MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
PALMER TOWNSHIP
October 13th, 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. Amy Bragelman, Township Clerk, and Treasurer Roger Johnson were also present. 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 September. There were 64 total calls for service as compared to 90 calls for service in 2024. Here are the calls for service that stood out during the month of September: 1 shooting complaint, 1 fatal accident, and one accident involving an animal. There were 16 traffic stops resulting in 3 citations, and they responded to 4 traffic complaints. Additional activities include 3 suspicious persons, 1 suspicious vehicle, 8 extra patrols, 3 boating complaints, and 3 public assists. There were also 4 medical calls and 1 alarm fire.
Road Maintenance/Signs: Supervisor Wipper mentioned that culvert work at Briggs Creek has been completed. There will be a few final adjustments to the road this week, followed by grading and paving over the next few weeks to complete the project. A 30-inch culvert was installed on the north side of Lake Julia, and shoulder work has been done on 42nd Street. New Horizon will be performing tree trimming on High Point, as well as along 42nd Street to the creek and 47½ Street, North on 17th Street, and 90th within the next week. Chairman Ganz stated that the signs are up to date.
Fire Department: Chief Koren reported for September. The monthly call report for 9/01/2025 to 9/30/2025 shows 23 calls for the Clear Lake Fire Department. 4 of those calls were for Palmer Township: 3 medicals, 1 smoke alarm false trip.
P.E.C.: Nothing new to report for P.E.C.
Park Report: Chairman Ganz reported that Laura from the Palmer Ball Program received a quote for fencing around the new baseball diamond from Bemboom Fencing and would like to move forward with the project. Funding will come from the Palmer Ball Program, not Palmer Township. The board granted permission for the program to proceed.
Supervisor Wipper planted twelve trees at the park. Trout Irrigation came out to blow out the irrigation lines. All systems have been shut down, and the water at the pavilion has been turned off for the winter. Aside from one remaining water line project, the park work is considered wrapped up for the year.
Supervisor Demeules stated that there will be an in-person meeting regarding Two Inlets Park next month.
Lake Reports: Shelly Alger-Peyton reported on behalf of the BLCA, noting that it is a slower time of year. She mentioned that Carp Solutions completed one final pass with the nets and are required to tag 240 carp in accordance with the grant requirements.
Barb Aberg reported on behalf of the T-LID, stating that the final lake test results have been received and will be available online for public viewing.
Approval of Minutes: Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve the September minutes. Supervisor Wipper seconded, and the motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS: Bruce Messelt, Sherburne County Administrator, spoke on several topics the county is currently addressing, with the largest being the budget. Sherburne County had the highest proposed levy increase in the last 15 to 20 years at 6.49%. The increase is mainly due to inflation and rising staff costs. Approximately 2% of the 6.49% increase is attributed to reduced funding from the State of Minnesota.
Bruce also mentioned that next year, the County will begin implementing ACT, which will increase staffing needs by 2027. Other issues driving costs include unfunded mandates and new state requirements. Sherburne County continues to face financial pressures without additional support from the state or federal levels.
He noted that revenue from legalized marijuana has begun to come in; they were promised some of that from the State, but they have since retracted that statement. The county is also reviewing its ordinances, including those concerning vaping products, as flavored vapes have been appearing in schools.
Chairman Ganz raised concerns about consent-to-plat procedures within the county. Bruce acknowledged that some of these legal processes may be more complicated than necessary and said the county is reviewing them as part of the new comprehensive plan.
He also mentioned that the county’s new phone system has been problematic, and they are exploring changes to improve efficiency and reduce costs moving forward. He stated that the County is very disappointed with the State of Minnesota and has asked them to look into issues related to the property tax, Health and Human Services, and ongoing energy concerns.
Marc Schneider, Senior Planner; Kailee Vik, Planner; and Maureen Mossak, Environmental Specialist from Sherburne County, attended the meeting to discuss several topics, including solid waste updates, planning and zoning department updates, ordinance rewrites, wetlands, platting regulations, and violations. Anyone wishing to obtain a copy of the full presentation may contact Amy Bragelman, Palmer Township Clerk, during regular business hours.
Supervisor Wipper made a motion to change the November 10th monthly meeting to November 17th. Supervisor Demeules seconded, and the motion was passed. Clerk Bragelman will post it on the website.
COMMENTS/QUESTIONS: A resident who lives approximately half a mile from Canine Cabins and has resided in the area for the past ten years expressed ongoing concerns regarding excessive barking from dogs at the facility. He stated that the continual noise has affected his ability to enjoy his property. The resident noted that he has contacted the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Department on multiple occasions and has also spoken directly with the business owners and employees, but the issue persists. He expressed frustration that there appear to be no remaining avenues to resolve the problem. Chairman Ganz recommended that the resident contact Sherburne County Planning and Zoning, noting that as a business, Canine Cabins is required to comply with applicable regulations and that Planning and Zoning may be able to address the matter further.
Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve claims #25229- #25253, plus Conexus, $36,564.91. Chairman Ganz seconded, and the motion carried.
Chairman Ganz made a motion to adjourn. Supervisor Demeules seconded, and the motion was carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Amy Bragelman, Palmer Township Clerk, approved as reviewed on November 17, 2025