The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Brandt at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. All members were in attendance.

Motion by Peterson, seconded by Wortham to accept the minutes of the December 9th Board Meeting with changes, and the January 9 Special Meeting as presented. Carried unanimous.

Supervisor Brandt reviewed information that had been prepared regarding the upcoming Trout Lake Camp CUP amendments hearing. Jon Wicklund of Trout Lake Camps spoke to bring everyone up-to-date on the planning work that had been done to address issues raised by concerned citizens. Plans had been prepared on stormwater, impervious surface area, lighting, parking, screening, wetlands delineation, traffic, and noise issues that had been raised. Wicklund commented that the process has been good and felt the major issues had been addressed with commonsense solutions.

Joe Christensen spoke representing the concerned neighbors and was appreciative of the work that had been done and changes that had been made to resolve issues, but felt more needed to be done, including a full traffic study during peak periods, more firm details on lighting, screening, noise, and environmental concerns. He said the plans should include a full review of the existing camp, changes that are to be made there, and the proposed camp expansion so the project could be evaluated in total.

Dave Johnson suggested that campers and parents could be bussed in to alleviate traffic and parking concerns. Wicklund responded that it was important for staff to have personal interaction with parents and the check-in/parking area was to be setup for that purpose.

Brandt read a letter from William Randall outlining his concerns about the proposal, mostly related to traffic and safety concerns on CSAH 134 and the impact on the environment.

Ann Windorski asked the Board to prepare and distribute a formal letter prohibiting snow plowers from leaving snow on roadways and right-of-ways. Brandt replied that he had researched the regulations and the procedure that the county was using to handle that situation and that he would work to formalize the procedure for the township.

Supervisor Brandt presented the Road and Bridge report as follows:

1. The maintenance crew’s been doing lots of plowing and scraping on warmer days.
2. Equipment issues are being repaired during slow periods.
3. Received a letter from the SnoPros requesting adjustment in plowing procedure to facilitate grooming along Swanburg Road.
4. No response has been received yet regarding the Boyd’s Lodge sign issue. It is now past the 30 days allowed for a response in the letter from December 11th.
5. The Crow Wing County Highway coordination meetings are to continue.
6. Brandt outlined a dispute between neighbors regarding a public road in Whitefish Golf Estates. He had researched the issue but it was difficult to determine responsibility for the road. A letter had been drafted to explain to the parties that the first step was to determine ownership. Then the township can help develop plans for maintenance etc. Ideal will not accept responsibility for the road. Motion by Wortham, second by Peterson to move forward with the letter as outlined. Carried unanimous.
7. Brandt gave an update on planning for reconstruction of Nelson Road. The Pequot Lakes City Council had held a special meeting to discuss plans. Some members felt there was not enough traffic on the road to justify the costs. Discussions will continue to try find ways to reduce costs.
8. Stormwater issues at the development on Strawberry Lake Road had been resolved and approved by the state.
9. There were no safety incidents.

Chief Clasen presented the Fire Department report as follows:

1. There had been 3 medical calls during the month. There has been a total of 9 calls this year.
2. Last month’s drills were ice rescues.
3. The department has cleaned up after the construction and is planning a work night to complete some items remaining.
4. The new Jaws of Life are now in service.
5. First Responder Refresher courses are coming up in February.
6. The annual mask fit tests and physicals are planned for January.
7. Received a letter of resignation from Cody Nelson effective 1/8/14.
8. The department is now running with 27 firefighters and will continue at that level to see how it goes for the year.
9. Clasen asked if the Board would take action to approve the department bylaws. Brandt suggested having a special meeting as the members had not finished reviewing the documents.
10. There were no safety incidents.

Supervisor Brandt asked Chief Clasen if he could attend a meeting with Jim Schultz regarding the Firewise Program. Clasen said he has gotten some information and will forward it to the Board.

The Transfer Station/Recycling Center report was as follows:

1. Station is running in the black.
2. Fire wood for Big Island had been cut & split over 3 days with help from volunteers and the maintenance department.

There was nothing new for Park and Recreation.

Supervisor Brandt reported on planning & zoning issues:

1. A conditional use permit application for the Madison property on Ossiwinimakee Road is in process. Brandt will present more info at future meetings as the application progresses.

A discussion took place regarding the town hall construction project. The clerk presented an update of the cost tracking and reviewed the pending & remaining items.

The 2015 Budget planning was discussed and a Special Meeting was scheduled for January 21st at 10 am. The Board discussed their schedules for the February meeting. As there would not be a quorum available on the second Monday, Supervisor Peterson moved to change the meeting date to Tuesday, February 18th, second by Wortham. Carried unanimous.

Peterson asked about the policy for changing meeting dates when the second Monday is a legal holiday. By statute, the Board may not conduct public business on legal holidays. Motion by Peterson, second by Wortham to set the policy that the Board meets on the following Tuesday when the second Monday falls on a legal holiday. Carried unanimous.

Supervisor Peterson informed the Board that he was considering attending the upcoming MN Association of Townships trip to visit with state legislators in Washington D.C..

Motion by Wortham, second by Peterson to accept the treasurer’s report for December as presented. Report includes receipts #4593 through #4605 totaling $519,348.29 and disbursements #PERA120213 through #SVC123113 for total of $279,839.42. Carried unanimous.

Motion by Peterson, second by Wortham to approve the January claims as presented; claims #18949 through #18991 totaling $112,610.20. Carried unanimous.

Brandt asked the Board for their comments on the Trout Lake Camp CUP discussion so that the Board’s recommendation to the county could be developed. He reviewed the issues discussed and suggested the Board recommend approval with conditions to include additional screening for the parking area, that a traffic study of the area be conducted, that lighting be completely shielded, and that erosion issues with existing pathways be corrected. The clerk drafted preliminary wording of the conditions. Motion by Peterson, second by Wortham to make the recommendation as outlined. Carried unanimous.

There being no further business to transact, the meeting adjourned at 10:20 pm.

John Plein,
Ideal Township Clerk
January 22nd, 2014