The clerk called the meeting to order at 8:02 P.M. with the Pledge of Allegiance. There were 21 residents in attendance.

Nominations were called for moderator of the 2003 Township meeting. Motion by Linda Ulland, second by Lynn Scharenbroich to name Bill Wortham moderator. Motion by Jerry Taylor, second by Ron Schultz, to close nominations. Wortham was named moderator by acclimation.

The minutes of the 2002 Annual Meeting were read by the clerk. Motion by Lynn Scharenbroich, second by Linda Ulland, to accept the minutes as read. Carried

The treasurer's report was presented by the clerk. Motion by Dave Badger, second by Roger Schwieters, to accept the treasurer's report for the year 2002. Carried

The Township banking policies were discussed. Motion by Jerry Taylor, second by Gerry Brine, to use any or all banking facilities in the Pequot Lakes, Crosslake, and Pine River areas. Carried

Motion by Maxine Knutson, second by David Moe, to use the Country Echo of Pequot Lakes as the primary publication for the Township. Additionally, the Pine River Journal should be used when announcing special meetings and elections. Carried

The date and time for the 2004 Annual Meeting and election was set. Motion by Lynn Scharenbroich, second by Ron Schultz, to hold the Annual Election between the hours of 3:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. with the Annual Meeting to begin at 8:00
P.M. All will take place at the Ideal Town Hall on March 9th, 2004. Carried

Moderator Wortham requested the results of the Ideal Township Annual Election. Following were the results presented by the Election Judges:

Supervisor, 3-year term              Jim Brandt        31 votes
                                                   Blank                   1 vote

Based on the election results, Jim Brandt was declared winner of the 3-year supervisor's position.

Bill Wortham gave the Road and Bridge update:

1.  Ideal paved 2.1 miles of unimproved road in 2002, which leaves 2 miles of unpaved road in the Township.
2. The Township took over responsibility of Old Highway 16 from the county.
3. The Township plans to pave one-mile of unimproved road, rebuild Birchdale Villa Drive and perform crack sealing on various roads.

Ron Schultz presented the Fire Department Report as follows:

1. There were 24 fire runs during the year 2001.
2. The department has 21 active firefighters and one on Active Duty with the Military.
3. Equipment additions in 2002 include a new Base Station for Communications, a dry hydrant on Butternut Point Road, new Ladder-Pumper truck and with the help of the Ideal-Crosslake Lions Club, a new Water Tender Truck.

Chief Schultz urged residents to keep driveways clear of all obstructions and to contact the Fire Warden to obtain burning permits if there is less than 3 inches of snow on the ground.

Jim Brandt reported on the Ideal Transfer Station and Recycling Center.

The center collected 41,760 LBS. of recyclable materials in 2002, which was up 11% from 2001. Also, the tires and scrap metal were removed this year. Improvements to the Transfer Station in 2002 included a new building funded by Crow Wing County, a new security gate and signs to discourage illegal dumping.

Bill Wortham gave a brief report on the Buildings and Park and Recreation area.

A new front entry porch was constructed and new planters installed along the front of the Town Hall. The parking pad in front of the fenced area of the park was paved. Additional electric service was installed in the pavilion in the
park and 2.3 acres of property adjacent to the existing park was purchased.

Lynn Scharenbroich and Linda Ulland gave a summary of the Ideal Centennial Celebration and an update on Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway and some of the projects currently in progress.

The 2004 budget proposal was discussed. Bill Wortham explained how the levy amount is determined and the amounts for each fund. The amount and use of the Reserve Fund was discussed. The proposed budget for 2004 was $565,000. Dave Badger suggested Capital Expenditures and Capital Reserve have individual accounts to avoid confusion.

Motion by Ron Schultz, second by Dick Wilske, to approve the budget of $565,000 for the year 2004. Carried

The salary of the Ideal Township Board was discussed. Motion by David Badger, second by Jerry Taylor, to increase the meeting salaries for the supervisors to $125 per meeting from the current $115 per meeting. Carried

Police protection in Ideal Township was discussed. Concerns regarding coverage and response time were subjects addressed. Bill Wortham agreed to have the Board contact the Sheriff's Department and voice the Townships concerns.

Motion by Jerry Taylor, second by Bob Scharenbroich, to adjourn, as there was no further business to discuss. Carried

Meeting adjourned at 9:12 P.M.

Deana St. Pierre Clerk