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 20 other persons were present.

Motion by Peterson, seconded by Brandt to accept the minutes of the June 9th Board Meeting, and the July 2nd Special Meeting as presented. Carried unanimous.

Crow Wing County Engineer Tim Bray reported on the county highway improvement plan which outlines construction, upgrade, and repair plans for the next 5 years. The full document is available at the county website. Bray discussed the project planning in Ideal Township including the upgrade of County Road 134 this year, and the resurfacing of County Road 16 in 2015 & 2016. He also gave reports on the chip sealing process used on County Road 39, the expansion of State Highway 371 north of Nisswa, and the highway department budgeting. He mentioned the Local Road Improvement Project bill that was recently passed in the legislature and said he will keep us informed if funding is available for projects.

Supervisor Brandt asked if it might be possible for the county to take over the Wild Acres/Nelson/Buschmann route as it is becoming a popular thoroughfare and is difficult to get the badly needed repairs done as the roads pass through several municipalities. Bray said if the municipalities can get the roads up to the county standard, they would consider taking it over, but are not looking to take on more roads at this time.

Bray was asked about the electronic speed signs that have been put into service in the area. He said there is cost sharing opportunities if the township wants to install some.

Bob Kvam spoke to the board regarding private home vacation rentals causing issues in his area and asked the board to consider an ordinance that would limit the number of times a private home could be rented in a year. He has experienced noise, parking, garbage, and nuisance issues citing one occasion where 16 to 20 people were there for a stag party. He questioned whether the property’s septic system could handle such large groups. He said this is an issue throughout the area and expects more private home rentals to happen in the future. He wants to partner with the township to see if something can be done, possibly in conjunction with legislation that resorters are trying to get passed.

Supervisor Peterson suggested the issues are between property owners and that similar situations can occur even with non-rental use. He asked Kvam if the sheriff is being called to deal with the issues as they occur, if he had spoken to his neighbor about the issues, or if a privacy fence might be helpful. Noise, parking, and nuisance animal issues can be reported to the sheriff; public health issues can be reported to the Minnesota Department of Health.

Tom Watson of the Whitefish Area Property Owners spoke saying the number of such complaints has been increasing and it is a state-wide issue. There are many large groups exceeding the capacity of the residential zoning which can lead to failing septics and further deterioration of water quality. He suggested these properties could follow the conditional use, or planned development permitting process to insure compliance. They could be taxed as commercial and required to follow health department rules like the resorts have.

David Moe of Clamshell Beach Resort commented that this is an important subject as there are far more private homes available for rent than there are resort cabins. The township comprehensive plan supports family resorts and maintaining the natural character of the area. This issue could affect those goals. He suggested establishing a working group to look at the issue and how it affects the township.

Supervisor Brandt said the board will look into the issue to get a better understanding of the current regulations and form a position.

Kendall Larson of Lakeside Lawn & Landscape presented a proposal for landscaping the area around the town hall addition. Discussion included the calculations of impervious area and stormwater control. Larson said they can do that and resize things to accommodate. It was suggested to use soil from the transfer station compost if it is suitable. Larson will check the soil to be sure, but thought it should work if it can be screened.

Supervisor Brandt presented the Road and Bridge report as follows:

1. The maintenance crew had completed the first pass of mowing throughout the township.
2. Significant work had been done to clean up at the transfer station.
3. A letter has been sent regarding maintenance by the neighbors of the garden inside the right of way at the end of Old Whiskey Road. The neighbors will have to meet maintenance criteria.
4. Trees & stumps had been removed on north side of building in preparation for landscaping work.
5. The crew had been filling pot holes.
6. Working with Astech to coordinate chip sealing some roads.
7. Brandt has been working with the attorney about a petition for vacation of a road within the township. A hearing will be scheduled.
8. Resident Bob McGee had agreed to move garage built within road right of way but it was not done yet.
9. Brandt had responded to complaints of noise from neighbors rooster.
10. Brandt was working with a resident regarding a non-compliant mailbox support.
11. The recent heavy rains had filled the culverts on Long Farm Road to the top but not over the road. There was no apparent damage.
12. Signs had been replaced in a few locations.
13. Working on plans for right of way management.
14. The agreement with North Ambulance was still not finalized. Brandt will contact them again.
15. There were no safety incidents.

Peterson asked if the Boyd Lodge sign had been moved out of the right of way. Brandt will contact them again. If it is not done by next meeting the township will take further steps.

Chief Clasen presented the fire department report as follows:

1. There had been 11 medical calls during June. Total year to date calls is 57.
2. The Beef Feed is coming up on August 13th. Going to be busy with the primary election on the 12th.
3. He will call North Ambulance to see about completing the agreement.
4. He was glad that the fire contract with Timothy had been approved.
5. Granite Electronics will be coming to remount the radio antenna.
6. The electrical upgrade work had begun at the fire hall.
7. He asked if there would be a cover over the doorway on the east side of the addition.
8. He will talk to the beef feed committee about routing the exit around the south side of the building. Once the floor drain work is complete maybe the lawn could be improved on that side.
9. Bid spec documents had been emailed to two manufacturers.
10. Clasen asked if the asphalt near the fuel tanks at Station II could be extended. He will talk to Oasis Oil to see about getting a longer hose instead.
11. The rescue boat will be ready this week and back in service.
12. There were no safety incidents.

The Transfer Station/Recycling Center report was as follows:

1. The “Got Recycling” ads were running in the area newspapers in response to the removal of recycling bins in Pequot Lakes.
2. Sale of user permits have increased considerably.
3. Working with haulers to handle the increased volume of recycling.
4. Working with the attendant in effort to keep area tidy.
5. Attendant guidelines have been posted.
6. Will begin using 2 bins for cardboard to handle the volume.

The Park and Recreation report was as follows:

1. Clerk to order special paint to recoat some peeling parts of the playground equipment.
2. Peterson asked that the equipment be power washed to remove grime and the weeds removed from the playground area.
3. Now that one of the trees on the corner was blown over, now there are two sets of three trees and it looks ok as is.
4. A park split rail fence post needs work on south end.

Supervisor Brandt reported on Planning & Zoning issues:

1. Attended the Trout Lake Camp neighbors meeting. Commented that the event was well attended and lots of good points were made. Many of those attending wanted the camp to wait on further development until after the decision on the Environment Assessment Worksheet hearing.
2. Reviewed the Mertensotto Family Trust issue on Pig Lake.

Brandt was planning for another meeting on FireWise to introduce the program to members of area lake associations.

A discussion of the private home vacation rentals issue took place. Brandt had talked with the county & township association and it would be difficult for the township to administer and enforce an ordinance restricting the activity. There are already regulations and agencies that can handle some of the issues. Motion by Wortham, second by Peterson to take no action other than to inform residents to contact appropriate agencies for compaints. Brandt felt it best to become more familiar with the issue and make a decision at a later meeting. Motion by Wortham, second by Peterson to withdraw motion and table the issue. A special meeting was scheduled for July 22nd at 9am.

The two landscaping bids were discussed. Motion by Peteson, second by Wortham to accept the Lakeside Lawn & Landscape proposal and to use topsoil from the transfer station compost if possible. Carried unanimous. The clerk will check on options to get the soil screened and hauled.

All members of the board and the clerk had attended the township association training courses in Walker.

Motion by Peterson, second by Wortham to accept the treasurer’s report for June as presented. Report includes receipts #4659 through #4697 totaling $698,207.39 and disbursements #IRS060214 through #SVC063014 for total of $399,163.64 which includes transfers totaling $350,000. Carried unanimous.

Motion by Brandt, second by Peterson to approve the July claims as presented; claims #19261 through #19318 totaling $61,515.52. Carried unanimous.

Brandt reported that the “Ideal Way” volunteer walkway and fire museum dedication was well attended and went well.

There being no further business to transact, the meeting adjourned at 10:45 pm.

John Plein,
Ideal Township Clerk
August 4th, 2014