MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
PALMER TOWNSHIP
MAY 12, 2025
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 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: Captain Ben Zawacki read the Sheriff’s report for April. There were 61 Total calls for service as compared to 96 calls for service in 2024. There were 1 accident involving animals, 1 theft, 16 traffic stops, 1 security check, 3 extra patrols, 1 warrant for arrest, 1 disturbing the peace, and 2 suspicious persons, to name a few. A resident questioned who is in charge of enforcing the no-parking on road right-of-way ordinance. Chairman Ganz stated that the ordinance is seasonal from November 15th to April 15th. The police officers can only enforce that policy between those months. We don’t currently have a year-round ordinance for parking. Zawacki stated that he could stop in and talk to them since it seems to be an ongoing issue.
Road Maintenance/Signs: Supervisor Wipper reported that road sweeping has been completed. Signs are caught up; we do still need to order 2 minimum maintenance signs. Supervisor Demeules stated that the pothole mix is ready. He also spoke with Dahlke, who would like to have pre-con the week of the 9th of June. They will not start work until after the Fourth of July. Supervisor Demeules will be in touch with Chris Klien from Silver Creek Township in regards to different ways that they are extending the life of their roads. Chairman Ganz mentioned that again this year, there are many signs for companies advertising their services in our road right-of-ways. We will start collecting those and put them by the dumpsters. If the companies would like to come collect their signs, they can; otherwise, at the end of the month, they will be in the dumpster. They pose hazards for ditch mowing and also serve as a distraction for drivers.
Fire Department: Chief Koren reported for March. The monthly call report for 4/14/2025 to 5/12/2025 shows 13 calls for the Clear Lake Fire Department. 6 of those calls were for Palmer Township: One fire, 4 medicals, and 1 gas leak.
P.E.C.: Treasure Roger Johnson reported that we had 163 participants. Which was down about 20 from last year. Volunteers working used their discretion when collecting funds for clean-up day, just because it was in a trailer doesn't mean they got charged for a Trailer Load. Chairman Ganz thanked all the volunteers for their work. He also mentioned that some of the oversized loads that we received were very oversized. Next year, we may have to adjust prices. One oversized load was almost a complete dumpster, which cost the township around $500, and it only cost the resident $50. We try to recycle as many products as we can, that is where our grant money comes from; any other materials are at the cost of the township. Treasure Roger Johnson reported that on that day, we took in around $5,500 in fees.
Park Report: Chairman Ganz reported that the foundation for the pickleball court has been laid. A One Concrete, MJS Dirt work, Munson pumping, and Central Minnesota Sawing all helped to keep costs down by donating their time. We still need a chain link fence. Surface Pro can come out anytime after the 27th of May to paint the courts. Rogers will check on prices for nets. Roger Johnson presented the board with a check for $1,000 from him and his wife, Barb, to be used towards the total cost of the pickleball courts. Chairman Ganz reported that the old mower will probably be sold this week for $6,200. He had somebody come out and look at it earlier today. Supervisor Wipper reported that there were a few minor repairs needed to the sprinkler system this year. We did order a box of new heads. Palmer ball sign-up was the first weekend in May. The issue of having dogs at the park came up again. Chairman Ganz reminded residents that Palmer Township does not allow dogs in the park. If you need to run your dog, the West lot is always available to play catch or do whatever you need to do to exercise your dog. Supervisor Demeules reported that you can always walk your dog at the two inlets County park as long as it's on a leash no longer than 6 ft. Supervisor Wipper reported that three more trees were planted down by the new baseball diamond at the park.
Supervisor Demeules report on Two Inlets Park. There is a regathering next month which includes stakeholders and all of the native tribes, County officials, State officials Township officials.
Lake Reports: Nancy Hahne reported on behalf of the T-Lid. Rush and Julia have been sprayed for curly Pond weed. The T-Lid currently has one Bored position opening up. If anyone is interested in joining the T-Lid board, they will be voting on that at their annual meeting on August 16th. Shelly Alger-Peyton reported on behalf of BLCA. There are currently 185 members. Half of the fish stockings have been completed for the year. The second half of the fish stocking will be in Rush next week. They did receive the Carp Management Grant. More details about that will come later this summer. They will notify residents via the website and Facebook. Friday, June 13th, the BCLA will be at the park 5:00 pm will be the board meeting 6:00 pm will be a barbecue. Sherburne Soil and Water will also be there to do a presentation.
Approval of Minutes: Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve the April minutes. Supervisor Wipper seconded, and the motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS: Nothing
NEW BUSINESS: Chairman Ganz made a motion to approve a fence to be installed around the pickleball court for $20,000. Supervisor Demeules seconded, and the motion was carried. Chairman Ganz made a motion for nets for the Pickleball courts. Up to $1,500 per net Supervisor Demeules seconded, and the motion was carried.
Scott Ruiter was Present for a CUP variance. The board sees no problem with this and will send comment to the County.
Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve the Briggs Lake General Stores tobacco license renewal, Chairman Ganz seconded, Supervisor Wipper abstained, and the motion was carried
COMMENTS/QUESTIONS:
Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve claims #25090- #25114, plus Conexus, $31,561.81. Supervisor Wipper seconded.
Chairman Ganz made a motion to adjourn. Supervisor Wipper seconded, and the motion was carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.
Amy Bragelman, Palmer Township Clerk Approved as reviewed June 9, 2025