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

Brandt explained there are no minutes or treasurer’s report prepared with the clerk being absent.

Crow Wing County Sheriff Todd Dahl gave a community update. He discussed issues that have arisen regarding docks. The warm early spring weather has brought dock issues forward earlier this year. Supervisor Brandt asked for clarifications on what kind of issues can be reported to the sheriff’s non-emergency phone number. Dahl reported that the DNR website has the current guidelines.

Dahl explained a new program, Take It To The Box, where residents can bring expired or unwanted medications to three county locations to be properly disposed. The locations are at the sheriff’s office in Brainerd, the police department office in Breezy Point, and the police department office in Crosby.

Sheriff Dahl spoke about the “Toward Zero Deaths” program which seeks to reduce traffic fatalities. He suggested that residents be aware that the spring weather has brought out motorcyclists earlier this year.

The Water Patrol is getting ready to start their activities earlier this year as well.

Supervisor Brandt asked about possible police coverage for the township by the Pequot Lakes Police Department and for clarification of what service the sheriff’s office can provide.

Ron Schultz asked about a road issue at the intersection of County Road 16 and Ruttger Road. The township plow had caught the edge and torn up some of the asphalt. Schultz asked that the maintenance crew remove the pieces from the ditch as he mows the ditch there.

Schultz introduced Dan Whirley of RemWhirl who offered to help with development of plans for the town hall improvements being considered.

Dave Johnson asked the Board about the 2011 year end financials. Brandt explained that the annual audit was to begin on April 10th and once the audit is complete, the board would have the final details available for the public.

The Road and Bridge report was as follows:

1. The maintenance department has completed brooming of all roads.
2. The maintenance crew is continuing its work on clearing road right-of-ways and filling potholes.
3. Brandt reported on the parking issue on Wabigoniss Road. The DNR contacted Brandt about people using that area to get access to the lake for fishing. DNR’s conclusion is that there is no issue with the DNR – related to people using the area. The parking issue is up to the township.
4. Under new regulations, cellphone use while operating township vehicles is prohibited. Maintenance staff has been informed of the rules.
5. Brandt reported that Pat Ebnet had called regarding the roads at the end of Wild Acres Road. These roads are not township roads, but have been named Partridge Trail and Pheasant Lane.
6. DNR staff called Brandt about the fire at the transfer station last fall. Carl Roselan had called about damage to his property that occurred when fighting the fire. Brandt will have the maintenance crew make some repairs.
7. The annual road review was completed on 3/25 and 4/1 along with the road sign inventory assessment. Brandt listed roads that need crack sealing & resurfacing this year. He expected the cost of the work to total approximately $200,000. He also discussed conversations with Pequot Lakes & Breezyu who shared roads about starting a plan for long-term improvements. Details of the road review are available.
8. Road weight restrictions will be lifted on April 12th.
9. There were no safety incidents.

Supervisor Wortham motioned to move ahead with crack sealing and resurfacing as outlined but to wait on Storage Park Road until financial review was completed. Seconded by Plein. Motion carried – unanimous.

Dave Johnson noted some potholes and cracks that needed attention on Ossiwinamakee Road.

Brandt discussed procedures when residents have obstacles in road right-of-way. Specifically the arch on Wildamere Road. Brandt will ask Bruce Zeman about the neighborhood association taking responsibility.

There was no Fire Department report.

The report for Park and Recreation was as follows:

1. Supervisor Plein reported that he discussed the placement of the park merry-go-round with the maintenance crew and had concluded that the playground be expanded on the south west corner to accommodate the space needed. The 8’ merry-go-round would be ordered soon so it can be installed for this summer.

The Transfer Station report was as follows:

1. Supervisor Plein reported that the transfer station would be open on Wednesdays & Saturdays starting on April 15th.
2. There were no safety incidents.

Supervisor Brandt reported on meeting with developers of the Ossie Shores development and had a walk-through with them. Brandt also discussed meeting with Bob McGee regarding road and placement of his garage. He spoke to Bob Martin regarding the land use classifications of his property. Brandt will contact the county about his concerns.

Brandt explained that the conditional use permits for the gravel pit operations had been accepted. He listed some of the conditions included.

Brandt discussed the town hall rental policy and application documents. The policy had been approved by the Board at the March meeting but had not been implemented yet.

The Board discussed the recent meetings with the Whitefish Area Lodging Association Board and the need to get up to date with the requirements as the fiscal agency for the group.

Brandt reported that Stonemark would be contacted to have town hall property marked so that planning for the new septic system can include accurate property boundary info.

A discussion continued regarding the situation with the town clerk. Ms St Pierre had been put on notice previously and given a list of improvements needed for her to continue employment. Supervisor Brandt explained that he had met with her earlier in the day and she had indicated she would resign. She was asked to prepare the meeting materials and submit a resignation to be considered at the board meeting. She had been absent for the March board meeting, the annual election & meeting and was absent again tonight. No clerk’s report or resignation was provided.

Supervisor Wortham motioned to terminate Deana St. Pierre effective 4/9/12 for repeatedly not performing her assigned duties as required. Brandt seconded. Plein abstained. Wortham and Brandt voted affirmative – motion carried.

A discussion of a replacement for the clerk/treasurer position continued. As the annual audit was to begin the following morning and that there were many issues pending, it was concluded that a replacement was needed quickly. Supervisor Plein offered to take the position.

Plein submitted a letter of resignation from the Board. Motion by Wortham, seconded by Brandt to accept the resignation of Supervisor Plein effective immediately. Wortham and Brandt voted affirmative. Plein abstained. Motion carried.

Motion by Wortham, second by Brandt to appoint John Plein as clerk/treasurer effective 4/10/12 with wage of $18/hour plus benefits. Carried unanimous.

Motion by Wortham, second by Brandt to continue the meeting at 8am on 4/10/12 for the purpose of meeting with auditor, review the condition of clerks office & files, and to begin process of transitioning all procedures to the new clerk. Carried unanimous.

April 10, 2012 8am.
Supervisors Brandt & Wortham were present along with the clerk and the auditor, Judy Moravic.

Board re-convened to begin process of organizing clerk’s office & files and to begin the audit. The Board discussed plans for completing the audit, establishing improved internal control procedures, and for training the new clerk.

At 5 pm, Supervisor Wortham motioned to continue meeting the following morning at 8am to continue process. Seconded by Brandt. Carried unanimous.

April 11, 2012 8am.
Supervisors Brandt & Wortham were present along with the clerk and the auditor, Judy Moravic.

Board re-convened to continue process of the annual audit and organizing clerk files.

At 5 pm, Supervisor Wortham motioned to continue meeting the following Friday morning at 8am to continue process. Seconded by Brandt. Carried unanimous.

April 13, 2012 8am.
Supervisors Brandt & Wortham were present along with the clerk and the auditor, Judy Moravic.

Board re-convened to continue process of the annual audit and organizing clerk files.

There being no further business to transact, the meeting adjourned at 3 pm.

John Plein, Ideal Township Clerk
April 11th, 2012