MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
PALMER TOWNSHIP
December 8th 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. Amy Bragelman, Township Clerk, and Treasurer Roger Johnson were also present. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer 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: Captain Ben Zawacki read the Sheriff’s report for November. There was one property damage incident involving several mailboxes being struck. There was one trespassing incident related to hunting, in which a deer was shot on private property without permission; the DNR is handling this matter. Deputies conducted 21 traffic stops, resulting in six citations. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office noted an increase in irrigation system checks throughout Sherburne County due to recent copper thefts from irrigation systems, particularly in Becker and Santiago. The investigation is ongoing, and several suspects have been identified.
Road Maintenance/Signs: Supervisor Wipper reported that work on 42nd and 52nd Street has been completed. Supervisor Demeules reported that the township has not yet received all invoices for road projects completed during the year. He stated that he will contact Dahlke this week to request the outstanding bills so they can be processed and paid prior to year-end. He also reported that we are in need of a new dead-end sign for Cedar Point. Chairman Ganz requested that four smaller stop signs be ordered to be permanently installed for ATV and snowmobile traffic off Highway 25.
Fire Department: Chief Koren reported for December. The monthly call report for 11/1/2025 to 11/30/2025 shows 16 calls for the Clear Lake Fire Department. 6 of those calls were for Palmer Township: 3 medicals, 1 motor vehicle accident, and 2 gas leaks. Chief Koren announced his retirement. The supervisors and residents thanked Chief Koren for his 48 years of service. His official retirement date will be in January.
P.E.C.: Nothing new to report for P.E.C.
Park Report:
Chairman Ganz reported that as additional snowfall accumulates in the park, ski trails will be opened. He noted that several trees along the trails will need to be trimmed prior to opening.
Supervisor Demeules reported on behalf of Two Inlets Park that they recently held their annual meeting, during which they discussed completed projects from the past year and goals for the upcoming year. He reported that a controlled burn was conducted in early fall, covering approximately 39 acres on the west end of the park, and that the previously established prairie planting is doing well. This winter, additional invasive species removal is planned, including buckthorn and honeysuckle. One of the primary challenges is that digging and chemical treatments are not permitted. Winter seeding is also planned.
Supervisor Demeules further reported that since Sherburne County has 100 percent ownership of the park, the county will begin the process for the vacation of 104th Avenue. They are also exploring bonding opportunities and grant funding. If funding is secured, future plans include reconfiguring trail systems and the potential removal of several buildings.
A resident inquired whether a dog park would ever be considered at Two Inlets Park. Supervisor Demeules stated that this was unlikely. The resident also asked whether Palmer Township would consider installing a dog park. Supervisor Demeules responded that the township would not pursue a dog park due to liability concerns, including the risk of dog bites and issues related to pet waste cleanup.
Lake Reports:
BLCA: Shelley Alger-Peyton stated that there is nothing to report for the BLCA.
T-LID: Barb Aberg reported that today was the deadline for any grant applications.
Approval of Minutes: Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve the November minutes. Supervisor Wipper seconded, and the motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS: Supervisor Demeules reported that the warning siren discussed at the previous meeting, whose location had been uncertain, is located off Highway 25.
NEW BUSINESS: Nothing to report
COMMENTS/QUESTIONS: Chairman Ganz reported that tomorrow afternoon, Township Clerk Amy Bragelman will be hosting an informal afternoon of treats and games for community members, including those who are single, widowed, or couples who would like to gather socially. The event will begin with a small group of Palmer residents, with participants encouraged to invite others. Feedback from the event will be shared at the next meeting.
Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve claims #25280- #25298, plus Conexus, Cardmember Services, Sherburne County Public Works, Metro Sales, Frontier, and WH Security $30,290.65. 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 7:29 p.m.
Amy Bragelman, Palmer Township Clerk, approved as reviewed on January 12th 2026.