MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
PALMER TOWNSHIP
June 12th, 2023
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. Also present were, Amy Bragelman Township Clerk, and Roger Johnson Treasurer. 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 Wipper seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Sheriff’s Report: Capitan Ben Zawacki read the Sheriff’s for the month of May. 133 Total calls for service as compared to 107 calls for service in 2022. Zawacki stated that there was a jump in calls due to an increase in Security checks. There were 3 burglaries involving the storage sheds, two men were arrested in connection to that. 2 thefts and gas drive off. The drive off was apprehended later that day in a stolen car. 7 medicals, 20 traffic stops, 17 security checks, and 1 ATV complaint. Zawacki mentioned that they had 3 traffic stops on 115th. Chairman Ganz questioned whether the Zawacki had heard if there had been a number of home break ins looking for prescription drugs. Zawacki stated that he wasn’t aware of that being on the rise. It appears that security companies are trying to sell systems on this untrue basis.
Road Maintenance/Signs: Supervisor Demeules stated that he has received permission from 2 homeowners on 42nd street on the north side of Lake Julia, so that they can assess whether the swamp area is part of the lake or if it is a Wetland. This has to been done before permits are pulled to replace the Culvert. The best case scenario is that they are wet lands, we could follow the same process that we used on High Point, we would then work with the County to buy credits. Demeules stated if it is part of the lake he isn’t sure what that process would be only that it could be many more steps and setbacks before we could start this project. The DNR will be out later this week to assess the situation. Roger Mentioned that years ago a resident wanted to make their own personal Marina but it was deemed a Wetland back then and if that was stated somewhere we could maybe use that to our advantage in pulling those permits to get started on the road. Ganz questioned MJS whether or not we could do one project at a time rather that taring all projects at the same time. Mike stated that the projects were quoted to be tard all at once to save time and money. Supervisor Demeules made a motion to remove old culvert on 42nd and install a new culvert for a total of 23,923.00 through MJS Dirtworks Chairman Ganz seconded and the motion was carried. Chairman Ganz stated that they are bidding out the East side of Lake Julia from 49th to the High Point and a spot in Cedar point. This would only need reclaim. It should come out to be about $300,000, we will not be replacing any mailboxes we will be going around existing. We may be able to get a Grant through water quality to raise the road a little by Briggs Creek to help the Culverts work better, due to the fact that it was previously designated a Trout stream. Richard Larson wondered if we could extend the road on the side that the lake isn’t on to divert the water better. Chairman Ganz mentioned that they should meet with the homeowners on 109th road project sooner than later to finalize were the holding pond will go. Amy ordered 911 signs and will get ahold of Jeff Peterson to get them installed. We have not yet set a date for ditch mowing or street sweeping.
Fire Department: Chief Koren gave the monthly call report for the period of 5/08/23-6/12/23 for Palmer Township. There was a total of 18 calls for the Clear Lake Fire Department. 3 of those calls were for Palmer Township, 3 being medical, 0 fires, 0 auto accident and 1 powerline down on 42nd Street. Chief Koren also inquired as to whether or not Palmer has an ordinance for trees over a driveway. Chairman stated no, that is up to the resident. Koren said that there is a residence in the Township that they would not be able to get the fire truck up the driveway if there were an emergency. Ganz stated that we could issue a letter. Ganz also reminded residence that it is in their best interest to keep their 911 sign visible and clear from vegetation. In the case of an emergency time is a huge factor.
P.E.C: Roger Johnson stated that we had 204 participants on Clean – Up – Day which was up about 20 from last year. The total cost for Jim’s disposal was $10,143, Liberty Tires came in at just under $4,800 For 8.3 tons, and Midways Iron bill was $815 for scrap metal. It cost Palmer Township $3,000 less this year than last year to contract out venders on our own. Clean up Day was a success this year. We still have an RV refrigerator to contend with that we were not able to get rid of.
Park Report: Chairman Ganz stated that the septic was put in at the park, the lot has been sealed and stripped, and Palmer Ball is in full swing. The water has been tested and supervisor Wipper and Mitch Hoefer worked on the water heater. Supervisor Wipper suggested that we but another porta potty out by the tee ball field. Ganz also pointed out that we may want to think of a way that we could help senior residents get out to the Tee ball fields being that they are very far from the parking lot. Park Committee is still waiting on Surface Pro to come out and look at the Tennis Courts. Supervisor Demeules reported on the Big Elk Lake Park. Demeules stated that a name for the park has yet to be decided on. The Morehouse property has been posted as private, and the Township will vacate the road soon. They are looking for boulders rather than fencing. Clean up started on June 5th which was done by hand. They are looking to get on the National Register this would open up more grants. There will be 52 acres of prairie grass planting they received $100,000 from ARPA funds. There will be a site visit for the committee and there has been discussion about having members of the legislation visit in late August. They will also be hosting a BBQ followed by shore line pick up, and a couple of opportunities for committee members to go to Native Culture Training towards the end of September.
Lake Association: Supervisor Demeules reported that BLCA had their first membership meeting on Friday always wish there were more and new people. Fireworks are Saturday July 1st at dusk the boat parade will be at noon on the same day. Feasibility testing has started to collect data on the health of the lake, which is happening weekly.
Legal Comments: Chairman Ganz mentioned that we are working with Ashley from Rinke Noonan to make our parking ordinance admissible. Supervisor Demeules stated that he would like to see the parking ordinance in effect all year round.
Approval of Minutes: Supervisor Wipper made a motion to approve the May minutes as written. Supervisor Demeules seconded it and the motion carried.
ARPA FUND: Supervisor Demeules reported that we took the driver feedback signs out of ARPA at a cost of $8,000. We will still have the flooring, the low area on 42nd, and the locks which will happen next month. The rest of the funds will be allocated to the road and bridge fund.
OLD BUSINESS: Chairman Ganz made a motion to approve the sheriffs lease, Demeules second and the motion was carried. The Sheriff’s office will pay for their part of the power and electric.
NEW BUSINESS: Steve Demeules made a motion to renew the Tobacco License at the Briggs Lake General Store, Ganz seconded and Supervisor Wipper abstained. The motion was carried. Chairman Ganz made a motion to approve the Clear Lake Lions Beer permit for Palmer Day, Supervisor Wipper Seconded and the Motion was carried. Supervisor Wipper mentioned that Hubbard came and looked at the in-floor heat. There was a fuse that was broken since March. December they will watch the amp draws to make sure everything is working well.
COMMENTS/QUESTIONS:
Supervisor Wipper mentioned that Hubbard came and looked at the in-floor heat. There was a fuse that was broken since March. December they will watch the amp draws to make sure everything is working well.
Maureen Havert inquired if we had heard anything more from the Shed Church and Chairman Ganz stated that we have not.
Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve claims #23123- #23156, plus payroll, Conexus, LRS, BLGs for a total of 62,309.41 Supervisor Wipper second
Chairman Demeules made a motion to adjourn. Supervisor Wipper seconded and the motion was carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
Amy Bragelman, Palmer Township Clerk Approved as reviewed July 10th, 2023