REGULAR MEETING

PALMER TOWNSHIP

August 8th, 2022

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, Supervisors Demeules, and Larson present. Treasurer Roger Johnson and Amy Bragelman Town hall Clerk. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Treasurer’s Report: Roger Johnson read the balances from the Treasurer's report. Supervisor Steve Demeules made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report Supervisor Larson second. The motion was carried unanimously.

Sheriff’s Report: Ben Zawacki gave the Sheriff’s Report for July. Zawacki stated that they have had several complaints regarding speeding. He said that they are aware of the issue and will out patrolling. Chairman Ganz stated that the flashing speed limit sign has helped immensely with speeding through town. Zawacki stated that he would get the statistics from the speed sensor to Chairman Ganz. Maureen Havert inquired as to what can be done about grass clippings on the roadways. They cause the roads to be very slippery for motorcyclists. Zawacki stated that he would look into whether or not there is an ordinance for that. James Langowski asked if when there is a traffic stop are officers writing tickets. Ben Zawacki stated that it’s very situational every stop is different, and that the visual of seeing someone pulled over by an officer has a bigger impact than a ticket.

Road Maintenance/Signs: Chairman Ganz stated that they have been very busy with roads. As of today, the Township has gone through 12 tons of pothole mix. Ganz stated that we are aware that the roads are bad. We have been using ground reclaim for washouts and it seems to be holding up well in the rain. Ganz stated that if we were able to raise the road 6inch around the lake then the washouts would be minimized. Ditching around the lakes would also help to mitigate washouts. The Township also purchased a pole saw. The ditches have been mowed and sprayed. Ganz mentioned that 42nd street is still waiting on the Engineering estimate. Shelly Alger – Peyton Inquired as to what the Township speeds on roads each year. Demeules stated that when we do a big project every other year it runs about three hundred to five hundred thousand. Chairman Ganz stated that it would be good when people are out talking to hopeful candidates that they should mention to them that Townships are in despite need of money for roads, and ask them what can be done. Alger- Peyton asked what happens next year when prices are higher. The supervisors stated that they still spend the same amount but less mileage gets completed. Ganz stated that the options for road construction payment options are bonding, assessing homeowners, or doing what we have been doing and saving up for a big project about every 2 years. Most Townships are in the same boat, all of the roads need help. The other problem with fixing the roads is that motorists tend to speed. Ganz stated that we see it on 114th since the road has been fixed. 114th corner is wrapped up today. Demeules state that we need to order 2 signs and remove a silt fence up at Highpoint turn around. Ganz stated that we should also order no ATV signs for the park because there have been a few at the park as of late.

Fire Department: Chief Ron Koren gave last month’s call report for the period of 07/11/22 – 08/08/22 for Palmer Township. There was a total of 24 calls for the Clear Lake Fire Department. 9 of those calls were for Palmer Township, 8 medicals, and 1 fire. Ganz commended the Fire department on how they handled the field fire off County Road 3. Maureen Havert inquired as to how the Fire started. Chief Ron Koren stated that it was an illegal burn.

P.E.C: Roger stated that he has still not received a bill for clean-up day and has been in contact with Republic services, but hasn’t heard back from the person who is in charge of billing as of yet. A report needed to be sent to the County so a mock-up report has been made until we can acquire the actual statement. Gabby from the County is aware.

Park Report: Mitch Hoefer stated that he spoke with Busse septic and they think that the drain field by the Candy Shack may be failing. The septic Tank at the Pavilion will need to be pumped before Palmer Day. Hoefer stated that we may want to add some sand and timbers around the new Spring Toys whenever they come in. Clerk Amy stated that shipping went out last Friday on the Spring Toys. Mitch asked if the Palmer House needed Porta Potties for Palmer Day. Paul Braun Stated that he will be getting his own as they have different events going on all weekend. Mitch will be gone the week of August 20th. Brandon Weis offered to help that week. El-Jay moved the waterline in the storage building and put a new Toilet in. The garage door won’t be installed until the end of September. Ganz mentioned that the beer garden will be in the same place as last year’s Palmer Day.

Lake Association: Demeules stated that BLCA will have their meeting on August 13th at 10 am. They will be electing new officers, and going over their budget, they also have a guest speaker. Gina Hugo will be here at the Town Hall to discuss the new Elk Lake Park. On August 20th the T-Lid has its annual meeting at 10 am. They will be discussing 2023 projects, the election of directors, and the assessment. They also have a guest speaker James Johnson will be at the Town Hall to discuss the lake vegetation surveys that are done each year. Healthy lakes have concerns about the lack of patrols on the weekends. They will be drafting a letter to the County. Their presence seems to be lacking this year.

Legal Comments: None

Approval of Minutes: Chairman Ganz asked for approval of July’s minutes as written. Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve, Supervisor Larson seconded and the motion was carried.

ARPA FUND: Supervisor Demeules stated that we putting purchases in the fund as we go. Demeules stated that it’s not necessary but we want to account for the money that we have spent. We added the Spring Toys to the Fund. We still need to find someone to remodel the office.

OLD BUSINESS: PID: 40-408-0230 Side Setback Katie Hardy. The board sees no problem with the Side Setback. Demeules stated that he will send a comment.

NEW BUSINESS: PID: 40-414-010 Demeules stated impervious is no longer an issue. They are looking for a road setback for a deck. They are looking to put a new deck over the existing deck. Treasurer asked if the old deck would be strong enough to hold the new deck. The homeowner stated that new footing will be put in to hold the new and old deck. The board sees no issues with plans and Demeules will send comments.

Chairman Ganz made a motion to purchase the pole saw Supervisor Larson Second and the motion was carried.

Supervisor Demeules stated that we are looking at adding 2 more cameras. One is in the library so we can see the generator panel, and the other is in the Town hall meeting room looking down the hallway. They will both have audio this will not only provide surveillance but will help when the clerk is typing the minutes. Susie Brown Inquired if it would go down the hall to the Clerk’s office. Demeules confirmed that. Mike Ganz made a motion to add 2 more cameras Larson Second and the motion was carried. The Supervisors may want to add a camera to watch the water gauge.

COMMENTS/QUESTIONS:

Treasure Roger would like to look into the electric bill coming out automatically. Supervisor Demeules made a motion for bill pay on the electric bill, Mike Ganz second and the motion was carried. Roger also mentions that we should get a locking mailbox because the Town Hall isn’t open every day. Roger commented about receipts and that if employees are handing in receipts make sure to write what they bought products for.

Gary Gray stated that Tomorrow is the election and that he encouraged everyone to get out and vote. He also commended Palmer on the work that they do on the roads. Supervisor Larson asked if Gary had any say with the solar fields. Gary stated that the County Commissioner has no say in whether the plant goes solar or not. A few residents inquired if Gary Gray was renting any of his fields for Solar. He stated that he was and has been very transparent about that from the begging

Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve claims #22191-22215 plus payroll, and Conexus, for a total of $35,828.68 Chairman Ganz seconded it and the motion was carried.

Chairman Ganz made a motion to adjourn. Supervisor Demeules seconded and the motion was carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

Amy Bragelman, Palmer Township ClerkApproved as reviewed September 12th, 2022