REGULAR MEETING

PALMER TOWNSHIP

April 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 were present via Zoom. Also present was, 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 Second. Motion carried unanimously.

Sheriff’s Report: Sheriff Brott gave 2021 Annual Report Palmer Township. The report stated that crime has gone up a bit from 2020, but that was covid year and also population has gone up also. For a full report can obtained at the Town Hall during normal business hours

Road Maintenance/Signs: Chairman Ganz stated that patching will start the middle of May. Chairman Ganz reported that Jeff Peterson will be taking over sign maintenance, he does three or four other townships. Chairman Ganz reported that Clear Lake township sent a letter to Palmer township stating that they will be doing work on our shared road, 67th street. They ask that we cover half. Ganz stated that is what we have always done and maid a to cover half. Supervisor Steve seconded and motion was carried unanimously. Ganz reported that he contacted Civil Engineering out of Monticello to look at the West side of Briggs Lake from 47th 1/2 to 42nd. They will be giving us an engineering estimate. We should have the estimate by the next Town hall meeting. Mike stated that we will have an open house before we move forward with any major construction to inform residents about new mail box stands and dates.

Fire Department: Chief Ron Koren gave the monthly call report for the time period of 3/14/21-4/11/22 for Palmer Township. There was a total of 23 calls for the Clear Lake Fire Department. 9 of those calls were for Palmer Township, 7 medical and 2 fires. Chief Koren reported that the fire department was doing water training last week.

P.E.C: Roger reported that he will confirm the 4th of June for Palmer Clean-up Day with Republic. Event will be held at the Town Hall from 7am to 12. Chairman Ganz stated that next year we should look at other collection agencies to make sure we are getting the best price. Roger reported that we will be accepting appliances and electronics this year.

Park Report: Chairman Ganz stated that he and others from the community did some tree cutting at the park. Liability papers were signed by people that are not on Palmer township payroll. Palmer Ball sign up will be held on May 7th from 10 to 12 also Monday May 9th from 5pm to 7pm. Palmer Ball information can be found on Palmer Ball website. Ganz wanted to make sure to thank the roofer’s union local 96 and their apprentice’s for fixing the candy shack. They donated their time and materials. Clerk Amy will send a Thank you card also the Township will make a donation to the school. Chairman Ganz will contact Busses Septic to see when we can get a design for the septic at the park. Ganz brought up Park rentals. A number a people have inquired about renting the park earlier and later in the season. Rentals will be allowed to reserve the park the 1st weekend in May until the 3rd Sunday in September. Mike stated that last Friday LJ plumbing was out inspecting filters and will come out to sign off on Fire department next Tuesday.

Lake Association: Demeules reported that the BLCA has a new website as of April 7th. The annual garage sale is May 12th -15th. Highway 25 clean up is May 14th. The BLCA first general meeting is June 10th at the Palmer Park. An ice-cream social will be held followed by a meeting. Demeules stated that the T-lid has 2 opening that need to be filled. If any one is interested, they can contact Kenzie Phelps. A resolution was signed stating that the marker at 10874 55th St will be observed and notifications will be made by Steve Demeules when water levels reach 964.2 feet or higher the No Wake Ordinance will go in affect. Motion was made by Mike Ganz, Supervisor Larson second and Motion was made. Supervisor Demeules reported that he received a letter from the DNR stating that they approved our new No Wake Ordinance. Clerk Amy went out and got signatures from the property owners so that the DNR can access the height markers via the Counties request. Supervisor Demeules has 3 of 5 signatures and will call the County to see if that is sufficient enough for them to finish up this long, expensive process. The only thing that is left is to get the calibration.

Legal Comments: Ganz reported that 13th Annual Legal Seminar will be held on June 22nd at the Albertville City Hall.

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

ARPA FUND: Nothing was purchased last month. Supervisor Demeules reported that the Cameras will be installed the first week in May. Demeules stated that he has to send a report to the US Treasury by the end of the month of what we have spent so far. This report will have to be done once a year.

OLD BUSINESS: Wipper Pit. Steve Demeules reported that the phase one environmental site assessment came back and the suggest doing a phase 2. Phase 1 didn’t show a “smoking gun” but a phase 2 was suggested to further information. Chairman Ganz stated that even if the Township doesn’t purchase the pit its good to know what is down there for the neighbor’s peace of mind. Demeules talked with Mark Schneider and Dave Lucas because they were interested in what if anything was found. Demeules is waiting to here back from West Central Environmental to see what they need for phase 2 and a quote. While talking with the County Steve brought up the cost of this for the Township, and mentioned that if the need for a transfer station was there, it would be helpful for Vonco and the County to chip in. Demeules will be speaking to the county further on this. Mark did say that it is not a possibility to parcel out the land. Demeules stated that he thought the open house went well, but there is a lot of work after the purchase if there is a purchase. If the township doesn’t purchase the Pit, it is important to know that it can become an active granite pit again. Years ago, when Hard Drives was thinking about buying the Pit the Township didn’t shut it down. Hard Drives pulled out due to a pending sale. The Township can put regulations as to the times that the Pit is used but it still can be used as a gravel pit. A resident inquired about the purchase agreement and if it was signed that the township already owns it. Supervisors stated yes, it is signed but it’s three pages long and there are a lot of ways the township can back out if need be.

NEW BUSINESS: Amend a precinct date. A motion was made by Chairman Ganz that our precinct dint change and our polling place stays the same Demeules second and motion was carried unanimously.

Michael and Nancy Gibbons PID: 40-416-0302. Request a 32’ variance in setback from the right of way and request a conditional use permit for personal storage. Demeules said he would send favorable comment to the county.

COMMENTS/QUESTIONS:

Supervisor Demeules made a motion to approve claims #22082-22103 plus payroll, for a total of $16,406.65 Supervisor Larson seconded it and the motion carried.

Chairman Ganz made a motion to adjourn. Supervisor Demeules seconded and motion was carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

Vacate Roadway of Suckert property

Amy Bragelman, Palmer Township Clerk Approved as reviewed May 16th, 2022