The meeting was called to order by Chairman Peterson at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Supervisors Peterson & Johnson, and the Clerk were in attendance.

Motion by Johnson, second by Peterson to accept the minutes of the November 14th Board Meeting as presented. Carried unanimous.

Nothing was presented during Open Forum.

Supervisor Peterson presented the Fire Department report as follows:

1. There had been 9 runs during November; 2 fire, and 7 first responder. Fire runs were for a gas leak public assist, and a vehicle accident. Total year-to-date is 118 runs.
2. Details of the purchase of new SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) equipment was presented. Twenty sets of packs, along with extra bottles and other accessories, can be purchased for $136,392 via the HGAC-Buy Cooperative Purchase Program and financed via a lease purchase agreement with Tax-Exempt Leasing Corp. Motion by Peterson, second by Johnson to adopt Lessee Resolution to execute lease and authorize the Clerk to sign documents. Carried unanimous.
3. Motion by Peterson, second by Johnson to accept new firefighters Taylor Lokhorst and Gretchen Ruby effective August 8, 2016. Carried unanimous.
4. The old truck GR19 was being readied for sale. Peterson asked the Clerk to locate the title.
5. The annual payroll for firefighters has been processed and was distributed at the department Holiday Party.
6. The first payment on the bond issue that financed the new rescue pumper E16 is included in this month’s claims. The Clerk has confirmed the amount with the bank.
7. A donation of $500 was received from the Ben Krueger Squadron Sons of the American Legion to be deposited in the non-levy FD Equipment fund.
8. There were no safety incidents.

Supervisor Peterson gave the Planning & Zoning report as follows:

1. During November, 9 permits were issued in Ideal; 7 septic/land use, 1 shoreland, and 1 commercial.

Chairman Peterson presented the Road and Bridge report as follows:

1. Crew has been busy with clean-up after big storm.
2. Preliminary planning for a salt shed was discussed. An estimate of building materials was secured that totals about $35,000. Separate bids will be pursued for construction labor. Final plans will be presented for approval at a future meeting.
3. Working to develop the 2017 road construction bid documents to be advertised next month.
4. Reviewed several comments from residents about snow plowing & sanding procedures after the big snow storm.
5. There were no safety incidents.

The Clerk presented the Transfer Station/Recycling Center report as follows:

1. Year to date revenue is $65,810; up about $7500 over last year at this time.
2. The 2017 permits are now available.
3. The station will be open regular hours on Christmas & New Year’s Eve days.

Supervisor Johnson presented the Building, Grounds, Parks & Recreation report as follows:

1. Grants have been confirmed with ICSO & NJPA to fund the generator install for the town hall building. Johnson is taking steps to finalize the install plans.

Supervisor Johnson gave a Legislative & Research report as follows:

1. Presented some new info from study of rural broadband in the state. Map shows areas where access is substandard.
2. Looking into when the Charter Communications Franchise agreement with the City of Pequot Lakes renews. Thinking there may be advantage to coordinate with Ideal’s renewal.

Motion by Peterson, second by Johnson to accept the treasurer’s report for November as presented. Report includes receipts #5246 through #5259 totaling $57,294.06 and disbursements #PERA103116 through #20940 for total of $120,995.69, including an operating funds transfer of $50,000. Carried unanimous.

Motion by Johnson, second by Peterson to approve the December claims as presented; claims #42735 through #42779 totaling $125,867.84. Carried unanimous.

The Clerk presented a series of items:

1. Confirmed holiday schedule for staff. Days off are to occur on the Mondays following the holiday.
2. Discussion of annual staff raises. Motion by Peterson, second by Johnson to raise wage rates as discussed at about 3% increase effective January 1, 2017. Carried unanimous.
3. Presented staff organizational chart and employee management resolution. Motion by Peterson, second by Johnson to adopt the resolution as presented. Carried unanimous. The information will be presented at the staff working lunch coming up on December 23rd.

Upcoming calendar items were reviewed as follows:

1. The Ideal Staff Holiday Lunch on Friday, December 23rd at Old Milwaukee Club.
2. Filing period for the Annual Election runs from Tuesday, January 3 until January 17.
3. The Ideal Town Board Meeting on Monday, January 9th.
4. The Annual Audit will begin on January 23rd.
5. The County/Township Roads meeting on January 30th.
6. The Preliminary Budget/Road Construction Bids Meeting on January 31st at 10 am.

There being no further business to transact, the meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm.

John Plein,
Ideal Township Clerk
December 31st, 2016