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. The Clerk, Chief Schultz, and 8 other persons were also present.

Motion by Peterson, seconded by Bilek to accept the minutes of the July 13th Board Meeting as presented. Carried unanimous.

Mary Plein reported about the Bicycle Around Minnesota ride that is to be visiting the area on August 14th and asked the Board for funds to provide a rest stop at the Ideal Park. The rest stop will be manned by volunteers, but needed funds to purchase bottled water and snacks for the approximately 275 riders. Plein felt that it was a great opportunity to promote the Ideal area to riders coming from all over Minnesota and beyond. Motion by Peterson, second by Bilek to approve expenditure of $250 from park funds to support the event. Carried unanimous.

Roger Niklas spoke regarding his variance request for lake setback of 39 feet for proposed screen porch on Lake Ossawinnamakee. Motion by Peterson, second by Bilek to recommend approval; carried unanimous.

Andrew Ranweiler spoke representing the Robert & Susan Latta variance request for bluff setback & dirt moving in bluff on Lake Ossawinnamakee. Motion by Bilek, second by Peterson to recommend approval; carried unanimous.

John Steffans spoke on his variance request for lake setbacks on Pig Lake. Motion by Peterson, second by Bilek to recommend approval; carried unanimous.

Supervisor Wortham presented the Road and Bridge report as follows:

1. Crew has been catching up on mowing. Will rent an additional mower to help get all mowing completed.
2. New blower is working well.
3. Grounds are getting cleaned up in preparation for Beef Feed.
4. Crack sealing work has been started and should be finished this week if weather cooperates.
5. The new work truck is on order. No delivery date has been set yet.

Supervisor Bilek commented about the Trout Lake Camp Neighbors meeting that he attended. He spoke with the camp officials and they requested to put another stop sign for east bound traffic at the intersection of Trout Lake Camp Road and Wabigoniss Shores. Bilek has seen traffic issues at that corner and thought the additional stop sign would slow down eastbound traffic going into the camp and give drivers safer access from Wabigoniss Shores. Supervisor Wortham will instruct the crew to add the new stop sign.

Chief Schultz commented that brushing was needed along Forest Knolls and at the Fox Grove Lane & CR 16 intersection. Wortham will ask the crew to work on Forest Knolls. The county will be clearing along CR 16 including the Fox Grove intersection.

Chief Schultz presented the fire department report as follows:

1. There had been 24 calls last month; 10 fire and 14 medicals.
2. There was one safety incident. Schultz had cut his finger at the station and received stitches. The incident was reported to the workers comp agency.
3. The department received a donation of $1000 in support of the fire boat updates. They are working out details with the new outboard to get better performance.
4. Three sets of turnout gear has been ordered in accordance with replacement plan.
5. Preparing to sell the rescue van R16 that will be replaced by the new rescue pumper expected to arrive in March. Equipment is being prepared for moving to the new truck. Planning to begin advertising the old truck for sale in January.
6. Discussed the additional costs for the Beef Feed to meet the Department of Health requirements. At this time, these costs are coming out of the fire department funds. This may lead to a budget deficit.
7. All septic and holding tanks will be pumped in preparation of the Beef Feed.
8. Schultz asked about procedure for requesting maintenance for the fire hall.

Wortham reported on progress with improvement of South Road and Boat Street in support of the fire boat as Schultz had requested. Once work is complete, a gate & sign will be added to limit access during summer. The Clerk will mock up a sign and forward to Schultz for review.

The Clerk reported that Lakes Gas had completed an inspection of the gas system at Station II. A minor leak at the tank was detected and repaired. All other equipment had no problems.

Robert Birkeland reported on the Relief Association’s audit of funds for 2014 and asked the Board to raise the benefit level to $2300. A survey of the benefit levels of neighboring departments ranged from $2800-$3500. Schultz commented about how this affects efforts to recruit & retain firefighters. Motion by Peterson, second by Bilek to increase benefit level from $2100 to $2300. Carried unanimous.

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. New hire is to complete his physical this week. Expect to have him working at transfer station starting this Saturday.

Chief Schultz recounted his visit to a transfer station near Lake Vermillion. He said they have a very nice operation there that includes a compactor for some materials. They also use a punch card system so there is no cash handled by the attendant. He suggested the Board consider implementing some of these ideas.

Supervisor Peterson presented the Park and Recreation report as follows:

1. The playground step has been repainted.
2. He will ask the maintenance crew to work on removing weeds inside the playground area. The attempt to clear them with a tiller appears to have not worked. Should look at spraying the weeds.
3. Lakeside Lawn & Landscape has replaced the two dead bushes on north side of town hall.

Motion by Peterson, second by Bilek to accept the treasurer’s report for July as presented. Report includes receipts #4920 through #4947 totaling $194,401.06 and disbursements #PERA070215 through #20006 for total of $383,748.23. Carried unanimous.

Motion by Bilek, second by Peterson to approve the August claims as presented; claims #42035 through #42072 totaling $29,365.76 including the additional payment to Mary Plein for the BAM reststop for $250. Carried unanimous.

A discussion of the employee health insurance policy took place. A special meeting is needed to discuss options.

The Clerk presented a letter from the City of Jenkins regarding their intention to change the lodging tax joint powers agreement. As the proposed change would increase the cost of administering the lodging tax, the Board was not receptive to accept the new agreement.

The Board confirmed that the 2016 levy can be certified as approved at the Annual Meeting. The Clerk will submit the certification to the county before the September 15th deadline.

The Clerk informed the Board that the banks require Board action to update the signatories on the township accounts. Motion by Peterson, second by Bilek to update the bank records to remove James Brandt and add John Bilek. Carried unanimous.

There being no further business to transact, the meeting adjourned at 9:20 pm.

John Plein,
Ideal Township Clerk
August 24th, 2015