The meeting was called to order by Chairman Peterson at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. All Board Supervisors, Chief Schultz, the Clerk, and twelve residents were in attendance. Speakers Lt. Scott Goddard and Tim Bray from Crow Wing County were also present.

Motion by Bilek, seconded by Johnson to accept the minutes of the May 9th Board Meeting, and the June 6th Road Construction Bid Opening Meeting as presented. Carried unanimous.

Lieutenant Scott Goddard from the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office gave an update of activities by the department. A mobile phone app has been developed, called TIP411, which allows users to anonymously exchange information with the office via text message. Can be used to report on suspicious activity or other non-emergency events. Emergency and crime-in-progress info should be reported via 911. The county jail has been busy and is now housing inmates for surrounding counties and the state.

Chief Schultz asked Goddard about the safety issues from the parking along CR 16 near the Ye Olde Wharf. Goddard commented that they have had conversations about the issue and it is an area of concern, but there isn’t a good alternative at this point.

Tim Bray of the Crow Wing County Highway Department presented copies of the current highway improvement plan. The only upcoming major project planned in Ideal is for the resurfacing of CR 16 between CR 39 and CR 66 which is scheduled for 2017. All of the county roads have been evaluated and are listed with a condition rating.

Dave Johnson commented on the seal coating process that was done on CR 39 and that it seems to be holding up well. Bray said the county is partnering with townships to do seal coating or other work. Planning is done at end of each year, so the township can contact him to coordinate work to possibly save costs.

Supervisor Peterson asked about how much of the county roads levy will be replaced by the new county sales tax dedicated to transportation. Bray replied that the roads levy was reduced by $1.2 million and the sales tax is projected to raise $4.2 million per year which will help the county catch up with projects needed.
Dave Johnson asked if the radar speed signs could be placed on Ossiwinamakee Road again. Peterson said yes, he will call Pequot Lakes Police Department to arrange the placement.

Bob Uppgaard spoke on his concerns regarding publicity for the Township of the Year award received in 2014. Peterson informed him that topic was covered previously and the Board was not going to take time for it again unless he had new info. Uppgaard said there was new info and read an email he had received from Jim Brandt. He then asked what is Butch Field’s title at the Transfer Station. Supervisor Bilek said his title is lead attendant. Uppgaard recounted an incident on May 20th where Field had not allowed him to post items on the bulletin board, asked him to leave the premises, and threatened to call the sheriff. Bilek said that Field was instructed that the bulletin board was only for Transfer Station business and that the sheriff could be called in case of unruly persons on the premises.

Peterson again said these topics were covered before and that Uppgaard was harassing the attendant and interfering with the operation of the Transfer Station. He pointed out that Uppgaard was told at the last meeting that he was not allowed to loiter, solicit, or post on the Transfer Station bulletin board. Peterson said that the Board was moving on to the next agenda item. Uppgaard continued talking until Peterson gaveled and ruled him out of order.

Chairman Peterson gave the Planning & Zoning report as follows:

1. Discussion of the Driftwood Resort variance request for lake & septic setbacks. Jeff Balmer of Lands End Development spoke on behalf of Jim & Debbie Breen who have a purchase agreement on the property which is contingent on receiving approval of the variance request. Dave Topinka commented that there are concerns about the request and that he planned to appear before the county Planning Commission. He spoke about the back bay already having problems with weeds and that another non-conforming septic would make it worse. He suggested there should be more buffer between the water and the planned septic and driveway. Chief Schultz commented that he did not see a reason to oppose the request. Motion by Peterson, second by Bilek to recommend approval with no conditions. Carried unanimous.
2. There were 23 permits issued in May; 18 land/septic, and 5 shoreland alteration.
3. Supervisor Bilek will take over responsibility for P&Z issues for the township starting on July 1. Motion by Peterson, second by Johnson to approve the assignment change. Carried unanimous.

Chairman Peterson presented the Road and Bridge report as follows:

1. Only one bid was received for the road construction this year. Motion by Peterson, second by Bilek to accept the bid from Anderson Bros for $361,521. Carried unanimous.
2. The township will be coordinating chip sealcoating with Jenkins township on some shared roads at a cost of approximately $5000.
3. Two quotes were received for crack sealing work – Lakeshore Construction for $6472; Anderson Bros for $16032.34. Motion by Johnson, second by Bilek to approve the Lakeshore Construction quote. Carried unanimous.
4. Non-conforming mailbox supports will be replaced by the township along the roads that are being worked on this year. A letter will go to the owners.
5. The maintenance crew have been clearing road right-of-ways in preparation for the road construction work.
6. Several potholes have been filled and patched.
7. Mowing has begun.
8. The dump bins for cardboard have been completed an placed in service.
9. Grounds maintenance at the Town Hall and at Station II is being completed.
10. There were no safety incidents.

Chief Schultz presented a Fire Department report as follows:

1. There had been 7 medical runs during May.
2. Total year-to-date is 46 runs.
3. A pickup was purchased to replace the 1978 grass rig. The funds are to come from the non-levy fire equipment fund. Once the truck is received, equipment will be moved over, and the old truck will be sold.
4. The cooler for the Beef Feed was tested.
5. The department participated in the live burn in Crosslake last week. Were able to conduct over 20 burn exercises.
6. Drills on auto extrication will take place this week at the junk yard in Pine River.
7. There were no safety incidents.

Supervisor Johnson asked if the department was still seeking new members. Schultz said the department is now at 23 members and is taking applications for new members.

Peterson explained plans for funding the Fire Department Relief Association with regular semi-annual payments. The Board had previously approved funding $15,000 annually, but only a portion of that was given last year. This year, the funds will be given in July & December and will include the portion that was not given last year. This will help insure that the Township is not hit with a large deficit payment again like it had in the past.

Supervisor Bilek presented the Transfer Station/Recycling Center report as follows:

1. Permit sales are up compared with last year. Total year-to-date for 2016 is 672. Permits sold in May was 198.
2. There have been several improvements made and the station is looking good.
3. Attendant Butch Field is now lead person at the station. Motion by Bilek, second by Johnson to increase his wage to $15/hour effective 6/16/16 with hours generally limited to maximum of 30 per week. Carried unanimous.
4. He and the Clerk had met with Doug Morris at the county to discuss the recycling program costs. SCORE funding for 2017 was set at $22,500.
5. The station is well received but some in the area don’t know about it. Bilek asked those present to let people know about it.
6. Attendant Doug Kreft has retired.
7. Have received several applications for Kreft’s replacement. Julie Anderson was interviewed and seemed to be a good fit. Motion by Bilek, second by Johnson to offer her the job on a 90 day probation period, starting at $10.50 per hour. Carried unanimous.

Supervisor Johnson presented the Parks & Recreation report as follows:

1. Asked that the water fountain be removed as it is noisy and disrupts the meeting. The Clerk will call plumber.
2. Johnson suggested reaching out to members of the co-op to find board members for the community garden. Once a board is established, the group can start planning how to set up the gardens. He asked the Clerk to send out an email to the co-op members.
3. He is in process of reviewing utility coverages in the township including internet. The franchise agreement with Charter Communications is expiring soon and so is a good time to push for expanded coverage.
4. Johnson met with Rod Kidder regarding possible grant to improve emergency readiness that could pay cost of having a generator installed at the town hall.
5. Johnson will do a review of the buildings and grounds.

Supervisor Johnson presented the Legislative & Research report as follows:

1. Is reviewing efforts to improve the relationship between townships and cities regarding annexation to give townships more say in the process.

Motion by Johnson, second by Bilek to accept the treasurer’s report for May as presented. Report includes receipts #5112 through #5129 totaling $40,099.12 and disbursements #IRS050216 through #20590 for total of $72,768.29. Carried unanimous.

Motion by Bilek, second by Johnson to approve the June claims as presented; claims #42464 through #42505 totaling $74,858.04. Carried unanimous.

Peterson gave an update on progress regarding the north side emergency siren:

1. A survey was underway to support the easement agreement with Trout Lake Camp.
2. Minnesota Power was contacted regarding purchase and setting of the pole.
3. The siren was ordered and is expected to arrive in 6-8 weeks.
4. Ready Watt Electric will do the install.
5. Hope to have it in service by September.

The Clerk presented a series of correspondence:

1. A certificate of liability coverage was received for the encroachment agreement with Boyd Lodge.
2. A letter regarding negotiations for renewing the franchise agreement with Charter Communications.
3. The annual notice of estimated census count was received – 1062 persons and 492 households as of April 2015.
4. Donation thank you letters from the Pine River Food Shelf and the Crisis Line.
5. Membership cards from the MN Association of Townships were distributed.
6. Notice of tax court filing for Harrison.
7. The annual meeting notice and ballot from Crow Wing Power. Johnson will respond on behalf of the township.

The Clerk reported that there was one voided check - #20586 – due to error on payroll.

Upcoming calendar items were reviewed as follows:

1. The Lake Ossiwinamakee Lake Improvement District Annual Meeting on June 18th.
2. The MAT Summer Short Course in Walker on June 29th.
3. The Trout Lake Camp Annual Neighborhood Meeting on July 9th.
4. July Board Meeting on Monday, July 11th at 7 pm.
5. The Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on August 17th.

Peterson commented on establishing a value of property for the township for insurance purposes and suggested having an appraisal done.

There being no further business to transact, the meeting adjourned at 9:05 pm.

John Plein,
Ideal Township Clerk
June 17th, 2016