MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
PALMER TOWNSHIP
September 8th, 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. Also present were Amy Bragelman, Township Clerk, and Treasurer Roger Johnson. 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 has requested that the pickleball court fund be zeroed out as the pickleball project is complete. The remaining funds should be transferred to another account, which will be determined at a later date. 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 August. There were 84 total calls for service as compared to 109 calls for service in 2024. Here are the calls for service that stood out during the month of August: 1 DWI arrest, one mailbox damage, and one domestic call. There were 14 traffic stops resulting in 6 citations, and they responded to three traffic complaints. Additional activities include two suspicious persons, two suspicious calls, eight extra patrols, 4 boating complaints, and one disturbance of the Peace. There were also seven medical calls, one injury accident, and one house fire. One of the suspicious persons reported was later identified as a mental health call at Rush Landing. Overall, it was a relatively quiet month. Chairman Ganz asked whether there was a countywide curfew. The Sheriff believed it may be 10:00 p.m. Chairman Ganz noted that the only issue experienced on Palmer Day was a few young people throwing objects at porta-potties while they were in use late at night. Otherwise, the event was very successful, and he thanked the Sheriff's department for their support
Road Maintenance/Signs: Ditch Mowing and brushing have been completed for the year. Chairman Ganz reported that one more Road Project remains: 52nd Street, which is in urgent need of repair. Bids were sent to four companies, with two responses received. Knife River submitted the lowest bid at 138,217.50. Supervisor Demeules made a motion to accept the bid, Supervisor Wipper seconded, and the motion was carried. A pre-construction meeting is expected to be scheduled within the next week. MJS Dirtworks will inspect the road prior to construction to help determine what caused the severe deterioration that occurred in such a short period of time.
Fire Department: Chief Koren reported for August. The monthly call report for 8/01/2025 to 8/31/2025 shows 29 calls for the Clear Lake Fire Department. 9 of those calls were for Palmer Township: 7 medicals, 1 fire, and 1 auto accident. Chairman Ganz also thanked the Fire Department for their support on Palmer Day.
P.E.C: Nothing new to report for P.E.C.
Park Report: Chairman Ganz reported Pavilion Rentals are wrapping up for the year with the final rental scheduled for September 20th. He noted that new tables will need to be purchased for the Pavilion as the current ones are worn. Funding for the tables may come from the Palmer Day committee or possibly Palmer Ball; this will be determined later.
Projects planned at the park this fall include reallocating a water line, planting trees, and removing and storing the pickleball nets for the winter. Trout will also be out to blow out the sprinkler system. Chairman Ganz further noted that the purchase of the new tractor has been a significant help, reducing many man-hours by assisting with tasks such as moving picnic tables before Palmer Day and spreading wood chips and dirt.
Lake Reports: The Briggs Lake Chain Association did not have anything new to report. Nancy Hahne Reported on behalf of the T-lid. The annual T-lid meeting was held in mid-August with 24 members in attendance. Members voted on the property owner assessment, which will be under $75. The board may need additional members as one has stepped down, and a second may be needed. Also, carp traps will be out next week.
Approval of Minutes: Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve the August minutes. Supervisor Wipper seconded, and the motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS: Chairman Ganz reported that the permits from Northern Reliability have been approved the cost is $1,000 per Crossing. He also reiterated that signs placed in the road right-of-way will be removed. Any collected signs are currently located by the dumpster and will be discarded at the end of the month if not retrieved.
NEW BUSINESS: Supervisor Demeules made a motion to update the authorized signers at Sherburn State Bank to include Treasurer Roger Johnson, Clerk Amy Bragelman, and Chairman Mike Ganz. Supervisor Wipper seconded, and the motion was carried.
COMMENTS/QUESTIONS:
Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve claims #25117- #25226, plus Conexus, and Waste Management $30,549.08. 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 7:31 p.m.
Amy Bragelman, Palmer Township Clerk, approved as reviewed on October 13, 2025