MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
PALMER TOWNSHIP
May 8th, 2023
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 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 for the month of April. 83 Total calls for service as compared to 90 calls for service in 2022. 1 burglary, 7 medicals, 20 traffic stops, 17 security checks, and 1 ATV complaint. Zawacki mentioned that they had 3 traffic stops on 115th. Chairman Ganz commended the Sheriff’s office for catching the suspects that broke into the Briggs Lake General Store. Chairman Ganz stated that instead of doing a lease agreement with the Sheriff’s office they will be doing In-Kind Services for the community of Palmer. Chairman explained that the Sheriff’s department pays their part of utilities. Larson’s Driver Feedback signs will be installed in the next few weeks.
Road Maintenance/Signs: Chairman Ganz stated that they are mixing pothole mix at night so we have not started potholing as of yet, but will as soon as they start making the mix in the mornings. The culvert work will start after July 4th. Ganz explained that Supervisor Demeules categorized the roads from 1 to 10 while on the road tour. 1 being the worst and 10 being the best they can be. Supervisor Demeules stated that sadly none of our roads are a 10. 107th in Cedar Point is one that will need to be placed the engineer’s estimate came in at 60,900 for a half mile. a culvert on the North side of Briggs and 115th. Chairman Ganz stated with all the bids we will be pushing over five hundred thousand. Ganz asked Jake Herbst to send us a newly updated pricing sheet for all of the services that they offer we will need to do sweeping around the lakes. Grading was completed last week. Chairman Ganz made a motion to dump brush, that the Townships cuts throughout the year, at MJS pit for $400 quarterly, Supervisor Demeules seconded, and the motion was carried. The Township ordered new safety equipment such as cones, lights, and road closed signs.
Fire Department: Chief Koren was not available to do the monthly fire report. Chairman Ganz mentioned that Assistant Fire Chief Craig Miller passed away.
P.E.C: Chairman Ganz stated that Palmer Clean-up Day will be held on May 20th. The thing that will change for fees will be that Mattress and box spring will go up to $15 as opposed to $10. Jim’s disposal out of Milaca will haul for the Township this year. Midway will take the appliances. The volunteers will get lunch at the Palmer House after the event. Cleanup Day is 7 am to Noon.
Park Report: Palmer Park Committee member Shelly Peyton reported that Surface Pro will be coming out to look at Tennis Courts. The committee stated that the courts are in worse shape than they previously thought and that Surface Pro didn’t come out and look at the courts before giving a quote on the courts. Juice Langowski inquired as to where the extra money will come from if the price of the courts increases. Supervisor Demeules stated that at this time we have no idea if the quote will increase so we will cross that bridge when it comes. Laura Kangas mentioned that it’s the 40th year for Palmer Ball and would like to celebrate that somehow, with past and present Palmer Ball participants. The Board discussed seal coating, restriping, and crack filling the parking lot at the park. Chairman Ganz received 2 quotes Pat Gorman came in at 9,900.00 and Jeff Rhodes came in at 13,852.50. Demeules made a motion to go with Gorman and Supervisor Wipper seconded and the motion was carried. Ganz stated that we picked up the new mower and a fertilizer wagon. Supervisor Wipper made a motion for a new power washer up to $1,000 Chairman Ganz seconded and the motion was carried. Supervisor Demeules reported on the Elk Lake Park Committee. There has been no decision on a name for the park as of yet. The park is getting a lot of attention locally and nationally. The buildings are posted and secured due to brake ins and vandalism. Mowing started the week of April 24th, and native vegetation was planted. The Township will be notified when and if they burn vegetation, and the land cannot be tilled due to the disturbance of artifacts that may be present. The County is in the process of applying for Legacy money. They will be asking the Township to vacate the road soon. The current grants state that phase 1 must be completed by the end of 2023. Which would include an entrance road, parking, and some of the lower trail. MJS got the dump cleanup which sounds like it will start sometime in June, but Tribal representatives have to be present. They discussed fencing, natural barriers, and signage. The next meeting is May 17th
Lake Association: Supervisor Demeules reported that there is a youth paddle event on June 3rd, 9-11 am being held at 4629 109th Ave the west side of Briggs Lake. Ditch Cleaning is May 27th. Healthy Lakes has an Instagram account. Demeules reminded residents to register their temporary water structures, such as diving docks. BLCA social is Friday, June 9th at 6:30 pm in Palmer Park. The BLCA was awarded a grant of $50,000 for feasibility study which will include a Carp study. The County came out and measured and verified the gauge for high water.
Legal Comments: Chairman Ganz mentioned that we have an updated rental application.
Approval of Minutes: Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve the April minutes as written. Supervisor Wipper seconded it and the motion carried.
ARPA FUND: Supervisor Demeules reported that we have $114,000 in ARPA funds. We still have flooring and a few safety items left to purchase than the rest will be set aside for roads.
OLD BUSINESS: Roger asked if we had or are going to purchase a lockable mailbox for the Town Hall. Chairman Ganz said that we would be doing that soon.
NEW BUSINESS: Sherburne Soil and Water Conservation District came and presented what they do and who they are. Miranda Wagner Agricultural conservationist, David Wick District Technician, and Dan Cibulka spoke about the services that they provide. Supervisor Demeules asked if they have a plan for us specifically being at the bottom and getting all the water. They said that is a priority and he will be advocating for us.
COMMENTS/QUESTIONS:
Roger stated that he was informed that our in-floor heat may not be working the meter didn’t show that it wasn’t pulling power.
Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve claims #23094- #23114, plus payroll, Conexus, LRS, MJS, Midco and BLGs for a total of 18,098.95 Supervisor Wipper second
Supervisor Demeules made a motion to adjourn. Supervisor Wipper seconded and the motion was carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.
Amy Bragelman, Palmer Township Clerk Approved as reviewed June 12th, 2023