MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
PALMER TOWNSHIP
February 9th 2026
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 January. The Sheriff’s Office reported 62 total calls for service this month, compared to 69 calls during the same period last year.
Several thefts were reported involving fish houses around the lake. Multiple fish houses were broken into, and items were stolen, all on Lake Julia. The case has been assigned to the Investigations Division. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity around the lake.
Additional activity included one property damage report involving a mailbox, one fraud complaint involving the sharing of personal information, one personal injury accident, and multiple house fires.
Deputies conducted five traffic stops, six security checks, and responded to eleven miscellaneous calls. The Sheriff’s Office noted that six new deputies are currently in field training, which is expected to positively impact staffing levels in the future.
Chairman Ganz also requested that Deputy Zawacki check on a license plate number after concerns were raised that someone may be staying overnight at the park. Given the recent fish house break-ins, the Board agreed it would be prudent to follow up.
Road Maintenance/Signs: Chairman Ganz reported that there was little new to report regarding roads. The freeze–thaw cycle this winter is expected to result in increased potholes this spring. Residents were reminded to report any damaged or downed traffic signs to the Township so repairs can be made promptly.
Fire Department: No representative from the Fire Department was present; however, the Township will begin receiving monthly fire run reports by email. For the period of January 1–31, 2026, there were 18 total calls: one in the City of Clear Lake, ten in Clear Lake Township, five in Palmer Township, and two mutual aid calls. Palmer Township’s calls included two medical, two fire, and one rescue response.
P.E.C.: Treasurer Johnson reported that he completed the grant application for Cleanup Day, scheduled for May 2. The maximum grant award available this year is $10,000. The Board reviewed the application and agreed it should be submitted to Sherburne County.
Park Report:
Chairman Ganz reported that he was able to groom several ski trails at the park; however, warmer temperatures are expected to impact trail conditions.
Supervisor Demeules reported that the County continues to work with Michaels on the Northern Reliability project. Mats have been placed, and vegetation clearing has begun at 2 inlets. Work is being monitored by tribal, agricultural, and environmental monitors as required. Tree clearing and burning activities have been visible in the area, and winter conditions have allowed this work to proceed efficiently. The work is expected to conclude soon.
Soil borings were also completed in preparation for Phase One park improvements, which were likewise monitored by tribal representatives. Due to increased truck traffic associated with these projects, the park was temporarily closed for safety.
Supervisor Demeules also announced that a public hearing will be held on April 13 regarding the proposed vacation of 104th Avenue. Notice will be published in the newspaper in accordance with legal requirements.
Lake Reports:
Shelly Alger-Peyton reported that there was no significant new business for the BLCA. Ice Day was held the previous weekend and had excellent weather and a possible record turnout. A full recap will be provided at the March meeting. The BLCA is now preparing for the upcoming spring projects and events.
Barb Aaberg reported that Bonnie Jacobs from Sherburne County verified the plat assessments. The T-Lid is also researching nanobubble technology as a potential alternative method for lake improvement and will continue planning projects for 2026.
Approval of Minutes: Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve the January minutes. Supervisor Wipper seconded, and the motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS:
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NEW BUSINESS: Supervisor Demeules reported on Andrew and Janet Stowe, PID #40-00028-1420, 54-foot variance to expand a deck on an existing non-conforming structure. He will submit comments to Sherburne County and has no concerns with the variance as presented. He noted the request is a typical addition for a small lake lot, remains well below impervious surface limits, and will improve accessibility for older residents. The applicant was advised that parking on township roads will not be permitted during construction.
2. Sowada Property Encroachment Issue. The Board discussed encroachments from a property at 1135 42nd Street, Clear Lake, where existing improvements, including portions of a driveway, septic system, and walkways, extend onto Township property. The encroachments were created by previous owners and not the current property owner.
Following discussions between legal counsel, the Township entered into a license agreement with the property owner allowing the existing improvements to remain on Township property. The agreement provides that it remains in effect as long as the improvements remain in place; however, the Township may terminate the agreement at any time, with not less than six months’ written notice, and require removal of the encroachments. The property owner may also terminate the agreement at any time with written notice.
3. Supervisor Wipper made a motion to continue service with Cummings for generator maintenance, as their quote was comparable to last year's. Supervisor Demeules seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Supervisor Wipper reported that New Horizon will be performing tree trimming throughout Palmer Township and wanted to provide advance notice to residents. Initial tree trimming is planned for 50th Street and 90th Street. The Board discussed potentially adding another street to maximize efficiency while the crew is in the area. Work is expected to take place within the next two to three weeks, as scheduling becomes limited once the busy season begins in March.
COMMENTS/QUESTIONS:
A resident inquired whether the Township would vote at the Annual Meeting on retaining or removing the warning sirens. Supervisor Demeules stated that no vote is planned. The Township will continue to maintain and pay the annual maintenance fees for the sirens assigned to Palmer Township; however, failed sirens will not be replaced.
Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve claims #26020- #26032, plus Conexus, Civil Engineer, and East Side Glass for $119,360.00. 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 7:45 p.m.
At 7:50 pm, Chairman Ganz called the Board of Audit to order. A review of the clerk's and treasurer's summary dated January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025, was held. No discrepancies were noted. A motion was made by Chairman Ganz and seconded by Supervisor Wipper to approve the books. The motion carried unanimously. The Board of Audit was closed at 7:55 pm.
Amy Bragelman, Palmer Township Clerk, approved as reviewed on March 9th, 2026.