MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
PALMER TOWNSHIP
July 13th 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, Supervisor Wipper, 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. Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Supervisor Wipper seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Sheriff’s Report: Commander Ben Zawacki presented the Sheriff's Office report for June. He reported that June was a relatively quiet month, with a total of 88 calls for service in Palmer Township. The report included approximately 15 traffic stops and 15 extra patrols/security checks.
Commander Zawacki reported two notable incidents during the month. One involved the theft of a gas tank and a boat motor that had been left in a boat over the winter. The second was a fraud case involving a computer takeover scam. The resident recognized the scam and was able to have the account shut down before further damage occurred. Commander Zawacki reminded residents never to allow unknown individuals remote access to their computers.
Overall, Commander Zawacki noted that thefts, burglaries, domestic incidents, and disturbances were all lower than typically seen during the summer months, making June an unusually quiet month.
Commander Zawacki also announced that Minnesota Night to Unite will be held on August 4. He encouraged neighborhoods interested in hosting a gathering to contact the Sheriff's Office. Deputies, firefighters, and other emergency personnel are available to visit neighborhood events as scheduling allows.
The Board discussed concerns regarding the increasing use of electric bicycles (e-bikes), particularly by young riders traveling at excessive speeds. Commander Zawacki explained that Minnesota law contains different regulations depending on the type and classification of the e-bike. He encouraged residents to report unsafe or illegal operation when it is occurring so law enforcement can respond appropriately. It was also noted that, under Minnesota law, riders must generally be at least 15 years old to operate certain e-bikes, and riders under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet.
Road Maintenance/Signs: Chairman Ganz opened the bids for the 2026 road improvement project on 90th Avenue, extending from County Road 16 to County Road 61. Seven bids were received. The engineer's estimate for the project was $369,000, while the low bid submitted by Knife River was $241,200.35.
Supervisor Demeules moved to award the project to Knife River in the amount of $241,200.35. Supervisor Wipper seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Chairman Ganz reported that the township engineer will prepare the contract and schedule a pre-construction meeting. The Board discussed the possibility of extending the project approximately 325 feet north on 50th Street to improve the intersection and address roadway settlement, pending final cost estimates and project scheduling. The Board also emphasized the importance of completing the project before the fall harvest season.
The Board discussed damage to 12th Street resulting from heavy construction traffic associated with the power line project. Chairman Ganz reported that township representatives would be meeting with project representatives to review the road conditions. Traffic counts recorded more than 1,000 axles in less than one week on the dead-end road, which was not designed to accommodate that level of heavy truck traffic. The Board discussed pursuing compensation or repairs for the damage caused by the construction traffic.
Supervisor Demeules reported that township crews have placed a total of 28 tons of hot mix asphalt for pothole repairs this season and anticipate completing one additional day of patching. Additional repairs were completed on 135th Avenue due to damage caused by construction traffic.
Chairman Ganz reported that approximately 59 unauthorized advertising signs had been removed from township road rights-of-way. The Board discussed the ongoing issue of signs being abandoned after advertising events or services, which create litter and interfere with roadside mowing operations. The township will continue removing signs placed within the road right-of-way.
The Board will review and update the shared County Road 7 maintenance agreement with St. George Township to reflect the current maintenance schedule and responsibilities, as well as similar road maintenance agreements with neighboring townships.
Fire Department: A representative from the Clear Lake Fire Department presented the fire report for 6/1/2026 through 6/30/2026. During that time, the department responded to 22 total calls. Six of those calls were within Palmer Township, and all six were medical emergencies.
P.E.C: Treasurer Johnson reported that no reimbursement has been received from the County for the PEC. The reimbursement request has been submitted to the County.
Park Report: Chairman Ganz reported that the Palmer Ball program will conclude next week. One game was canceled due to excessive heat and will not be rescheduled. Approximately 250 youth participated in the program this year, and the season was considered a success. He also reported that an anonymous donor has offered to donate benches for the ball fields.
Supervisor Demeules reported that Two Inlets Regional Park will remain closed until approximately October while the road is being built. Materials must be brought into the park for construction due to the burial grounds located on the property, which cannot be disturbed.
Supervisor Demeules further reported that Phase III of the Two Inlets Regional Park project, which includes the decommissioning of remaining homes and cabins, is anticipated to begin in late October and continue into the spring of 2027. Supervisor Demeules also reported that a virtual Visitor Use Management Framework kickoff meeting is scheduled for September 16, and he plans to attend on behalf of the Township.
Lake Reports: Barb Aaberg reported that the township was not awarded the grant for the elm treatment project. The application will be resubmitted in hopes of receiving funding in 2028. She also stated that the annual meeting for the lake improvement district will be held on the second Saturday in August, and preparations are underway.
Nancy Hahne reported on the recent Briggs Lake Chain Association (BLCA) meeting, where James Johnson presented information regarding the significant curly-leaf pondweed growth at the south end of Rush Lake. He explained that curly-leaf pondweed reproduces through structures called turions, which can remain dormant for 10 to 15 years before sprouting when conditions are favorable. The T Lid is working with the DNR to obtain a variance to allow treatment of the affected area in an effort to reduce the infestation.
Approval of Minutes: Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve the June minutes. Chairman Ganz seconded, and the motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS: No old business
NEW BUSINESS: Supervisor Demeules reported that he had recently received an inquiry from a resident interested in splitting approximately 25 acres of agricultural land. He explained that under Sherburne County's long-standing zoning regulations, agricultural parcels must consist of at least 40 acres, or have a minimum of 75 percent agricultural land coverage, in order to preserve agricultural land.
Supervisor Demeules stated that the township has historically supported simple plats to separate an existing farmhouse from the remaining farmland so the agricultural land can continue to be farmed while allowing the residence to be sold separately. He noted that the resident was informed of the current zoning regulations and advised that any future changes would require discussion and a formal amendment process. He also noted that recent changes to state law regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) may provide an alternative option depending on the circumstances.
The resident did not attend the meeting, and no action was taken.
COMMENTS/QUESTIONS:
Supervisor Demeules expressed concerns regarding recent zoning decisions made by the Sherburne County Board. He stated that Sherburne County Planning and Zoning staff and the Planning Commission have historically respected Palmer Township's recommendations and have worked cooperatively with the township on zoning matters.
Supervisor Demeules further stated that, in his opinion, the County Board has recently overruled recommendations of the Planning Commission and the positions of affected townships without sufficient justification. He expressed concern that this practice diminishes the role of the Planning Commission and the input provided by townships during the zoning review process.
Supervisor Demeules stated that both Santiago Township and Palmer Township have consistently expressed strong opposition to large-scale solar developments within their townships. He further stated that, in his opinion, the Sherburne County Board has not given sufficient weight to the positions of the affected townships when making zoning decisions.
Supervisor Wipper made a motion to approve claims #26131- #26156, plus Conexus for a total of $37,153.90. Supervisor Demeules seconded, and the motion carried.
Chairman Ganz made a motion to adjourn. Supervisor Demeules seconded, and the motion was carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m.
Amy Bragelman, Palmer Township Clerk, approved as reviewed on August 10th, 2026.