MINUTES

REGULAR MEETING

PALMER TOWNSHIP

September 9, 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, and Roger Johnson Treasurer. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Treasurer’s Report:  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:  Capitan Ben Zawacki read the Sheriff’s report for August. There were 109 Total calls for service as compared to 93 calls for service in 2023. There were 4 thefts, 2 fraud complaint, 32 traffic stops, 6 security checks, 17 extra patrols, 1 boating complaints, 5 medicals, and 1 ATV complaint to name a few. Chairman Ganz thanked Capitan Zawacki and all of the other officers for a successful Palmer Day. Chairman Ganz also reported that the side-by-side that was stolen from Wild Marsh was found. It seems whoever stole it ran out of gas on a trail out at Wild Marsh and they left it.

 

Road Maintenance/Signs: Supervisor Demeules stated that work on the roads and weed spraying slowed down in the last few weeks due to preparation for Palmer Day. 108th was brushed and three loads were taken out of there. They will start brushing 26th next, and clearing traffic signs. The permit to start work on Briggs Creek is at the County now. We should be able to start on that stretch of road next spring. Letters went out to residents on 108th and 26th letting them know that construction will be starting at the beginning of October. Chairman Ganz mentioned that we will start replacing a few signs around the township. They are starting to deteriorate. Central Minnesota Sawing was out crack-filling last week whatever they don’t get to this year will wait until next spring.

 

Fire Department: Chief Koren reported for August. The monthly call report for 08/13/2024 to 09/08/2024. There were 20 calls for the Clear Lake Fire Department. 10 of those calls were for Palmer Township, 9 being medical, 1 fire, and 0 auto accidents. Chief Koren also reported that the air compressor in the Fire Hall is not working. Chairman Ganz also thanked the Fire department for all their work on Palmer Day.  

 

P.E.C: Treasurer Roger Johnson reported that the score grant that we have not yet received our score grant and also asked Gary Gray why other Townships received extra money for their Clean-Up Day but we did not. Gary stated that you need to apply. Roger Johnson then asked Lynn Waytashek why we never got the opportunity to apply, she said she would look into it and to expect an email soon.

 

Park Report: Chairman Ganz reported that Palmer Day was on Saturday there was only one incident of a resident fainting. First responders acted very quickly. We do need to check the water heater at the park an element may have gone out. We lost hot water on Sunday during clean-up. Chairman Ganz reported that the disc golf course is complete.

 

Two Inlets: Supervisor Demeules reported that the Trust for Public Lands now holds the Moorhouse property. The County will now have more time to research funding for the property. There is a security system in place and 2 walk-throughs done each week. They need to maintain the integrity of the property to keep its value. They purchased the Moorhouse property for $558,500.00. 104th will not be vacated until the transfer has been completed. The new entrance road is slated to be constructed in 2026. It doesn’t appear that any buildings will be put on the National Register of Historic Places. September 18th there will be training at Fort Snelling Clerk Bragelman will attend that on behalf of the Township.

 

Park Committee: Shelly Alger-Peyton reported that she was unable to make the last park committee meeting so she couldn’t report on it. The next meeting is tomorrow.

 

Lake Association: Shelly Alger-Peyton reported that the BLCA food both had a successful Palmer Day and ran out of all the food they ordered. Their next meeting is this Saturday, August 14th at 8:30 am. They have decided not to do any weed skimming this year. The Crappy study has been completed they should have the results soon.

 

Tlid: Barb Arberg reported that they had their annual meeting. They voted on the budget and the new assessment is zero. They had their September board meeting the new chair is Bob Sass. Barb is the new Treasurer. They are waiting on the latest point intercept report for Julia and the Eurasian watermilfoil report that was done in August. Nancy Hahne reported that the budget for this year is $36,200

 

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

 

OLD BUSINESS: 

 

NEW BUSINESS:  June Voukers, Lynn Waytashek, and Sarah Mielke came out from Sherburne County to discuss Solid Waste Updates and Provide an update from the Planning and Zoning Department regarding the new Cannabis law. They asked the Township Supervisors for feedback related to the new Cannabis legislation, appropriate zoning districts, and regulations for different types of cannabis businesses. For the full PowerPoint please contact the Clerk during normal business hours.

Brian Fleming was also present and introduced himself as the Economic Development coordinator.  The purpose of the Sherburne County EDA is to support entrepreneurship, advocate for existing businesses, mitigate barriers to economic development, and continually work toward economic resilience and diversification. 

Chairman Ganz reported that at this point we will not be able to proceed with the Golf Cart Resolution. It is a state statute that if you have a golf cart Ordinance the Township must issue Permits for every golf cart. At this time, we don’t have the manpower to provide this service. We may revisit it another day.

 

COMMENTS/QUESTIONS:

 

Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve claims #24203- #24231, plus Conexus, Midco, and payroll total of $17,825.54. Supervisor Wipper seconded.

 

Chairman Ganz made a motion to adjourn.  Supervisor Wipper seconded and the motion was carried.  The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

 

Amy Bragelman, Palmer Township Clerk Approved as reviewed October 14, 2024