MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
PALMER TOWNSHIP
August 12, 2024
The regular meeting of the Palmer Township Board was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Palmer Township Hall, with Chairman Ganz, Supervisor Demeules, and Supervisor Wipper present. Also, present was Amy Bragelman Township Clerk, and Roger Johnson Treasurer. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Treasurer’s Report: Roger Johnson read the balances from the Treasurer's report. Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Supervisor Wipper seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Sheriff’s Report: Capitan Ben Zawacki read the Sheriff’s report for July. There were 126 Total calls for service as compared to 120 calls for service in 2023. There was 1 theft of a side-by-side taken from Wild Marsh, 1 fraud complaint, 27 traffic stops, 18 security checks, 16 extra patrols, 31 boating complaints, 7 medicals, and 2 ATV complaints to name a few. A resident asked why there were only 10 citations if 46 warnings were given. Capitan Zawacki stated that not all warnings deserve a ticket, contact with people is just as important.
Road Maintenance/Signs: Supervisor Demeules stated that ditch mowing will start at the end of the week. Supervisors Demeules and Wipper have been vigilantly spraying ditches and road rights-of-way. Supervisor Wipper stated that they would be filling potholes and Centra Minnesota Sawing will be out crack-sealing on 115th along with Cedar Point. No Dogs Allowed sign went up at the trail entrance to the park. Jeff put up a few 911 signs and a Yield sign. Supervisor Demeules reported that the DNR has not yet signed off on the culvert for Briggs Creek. The estimates came back for 108th west side of Julia. The engineer estimated $117,000 the lowest bid came in at $124,900. We also received an estimate from the engineer on 26th that was $111,400 and the lowest bid was $120,323. This is for reclaiming and tar. Supervisor Demeules made a motion to go with Asteh, the lowest bid, for both 108th and 26th. Supervisor Wipper Seconded and the motion was carried. Supervisor Demeules spoke about 911 signs that are buried behind brush, he reminded residents that it is in their best interest for their 911 sign to be visible.
Fire Department: Chief Koren reported for July. The monthly call report for 07/08/2024 to 08/12/2024. There were 26 calls for the Clear Lake Fire Department. 9 of those calls were for Palmer Township, 7 being medical, 1 fire, and 1 auto accident.
P.E.C: Treasurer Roger Johnson reported that the score grant came in at 5,664.12. The cost to the Township is 5,927.21. Mattresses are what is costing the Township the most. We will need to revisit the load fee. There were several very large trailers this year. Chairman Ganz Mentioned that we may need to talk and vote on one standard trash vendor for all residences to mitigate the wear the garbage trucks have on the roads
Park Report: Chairman Ganz reported that thanks to the quick response of Laura and Albert Kangas, Gary Gray, Bruce Messelt, and Supervisor Steve Demeules we were granted $20,000
From the County to use toward the Pickle Ball courts. The concrete will either be poured this Fall or next spring. Palmer Ball is completed for the year with little incidence, however residents continued to park on the road.
Two Inlets: Supervisor Demeules reported that there will be a meeting on August 21st.
Park Committee: Chairman Ganz reported on behalf of the Park Committee. They are hoping to finish up the Disc Golf course. The agenda stated that they would discuss the removal of buckthorn, and pickleball updates.
Lake Association: Shelly Alger-Peyton reported that the BLCA just had their annual meeting last Saturday, August 10th. The budget is similar to previous years. They currently have about 225 members. Upcoming events include the Palmer Day booth, set up is Friday the 6th, and they are always looking for volunteers. Highway 25 cleanup is after that. They filled a secretary position. New Lake Stewart Program currently has 12 properties that qualify. Harry Ernzer reported that the DNR put out netting with very small signs. Unfortunately, it got tangled up in his propeller. Mr. Ernzer wanted to know if the BLCA was informed prior. Mrs. Alger-Peyton stated that they were not. Mrs. Alger-Peyton also mentioned that they are looking into skimming the lakes next summer.
Tlid: Barb Arberg reported that their annual meeting is this Saturday at 10 am. They will be going over the budget and filling a few spots, via write-in or nomination. Their budget is around $38,000, they keep 2 times the budget in their account at all times.
Approval of Minutes: Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve the July minutes Supervisor Wipper seconded it and the motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS: Chairman Ganz made a motion to approve the Clear Lake Lions for a vendor liquor license on Palmer Day Supervisor Demeules seconded and the motion was carried.
COMMENTS/QUESTIONS:
Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve claims #24171- #24201, plus Conexus, and payroll total of 25,712.53. Supervisor Wipper seconded.
Chairman Ganz made a motion to adjourn. Supervisor Wipper seconded and the motion was carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.
Amy Bragelman, Palmer Township Clerk Approved as reviewed September 09, 2024