MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
PALMER TOWNSHIP
August 11, 2025
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 were Amy Bragelman, Township Clerk, and Treasurer Roger Johnson. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Roger Johnson read the balances from the Treasurer's report. Chairman Ganz has requested that the pickleball court fund be zeroed out as the pickleball project is complete. The remaining funds should be transferred to another account, which will be determined at a later date. Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Supervisor Wipper seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Sheriff’s Report: Captain Ben Zawacki read the Sheriff’s report for July. There were 105 total calls for service as compared to 126 calls for service in 2024. There was one property damage complaint in which fireworks were left in a mailbox, but were not lit. There were 23 boating complaints resulting in four citations, 10 medical calls, 2 dog complaints, 20 traffic stops, 6 Security checks, 7 extra patrols, and 4 reports of suspicious activity, to name a few. A resident again raised concerns about young children operating motor vehicles such as golf carts, Segways, and ATVs. The concern centers on the children's age and the lack of safety equipment, particularly helmets, as well as what can be done about the growing issue. Captain Zawacki once again encouraged residents to report these incidents. He noted that officers have spoken with children and their parents, and so far, there have been no repeat offenders. Another challenge lies with the County Attorney; if there are no applicable County laws and the township does not have a corresponding ordinance, the police are unable to issue citations.
Road Maintenance/Signs: Supervisor Wipper spoke with Central Minnesota Sawing, and crack filling will begin in the coming weeks. Supervisors have been brushing and spraying, but are unable to perform potholing at this time due to unsuitable mixed consistency. The Briggs Creek Culvert replacement is scheduled for September 29th through October 18th. While this Falls during the school year and will require bus rerouting, high creek water levels have made it impossible to start sooner. Waiting until next year would surely increase the cost. Plans are also underway to replace several stop-ahead signs, which have not been done in years. Supervisors met with Northern Reliability regarding the use of Township roads for transmission line installation and hauling supplies. Supervisors emphasized that Northern Reliability should use County roads whenever possible to minimize the impact on Township roads, and work closely with affected landowners, most of whom are farmers, to minimize disruption to their operations.
Fire Department: Chief Koren reported for July. The monthly call report for 7/14/2025 to 8/10/2025 shows 23 calls for the Clear Lake Fire Department. 9 of those calls were for Palmer Township: 6 medicals, 2 trees on powerlines, and 1 gas leak.
P.E.C.: The township will receive $8,110.17 from the county to support this year's cleanup day. The total cost for the event was approximately 17,000. Scrap metal recycling granted $772 in Revenue, resulting in a net Township expense of about $4,000. Adjustments will be considered for next year's event based on these figures.
Park Report: Supervisor Wipper reported that 10 trees were removed from the park. Most were damaged by wind, while some were unhealthy and required removal. He also noted that routine water testing was completed today, which occurs every 3 years. Briggs Lake Nursery has trees on sale again this year. Supervisor Wipper proposed purchasing additional trees for the park. He made a motion to allocate $2,000 for this purpose. Supervisor Demeules seconded the motion was carried.
Chairman Ganz reported that the Palmer ball season is complete, and plans are being considered for fencing around the new softball diamond, which would be funded by Palmer ball, not the township. Additional benches may also be purchased by Palmer Ball. Two loads of wood chips are also needed for the park playground equipment prior to Palmer Day. Two restitution payments have been received from the vandals, with the third payment still pending. Maintenance staff suggested adding “personnel-only” signage on the fence leading to the pickleball court, as some individuals have been driving on the grass to access the court when the gate is open.
Supervisor Demeules announced in an upcoming event at Two Inlets called the Heartland. This interpretive trail experience highlights the region's stories through native plants and encourages visitors of all ages to learn, play, and discover as they explore the landscape. The event will be held on August 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Pre-registration is required.
Lake Reports: The Briggs Lake Chain Association did not have anything new to report. The annual T-lid meeting was held in mid-August with 24 members in attendance. Members voted on the property owner assessment, which will be under $75. The board may need additional members as one has stepped down, and a second may be needed.
Approval of Minutes: Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve the July minutes. Chairman Ganz seconded, and the motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS: Nothing
NEW BUSINESS: Chairman Ganz made a motion to approve the liquor permit for Clear Lake Lions for the Palmer Day celebration on September 6th. Supervisor Wipper seconded the motion was carried.
COMMENTS/QUESTIONS:
Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve claims #25176- #25200, plus Conexus, $40,983.44. Chairman Ganz seconded, and the motion carried.
Chairman Ganz made a motion to adjourn. Supervisor Demeules seconded, and the motion was carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m.
Amy Bragelman, Palmer Township Clerk, approved as reviewed September 8th, 2025