MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
PALMER TOWNSHIP
January 12th 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 December. The Sheriff’s Office reported that activity for December was generally quiet. There were a couple of harassment incidents involving scam phone calls made to the same residents. One property damage incident involved mailbox damage. Three fraud complaints were reported: one involved a reported loss of approximately $1,500 in which a caller claimed money was needed for an ankle monitor to secure a granddaughter’s release from jail; one fraud call resulted in no financial loss; and one fraud reported by a business was later determined to be a civil matter.
Deputies conducted 11 traffic stops, resulting in two citations. There was one suspicious vehicle report involving an individual sitting in a vehicle; no suspicious activity was observed. Additionally, there was one security check and 13 extra patrols conducted during the reporting period.
It was noted that January has begun somewhat busier. Sheriff’s staff reported that five jailers were recently assaulted during a large inmate altercation within one of the jail pods. All jailers sustained minor injuries and are recovering well.
Supervisor Demeules inquired whether this type of incident was becoming more frequent. Deputy Zawacki responded that such incidents tend to ebb and flow within the profession and that while assaults on jailers are not rare, it is uncommon for multiple staff members to be injured at the same time. The Sheriff’s Office also reported the loss of K-9 Bronco, age five, who passed away due to an intestinal condition. In a separate incident, a canine handler sustained a bite to the arm. The handler is recovering well and is expected to return to work after a brief leave.
Road Maintenance/Signs: Chairman Ganz asked residents to be patient with road conditions, noting the challenges created by fluctuating winter weather, including light snowfall, warming temperatures, and icing. He explained that the township does not have the same resources as the county to repeatedly plow and scrape roads, but we will continue to do the best we can under the circumstances.
Chairman Ganz also reported that new sign installations are largely on hold for the winter season. Residents were encouraged to report any damaged or missing signs to the township.
Fire Department: Supervisor Demeules reported that the Fire Department will be holding a meeting in February to present its proposed budget, at which time the townships will have an opportunity for discussion. Matt Lunser reported for December. The monthly call report for 12/1/2025 to 12/31/2025 shows 17 calls for the Clear Lake Fire Department. 8 of those calls were for Palmer Township: all medicals.
P.E.C.: Chairman Ganz reported that he contacted Roxy with Jim’s Disposal regarding the township clean-up. The date for this year’s clean-up is May 2. Pricing information for the township is not expected to be available until mid-March. He noted that this date coincides with the weekend the landfill will be open for hauling trucks. It was further reported that the township plans to use the same recycling hauler for mattresses as in previous years. The township will be reimbursed by the County for eligible recyclable materials.
Park Report:
Chairman Ganz reported that he was at the park earlier in the week, where he cleared five downed trees from the ski trails. If anyone is interested in cutting firewood at the park, they can contact the township, at which time the required liability waiver will need to be filled out. Any firewood cutting would not occur until after the snow has melted. He noted that the goal is to pack down the snow and have the ski trails ready for use later in the week. Chairman Ganz also reported that over the New Year’s weekend, he groomed trails around the lake to encourage skiing; however, that can be challenging due to vehicle traffic related to ice fishing and snowmobiling. Supervisor Demeules reported that there has not been a recent meeting regarding Two Inlets Park. He also noted that, just before the meeting, an email was received from the County containing a resolution regarding the county’s takeover of 104th Street. The township will begin the necessary process, and the matter will be added to the agenda under New Business.
Lake Reports:
BLCA: Shelley Alger-Peyton reported on behalf of the BLCA that they had a meeting last Saturday. Membership mailings were sent at the end of December to approximately 690 properties. She noted that Scott Ruiter is tentatively scheduled to present the 2025 water quality results at the February meeting, as the results were received on Friday.
Shelly also reported that the Healthy Lakes Committee will be hosting a children’s event on Thursday, February 5, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., for preschool and elementary-aged children. The event will include free educational activities, crafts, and poster making. Each child will receive a lead-free ice fishing rod to take home.
Upcoming events were also noted. ICE Day will be held on February 7. The event will start at 11:30 with ice golf, a fishing tournament, and a snowmobile run being the main activities. This is a free event; there will be an informational booth where donations will be accepted.
T-LID: Barb Aberg reported that they are in the planning stage of the year and had nothing new to add.
Approval of Minutes: Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve the December minutes. Supervisor Wipper seconded, and the motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS: Supervisor Demeules reported on PID 40-0012-1000, Ray and Dianna Mortensen, who are requesting a residential preliminary and final simple plat of Wagon Trail Woods consisting of three lots. Palmer Township has no objection to the request as presented. This type of plat is common in Palmer Township and helps preserve larger tracts of land for agricultural use. Supervisor Demeules stated that he will forward the township’s comments to the county.
Supervisor Demeules also reported on PID 40-00412-0041, Russell and Michelle Hamble, who are requesting a five-foot variance on the south side property line to install a new septic system. The required setback from the side property line is 10 feet. Supervisor Demeules stated that Palmer Township would like documentation confirming that the adjacent southern property owner is aware of and agrees to the variance request. The township also requested that a condition be added prohibiting parking on 114th Street during construction due to past issues with parking and emergency vehicle access. Supervisor Demeules stated that he will forward these comments to the county.
Chairman Mike Ganz read the resolution received from Sherburne County regarding the vacation of 104th Avenue, which is now part of Two Inlets Regional Park and owned by Sherburne County. Palmer Township will forward the resolution to Township Attorney David Meyers for review.
Supervisor Demeules noted a correction to the length of the proposed road vacation, stating that the resolution lists the length as 2,200 feet, while the correct length is 2,160 feet. He emphasized that this correction is important due to the gas tax revenue impact associated with vacating the road.
Supervisor Demeules made a motion to begin the process to vacate 104th Avenue. Supervisor Wipper seconded the motion. The motion carried.
COMMENTS/QUESTIONS: A resident inquired about exterior lighting from a residential property along County Road 16, noting that the lights are distracting to motorists traveling on County Road 16 during evening hours. Chairman Ganz stated that the recommended course of action would be to contact the Sheriff’s Office.
Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve claims #26001- #26018, plus Conexus for $22,561.04. 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 7:43 p.m.
Amy Bragelman, Palmer Township Clerk, approved as reviewed on February 9th, 2026.