MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
PALMER TOWNSHIP
May 13, 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: Deputy Barrett read the Sheriff’s report for the month of April. Traffic stops increased for the Month of April besides that a relatively slow month. There was a bus traffic stop violation on Highway 25. The driver of the vehicle was identified and later cited.
Road Maintenance/Signs: Supervisor Demeules stated that he received the engineer's estimate for the culvert on the North end of Julia. The concrete culvert came in at $63,323.65. To raise the road, it will cost the Township $117,855.08. Supervisor Demeules stated it may not be in the budget to raise the road at this point. We are still waiting on Permits from Wetland and DNR for Briggs Creek. Chairman Ganz called Knife River and the mix should be available for potholing this week. The Corner on 42nd Street NE and work on 109th should be completed before Memorial Day. A few residents questioned work that they would like to see done in front of their homes. Supervisors stated that they are aware of the work that needs to be done on Township roads they are doing what they can with the budget we have. We may need to look into Bonding and Assessing for roads to get completed in the future. The Bridge on 90th needs to be rebuilt in the next 3 to 5 years which will be a huge expense. Calcium Chloride was brought up and may be an option to maintain some of the gravel roads in the Township.
Fire Department: Colleen Knafla reported for the month of April. The monthly call report for 4/08/24 -5/12/24. There was a total of 14 calls for the Clear Lake Fire Department. 5 of those calls were for Palmer Township, 5 being medical, 0 fires, and 0 auto accidents.
P.E.C: We are all set for clean-up day which will be held on May 18th from 7 am to noon. A reminder to residents that volunteers are there to assist unloading vehicles and trailers not to do all of the work.
Park Report: Supervisor Wipper reported that the ballfield is complete, and the backstop should be put up on Wednesday. Palmer Ball sign-up was held on May 4th and 6th 240 kids signed up. The T-ball fields will be moved up by the basketball courts this year. Palmer Ball starts on June 10th. The board discussed two different locations for Pickleball. Mark Hart made a $500 donation towards Pickleball, and Treasurer Roger Johnson matched that donation and reminded residents that he would match donations up to $2,000. Supervisor Wipper made a motion to put $30,000 toward two Pickleball courts, Chairman Ganz seconded and the motion was carried
Two Inlets: Supervisor Demeules reported that planting has begun and is showing signs of growing. Some fencing in the park will be removed and burning will be done on the south side of the park. To maintain the property value at the Moorhouse estate security system will be installed and weekly walk-thru inspections will take place until the County can purchase and take over. At the end of April, the County will meet with the Upper Sioux Community to discuss ideas for bonding opportunities, and potentially being placed on the National Register of Historic Places. There is a Tribal training event on September 18th at Fort Snelling. Amy Bragelman will represent the Township for that event. There will be no meetings in May, June or July.
Lake Association: Shelly Alger-Peyton reported that the BLCA met on May 11th at the Town Hall. Today the BLCA has 200 members. They are looking at doing a youth paddle event on a weekday this year. The first round of fish stocking was completed on Saturday, May 4th. The second round will be done at the end of May. Mrs. Alger-Peyton brought up an issue of high-water signage. Her concern is that people aren’t seeing the signs. Supervisor Demeules stated that the signage that we have currently came from the County and that is what we have permission to use. Another resident thought maybe the homeowner could put high-water signs up at the end of their docks. Then there would be no confusion when the high-water ordinance is in effect. The next BLCA meeting will be held June 7th at the Palmer Park meeting will be held at 6 pm.
Approval of Minutes: Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve the April minutes Supervisor Wipper seconded it and the motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS: Supervisor Demeules made a motion to renew the Tobacco License at the Briggs Lake General Store, Ganz seconded and Supervisor Wipper abstained. The motion was carried
COMMENTS/QUESTIONS:
Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve claims #24093- #24116, plus Conexus, and a payroll total of 39,053.99 Supervisor Wipper second
Chairman Ganz made a motion to adjourn. Supervisor Wipper seconded and the motion was carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.
Amy Bragelman, Palmer Township Clerk Approved as reviewed June 10th, 2024