WILMA TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2021
Chairman Glen Williamson called the Board of Supervisors’ meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Also present: Supervisor Gary Vink, Treasurer Patrice Winfield, Clerk Paul Raymond, Grader Operator Alden Shute, and Stan Riley.
Meeting Record: Paul read the record of the February 10 board meeting. Gary moved to approve; Glen seconded.
ROAD REPORT: Alden didn’t know the cost of diesel when he last bought it. The fire department needs to reimburse the town for 15 gallons of fuel.
Lost River Road Damage: Pat Story said he got two flat tires and he thinks the people working on the parcel second drive on the right side are responsible. Alden and Gary inspected Lost River Road and it was covered in snow but Alden bladed the road to smooth it out. We will charge the owners when we find out who they are, $150 for special plowing.
Master Switch Grader: Alden said the plow is hard to start and he may need to replace the master switch.
Mowing Township Roads: He contacted Gary Talkar who does mowing for many towns around here. He said he thought he could mow all 15 miles of our road for around $700, under $1,000 for sure. Alden needs a decision by the end of June.
Escrow Accounts: Patrice said she is tired of having all these old escrow accounts for road projects that ended years ago. Discussion on just putting the money into the R&B fund. Paul said we can’t do that; we need to notify them and return the escrows if there was no road damage. If there had been, it would have been taken out of them long ago. He thinks we need to deduct any bookkeeping fees and return the escrows. He will research it and make a report for the board. Glen asked to read the Ordinance on the 7-Ton Axle Weight Limit on Wilma Roads and our escrow requirements
OLD BUSINESS: Legislative & Research Committee Meeting: Was Wednesday, February 17. Paul attended three sessions and gave a report to the board. He encouraged officers to check out some of the sessions which are now available online. Every officer received a L&R manual. Meetings are virtual Zoom meetings; click this link on MAT Website and scroll down to the L&R Committee Meetings in black and you will find the links in red below: https://mntownships.org/legislative-updates/ General Session; Transportation Committee; Local Government Committee; Legislative panel with Q&A; Government Operations; Environment; Taxes; Annexation. Jane Youngkranz is one of the speakers and had a lot to say about green energy and some of the drawbacks of windmills and lithium batteries.
NEW BUSINESS: Annual Town Meeting and Election: The election for Supervisor and Treasurer and the Annual Town Meeting will be Tuesday, March 9. Polls open 5 – 8 p.m. Paul, Gary and Stefanie will judge. Absentee ballot period open until March 9. Mike and Patrice are up for re-election.
Garbage Board Increase: Gary said the Garbage Board is planning to change the charge to only Improved Parcels for garbage pickup, but they will need to increase the rate to $80 per improved parcel. Paul asked what happens if someone with trailer comes up on weekends and leaves all their garbage for pickup and they didn’t pay anything? Gary will find out. He said to put this on the agenda for the annual meeting; they want the voters imput.
Special County Commissioners’ Meeting on Broadband: David Minke notified Glen of a virtual Commissioner’s meeting on Broadband on February 23, 2021. 65 people attended the meeting. Glen said he didn’t have time to notify any board members. Glen attended and said there is a new satellite system by Elon Musk called Starlink with many low-orbit satellites giving very fast internet, 100 MB/second. The satellite dish costs $499 and the monthly fee is $99/month.
Stan Riley Take-out Business: New Wilma resident Stan Riley said he and his wife hope to set up a small take-out food business on their property just north of the Duxbury Rd. on Tamarack River Road. He will get a 3.2 beer license and a cigarette license. Paul gave him the cigarette license to fill out. He needs to go to the county to get the beer license. Phone 612/412-3973. He asked for the population of Wilma and surrounding towns; Paul will send it to him. Glen wished him success and told him about the Annual Town Meeting next Tuesday.
Pine County Township Officers’ Meeting: Will be Saturday, March 27, 9 am at the Community Center in Hinckley. Wilma is hosting and setting up.
Board of Appeal for Property Tax Valuation: Will be Monday, April 12, 1 p.m. At the Wilma Town Hall, Duxbury. To appeal assessment for 2022 taxes. Mike will be gone working so Gary and Glen will have to be here. Glen has been certified, and Gary thinks he may still be also.
MAT Spring Short Course: Changed to online only. Register at MAT Website https://mntownships.org/training-events/#1515186337595-edfed443-c96d All Free: Supervisors Day 1, March 23, 9:am – 1 p.m. 9 a.m. ‘Easiest Catch: Don’t Be Another Fish in the Dark ‘Net;’ 10 a.m.: ‘Weed Inspections & Noxious Weed Law;’ 11 a.m.: ‘Understanding Your Fire Department;’ 12 p.m.: ‘The Danger of Nature: Town Powers and Obligations with Noxious Weeds and Destructive Animals.’ Clerks & Treasurers Day 1 Thursday March 25: 10:00am: ‘May – What a Typical Month in Clerking Looks Like?’ 11:00am: ‘Treasurer 101—Now that I am a treasurer what do I do?’ 1 2:00pm: ‘Junk Drawer of Questions & Technology Options.’ (Repeated April 1) All Officers Training, Tuesday, March 30: 11:00am: ‘Special Meetings;’ 12:00 pm: ‘We Would be Negligent to Not Explain It: Personal Injury Claims Against the Town.’
Treasurer’s Report and Claims: Patrice gave the Treasurer’s Report (attached). Total bills for March, $1,134.86, for a transfer of $1,100. Gary moved to approve her report and to make the transfer. Glen seconded; passed.
Report by Paul Raymond _________________________________
Attest: Glen Williamson, Chair______________________________