MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
PALMER TOWNSHIP
January 9th 2023
The regular meeting of the Palmer Township Board was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Palmer Township Hall, with Supervisors Ganz, Demeules, and Larson present. Also present was, Amy Bragelman Township Clerk. Roger Johnson Treasurer, was present via zoom. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Treasurer’s Report: Roger Johnson read the balances from the Treasurer's report. Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Supervisor Larson seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Sheriff’s Report: Ben Zawacki read the Sheriff’s report for the month of December in Palmer Township. There were 92 calls for service as compared to 72 in 2021. There were 22 traffic stops and 27 security checks. 8 accidents a few of those were with injuries and 2 thefts. Chairman Ganz inquired if the security checks are requested. Zawacki confirmed that they are. Maureen Havert questioned if the 92 calls are only for Palmer Township. Zawacki stated that the report he gives is only for Palmer Township and compared to others we are relatively low. Shelly Alger Peyton called about target practice and whether it’s legal to do that in a residential area she was told that it was. Zawacki confirmed that as long as they are safe with the way they shoot it isn’t against the law. Mike mentioned that Joel Brott may be having a press release about plowing across the road and how there is a statute. Chairman Ganz stated that we may need to send out warning letters to repeat offenders, then send a police officer over if it continues, the final step would be a ticket if needed. Chairman Ganz mentioned snowmobile trespassing, and how bad it is this year. The County may help out with enforcement, Zawacki will check into it.
Road Maintenance/Signs: Chairman Ganz stated that snowplowing across Township roads is a problem this year. The statute states 160.2715 Right-Of-Way Use; MISDEMEANORS
It shall be unlawful to obstruct any highway or deposit snow or ice thereon
This means you may NOT plow snow across or onto the road or road right-of-way. The complete statue can be found on the website. Supervisor Demeules reached out to Scott Dahlke in regards to 109th and 42nd estimates and plans. Their goal is to have the final plans ready by February so that we can get some bids to do the jobs by the annual meeting. Chairman Ganz stated that there was a complaint by a resident who claimed his mailbox was hit by the snowplow. Ganz said that it is in Herbst’s contract that if a mailbox is stuck by a plow, and not moved by snow, he is responsible if it is to code. This means it must be at the correct location, height, and proper materials according to the County. Char questioned who is responsible for the dumpsters at the landing, it is overflowing. Chairman Ganz stated that Amy would call right away in the morning.
Fire Department: Chief Koren gave the monthly call report for the period of 12/12/22-1/09/23
for Palmer Township. There was a total of 22 calls for the Clear Lake Fire Department. 5 of those calls were for Palmer Township, all being medical, 0 fires, and 0 auto accidents.
P.E.C: Roger stated that he has only contacted Kramer. Kramer is booked for May 20th he has availability in June.
Park Report: Chairman Ganz stated that the ski trails are open, and were used Sunday right away.
Lake Association: Supervisor Demeules stated that membership mailings went out this month. Ice day is February 11th on Julia. There was talk about what they would do if the ice isn’t able to support Ice Day. Paul Braun said that they have other options and are ready if they are not able to do Ice Day on the Lake. They also are ready to provide shuttles if need be. There will not be a BLCA meeting in January.
Legal Comments: Joel was going to check with the county and make sure that all of Palmer Townships’ ordinances are enforceable.
Approval of Minutes: Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve the December minutes as written. Supervisor Larson seconded it and the motion carried.
ARPA FUND: There is no activity. Supervisors will meet with the contractor tomorrow morning to go over the office remodel.
OLD BUSINESS:
1.Crosswalk Supervisor Larson stated that in other Townships they paid half and the county paid half for flashing crosswalk signs. Larson suggested that Palmer get speed signs and flashing lights for the kids that get off the bus at the store and the town hall. In Santiago, they were around $12,000 to $15,000. Chairman Ganz stated that there has to be a study because it’s a county road. Bruce, Joel, and Andrew are working together on the study. They are in favor of driver feedback signs but not the crosswalk.
2.Wright-Hennepin door locks no decision was made for or against
NEW BUSINESS:
1.Tri Count Human Society Chairman Ganz made a motion to sign the contract and Supervisor Demeules second and Motion was carried.
2.Election Judges Were approved for the 2023 election year.
3.Lease with Sheriff’s Department 447,647.81 was what was charged over 15 years. Now we need to come up with what it cost for them to work out of the town hall. The Township needs to come up with a new lease agreement. Roger
stated that he will go back and look to see what we pay for electricity and gas for the Sheriff’s department.
4.Gopher feet Palmer Township paid out 2,739 in bounty last year. Township pays out $3 per pair.
5.Board of Equalization will be on April 18th.
COMMENTS/QUESTIONS:
Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve claims #23001- #23013, plus payroll, Conexus, LRS, and Card Member Services for a total of 23,558.95.
Supervisor Demeules made a motion to adjourn. Supervisor Larson seconded and the motion was carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
Amy Bragelman, Palmer Township ClerkApproved as reviewed February 13, 2023