The clerk called the meeting to order at 8:00 P.M. with the Pledge of Allegiance. There were 29 residents in attendance.

Nominations were called for moderator of the 2004 Township meeting. Motion by Ron Schultz, second by John Leonard to name Bill Wortham moderator. Motion by John Leonard, second by Jim Brandt, to close nominations. Wortham was named moderator by acclimation.

The minutes of the 2003 Annual Meeting were read by the clerk. Motion by Ron Schultz, second by Ryan Schultz, to accept the minutes as read, with a date change from 2001 to 2002 in the Fire Report. Carried

The treasurer's report was presented by the clerk. Motion by John Leonard, second by Jim Brandt, to accept the treasurer's report for the year 2003. Carried

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

Motion by John Leonard, second by Ryan Schultz, 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 2005 Annual Meeting and election was set. Motion by Tom Johnson, second by Gene Gustafson, 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 8th, 2005.  Carried

Moderator Wortham requested the results of the Ideal Township Annual Election.
Following were the results presented by the Election Judges: Supervisor, 3-year term
Bill Wortham 25 votes
Other 0 vote
Based on the election results, Bill Wortham was declared winner of the 3-year supervisor's position .

Bill Wortham gave the Road and Bridge update:

1. Ideal paved .5 miles of unimproved road, overcoated 1.3 miles, and rebuilt .7 miles of roads in 2003. Several roads received spot patching and crack sealing where required.
2. Almost two miles of road are planned for overcoating during 2004. Roads affected are Father Foley Drive, Deer Trail and North Kimble Lane. Routing crack sealing will be done.

Ron Schultz presented the Fire Department Report as follows :

1. There were 35 fire runs during the year 2003.
2. The department has 22 active firefighters and is currently looking for new fire fighters that reside on the north side of the Township.
3. Chief Schultz reported on several changes in Fire Department Officers for 2004.

Chief Schultz urged residents with security systems to make sure they have a key holder available close to their home in of an emergency so the door can opened for the Fire Department. Lock-boxes for this purpose are available from the Fire Department and may be purchased by calling the Chief.

Jim Brandt reported on the Ideal Transfer Station and Recycling Center. The center collected 46,260 LBS. of recyclable materials in 2003, which was up 11% from 2002. Improvements to the Transfer Station in 2003 included removing the old office shed, separating the leaf pile from the brush pile to prevent future fires, repositioned dumpsters to reduce traffic congestion, changed roads to improve traffic flow on site, improved security and the Crow Wing County Sentence to Serve finished the inside of the new office building.

Bill Wortham gave a brief report on the Buildings and Park and Recreation area. Horseshoe pits were installed in the park area with protective fencing, wainscoting was installed in the Town Hall meeting room, the Town Hall and office were painted and new locks and doors were installed in both the Fire Hall and Town Hall.

Lynn Scharenbroich and Linda Ulland gave an update on the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway and some of the projects currently in progress.

The 2005 budget proposal was discussed. The proposed budget for 2005 was $578,000. Supervisor Wortham explained some of the upcoming expenses associated with the new North-side sub station and the equipment rotation schedule.
Motion by Ron Schultz, second by John Leonard, to approve the budget of $578,000 for the year 2005. Carried

The salary of the Ideal Township Board was discussed. Motion by Ken Stoltman, second by Linda Ulland, to keep the meeting salaries for the supervisors at $125 per meeting. Carried

Gerry Brine reported on legislation introduced that will limit the amount of time communities can use to enact ordinances or moratoriums and collect more information for land use planning. Motion by Gerry Brine, second by Linda Ulland, that Ideal Township contact our State Senator and Representative stating the Townships opposition to parts of the referenced legislation that would reduce the time local government has to enact ordinances or moratoriums, and collect information related to land use. Carried

Motion by Ron Schultz, second by John Leonard, to adjourn, as there was no further business to discuss. Carried
Meeting adjourned at 8:58 P.M.

Deana St. Pierre Clerk