REGULAR MEETING
PALMER TOWNSHIP
NOVEMBER 8TH 2021
The regular meeting of the Palmer Township Board was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Palmer Township Hall, with Supervisors Ganz, Demeules and Larson present. Also present was, Kelly McCann, Deputy Clerk. Roger Johnson Treasurer was unable to attend as we could not connect with zoom. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Treasurer’s Report: Supervisor Demueles read the balances from the Treasurer's report. We received ½ of the ARPA funds. The Cares fund is showing a negative balance of $5.99 which will be addressed with the treasurer. Chairman Ganz made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Supervisor Demeules seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Sheriff’s Report: Commander Stangler read the Sheriff’s report. There were 83 calls for service as compared to 70 in 2020 and 49 in 2019. There were 22 traffic stops, 4 offenses charged by citation, one crash with injury and no crashes with property damage. There were no burglaries, two thefts, and 1 ATV noise complaint. There were no DUI’s, no parking violations and one property damage to a fence. Commander Stangler reported there continues to be mail theft so encourages people to bring mail with checks to the post office vs your personal mail box. A sheriff did patrol 114th and stopped a few drivers to remind them to slow down. The township is currently looking into putting temporary speed bumps down in the spring to help deter excessive speed.
Road Maintenance/Signs: Chairman Ganz stated that there are drainage issues on 114th and 50th and are looking into the possibility of French drains. The township is considering buying an extra load of tar before winter as tar has been hard to come by. We would use ½ now and save ½ for the spring. The parking ordinance will go into effect on November 15th. This will be put on the website for viewing.
Fire Department: Captain Ryan Peterson gave the monthly call report for the time period of 10/1121-11/08/21 for Palmer Township. There was a total of 19 calls for the Clear Lake Fire Department. 9 of those calls were for Palmer Township, 7 being medical and 2 fire.
P.E.C: Nothing to report.
Park Report: A township resident has offered to donate a picnic table to the park. Supervisor Larson will look into it.
Lake Association: Supervisor Demeules reported that the Lake Association is getting ready to send out the new membership applications in January. They are currently looking into other companies for weed control. The Light Train on the Chain is scheduled for December 4th.
Legal Comments: Nothing to report
November 8 Minutes, Page 2
Approval of Minutes: Chairman Ganz asked for approval of October minutes as written. Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve, Supervisor Larson seconded and the motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS: Wipper Pit
Chairman Ganz reported that the 40 Acre Wipper Gravel Pit is currently for sale. The township has interest in it for a possible transfer station for Palmer Residents to bring leaves/weeds/brush. It could also be used for storage of road materials along with using it for Palmer Clean Up day. The asking price is $200,000 with ½ the profits of selling the concrete which is currently in the pit. The supervisors are working with the county to find out what needs to be done for testing, cleanup, time lines, and costs. Mitch Hoefer asked how much it would cost for Phase I testing if it was required. It is unknown but could possibly be in the ball park of $40,000.00. Chairman Ganz also stated that there is a possibility of income to the township by renting out the upper half of the land and also from the transfer of the compost materials. An offer needs to be in place in order to move forward with getting further information on costs and requirements. Supervisor Demueles made a motion to offer $200,000.00 but not to include sharing the profits of crushing the concrete. Supervisor Larson seconded the motion. Chairman Ganz abstained. Therefore the vote was 2 to 1 and the motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
1.Windmere Shoreland Setback PID # 40-412-0350
Tony Windmere is requesting a 52’ variance in setback from the OWHL of Rush Lake for an addition to an existing house. He would like to add on to the existing bedrooms and also add a 12x14 porch on to the west side of the house. Neither additions will be closer to the lake. Impervious surface is not an issue. There are no concerns from the supervisors. Supervisor Demueles will send favorable comment to the County.
2.Thompson Septic Variance – PID# 40-416-0650
Mike Schendzelios of MJS Dirtworks represented Traci Thompson as he will be installing the Septic system. They are requesting a 60’ variance in setback from the OHWL of Rush Lake for a septic system upgrade. Supervisor Demeules stated he saw no issues with the design and feels an upgrade will help improve water quality. Supervisor Demeules will send favorable comment to the County.
3.Carla Suckert – 11237 42nd Street.
Mrs. Suckert stated that she is in the process of buying the property next to hers and will be asking the township to vacate the road in front of this property once the purchase is complete. Chairman Ganz has already been in contact with David Meyer to draw up the proper documents. We will discuss further at the December meeting.
November 8 Minutes, Page 3
4.Master Plan for the Howard Weise property on Elk Lake
Gina Hugo, Parks Coordinator from Sherburne County gave a presentation of the master plan for purchasing and developing the 430 acre parcel into a Minnesota Regional Park. The plan will
consist of 3 phases to be done in 1-5 years, 5-10 years and after 10 years. The park will offer hiking and walking trails, picnic pavilions, a 7 acre dog park, boardwalks, a fishing pier and a paddle board launching area. The land will remain natural and there will be no camping on this land.
Sherburne County will be applying for numerous grants and seeking federal funding for the development of this park. There are 3 historical buildings and an Indian Mound that will remain intact. All other buildings will be deconstructed.
Craig Hart asked if there will be changes made to County Road 16 with the new traffic leading into the park. Supervisor Demueles suggested that there be bypass lanes and turnoff lanes constructed at a minimum.
COMMENTS/QUESTIONS:
1. Palmer Township needs to designate a polling place annually for the upcoming year. Chairman Ganz made a motion to designate the Palmer Township Hall for the Palmer residents polling place for the year 2021. Supervisor Demeules seconded it and the motion carried.
2.We are currently obtaining quotes for touchless toilets, water fountains and sinks which will be funded by the ARPA money.
3.The refrigerator in the Town Hall quit working. We will be looking into getting a new refrigerator to replace the old one.
Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve claims #21245 - #21259 plus payroll, and Connexus, for a total of $15,161.56. Supervisor Larson seconded it and the motion carried.
As the meeting was earlier than usual this month, Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve paying the following bills as we receive them: Rinke Noonan, Metro Sales, Midco, GFL and Connexus. Chairman Ganz seconded it and the motion carried.
Chairman Ganz made a motion to adjourn. Supervisor Demeules seconded and motion was carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m.
Kelly McCann, Palmer Township Deputy ClerkApproved as reviewed December 13, 2021