The meeting was called to order by vice-chairperson Badger at 7:00P.M. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Supervisor Taylor was not in attendance.

Motion by Wortham to accept the minutes of the December 1Oth, 2001 meeting as read, with the following change: "a new set of turn out gear" changed to "two new sets of tum out gear". Carried -unanimous

Motion by Wortham to approve the minutes of the Special Meeting for the Fire Truck bid opening on December 27, 2001 as read. Carried- unanimous

Motion by Wortham to approve the treasurer's report for the month of December as presented. Carried - unanimous

Motion by Wortham to pay all bills presented for payment by the clerk. Carried - unanimous

The new E911 address signs were discussed. Maintenance Supervisor Jens Bach and Chief Ron Schultz informed the Board that many of the signs have not been put in the correct spots and are not easily seen from the road. Bach also reported that there are areas in which no signs have been put up at all. Supervisor Badger asked the Clerk to contact the Highway Department regarding these concerns.

The Zone III 1st Responder President, Tom Johnson, requested $1800 from the 1st Responders Fund for training and supplies. Supervisor Badger informed Johnson that the 1st Responders currently had $2800 in their account.

Motion by Wortham to allow $1800 to be used by the 1st Responders for training and supplies. Carried- unanimous

The road and bridge report was as follows:

1. Jens Bach reported that the Ford F350 has been repaired.
2. Bach informed the Board that Road Haul Agreements were sent to Sibley Township, Jenkins Township and Crosslake regarding maintenance on shared roads.
3. Brad Smith, who lives on Old Whiskey Road , requested that we plow to the end of the road.  It was determined that this is a township road and would be plowed by the townships smaller truck due to the small tum around area.
4. There have been no safety incidents.

The fire department report was as follows:

Chief Schultz asked the Board if the township would be able to contribute

1. $3000 for a new hydrant near Butternut Point Resort. An area resident would pay the majority of the cost, approximately $7000, for the hydrant.
2. There were 4 fire runs the previous month.
3. Schultz reported that Hedke, Sherman and Tabbert passed their Firefighter 1 class.
4. There have been no safety incidents.

Motion by Wortham to pay $3000 for a hydrant on Butternut Point Road if it meets Fire Department specifications and to except responsibility and maintenance on the hydrant at that time. Carried -unanimous.

Badger presented guidelines for an informational meeting regarding the Fire Apparatus to be held on February 11th at 6:30PM, before the February monthly meeting.

Motion by Badger to the follow the guidelines for the informational meeting on February 11th at 6:30PM. Carried- unanimous.

There was nothing to report concerning the park and recreation area.

The transfer station report was as follows:

1. Bach reported that Pete Clement was requesting the plans for the building to be constructed at the Transfer Station this spring. Bach also informed the Board that Dick Wilske would like to be involved with the construction plans.

The clerk advised the Board that the IRS had increased the standard business mileage rate from .345 to .365 for 2002.

Motion by Badger to increase the mileage rate from .345 to .365. Carried- unanimous

The clerk reported that Paul Lundgren from the Pequot Lakes DNR would move the Burning Permit sign from the now closed Ideal Store to the Ideal Town Hall this spring and educate the clerk and maintenance workers on issuing Burning Permits.

A letter was received from Crow Wing County regarding the vacating of portions of Florence and Jones Avenues. The matter has been set for an Evidentiary Hearing on September 2, 2002.

The clerk received an e-mail from Bob Bainbridge regarding taxes. Bainbridge was in attendance and requested that a cost analysis be done to give taxpayers an idea of the impact various expenses have on a $100,000, $200,000 house etc.

The Board reviewed the revised Employee Policy for Ideal Township.

Motion by Wortham to adopt the revised Employee Policy effective 1/1/02. Carried­ unanimous

The salary and benefits of the Ideal Township employees was discussed.

Motion by Wortham to increase the Clerk/Treasurer salary from $12.00 per hour to $12.25 per hour effective 1/1/02 and provide 3 days of paid vacation during the calendar year 2002. The clerk would also be eligible for other benefits as outlined in the Township Personnel Policy. Pay for time off would be on a pro-rata basis of one-half time.

Motion by Badger to increase the salaries of Jens Bach from $14.55 per hour to $15.00 per hour and Tim Tabbert from $13.40 per hour to $13.80 per hour effective 1/1/02. This increase is consistent with the agreement in force for the years 2001 and 2002. Bach and Tabbert would also be eligible for other benefits as outlined in the Township Personnel Policy.

Motion by Badger to increase the salary of the Transfer Station Operator from $7.50 per hour to $7.65 per hour effective 1/1/02.  The Operator would be eligible for three paid personal days off during 2002.  This position is not eligible for other benefits as outlined in the Township Personnel Policy.

There being no further Township business to transact, the meeting adjourned at 7:58P.M.

Deana St. Pierre
Clerk
January  14, 2002