The meeting was called to order by Chairman Peterson at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. All Board Supervisors, Chief Schultz, the Clerk, and two residents were in attendance. President of the Ideal Fire Relief Association, Rob Birkeland, was also present.

Motion by Bilek, second by Johnson to accept the minutes of the June 13th Board Meeting as presented. Carried unanimous.

Dale Orred asked if Town Board meeting minutes were posted to the website exactly as presented. The clerk answered yes, the minutes are posted as presented after approval by the Board.

Dave Johnson commented that the speed signs on Ossiwinamakee Road seem to have made a difference to reduce speeding on the road.

Orred reported that there was a big washout on the west side of CR 134. The Clerk will contact the county highway department.

Chairman Peterson gave the Planning & Zoning report as follows:

1. There were 11 permits issued in June; 6 land/septic, 4 shoreland alteration, and 1 variance.
2. The variance request for Driftwood Resort was approved by the county planning commission.
3. Supervisor Bilek had attended the recent DRT meeting at the county.

Chairman Peterson presented the Road and Bridge report as follows:

1. Spoken with Mark Hallan of Widseth Smith Nolting regarding the road sign inventory project. Hallan expected the inventory to be finished this week and will schedule a meeting when it is completed. They have inventoried over 300 signs so far.
2. The township crew was out clearing downed trees after the storms on Sunday morning. Supervisor Johnson volunteered to be on the call list for clearing roads.
3. Work was completed on sight-line & ROW clearing on Golf Estates.
4. Crew working on clearing brush on ROW in preparation for road construction.
5. The first pass mowing on all roads was completed before the July 4th holiday weekend.
6. The maintenance crew have been maintaining the grounds and park.
7. Cleaning up at transfer station and moving unusable wood to construction dump.
8. Speed radar signs have been put in on Ossiwinamakee Road.
9. There were no safety incidents.

Supervisor Bilek presented a petition to vacate a road that he had received. The road section to be vacated is described as the portion of Trout Lake Camp Drive that lies to the East of a point 300’ east of the intersection with Wabigoniss Shores Road. The camp wants to control access with a gate and monitor at that point. Motion by Bilek, second by Johnson to accept the petition. Carried unanimous.

Chief Schultz presented the Fire Department report as follows:

1. There had been 10 medical runs during June; 3 fire, and 7 first responder. Total year-to-date is 56 runs.
2. The vehicle graphics for the new pickup was produced and applied by Fisher Signs.
3. Training on auto extrication was held.
4. The pre-plan from Trout Lake Camp was received and will be input.
5. There were no safety incidents.

Rob Birkeland presented a report on the recent audit of the Ideal Fire Relief Association. The association is currently fully-funded with a slight surplus at 105% of liability. The new financial advisor is doing an exceptional job. Birkeland commented that he appreciates the engagement by the Town Board in the fire department.

Birkeland recommended an increase of the association benefit level to be more competitive with surrounding departments. An increase of $100 to $2400 per year would not increase the township’s contribution requirement given the current funding level and performance of the fund. The Town Board is required to accept the audit and set the benefit level before the end of August. The Board will make a decision at the August Board meeting.

Supervisor Bilek presented the Transfer Station/Recycling Center report as follows:

1. The station is looking good and has received several nice compliments.
2. Year to date revenue is up about $5000 over last year.
3. Permit sales are up compared with last year. Total year-to-date for 2016 is 852 compared to 705 by this time last year.
4. A new attendant has been hired and is now working. Motion by Bilek, second by Johnson to set the wage for the new attendant at $11.50 with an increase to $12.50 after the 90 day probation period is completed. Starting wage was set incorrectly at previous meeting.
5. A security system has been installed on the office building, and a refrigerator and calculator have been provided.
6. A cement pad will be added to front of office building to improve safety and ease of maintenance.
7. The hours for the station has been updated to eliminate being open on holidays.

Dave Johnson commented that the station is the cleanest, well-kept transfer station he has ever been to.

Supervisor Johnson presented the Parks & Recreation report as follows:

1. In process of formulating the Board of Directors to manage the community garden development. An email will be sent to the co-op email list asking for participants.
2. Johnson will do a review of the buildings and grounds.

Supervisor Johnson presented the Legislative & Research report as follows:

1. Is reviewing efforts to improve the relationship between townships and cities regarding annexation to give townships more say in the process.
2. The Border-to-Border Initiative received some funding in the recent legislative session. Johnson is in process of reviewing utility coverages in the township including internet. The franchise agreement with Charter Communications is expiring soon and so is a good time to push for expanded coverage possibly with the help of the recent funding.

Johnson has been in contact with several organizations regarding improving planning for disaster recovery for the township. With the recent storms, there have been campers and resorters looking for shelter in the area. A plan is needed to accommodate people during and after a storm either at the town hall or elsewhere nearby.

Motion by Johnson, second by Bilek to accept the treasurer’s report for June as presented. Report includes receipts #5130 through #5154 totaling $761,214.19 and disbursements #DCX060216 through #20645 for total of $471,179.13; includes $375,000 of operating funds transfers. Carried unanimous.

Motion by Bilek, second by Johnson to approve the July claims as presented; claims #42506 through #42545 totaling $47,885.46. Carried unanimous.

Peterson gave an update on progress regarding the north side emergency siren:

1. The survey to support the easement agreement was completed.
2. Gerry Brine is preparing the easement agreement and will forward to Trout Lake Camp for approval.
3. Minnesota Power provided a quote for purchase and setting of the pole at $2764.
4. The siren was ordered and is expected to arrive soon.

Peterson presented a proposal from Hakenson Anderson Inc. to provide engineering services to the Township. Proposes to start them with a limited engagement and see how it goes. Priority projects would include a review and update to the township’s road standard, the driveway policy, and the mailbox policy.

The Clerk presented a series of correspondence:

1. The title for Engine 16 has been received.
2. Thirteen Election Judges have been selected and signed up for training.

Upcoming calendar items were reviewed as follows:

1. August Board Meeting on Monday, August 8th at 7pm.
2. The State Primary Election on Tuesday, August 9th from 7am until 8pm.
3. Ideal Fire Beef Feed on Wednesday, August 10th from 4-8pm.
4. MN Assoc. of Townships District 8 Meeting on Wednesday, August 17th at 5:30 pm.
5. The Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on August 17th.

There being no further business to transact, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.

John Plein,
Ideal Township Clerk
July 18th, 2016