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

Motion by Peterson, seconded by Brandt to accept the minutes of the December 15th Board Meeting as amended. Carried unanimous.

Mike and Bobby Smith presented a site plan and info regarding their after-the-fact variance request for lot setback on four sides of their cabin in the Normandy Association common interest community on Lake Bertha. Included was a letter from the Association indicating their Board’s approval of lot setbacks of 10 feet for properties within the Association.

Supervisor Brandt asked about stormwater management around the building site. Smith responded that the landscaper had installed a swale and rocks to control some and the Association would be looking to do more on the common property area. Brandt informed the Smiths that the Board will consider the issue and make a recommendation later in the meeting. Smith asked that a copy of the recommendation be forwarded to them directly.

Supervisor Brandt presented the Road and Bridge report as follows:

1. The crew had done a lot of sanding after the recent precipitation. Have used about half of the salt/sand supply so far.
2. Roads are in good condition despite icy conditions.
3. A septic heater had been installed by the maintenance crew to help keep the system thawed after it froze up after the holidays. Fyle’s had been out to thaw the frozen line, and the furnace drip line had been moved so it does not add to freeze problem.
4. Beavers had been removed from area on Willow Creek near culverts under Long Farm Road. Brandt asked the clerk to pay the trapper $50 for his work and will provide the clerk with contact info. Brandt has arranged for Wannebo Excavating to remove the dams as soon as possible.
5. Brandt gave update on the petition to vacate a platted road in the Kimble View area. Search by the attorney found that the road was already vacated in 1953, so the petition has been withdrawn.
6. Brandt talked with county land services regarding changing policy to require all structures have a 911 address to assist emergency response in locating buildings. The county will pursue making the change to the ordinances.
7. The updated public service joint powers agreement with City of Pequot Lakes regarding maintenance on shared roads – Wild Acres and Nelson Roads – had been completed and signed.
8. There were no safety incidents.

Chief Schultz presented the fire department report as follows:

1. A report of the previous month was read as the Chief was not present at the December meeting. That report includes:
   a. 10 runs; 108 total runs for 2014
   b. Through the Smoke training was held
   c. The shared services study grant had been awarded and there will be an onsite visit in January
   d. FEMA grant application was completed & sent in to help pay for 21 sets of SCBA equipment
   e. County Chiefs are working on another grant for a rehab trailer
   f. Yearend payroll was completed and disbursed at the Christmas Party
   g. Additional radios have been ordered and are getting a quote for antenna repair
   h. Looking at adding something to the roof over door into classroom to protect people from falling snow & ice
   i. A bay had been cleared to allow North Ambulance to park inside
   j. Letters of discipline had been sent to two firefighters who had not met minimum participation and would be placed on 6-months probation
   k. Chief Clasen had stepped down effective 12/31/2014
   l. Ryan Schultz had been elected the new Fire Chief for 2015
2. There had been 7 runs this month; 1 mutual aid, 1 power line down, 2 false alarms, and 3 first responder calls.
3. Training on Ice Rescue was held.
4. The new radios had been received and are being scheduled for programming.
5. Krause Lock would be replacing 3 keypad locks at Station 1 and will update the entry code. They will look at the issues with the locks at Station 2 and replace if necessary.
6. The department is planning to put up the members’ photos in the classroom.
7. The ladder truck (9511) had been serviced to repair leaking cylinder, and the second pumper (9521) had electrical issues that are now repaired.
8. The onsite visit for the shared services study was expected soon.
9. The new fire truck was discussed with regard to the department’s ISO rating. The last testing was completed in 2010 and the 7 rating was barely achieved. Now with new construction & larger homes since then, it is likely the department would not pass the pumping requirements without the new truck. Chief Schultz asked for some direction from the Board. Supervisor Brandt suggested waiting until shared services study was completed and reviewed to determine if that plan would affect ISO ratings and/or equipment needs.
10. The new cooler for the Beef Feed was discussed and the need to coordinate with the install of the updated floor drain system. Some things will need to be moved out of the way and some trucks may need to be moved to the maintenance department if there is still freezing temperatures. Trucks with water cannot be left outside. Best to plan for the drains work to be done in March/April so that there is time for the cooler to be assembled before the Beef Feed.
11. The department bylaws are still in process with updates planned for the medical leave policy to make it clear and consistent. Schultz asked if an attorney could be consulted to determine what language should be included to comply with Family Leave Act regulations. Brandt offered to contact the Township Association attorney for his input.
12. There were no safety incidents.

Supervisor Brandt asked Schultz to provide an updated roster of the department members. He also confirmed that the Board’s liason could attend the department meetings. Schultz agreed and said the meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 pm. Supervisor Peterson said he will attend whenever he can.

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

1. Wortham presented some comparisons of increased activity in 2014 versus 2013.
2. He reported that the overall budget ended the year in deficit approximately $6000. He asked to clerk to forward cost info to the county to see if more funding could be obtained there.
3. Discussion continued with regard to costs of hauling and possibility of going out for bid on those contracts.
4. Brandt reported that the county would be coming to pick up electronics soon.

There was nothing to report on Park and Recreation.

The 2015 Township Association Calendars are available. Copies will be ordered for all members.

A preliminary Budget meeting will be scheduled for later this month.

Supervisor Brandt suggested the Board members keep a lookout for a display case for the Township of the Year Award and other historical items. The clerk presented some congratulation notes received regarding the award. Brandt asked the clerk to check if Lakes State Bank would provide a safety deposit box along with our accounts there instead of keeping it at Wells Fargo.

Brandt reported that a Legacy grant for $18,000 was submitted for further shoreline restoration work at Big Island that would support efforts through 2018. Fire wood hauling to the islands was planned for the 15th starting at 9 am to be finished by 3 pm. Lunch provided by volunteers for all the workers will be served at the town hall at noon.

The clerk asked for approval of all Liquor Licenses for 2015. There are three establishments in the township and all are in good standing. Motion by Wortham, second by Peterson to renew all liquor licenses.
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Supervisor Brandt reported Planning & Zoning:

1. The Land Use Ordinance had been changed to allow steel cargo containers up to 160 square feet on shoreland lots without a permit as an accessory structure. Brandt was researching why the township had not been notified of the proposed change and only found out after the change had been approved by the County Commisssioners. He will be asking the county about the process to have the change reconsidered.
2. Brandt has asked the county Soil & Water Conservation District to look at the area of Willow Creek. Heavy rains have caused flooding in livestock fields which may be bringing harmful runoff into the lakes.
3. The Smith variance request was discussed further. Brandt had attended the DRT meeting on the request and expressed concerns; 1) variance is after-the-fact; 2) structure & patio fills the total building envelope with the deck extending outside; and 3) structure does not have gutters and there is no stormwater management plan. Supervisor Wortham commented he had no objection to the Normandy Association allowing the 10’ lot setback within its area, but is concerned about water runoff if all lots are filled to the extent Smiths have. Recommends requiring that the Smiths and the Association prepare & implement stormwater management plans. Motion by Peterson, second by Wortham to recommend approval of the Smith variance request on the condition that a stormwater management plan is implemented for the Smith lot and for the entire Association property.

Motion by Peterson, second by Wortham to accept the treasurer’s report for December as presented. Report includes receipts #4796 through #4811 totaling $675,290.76 showing receipt of last half 2014 tax settlement & a $300,000 transfer to savings. And disbursements #TRX120314 through #SVC123114 for total of $404,231.60 including operating funds transfer of $300,000. Carried unanimous.

Motion by Wortham, second by Peterson to approve the January claims as presented; claims #41735 through #41776 totaling $19,351.38. Carried unanimous.

Supervisor Peterson asked about the road right of way encroachment agreement with Boyd Lodge. The agreement was completed and gives deadline of 45 days to accept agreement and provide proof of insurance.

There being no further business to transact, the meeting adjourned at 10:10 pm.

John Plein,
Ideal Township Clerk
January 23th, 2015