MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
PALMER TOWNSHIP
May 11th 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, and Amy Bragelman, Township Clerk. Treasurer Roger Johnson joined the meeting remotely. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Roger Johnson read the balances from the Treasurer's report. Chairman Ganz made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Supervisor Demeules seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Sheriff’s Report: Captain Ben Zawacki presented the Sheriff’s Report. The Sheriff’s Office reported 91 calls for service in April 2026, compared to 61 calls during the same period last year. The increase was largely attributed to 26 extra patrols conducted throughout the Township. Deputies noted five theft-related reports, four of which were continuations of previously discussed investigations involving ongoing cases and suspects expected to face additional charges.
The report also included five disturbing the peace complaints, three of which were related to a suspected underage drinking party. Deputies responded multiple times; however, no underage drinking was confirmed.
Additional calls for service included two fraud complaints involving requests for personal information. Deputies reminded residents not to provide personal or financial information to unsolicited callers. Other reported activity included one grass fire, seven medical calls, one domestic-related incident, and 11 traffic stops.
During discussion, a resident raised concerns regarding ongoing issues involving the burning and disposal of garbage and debris on a neighboring property. Chairman Ganz clarified that the incident reported on April 14 involved illegal burning rather than burying debris, and citations had been issued. The matter remains under investigation, and residents were encouraged to forward any photographs or additional information to the Sheriff’s Office to assist with the case.
Road Maintenance/Signs: Supervisor Demeules reported that he visited Knife River to check on the availability of smaller aggregate fill material for pothole repairs. The material is not yet available, but once it becomes available, the Township will begin pothole patching operations.
Chairman Ganz stated that there are a few 911 signs throughout the Township that need replacement and noted that sign replacement continues to be an ongoing project. Road sweeping was completed prior to Cleanup Day.
Supervisor Demeules discussed the Township’s major road project planned for this year on 90th Avenue, from County Road 16 to County Road 61. The project covers approximately one and one-quarter miles and has an estimated cost of approximately $400,000 based on the engineer’s estimate. The Board discussed moving forward with the bidding process and distributing bid information to contractors. The project will also be published in the newspaper as part of the public notice process.
Supervisor Wipper also reported that MJs Dirtwork is currently working on several smaller projects throughout the Township, which are expected to be completed later this spring.
Fire Department: Chairman Ganz presented the fire report for 4/1/2026 through 4/30/2026. There was a total of 20 calls for the month of April. Of those, 9 calls were within Palmer Township, including 7 medical calls, and 2 grass fires.
P.E.C: Chairman Ganz reviewed the Cleanup Day report, noting that there were 185 participants this year compared to 163 participants last year, reflecting an overall increase in attendance. The largest increase was seen in car tire disposal, with 120 tires collected this year compared to 35 the previous year. Mattress and upholstered item disposal also increased significantly. The Township collected $6,715 in Cleanup Day fees.
Supervisor Demeules reported that he spoke with a County Commissioner, Gary Gray, regarding the possibility of receiving a larger Cleanup Day grant in the future. Palmer Township is scheduled to receive a $10,000 grant this year and was noted as having by far the largest Cleanup Day event in the county.
The Board also reviewed the first Cleanup Day invoice received from Jim’s Disposal in the amount of $7,388.37. This invoice represents only one vendor expense, and the Township is still awaiting invoices from the remaining Cleanup Day vendors.
Park Report: Supervisor Demeules reported that the road leading into Two Inlets Regional Park has officially been turned back over to Sherburne County. The transfer has been recorded with the County and is now complete.
Supervisor Demeules also reported that controlled burning activities at the park have concluded for the summer months. The house located on the former Morehouse property has been moved and is no longer located within Two Inlets Regional Park.
The pickleball nets have been installed at the park and will continue to be put out annually in mid-April and removed at the end of October. The water has also been turned on at the park in preparation for the season. The Township’s first park rental is scheduled for this Saturday.
amenities.
Lake Reports:
Shelly Alger-Peyton reported on behalf of the BLCA that the organization currently has 191 members, which is ahead of membership numbers from this time last year. She announced that the BLCA will host Pancakes in the Park on Saturday, June 13, at Palmer Park. The BLCA Board meeting is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., with the annual membership meeting beginning at 10:00 a.m.
The event will include informational display tables for Healthy Lakes, Lake Steward programs, and Directors, as well as information from Gina regarding Two Inlets Regional Park. Additional activities will include a water testing display, children’s face painting, games, and other family-friendly activities. All residents and families are invited to attend.
Barb Aaberg reported that there has been a significant increase in curly-leaf pondweed on Rush Lake, and that the T-LID has obtained equipment capable of measuring lake depth, lake bottom density, and aquatic vegetation. Shelly Alger-Peyton also reported that PLM completed spraying on the upper three lakes for curly-leaf pondweed, and carp monitoring efforts are continuing.
Approval of Minutes: Supervisor Wipper made a motion to approve the April minutes. Supervisor Demueles seconded, and the motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS:
Supervisor Demeules provided an update regarding the Township warning sirens. He reported that the company previously responsible for maintaining the countywide siren system no longer provides those services. As a result, future maintenance costs for the Township sirens are unknown and could increase significantly. It was also noted that the sirens are more than 50 years old, replacement parts are no longer manufactured, and a new siren system could cost upwards of $40,000.
The Board and residents discussed concerns regarding emergency notifications and alternative warning methods, including CodeRED, Hyper-Reach, weather radios, news alerts, and cellphone emergency notifications. Sherburne County requested that townships provide their decision regarding the sirens by July 1.
Following discussion, Supervisor Demeules made a motion to decommission the Township warning sirens. Supervisor Wipper seconded the motion. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Board reviewed the tobacco license renewal application for Briggs Lake General Store. The Supervisors noted no issues with the renewal request. Chairman Ganz made a motion to approve the tobacco license renewal for Briggs Lake General Store. Supervisor Demeules seconded the motion. Supervisor Wipper abstained. Motion carried.
Michael Whitelaw appeared before the Board requesting support for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for PID #40-00459-0128. The Board reviewed the request and expressed no concerns with the CUP as presented. The Township will submit comments to Sherburne County in support of the request.
Marcus Berning was present on behalf of the Sycks regarding PID #40-00440-0105. The request involved a 42-foot variance from the right-of-way setback requirement along 99th Avenue. Palmer Township’s required setback from the right-of-way is currently 67 feet.
The Board reviewed the request and expressed no concerns with the variance as presented. The Board noted that the proposed 25-foot driveway setback from the Township road would provide adequate parking space and would not impede Township road maintenance or services.