The clerk called the meeting to order at 8:03 P.M. with the Pledge of
Allegiance. There were 23 residents in attendance.

Nominations were called for moderator of the 2002 Township meeting. Motion by Ron Schultz, second by Bill Wortham to name Jerry Taylor moderator. Motion by Ron Schultz, second by Tom Johnson, to close nominations. Taylor was named moderator by acclimation.

Jerry Taylor presented awards to Dave Steffen and Beverly Brine for their many years of service as Clerk and Treasurer for Ideal Township.

The minutes of the 2001 annual meeting were read by the clerk. Motion by John Leonard, second by Gerry Brine, to accept the minutes as read. Carried

The treasurer's report was presented by the clerk. Motion by Guy Nelson, second by Lynn Scharenbroich, to accept the treasurer's report for the year 2001. Carried

The Township banking policies were discussed. Motion by John Leonard, second by Guy Nelson, to use any or all banking facilities in the Pequot Lakes, Crosslake, and Pine River areas.  Carried

Motion by Guy Nelson, second by Bill Wortham, 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 2003 annual meeting and election was set. Motion by Ron Schultz, second by Linda Ulland, 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 11, 2003. Carried

Moderator Taylor requested the results of the Ideal Township Annual Election Following were the results presented by the election judges:

               Supervisor, 3-year term                                              David Steffen                 73 votes

                                                                                                  Sheldon Lagaard Jr.       10 votes

Based on the election results, David Steffen was declared winner of the 3-year supervisors position.

Bill Wortham gave the Road and Bridge update:

1. Ideal paved 2.1 miles of unimproved road in 2001, which leaves less than 4 miles of unpaved road in the Township.
2. A new tractor/mower was purchased in 2001.
3. A new 4-year road plan has been submitted and is attached to the agenda.

Ron Schultz presented the Fire Department Report as follows:

1. There were 32 fire runs during the year 2001.
2. The department is at its capacity of 22 firefighters and all are certified at firefighter 1 or 2.
3. ISO Rating was lowered to 7 for residents within 5 miles of the Fire Hall.
4. 1 firefighter retired and one new firefighter was added.

Chief Schultz urged residents within 5 miles of the Fire Hall to contact their individual insurance companies for a possible insurance reduction due to the improved ISO rating.

A report on the Ideal Transfer Station and Recycling Center was given. The center collected 36,820 LBS. of recyclable materials in 2001. This figure does not include scrap metal or tires. Crow Wing Solid Waste is financing the building of a hazardous waste/recycling building at the transfer station which will also included an office for the transfer station operator.

Jerry Taylor gave a brief report on the Park and Recreation area. The Bike
Trail is to be paved this summer and electrical improvements are planned for the outdoor pavilion.

Lynn Scharenbroich and Linda Ulland gave an update on the progress of the Ideal Centennial Celebration. The Celebration is planned for Friday August 23rd and Saturday August 24th. Volunteers are needed in a variety of areas. Lynn reported on the planned activities, some of which were, a lumberjack show, antique car show, fireworks, food vendors, beer garden, live entertainment, games for young and old, fire truck rides and much more.

The 2003 budget proposal was discussed. Jerry Taylor explained how the levy amount is determined and the amounts for each fund. The purchase of additional land by Ideal Township was discussed. Gerry Brine proposed the township allocate $15,000 to land acquisition. The additional $15,000 would change the proposed 2003 budget from $540,000 to $555,000.

Motion by Gerry Brine, second by Ron Schultz, to allocate an additional $15,000 for land acquisition into the 2003 budget. Carried

Motion by John Leonard, second by Tom Johnson, to approve the budget of $555,000 for the year 2003. Carried

The salary of the Ideal Township Board was discussed. An increase was implemented in 2001. Motion by Guy Nelson, second by Dick Wilske, to leave the salaries and hourly wage for the supervisors at the current amount of $115 per meeting and $16 per hour for special meetings and duties. Carried

Jerry Taylor reported on some of the upcoming expenses of the Township, including a salt/sand building, new plow truck, and possibly a used grader .

Motion by John Leonard, second by Ron Schultz, to adjourn, as there was no further business to discuss. Carried

Meeting adjourned at 9:17 P.M.
Deana St . Pierre
Clerk