MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
PALMER TOWNSHIP
June 8th 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, 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. Chairman Ganz seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Sheriff’s Report: Commander Ben Zawacki presented the Sheriff’s Report. Zawacki reported that Palmer Township had 114 calls for service during the month of May, compared to 94 calls last year. The increase was attributed primarily to additional proactive patrols and security checks, with approximately 30 extra security checks conducted.
Overall, activity in the township remained relatively quiet. Zawacki reported a couple of theft investigations, including one connected to a larger investigation that was tied to a bigger case throughout the county, including several fish house burglaries and copper thefts. Zawacki commended the Sheriff's Office Investigative Division for its extensive work and patience throughout the lengthy investigation, which led to multiple cases being resolved.
Other reported activity included one personal injury crash, six medical calls, 15 traffic stops, and one fraud-related complaint involving an individual providing tree-trimming services.
The Sheriff's Office also responded to seven boating-related complaints over the Memorial Day weekend. Additional patrols were conducted on the water, and deputies made several contacts, including addressing a jet skier who was creating safety concerns.
Road Maintenance/Signs: Supervisor Demeules reported that the township employees placed approximately 18 tons of bit material on pothole repairs throughout the township over the past several weeks. They have been applying approximately two tons at a time and will continue pothole patching efforts as long as the specific material remains available from Knife River.
Supervisor Demeules also reported that the third week of the 90th Avenue road project bid advertisements will be in this weekend. Bid openings are scheduled for June 23, 2026. The Board is working to complete the bidding process as quickly as possible in an effort to secure favorable pricing before potential material cost increases.
The Board is also evaluating several brushing projects and road patching projects throughout the township. The scope of those projects will depend on the final cost of the upcoming road construction project and available budget funds.
Chairman Ganz reported concerns regarding roadway settlement on 42nd Street and 12th Street near the area where Northern Reliability is currently conducting work. The Board will address the issue with Northern Reliability and request corrective action as needed.
Chairman Ganz further reported that township staff will begin removing signs located within township road rights-of-way in preparation for ditch mowing, which is scheduled to begin during the first week of July. Removed signs will be placed near the township dumpsters for retrieval.
Chairman Ganz reiterated that signs are not permitted within township road rights-of-way and noted that many of the signs appear to have been placed by individuals who are not township residents.
Fire Department: Chief Lunser presented the fire report for 5/1/2026 through 5/31/2026. Lunser reported 29 calls for service; 12 were in Palmer Township. Palmer Township incidents included one canceled call, five medical calls, one trauma call, one motor vehicle accident, and four utility-related calls.
Lunser provided an update on current operations and ongoing equipment planning. The representative also informed the Board that bids for the proposed new fire hall would be opened the following day. Several local contractors have expressed interest in the project, and the bid review process will begin following the opening.
P.E.C: Treasurer Johnson presented a revised summary of the Palmer Township Cleanup Day expenses, including the addition of invoices from B&E Recycling and Liberty Tire. Chairman Ganz noted that the Township's total Cleanup Day cost is currently just under $12,000.
Park Report: Chairman Ganz reported that the Palmer Ball program began for the season and was well attended, with more than 250 participants at the park on opening night. The Chairman directed vehicles to designated parking areas in an effort to keep traffic off County Road 6. While there were a few parking issues, overall operations went well.
Chairman Ganz also reported that standing water between the ball fields following recent rainfall was promptly removed using a pump after a complaint was received. Routine park maintenance continues, including mowing, spraying, and fertilizing.
Lake Reports:
Shelly Alger-Peyton reported on behalf of the BLCA that membership has grown to approximately 210 members, exceeding the previous year's total. The annual fish restocking program was completed prior to Memorial Day.
Shelly announced several upcoming BLCA events, including Pancakes in the Park on June 13, featuring a board meeting, community breakfast, educational displays, and presentations by Sherburne County and Minnesota DNR representatives. Additional upcoming events include the July 3 fireworks display, the July 4 boat parade, and a July 11 educational presentation by freshwater ecologist James Johnson regarding lake health and aquatic vegetation.
Shelly also provided an update on lake conditions, noting that warm temperatures, low water levels, and recent lake turnover have contributed to increased algae blooms. Curly-leaf pondweed has been more prevalent on Rush Lake this season. Aquatic vegetation treatments were completed in mid-May, followed by individual property treatments in early June, and the T-LID continues to monitor conditions.
Approval of Minutes: Chairman Ganz made a motion to approve the May minutes. Supervisor Demueles seconded, and the motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS: No old business
NEW BUSINESS:
The Board reviewed the liquor license renewal application for Briggs Lake General Store and the Palmer House. The Supervisors noted no issues with the renewal request. Chairman Ganz made a motion to approve the liquor license renewal for Briggs Lake General Store and the Palmer House. Supervisor Demeules seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Supervisor Demeules presented a License Agreement for Tracy Johnson regarding an existing encroachment within the Township road right-of-way. He explained that the agreement acknowledges the existing encroachment while preserving the Township's rights to the road easement. The agreement allows the existing improvements to remain but requires that they be removed or relocated at the property owner's expense should the Township need to utilize the right-of-way in the future. Chairman Ganz made a motion to approve the License agreement; Supervisor Demeules seconded. The motion carried.
Simple Plat – PID 40-00011-3301: The Board reviewed a proposed Simple Plat for PID 40-00011-3301 for Dean Moeller. The request would create a new parcel consisting of approximately 28 acres located near the intersection of County Road 3 and County Road 25.
Dean Moeller explained that the purpose of the split is to return the wooded parcel to family ownership for preservation. The existing shared driveway will continue to be used, and the applicant indicated a verbal agreement has been reached with the neighboring property owner regarding driveway access.
Supervisor Demeules reported that, based on discussions with Sherburne County staff, no issues had been identified that would warrant delaying the Township's review. The Board expressed no concerns with the proposed Simple Plat and will send comments to the County.
COMMENTS/QUESTIONS: No Comments
Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve claims #26105- #26128, plus Conexus and Frontier $23,182.73. 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 7:40 p.m.
Amy Bragelman, Palmer Township Clerk, approved as reviewed on July 13th, 2026.