MINUTES

REGULAR MEETING

PALMER TOWNSHIP

November 18, 2024

 

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 was Amy Bragelman Township Clerk. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Treasurer’s Report:  Chairman Ganz 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 report for October. There were 90 Total calls for service as compared to 79 calls for service in 2023. There were 3 thefts and 2 burglaries, 1 assault, 21 traffic stops with 6 citations, 5 security checks, 11 extra patrols, 1 traffic complaint, 2 medicals, and 1 suspicious activity to name a few. Zawacki reported that this was a bit of an abnormal month with there being so many thefts and burglaries. He reminded residents to call the police department if they see anything unusual.

 

Road Maintenance/Signs: Supervisor Demeules stated that the two new roads looked good. The supervisors haven’t heard of any complaints. We haven’t received a bill yet. Supervisors mentioned that Herbst plowed on Halloween, also we lost a number of branches due to the heavy snow.  Chairman Ganz suggested that we ask Herbst to blade 113th and 3rd.  

 

Fire Department: No one was present for the Fire Department.

 

P.E.C: Nothing new to report

 

Park Report: Supervisor Wipper reported that the Park pavilion is closed for the winter and all of the irrigation has been blown out and winterized. Some lights have been replaced. Brandon may make one more pass to pick up leaves and branches. The Briggs Lake Nursery will tag some trees and hold them until spring to be planted at the park. The dumpster is canceled for the winter and will be reinstated in the spring.  

 

Two Inlets: Supervisor Demeules reported that a planting map has been posted at the hall. It shows all the plants that they are planning to plant and where. Deconstruction on phase two is complete. Phase 3 includes the 3 houses, Wells, and septic systems. They applied for Legacy Funds for the Moorehouse Property and should know soon if they are approved. They didn’t get the funds from the Federal Congressional spending bill; they will apply again. Andrew Mattews is sponsoring a fund request in the next State Bonding Bill. In 2025 the Park will apply for a Federal designation on the National Registry for just the land. There was a site meeting on the 21st with Tom Emmer’s Staff. This should help with future national funding. There will be no park meeting in December.

 

Park Committee: Nothing new to report.

 

Lake Association: Shelly Alger-Peyton reported that received and reported on the results for  Alum Feasibility. They presented last Thursday at the Healthy Lakes Meeting. Briggs was suggested to treat with Alum in the deepest parts. The Carp study showed our lakes have 4-5 times the number of Carp that they should with Julia and Rush having the highest count. Charts were shown with percentages of problems for each lake. In Julia, 64% of the phosphorus

load is attributed to Carp and in Rush 40% is attributed to Carp. In Briggs, 50% come internally

(from phosphorus in sediments), and that in turn impacts Julia and especially Rush. They recommend removing and managing the Carp in all three lakes and seeking Grants for the cost of treatment. Supervisor Demeules reported that this comes at a million-dollar cost for Briggs Lake. Rush and Julia are not included.     

 

Tlid: No one was present

 

Approval of Minutes: Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve the October minutes Supervisor Wipper seconded it and the motion carried.

 

OLD BUSINESS: Supervisor Demeules spoke with Tim Edgerton from the DNR regarding some shared costs for the porta-potties at the landings. This is the plan that Supervisor Demueles proposed and motioned for.

 

Currently, at Briggs Landing, the DNR pays for ADA toilet for May, June, July, August, and September, and does not pay for a dumpster.

 Supervisor Demeules proposes that Palmer Township pay for a toilet for October through April & a dumpster year-round.

 

Currently, at Rush Landing, the DNR pays for ADA toilet for May, June, July, August, and September. DNR doesn’t pay for any dumpster.

Supervisor Demeules proposes that Palmer Township does not pay for toilets or dumpster at any time of year.

 

Currently, at Elk Lake, the DNR does not pay for either a toilet or dumpster at this landing.

Supervisor Demeules proposes that Clear Lake Township pay for the toilet and/or dumpster if they choose to.

Palmer Township would not pay for either the toilet or the dumpster.

 

Currently, at Julia Landing, the DNR does not pay for either a toilet or a dumpster.

Supervisor Demeules proposes that Palmer Township will pay for a toilet and a dumpster year-round. Supervisor Wipper Seconded and the motion was carried.

 

NEW BUSINESS: Jesse Hagemeier was present to present he is requesting a 39ft variance to the OHWL for installation of a replacement septic system. Supervisor Demeules has no issue with this variance as long as all County regulations are followed. He will send comment to the County in the morning.  

 

COMMENTS/QUESTIONS :

 

Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve claims #24264- #24294, plus Conexus, Midco for a total of $92,484.92. Supervisor Wipper seconded.

 

Chairman Ganz made a motion to adjourn.  Supervisor Wipper seconded and the motion was carried.  The meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m.

 

Amy Bragelman, Palmer Township Clerk Approved as reviewed December 9, 2024