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 Wortham, seconded by Brandt to accept the minutes of the November 12th, 2012 Board Meeting as amended. Carried unanimous.

Jim Schultz addressed the board about area lake access monitor programs to try to stop the spread of invasive species in our lakes. Schultz asked the board to consider ways that local governments could assist the lake associations with their monitoring programs. These programs can be expensive and many associations cannot support them on their own. Schultz suggested that the township could act as a local government unit to apply for grants. Supervisor Brandt explained that the board would need to research options further before action. Supervisor Badger suggested some funding could be provided through in-kind donations and/or fundraisers. Resident Ron Schultz expressed concern about the township providing direct funding.

Ron Schultz addressed the board asking about the costs and efficacy of the board’s monitoring of planning & zoning issues. Supervisor Brandt explained that the county requests the township be involved with the review process for each P&Z application to insure applicants’ requests are consistent with the township’s comprehensive plan. Supervisor Wortham commented that the board had considered these reviews to be important to consider what is best for the township.

The Road and Bridge report was as follows:

1. The maintenance crew plowed snow on Sunday & Monday after the 5-6” snowfall.
2. Supervisor Brandt asked that resident do not push snow onto road right-of-ways.
3. The tractor and mower had been repaired, but there was some mowing that could not be completed before the snow.
4. Several downed trees had been removed. The wood from these belong to the property owner, so it is left for them.
5. The culverts on Long Farm Road had been cleared and improved. The payment from FEMA had been received to offset the cost.
6. Supervisor Brandt reported on his meeting with residents of Northview Harbor Road regarding the township mowing policy. The area residents will maintain the planting of wildflowers in the right-of-way and the regular mowing of the first 5’ back from the road edge on both sides. The plant height of the wildflowers must be kept under 2’ to maintain visibility. The township will mow the entire r/w in October each year.
7. The township received payments from the property owners’ share of the paving of Storage Park Road. There is one owner who has not submitted payment yet.
8. There were no safety incidents.

The Fire Department report was as follows:

1. There were 4 emergency runs in November including 3 medical, and one mutual aid call. Total year-to-date is 116 calls.
2. Last month’s training drill was on ice rescue and ladders.
3. The department is now using the 800MHz radio equipment. The county is expecting the communcations tower in Pequot Lakes to be completed in December.
4. The annual truck maintenance has been completed. There are still some repair issues with units R16 and E15.
5. Clasen explained they are in process of getting T12 tank repaired, but are considering postponing the work until after January 1.
6. Chief Clasen explained that the annual firefighter compensation was distributed at the Christmas Party.
7. A discussion of the handling of the firefighter compensation for 2013. The board had been informed by the auditor that the firefighters should be paid as employees. The board will review the requirements and make a plan to formalize the process and define the employee policy with regards to the firefighters. Supervisor Badger presented a proposal for accounting for members’ costs and reimbursements.
8. There was one safety incident. A member had slipped on ice. A first report of injury had been filed.

Firefighter Rob Birkeland asked about workers’ compensation coverage for the fire department members and whether the coverage includes lost wages for self-employed member. There was a further discussion of insurance issues with the department members. The board will review coverages, get more info, and report at a future board meeting.

Supervisor Badger presented a proposal to establish a township advisory committee to review the fire contracts and to inspect & review fire equipment to make recommendations to the department and the township.

Dick Wilske commented on a recent incident where a firefighter had helped extinguishing a brush fire at the transfer station and was paid extra. Chief Clasen suggested that the brush be burned only when snow cover is present. Brandt explained that there is too much brush material and limited space so must burn periodically and can’t always be done in winter.

The Transfer Station report was as follows:

1. Insurance claim for the costs from the fire in September 2011 had been filed with agent.
2. The clerk presented a mockup of a new gate sign. The board approved the design. The clerk will order.
3. The aluminum cage had been turned in and the township received $198.
4. Supervisor Brandt reported on his review of the request to allow a bow-hunter use the transfer station property. Per the township’s legal counsel, the township would have to remove the signage if it were to allow hunting and could be at risk of liability if hunting was allowed. Brandt will notify the hunter that their request is denied.

The report for Park and Recreation was as follows:

1. Supervisor Badger reported on plans for interpretive signage for the fire department display project. The lighting for the display had been installed but the timer for the lights would be installed in the spring. The committee was working on a time capsule to be placed in the display.
2. Badger presented a proposal for a “Ideal Volunteers Historic Walkway” leading to the fire department display building. Signage to be placed along walkway highlighting the volunteer groups that have played a part in the township over the years. Motion by Brandt, second by Wortham to accept the proposal. Carried unanimous.

Supervisor Wortham gave an update on the progress with the town hall renovation plans. The board is pursuing a change of zoning to commercial to enable increased impervious area. There will be a public hearing at the county to review the zoning change and permits. Brandt has met with JoAnn Wannebo about planning for the new septic system. Motion by Badger, second by Wortham to proceed with zoning. Dave Johnson asked if there would be a public meeting to allow for residents to comment on the plans. Brandt explained that if the project cost exceeds $100,000, sealed bids would be needed.

The clerk presented the treasurer’s report for November. Motion by Wortham, seconded by Brandt to accept the treasurer’s report as presented. Carried unanimous.

Motion by Badger, seconded by Wortham to approve the claims as presented; claims #18234 through #18270 totaling $66,332.91. Carried unanimous.

The clerk presented the federal mileage rate and asked the board to increase the rate paid by the township to match the federal rate of $0.565 per mile. Motion by Wortham, second by Badger to accept the new rate. Carried unanimous.

The clerk presented an estimate for equipment and installation of a dual-band router that would allow a “guest” wireless network at the town hall separate from the network used by the clerk. The estimate from Cascade Computers totals just under $200. Motion by Badger, second by Wortham. Carried unanimous.

Supervisor Badger presented a resignation letter effective 12/31/12. Badger commented it has been a pleasure serving on the board. The board will review and take action at a future meeting.

There being no further business to transact, the meeting adjourned at 9:20 pm.

John Plein,
Ideal Township Clerk
December 15th, 2012