend but who don’t have improved parcels will still put out their garbage and won’t know about the change.   Who picks up all this garbage, the county?

            Unemployment Accounts:  We are not being billed for unemployment this year so far, and may receive some help from the stimulus bill so we don’t have large payments if our appeals fail.  We won’t be billed until July.

            Application for Utility Permit on Vink Road by East Central Energy:  Starting at existing junction box on east side of road north 1,550 feet, 3 feet deep underground cable. Glen moved to approve the application but to ask for $1,000 escrow against any damage to the road.  Mike seconded.  Passed.  Glen and Alden signed the permit.

            3.2 Beer License for Duxbury Store:   Glen moved that Duxbury Store be given a beer license; Mike seconded; Gary abstained.  Glen and Paul signed the County permit and Gary will send it to the county.

             Treasurer’s Report and Claims:  Patrice gives the treasurer’s report.  Total bills for April are  $3,572.01. Total to transfer  from savings to checking, $3,500.00. 

 Motion to Adjourn:    Mike moved to adjourn the meeting; Gary seconded.  Meeting adjourned at 9 p.m.

                        Report by Paul Raymond ___________________________________