The clerk called the meeting to order at 8:00 P.M. with the Pledge of Allegiance.  There were 31 residents in attendance.

Nominations were called for moderator for the 2011 Township Meeting.  Motion by Bill Wortham, seconded by Jim Schubert to name Jim Brandt moderator.  Brandt was named moderator by acclimation.

Motion by Ron Schultz, seconded by Lynn Scharenbroich, to accept the minutes of the 2010 Annual Meeting as presented.  Carried

Moderator Brandt requested the results of the Ideal Township Annual Election.  Following are the results presented by the Election Judges: Supervisor, 3-year term John Plein     30 votes
         Ray Nieman    1 vote
Based on the election results, John Plein was declared winner of the 3-year supervisors position.

The Township banking policies were discussed.  Motion by Judy Topinka, seconded by Lynn Scharenbroich, to use any or all banking facilities in the Pequot Lakes, Crosslake and Pine River areas.  Carried

Motion by Mary Plein, seconded by Mike Clasen, to use the Lakes Country Echo of Pequot Lakes as the primary publication for the Township.  Additionally, the Pine River Journal and Northland Press should be used when announcing special meetings and elections.  Carried

The date and time for the 2012 Annual Meeting and Election was set.  Motion by Bob Scharenbroich, seconded by Ron Schultz, to hold the Annual Election between the hours of 5 pm and 8 pm with the Annual Meeting to begin at 8 pm.  All will take place at the Ideal Town Hall on March 13th, 2012.  Carried

Jim Brandt gave the Road and Bridge update.

1. Ideal is currently responsible for 70 roads and 49 miles of road.  Ideal gained almost 3 miles of road related to the Ebnet Detachment from the City of Breezy.  Wild Acres, Wild Turkey, Nelson, and Bushman Roads.
2. In 2010, Ideal resurfaced portions of Butternut Point Road, North Peoria Road, Silver Peak Road, Harbor Lane, Milinda Shores and Wildamere Drive. (Just over 2 miles of road)
3. Performed crack sealing on Little Whitefish Drive, Northview Harbor Drive, Pine Terrace Road, Long Farm Road and Star Lake Drive. (Total is 5 miles of road)
4. Harbor Lane/Silver Peak intersection realigned and hill was cut down for safety.
5. Purchased Salt/Sand from MNDOT under a cooperative purchasing agreement.
6. Accepted Storage Park Road.
7. Paved new turnaround at the end of Butternut Point Road.
8. Purchased new 2011 plow truck through CWC purchasing agreement. ($147,288)
9. Sold old plow truck to another township. ($25,000)
10. Developed new joint powers agreement for roads with Breezy, Pequot and Jenkins.
11. Continued to trim trees in road right of ways, repair road shoulders and erosion.
12. No safety incidents in 2010.

Chief Mike Clasen gave the Fire Department report:

1. 2010  Officers
   Chief - Mike Clasen
   Asst Chief - Ken Stoltman
   Captain - Harlan Hedke
   1st Lieutenant - Marty Griffith
   2nd Lieutenant - Craig Wallace
   Chief Engineer - Doug Duval
   Secretary - Jeff Holubar
   Safety Officer - Jeff Holubar
2. The Department had 72 emergency runs in 2010.
3. The Department is currently at 30 active firefighters.
4. The Department implemented 1st responders which covers Ideal and Timothy Township.
5. Last fall, the Department put in countless hours of training and preparation for testing for a reduced ISO rating at Station 2, which in turn would reduce homeowners insurance rates in that coverage. The results of the testing should be available in April.
6. The Beef Feed served just under 2000 people this year.
7. The Department has applied for a Federal Communication Grant for the county wide 800 mega hertz radio system and has received a training grant from the State of Minnesota for reimbursement of expenses for $4000.
8. The Department has received several generous donations from Timothy Township, City of Manhattan Beach, Ideal Golf Course, Crosslake/Ideal Lions, ICSO and several area residents.
9. Kevin Lee from North ambulance presented 3 heart saver awards to the following firefighters:  Rob Birkeland, Ken Stoltman and Mike Clasen.
10. A project is in the works to display the old pumper truck and fire department memorabilia, all funded by donations from individual residents and organization donations.
11. There were no safety incidents.

John Plein reported on the Ideal Transfer Station and Recycling Center.  The center collected 80,544 lbs. of recyclable materials in 2010, which was up 9% from 2009.  The disposal guide was updated to include the official policy prohibiting picking and salvaging. Improvements made in 2010 included additional signage to direct and inform users, updated disposal guide and negotiate metal salvage agreement. Possible improvements for 2011 included a gravel pad for the metal pile and additional advertising. There were no safety incidents at the Transfer Station in 2010.

John Plein reported on the improvements to Park and Recreation in 2010.  A pedestrian crosswalk was installed between the Town Hall and Park to improve safety, nearly 1700 property owners received the Annual Newsletter and several updates have been done to the township website and has increased visitors to the site by nearly 65%.  Possible improvements for 2011 included adding/upgrading equipment in the playground, planting more trees along the back side of the ball park and playground, complete raised planter for south corner and increase safety awareness on Butternut Point Road.

The 2012 budget proposal was discussed.  The proposed budget for 2012 was $820,000, which was a zero percent increase from 2010 and 2011.  Bob Olson gave a brief history on the budget years past and made suggestions regarding the budget and possible cuts.  Vic Kreuziger questioned the Fire Department Relief Association and the funding.  Firefighter Rob Birkeland explained the process and how the funding is determined and that much of the funding requirements are determined by the State of Minnesota.  Ron Schultz questioned the reduction of the capital reserve.  Brandt explained money normally in capital reserve was allocated to other areas based on the past year history of expenses.  The board felt the capital reserve budget was sufficient.  Jeff Feltman questioned if the board considered the impact the 1st responder calls would have on the budget and explained a 5% increase in the overall budget would be a minimal increase on the individual taxpayer.

Several residents agreed they would rather have a small increase now, than a large increase in the future.  The suggestion was made to increase the general fund by approximately 2%.

Motion by Ron Schultz, seconded by Dave Topinka, to increase the 2012 budget by $15,000, making the budget $835,000, the result of the motion was:
30 residents – Yes
1 resident   - No
Motion Carried.

Vic Kreuziger questioned the supervisors about the justification for the raise in the budget.  Supervisor Brandt explained the board makes a recommendation as to what the budget should be but the residents have the ability to raise or lower the budget as they feel necessary.

The salary of the Ideal Township Board was discussed.  The meeting rate and hourly rate were adjusted in 2009 to $150 for meetings and the hourly rate of $17.50.

Motion by John Plein, seconded by Bill Wortham to leave the supervisors salary at the current rate.  Carried

Ken Stoltman questioned if there were any plans to update the restrooms or the building to accommodate larger groups.  Supervisor Brandt explained there has been discussion of improvements in the future but no definite time line has been established or what changes will be priority.

Martha Davidge praised the board for being proactive and commented on how much she enjoyed the Annual Newsletter with all the updates.

Bob Olson wanted to give his appreciation to the Fire Department for their dedication.

Motion by Bill Wortham, seconded by Jim Schubert to adjourn as there was no further business to discuss.  Carried

The meeting adjourned at 10:03 pm.

Deana St. Pierre
Ideal Township Clerk
March 8th, 2011