The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Brandt at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Supervisors Brandt, Wortham, and Peterson were in attendance. About 23 other persons were present.

Motion by Peterson, seconded by Wortham to accept the minutes of the July 14th Board Meeting, the July 22nd Special Meeting, and the August 8th Bid Opening as presented. Carried unanimous.

Dale Orred gave a report on the Minnesota 100 organization having given benefits to the family of Officer Scott Patrick. The township has been participating in the organization for several years.

Valentin Usle spoke to the Board regarding his expansion plans on Kimble Lake which will require a variance. There is an existing variance for the property which would allow placing a structure closer than what they now plan to do. The plans would keep the structure well within allowable – under the existing variance - setback on the lake side but would require a slightly closer setback on the creek side. The board will make a recommendation to the county once the variance application has been completed & submitted.

Joe Christensen spoke to the Board regarding a petition for the vacation of a road right of way near Whitefish Golf Estates. He is representing the petitioners and asked the board to formally set a date for a vacation hearing on September 5th at 10 am. The Board agreed and asked the clerk to post & publish notice for the hearing.

Christensen also asked for clarification for his client, Boyd Lodge, regarding the sign structure placed within the road right-of-way on Silver Peak Road. He pointed out that there is a boulder in the right of way placed to protect phone equipment and that Boyd Lodge had agreed to accept liability for that placement. He said that he will prepare a letter to that effect and forward it the township attorney, Gerry Brine, for review and approval. Boyd Lodge has also agreed to change the sign structure by removing the front section of the planter base but that the sign itself would need to stay where it is due to existing electrical connections. The sign had been moved and was much closer to the road in its old location and had been in that location for many years. With the front removed, the structure will be 23’ from the road center line. Christensen pointed out there are many other obstacles within the right of way along Silver Peak Road.

Supervisor Brandt cited the Crow Wing County Ordinance does not allow for signs placed in the road right-of-way and that, even if the township agrees to allow the placement, Boyd Lodge may have to get a variance approved. He noted that this was a new obstacle in the right of way and that’s why the Board felt it should be resolved versus the other obstacles on the road that had been there for many years.

Motion by Wortham, second by Peterson to accept the proposed changes allowing the sign placement on the condition that the letter accepting liability for the boulder include the sign structure. Carried unanimous.

Tom Johnson, representing the Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Association, presented reporting on the status of the fund showing that there would be no required contribution for the township in 2015. The positive position was due to the fund’s recent investment performance and that there are fewer members currently on the department. He explained that the last benefit level increase was in 2006 and asked for an increase from the current level of $2100 per year up to $2300. Even with the increase, the fund would still not require a contribution in 2015. Motion by Wortham, second by Peterson to set the benefit level at $2200. Carried unanimous.

Dave Badger spoke to the Board regarding the fire truck that was recently bid. He commented that the township had always supported the department’s equipment needs. But he felt the Board should look at needs considering the mutual aid resources available. He suggested that a policy for equipment replacement be developed so that budget decisions can be made in advance. Other departments have advisory boards with members of the department, the community, and any other townships’ being served. He said the community wants the department to have good equipment if needed.

Dick Wilske listed some of the other equipment that is available under mutual aid, so there would be 9 pumper tankers within 15 miles. He commented that all the departments in the county are getting together to study shared services and recommended that the Board wait to see the conclusions of the study before deciding on this truck.

Chief Clasen responded that the questions are valid, but that they have plans to replace apparatus and this new truck would replace two units that are now over 30 years old. He said that the truck committee had looked at all options and thought this was the best for the long term. He supports the truck committee and their analysis of the department’s needs. The department’s ISO rating may be in jeopardy if this new pumping capacity was not put into service. There has been a lot of new construction since the last ISO review, so the department may not have enough water pumping capacity to maintain the rating of 7.

Brandt asked if insurance companies are still using the ISO rating for determining premium rates. Clasen responded that some companies don’t, but that many still do. Brandt commented that it was a particularly difficult decision since there was only one bid. Clasen responded that he was surprised as well and had expected at least one other bid. Wortham asked if it was due to the specifications document being too specific.

Dave Stephens commented that the ISO rating is important to him as it does affect the insurance premiums for his home. He asked on what basis would the department possibly lose it’s rating. Ken Stoltman responded that it is based on the number of gallons the department can move in terms of pumping capacity related to the amount of total structure square footage in the service area. Ted Ebnet commented that capacity available under mutual aid would be taken into account.

Ryan Schultz pointed out that the current rescue van is basically unusable and needs to be replaced. Wortham asked why this truck was bid so much higher than the last truck purchased. Schultz replied that same truck would be much more expensive now, plus there is additional equipment bid with this new truck including a new set of extrication tools and a SCBA filling station. It is a combo rescue pumper so has combined capabilities that the last truck purchased doesn’t include. Clasen remarked that the proposed truck has an extended cab to allow for rehabilitation of firefighters and victims on scene. There had been many new regulations & requirement put in place in the last few years and that’s added to the costs.

Brandt asked for further comments and said that the Board will review the information and set a date for a special meeting to discuss and make a decision on the pending bid.

Dave Stephens asked about plans for improvement of Ossiwinimakee Road and suggested that plans include some type of walking path. The road is due for an upgrade and it is currently a safety hazard with walkers, bikers, and motorists especially on the corners. Ron Schultz asked if it would be helpful for walkers if the roadside were mowed back further. Stephens replied that walkers will generally not use the mowed area so doubted it would help much. Brandt noted that the maintenance crew is working through the full pass mowing but some brushing is needed. Discussion of path options continued.

Supervisor Brandt presented the Road and Bridge report as follows:

1. The maintenance crew is working on mowing roads all the way back.
2. Kenneth Athmann was injured with a twisted knee. He has seen his doctor and the worker’s comp paperwork has been submitted.
3. Looking at contractors to do additional brushing work on roads.
4. Attended the county highways cooperative meeting and saw presentation on the chip sealing process options.
5. Contacted North Ambulance regarding staging agreement. They are still reviewing.
6. Salt had been ordered via the state cooperative purchasing venture.
7. Working with residents on walking trail along Harbor Lane.
8. Completed chip sealing of West Island Lake Road and Old Whiskey Road. Should extend the surface life 5-10 years.
9. Paving of the lot addition was going on during the meeting. Adds a couple parking spaces, provides a spot to store snow, and helps direct runoff.
10. Working with Boyd Lodge on their walking trails along Silver Peak Road.
11. Have found some new driveways that were not permitted. Have asked the county land services to remind applicants there to contact the township for the driveway inspection & permit.
12. Working with a resident regarding a non-compliant mailbox support and bushes placed in the right of way.

Jim Schultz asked the Board to investigate options for paving the public access road to Kimble Lake. Brandt had contacted DNR official Wade Miller and was told that Ideal is not the road authority in this case. The property is owned by the DNR and they maintain only to provide access to the lake. Neighboring owners are using the road for access to their property without legal standing to do so and that issue needs to be resolved. Other issues included parking and controlling runoff. Brandt recommended no action. Wortham commented that the DNR needed to resolve the neighbors’ access issue. Peterson noted that the road would have to be brought up to the township standard before the township could accept it as a township road. Motion by Wortham, second by Peterson to take no further action at this time. Carried unanimous.

Dale Orred asked about the construction plans for CR 134. Brandt explained the plan was to wait until the Trout Lake Campers were mostly done for the season, so the county was to start work in mid August. Clasen asked how far the new construction extends down 134. Brandt answered that the work would be all the way down to the corner at Father Foley. Orred asked for the debris be cleared off of the Father Foley walking path. Brandt will have the crew push it back.

Chief Clasen presented the fire department report as follows:

1. There had been 21 medical and 3 fire calls during July. Total year to date calls is 77.
2. Training had been on dry hydrants and rigging the fire boat.
3. The Beef Feed is coming up on August 13th. The MN Dept of Health special event license application is being filed and fee of $90 to be paid in with tonight’s claims.
4. Granite Electronics will be coming to remount the radio antenna.
5. Asked for update on FireWise program and if the lake associations had responded after the last meeting. Brandt said he hadn’t heard from anyone about it, but would contact some and see what is happening.
6. The new pressure tank seems to be leaking at valves. Clerk will call plumber.
7. He asked if there would be a cover over the doorway on the east side of the addition or some roof deflectors to keep snow from sliding off the roof there.
8. Thought the new landscaping was turning out well.
9. Asked if the Board had any questions or made decisions on the truck spec.
10. There were no safety incidents.

Clasen asked the Board to authorize participation in an application for a grant to study shared fire services for the county. The study would look at ways to improve service for the entire area. Options to consider include box calling which would automatically call several departments in an area and monitor personnel on route to help with staffing needs, ISO ratings, and response times. The study is to provide a birds-eye view of service from all 13 departments for the entire county to see the good and bad of our system and find ways to help areas struggling with budget issues. The grant requires local matching that can be satisfied by in-kind work on the project. Motion by Peterson, second by Wortham to authorize participation in the grant application and study. Carried unanimous.

The Transfer Station/Recycling Center report was as follows:

1. Station has been busy and still selling permits which is indication of new people coming in.
2. Recycling volume has increased significantly.
3. Working with haulers to get better timing of the container pickups.
4. Considered purchasing another bin for cardboard. No action at this time.
5. Liberty Tire will be coming to pick up the tire pile.
6. Brandt had spoken with person offering to buy the appliance & metal piles for $800. The agreement with the county meant we’d need to know the tonnage taken, that switches & capacitors are removed, and that freon be drained properly from refrigeration devices. Motion by Wortham, second by Peterson to continue with current vendor. Carried unanimous.

The Park and Recreation report was as follows:

1. Landscaping looks good and grass is coming in nicely. Brandt is concerned about the location of the rain garden and whether it will help control much runoff. Maybe place gutter from roof to direct more water. Also mentioned the sprinkler heads placed too close to the road edge may have to be moved.
2. The playground equipment has been power washed.

Supervisor Brandt reported on Planning & Zoning issues:

1. Attended the county DRT meeting and reviewed three proposed variance applications; Skanse for lake setback on Whitefish, Usle setbacks on Kimble Creek, and Bettes bluff setback .

Motion by Wortham, second by Peterson to accept the treasurer’s report for July as presented. Report includes receipts #4693 through #4723 totaling $184,448.95 and disbursements #IRS070714 through #SVC073114 for total of $89,073.12. Carried unanimous.

Motion by Peterson, second by Wortham to approve the August claims as presented; claims #41525 through #41564 totaling $104,623.08 noting the change in claim numbering. Clerk was using the check number to match the claim number, but that method causes problems when individual claims are not approved. Carried unanimous.

The clerk asked the Board whether any changes are to be made before submitting the levy certification with the county. Board confirmed no changes needed and directed the clerk to submit the levy certification documents before the September 15 deadline.

Supervisor Peterson presented info regarding the legislative & resolution process on the private home vacation rental initiative. A draft of the resolution should be submitted at the upcoming county association meeting to be included in this year’s process.

Supervisor Wortham suggested pursuing the township association’s Township of the Year contest. He had outlined 16 items already but wants a committee to review and provide input. He asked the board members to submit ideas and would also ask Mary Badger, Mary Plein, and Lynn Scharenbroich for input as they had been involved with the volunteer walkway project and had a lot of info about community activities in the township. He will ask each to make a list and pass the info to Mary Plein to condense into application document.

Peterson commented on the fire truck bid. He had found some consultants that could advise the board and suggested the board wait until the shared services study was completed before deciding. He would like to find out more about what other departments are doing. He asked for a copy of our fire department’s replacement policy.

There being no further business to transact, the meeting adjourned at 10:40 pm.

John Plein,
Ideal Township Clerk
August 20th, 2014