The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Wortham at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. All Board members were in attendance. Chief Schultz, the clerk and 2 other persons were also present.

Motion by Bilek, seconded by Peterson to accept the minutes of the September 14th Board Meeting, and the October 5th Special Meeting as presented. Carried unanimous.

Dave Johnson spoke regarding plans for a relay race fundraiser for the Ossawinimakee Lake Association which would require shutting down Ossawinimakee Road for part of the afternoon. Supervisor Peterson had spoken with a person regarding the event and told her that they would have to coordinate the road closing with the Breezy Point Police and the sheriff’s office.

Dale Orred had seen an article regarding a grant given by the Initiative Foundation to the Ideal Community Service Organization and asked what the group is and if it is associated with the township. The clerk and Chief Schultz explained some of the history and activities of the group. Orred asked about who to contact regarding broken trees & limbs along the roadway that could be dangerous. Wortham explained that residents can call himself, the clerk, or the maintenance shop to report and the crew would check it out. It would depend on the situation as to who would handle the issue. Orred also asked about the emergency siren and how it would be activated. The siren will be tested each month on the first Wednesday and otherwise activated as needed by the county emergency services.

Supervisor Wortham presented the Road and Bridge report as follows:

1. Crew has completed the row mowing throughout the township.
2. Various potholes have been filled.
3. Work on South Road/Boat Street has been completed and gate installed.
4. The lake access from Old Whiskey Road has been improved to facilitate access to Big Island for hauling firewood.
5. The park was cleaned up in preparation for events over the weekend.
6. New employee is getting cross-trained to provide backup for plowing & mowing.
7. The new work truck was picked up. The old truck was 15 years old and was traded in.
8. The crew is helping with the cutting & splitting of firewood for Big Island along with several volunteers and the county sentence-to-serve crew.
9. There were no safety incidents.

Chief Schultz gave the Fire Department report as follows:

1. There were 11 calls in September: 1 false alarm, 10 first responder
2. Total year to date calls is 102: 39 fire, 63 first responder.
3. Training was held for ladders & ladder truck rescue and use.
4. The chassis for the new rescue pumper truck was delivered. Truck committee members had a pre-build meeting with Custom Fire. Work on the truck is on schedule.
5. Department is considering options & policy regarding charging for fire calls and will gather info about policies in use at other departments.
6. Will be applying for a grant to help purchase equipment for washing turnout gear to be in compliance with current regulations designed to reduce exposure to toxins.
7. The rescue boat will be coming out soon. The maintenance department will open the gate for the winter after freeze up.
8. The landing zone at Station II has been damaged by vehicles. Considering putting up barriers.
9. The cooler and canvas worked great at the Beef Feed and was really a plus for organizing the event. Had a good year with a little over 2000 diners and had received many positive comments on the food.
10. All ladders had been inspected and certified for the year.
11. The clerk presented the insurance cards to be placed in the vehicle cabs.
12. There were no safety incidents.

Further discussion of the new fire truck delivery timing and the financing needed. Supervisor Peterson has been researching options for financing and expects the rate to be around 4%. Supervisor Bilek asked about having an event and getting some publicity when the truck arrives.

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

1. There continues to be increased activity, volume, and receipts at the station.
2. The station has been cleaned up.
3. New concrete pads are being installed for cardboard & aluminum bins and for appliances.
4. A survey of the Transfer Station property is scheduled for end of the month. Once the property lines are marked, the maintenance crew will brush and post the perimeter for no hunting & trespassing so that the prohibition can be enforced.
5. A tablet or computer is being considered for the station to track the permit holder roster. Would enable to sort & search of the list to confirm that users are permitted.
6. The new hire has been working out well in both the transfer station and for the maintenance department. Bilek recommends raising his wage to $11.50 per hour. Motion by Peterson, second by Wortham to raise his wage to $11 per hour effective immediately and his wage will be reviewed along with other employees at year end. Carried unanimous.

Supervisor Peterson presented the Park and Recreation report as follows:

1. The sprinkler system at the town hall has been shut down for winter. The park water system will be shut down soon.

Motion by Peterson, second by Bilek to accept the treasurer’s report for September as presented. Report includes receipts #4970 through #4995 totaling $157,733.75 and disbursements #PERA090315 through #20108 for total of $361,431.37 including a $100,000 operating funds transfer. Carried unanimous.

The clerk also reported that the update of bank info has been completed, that all the accounts have been reconciled for the quarter, and the quarterly payroll filing is complete.

Motion by Peterson, second by Bilek to approve the October claims as presented plus one additional for Galligan Marine; claims #42113 through #42159 totaling $76,277.88. Carried unanimous.

Supervisor Peterson reported on Planning & Zoning issues:

1. There were 8 building permits issued in September
2. He will attend the Board of Adjustment meeting on Thursday 10/20
3. Regarding the variance request by Robert & Susan Latta for bluff setback of 15’ and dirt moving within bluff zone, Peterson has visited the site and recommends approval. Motion by Peterson, second by Bilek to recommend approval. Carried unanimous.
4. Regarding the variance request by Daniel & Wendy McIntyre for side lot setback of 6’ for existing structure. Motion by Peterson, second by Bilek to recommend disapproval as the additional space could be purchased from the neighbor. Carried unanimous.

Discussion of the conditional use deeds on two of the transfer station parcels took place. The clerk reviewed the opinion of the township attorney that the conditions are no longer valid due to legislative action. The attorney suggested the township record the ownership to make it official and clear for future boards. The clerk will pursue getting the documents recorded.

Supervisor Peterson reported on the status of the emergency siren project. He has gotten final costs for the siren, possible locations have been reviewed, utilities have been located, the pole has been ordered from Crow Wing Power, and the county emergency services has been contacted to coordinate programming. It was suggested that the township publicize the siren once it is installed.

The clerk presented a series of correspondence items. No board action was taken.

There being no further business to transact, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.

John Plein,
Ideal Township Clerk
October 26th, 2015