REGULAR MEETING

PALMER TOWNSHIP

July 11th, 2022

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, Supervisors Demeules, and Larson present. Treasurer Roger Johnson and Amy Bragelman Town hall Clerk. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Treasurer’s Report: Roger Johnson read the balances from the Treasurer's report. Supervisor Steve Demeules made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report Chairman Ganz seconded. Motion was carried unanimously.

Sheriff’s Report: Ben Zawacki gave the Sheriff’s Report for June. There were 88 calls for service. 41 of those being traffic stops, and one theft. Zawacki said in regards to big crime it was a good month with low numbers. Chairman Ganz inquired about the laws for ATVs with youth. Zawacki said that they posted on the sheriffs Facebook page explaining the laws. Lonnie inquired as to whether ATVs need to have licensed drivers. Zawacki told him that the post on Facebook would better explain the rules, and laws. Zawacki stated that if you see something and you are concerned that you should report it to the Sheriff Office. Lonnie also inquired as to who put the digital speed sign up. Chairman Ganz stated that was the county. Lefty Klies asked what the chances of moving the speed limit to 30 miles per hour until after you are past the park. Demeules and Ganz stated that we tried last year with no luck. There was a 3-month study done by the state and they felt that it didn’t need to be done. Klies was concerned about kids crossing the road. Mike asked Ben Zawacki if we could get a comparison from this time last year to next month’s meeting.

Road Maintenance/Signs: Chairman Ganz stated that the board and Lonnie have been working on roads, filling pot holes and washouts. That will be ongoing all summer. Ditches have been mowed. Shelly inquired as to what roads will be done. Chairman Ganz stated that prices are high at this time, we have gotten Engineering estimates for sections of roads and we will be ready to go when we are financially able to. Signs are caught up. Ts Dirt works bill came in for shared road with St. George Township. Chairman Ganz reminded residence that keeping 911 signs visible is for their own good. When an emergency call goes out time is vital. A resident inquired about what the plan is for the ditch on 114th avenue. Ganz stated that they are going to dig it up below the frost level, shouldering it back up, then putting sewer rock in. It will be similar to a French Drain hoping to start the process soon. Addendum French Drains were not used. Lefty inquired if we need to hire an engineer or if the contractor can do it. Chairman Ganz stated that engineer is our safe guard. Demeules stated that they are also the babysitter.

Fire Department: Chief Ron Koren gave last month’s call report for the time period of 06/13/22 – 07/11/22 for Palmer Township. There was a total of 30 calls for the Clear Lake Fire Department. 6 of those calls were for Palmer Township, 4 medicals, 1 grass fire on 70th St and 1 Carbon monoxide alarm.

P.E.C: Roger reported that we had 189 participants for Clean-up Day. With 20 car loads, 87 pickups, 69 oversize loads. 47 appliances, 94 electronics, 87 upholstered items, and 84 mattresses.

Park Report: Chairman Ganz stated that he met with Victory Door. The plan is to open up the Palmer Day shelter, so that the beer wagon can fit in. LJ plumbing is coming out tomorrow to put in an inline filter. We got a new toilet in the women’s bathroom the old one went to the Candy Shack. 1 more Palmer Ball night, with 200 kids. We got denied for the Tennis Courts. Ganz mentioned that we should probably wait until after Palmer Day to put in the new septic system. We should put no ATV signs out at the park Ganz caught some kids diving down there. Lefty inquired as to why dogs are not allowed at the park. Supervisors stated that due to unruly dogs, owners not picking up after them, and too many kids with potential of someone getting bit, we don’t allow dogs. Demeules mentioned that the new regional park is supposed to have a dog park.

Lake Association: Demeules stated that August is voting month all around. August 9th is the primary. August 13th at 11 am the BLCA will be electing new officers, and going over their budget, that will be held at the Town Hall. August 20th 10 am at the Town Hall the T-LID has their annual meeting and election of directors.

Legal Comments: None

Approval of Minutes: Chairman Ganz asked for approval of Junes minutes as written. Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve, Chairman Ganz seconded and the motion carried.

ARPA FUND: Supervisor Demeules stated that we received our second payment for ARPA, which was 139,553.41 that will be all of it. The first half we had a resolution, so for the second half we will have another resolution. Demeules made a motion for a resolution for the second half Ganz seconded and the resolution was passed on July the 11th.

OLD BUSINESS: None

NEW BUSINESS: PID: 40-408-0230 road set back Katie Hardy. Katie is looking to add an addition to a cabin she has recently purchased. She is requesting a 50foot setback. Demeules inquired if it was a sound building because it has been sitting empty for a long time. Katies contractor said that it is. The house will remain a one-bedroom structure. Demeules inquired about the tiny house on the property. Contractor stated that will be removed from the property, it is only there as a job site trailer. Demeules mentioned that it would help if when they get to the Board of Adjustments that they would have more professional looking plans drawn up. Demeules stated that he would send comment tomorrow.

PID: 40-405-0110 side set back/impervious surface Robert Sinclair. They are requesting a 5-foot setback to the side of the house and they are looking to go over the 25 percent. Robert is looking for a setback on the side of the house in case the well would need to be serviced. Supervisor Demeules inquired if they had the property surveyed. Contractor said that they did. Demeules said that he stopped at the property and talked to John Koubsky the contractor to discuss the impervious surface. Demeules stated that it looks like there are places that they could improve on this. One being a parking spot that isn’t being used and the other being getting rid of some concrete alongside of the garage. Demeules stated that whatever you can do it would help. Supervisor Demeules will send comment.

PID: 40-033-2205 CUP Andrew and Amanda Davis Demeules stated that he doesn’t see anything wrong with the plans as is and will send comment.

Lefty Kleis stated that he is running for County Commissioner, and is looking for your vote. A resident inquired as to what a County Commissioner dose. Lefty stated that they oversee the budget, public safety, roads and bridges, it’s a full-time job. His Qualifications include previously being the Mayor of Becker, his main concern being that our tax money be spent wisely. Char inquired to the Airbnb’s and how he can help with regulating that. Kleis stated that he would definitely look into it, and he agrees that there needs to be regulations.

COMMENTS/QUESTIONS: Treasurer Roger Johnson stated that he took a job as Deputy Treasurer for Haven Township, Their Treasure is ill and they need help setting up CTAS. The supervisors saw no conflict with Roger helping another Township. Chairman Ganz made a motion to give the Lions a temporary liquor license for Palmer Day. Supervisor Demeules second and motion was carried.

Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve claims #22167-22189 plus payroll, and Conexus, for a total of $123.879.18 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 8:15 p.m.

Amy Bragelman, Palmer Township Clerk Approved as reviewed August 8th, 2022