MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
PALMER TOWNSHIP
April 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, 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 a high level of activity with 105 calls in March as opposed to 53 last year. Recent calls for service included one personal injury accident, one domestic-related incident, approximately fifteen traffic stops, multiple suspicious person and suspicious vehicle complaints, twenty-four extra patrol and security checks, and three additional suspicious activity reports.
Captain Zawacki also noted a recent increase in irrigation system thefts, along with a series of break-ins at lake properties. While details remain limited due to the active investigation, it was reported that suspects have been identified and charges are forthcoming. Some stolen property has reportedly been recovered. Authorities indicated that these incidents appear to be connected and are believed to involve the same group of individuals.
Road Maintenance/Signs: Chairman Ganz stated that the Board should revisit sign replacement projects for which quotes were obtained last fall, including Stop Ahead and stop signs, and review those costs for potential inclusion in the budget.
Chairman Ganz also stated that the annual road tour will take place following the Truth in Taxation meeting. He encouraged residents to notify the Board of any areas of concern they would like reviewed during the tour. Supervisor Wipper reported that road sweeping will begin this week.
A resident requested that the Board evaluate a corner in the Cedar Point area where there is a noticeable dip and deteriorating pavement conditions, including cracking and potholes caused by water runoff. Supervisor Demeules acknowledged the concern and indicated that the area is currently patched and not scheduled for full replacement at this time, as priority will be given to higher-speed roads.
Fire Department: Chairman Ganz presented the fire report for 3/1/2026 through 3/31/2026. There were a total of 18 calls for the month of March. Of those, 6 calls were within Palmer Township, including 3 medical calls, 1 vehicle-related call, and 2 utility calls.
P.E.C.: Chairman Ganz reported that Cleanup Day will be held on May 2 from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. He noted that the Board will review and potentially increase certain fees to remain consistent with other townships, particularly for oversized trailer loads. Chairman Ganz stated that, in the previous year, several large trailer loads were brought in that were comparable in size to a 10-yard dumpster. He emphasized that Cleanup Day is intended to assist residents with general household and yard cleanup, not for large-scale dumping. Once pricing is finalized, it will be posted on the township website and published in the newspaper.
Park Report: Supervisor Wipper and Supervisor Demeules reported that they plan to install the pickleball nets on Wednesday, weather permitting. They also noted that seasonal park cleanup has begun and that water service is expected to be turned on at the end of April. Palmer Ball sign-up is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, and the following Monday evening.
The regular meeting was then recessed at 7:15 p.m. to open a public hearing regarding the proposed vacation of a portion of 104th Avenue within Palmer Township.
Chairman Ganz explained that the segment of 104th Avenue in question extends into the Two Inlets Park property and is currently designated as a township road. He stated that Sherburne County has petitioned the Township to vacate this portion of the roadway.
Chairman Ganz reviewed the general location and scope of the proposed vacation, noting that the segment runs from the right-of-way of County Road 16 to the end of the cul-de-sac, totaling approximately 2,200 feet. He explained that upon vacation, the Township would no longer retain responsibility or liability for the roadway, and it is anticipated that the area would be reclassified as a park entrance rather than a county road.
Chairman Ganz then opened the public hearing for comments and invited anyone wishing to speak for or against the proposed road vacation to come forward, state their name and address, and provide their comments.
Gary Gray, spoke on behalf of Sherburne County. He stated that the County has recently acquired the remaining property in the area, and there are no longer any private residences affected by the proposed road vacation. He explained that the roadway will be taken over by the County and is anticipated to be used primarily as an entrance to Two Inlets Regional Park, with a possible parking area near the entrance. He further noted that the roadway is expected to extend to the cul-de-sac, where an existing trail access point is located.
Chairman Ganz then called for any additional comments. Hearing none, the public hearing was closed.
Chairman Ganz made a motion to adopt the resolution to vacate the roadway. Supervisor Demeules seconded the motion. All in favor voted aye. Motion carried. Chairman Ganz closed the hearing.
Supervisor Demeules reported on Two Inlets Regional Park. He stated that the Morehouse property buildings are scheduled to be removed by the end of the month, noting that the house, garage, and shed have been sold and will be relocated. It was discussed that the existing concrete foundation will remain in place, as it cannot be removed, and will naturally deteriorate over time.
Supervisor Demeules also reported that additional prescribed burns are planned in the area north of the Morehouse property toward County Road 16, anticipated to take place between April and May.
He further noted that Phase One of park development is expected to begin as early as mid-May. This phase is anticipated to include the construction of a formal parking lot and initial trail amenities.
Lake Reports:
Barb Aaberg reported on behalf of the T-LID and BLCA. She stated that the T-LID is contracting for a comprehensive lake mapping project planned for 2026. The mapping, which has not been completed since the late 1970s, will include depth measurements and analysis of bottom densities.
Regarding BLCA activities, it was reported that monitoring equipment to track tagged carp was installed last week. The solar-powered monitors have been placed in Lily Creek, the Bayou, and Briggs Creek. The systems in Lily Creek and the Bayou provide real-time data, while the Briggs Creek monitor will be manually collected, with results expected later this year.
The next BLCA meeting is scheduled for May 9 at the Township Hall. A guest speaker from Sherburne County Planning and Zoning will be presenting and available to answer zoning and building-related questions.
Scott Ruiter reported on behalf of the T-LID, noting that the annual lake report was presented. The report included graphs detailing phosphate levels, phosphorus levels, chlorophyll levels, and overall water quality for each lake. The general takeaway indicated that while conditions are not showing significant improvement in all areas, they are also not experiencing drastic decline.
For a copy of the report, residents may contact the Palmer Township Clerk during normal business hours.
It was noted that contributing factors to water quality concerns, including reduced clarity, increased chlorophyll, and elevated phosphorus levels, include runoff from lawns and fertilizers, carp activity, and the impact of large wake boats.
Approval of Minutes: Supervisor Wipper made a motion to approve the March minutes. Chairman Ganz seconded, and the motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
Van Sloun’s appeared before the Board to inquire about the possibility of parking an RV within the township road right-of-way and making minor alterations to the area to accommodate parking. A lengthy discussion followed.
The Board explained that the township road right-of-way is under township jurisdiction and cannot be altered, assigned, or used for private purposes. Due to these restrictions, the Board was unable to grant the request or authorize any modifications within the right-of-way.
Reorganization: Supervisor Demeules motioned for the gopher bounty to stay at $3 per pair. Supervisor Wipper seconded the motion was passed. Supervisor Demeules motioned to approve the tax levy at 5%. Supervisor Wipper seconded, and the motion was passed. Supervisor Demeules motioned that Sherburn State Bank be Palmer Township's official Bank. Supervisor Wipper seconded, and the motion was carried. Supervisor Demeules motioned that the Patriot be Palmer Township's official paper. Supervisor Wipper seconded, and the motion was carried. Supervisor Demeules nominated Mike Ganz to remain the Chair, and Supervisor Wipper seconded. The supervisor discussed wages. Wages stayed the same for Supervisors at $22 an hour, Clerk and Treasurers stayed the same. Maintenance stayed the same at $20.00 an hour. Cleaning stayed at $16.00, and Head judge stayed at $19.50; Election judges increased to $18.00. Meeting rates stayed the same. The motion was made by Supervisor Demeules and seconded by Supervisor Wipper.
COMMENTS/QUESTIONS:
Supervisor Wipper made a motion to approve claims #26055- #26080, plus Conexus, $30,287.89. Chairman Ganz seconded, and the motion carried.
Chairman Ganz made a motion to adjourn. Supervisor Wipper seconded, and the motion was carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m.
Amy Bragelman, Palmer Township Clerk, approved as reviewed on May 11th, 2026.