The meeting was called to order by Chairman Peterson at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. All Board members, the Clerk, Chief Schultz, and two residents were in attendance.

Motion by Bilek, seconded by Johnson to accept the minutes of the February 8th Board Meeting, and the March 4th Board of Audit Meeting as presented. Carried unanimous.

There was nothing presented during Open Forum.

Chief Schultz gave the Fire Department report as follows:

1. There had been 12 emergency runs during February – 3 fire, and 9 first responder calls. Total year-to-date is 21 runs.
2. Training was held for CPR Refresher and for the new truck.
3. The new fire truck, Engine 16, is at Mills Motors for repair under warranty.
4. Looking into purchase of a turnout gear washer & dryer cabinet.
5. The old Engine 16 was sold at auction for $5,500.
6. The new SCBA compressor is here and operational.
7. Pre-plan info requests have been sent to commercial and large developments.
8. Mike Clasen retired effective March 2, 2016.
9. Planning on 1 truck to be in the St Patrick’s Day parade in Crosslake.
10. The fire contract for Timothy Township was ready to send.
11. The Department is now down to 24 members and is looking for new members.
12. There were no safety incidents.

Chairman Peterson gave the Planning & Zoning report as follows:

1. There were no building permits issued in February.
2. Received comments from Dan Kocer regarding the Kyle variance request that was discussed at the February meeting. The county Planning Commission had approved the request. A letter will be sent to Mr. Kocer explaining the reasoning for the Town Board’s recommendation to approve the request.
3. An Extractive Use permit was in the works for a new gravel operation on the north side of Wild Acres Road. Peterson will attend the county DRT meeting where the permit will be discussed.

Chairman Peterson presented the Road and Bridge report as follows:

1. New employee, Curt Hoefs, started work on February 22nd.
2. The crew have been plowing and sanding roads as needed.
3. A new wing blade arm was installed on plow truck so both plows have the same wing arm length.
4. Two of the new dumpsters built for the Transfer Station are completed.
5. Peterson has reviewed a request from a resident for a garden to be put in the road right-of-way of North Clamshell Cove. He visited the site and felt it would not be suitable. The resident will be informed of the decision.
6. Met with two consultants who will submit proposals to inventory and evaluate all road signs in the Township. Will review proposals and present at a future meeting.
7. There were no safety incidents.

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

1. Activity has been slower as is typical for the season.
2. The two attendants are rotating shifts until activity picks up.
3. Bilek is researching feasibility of recycling mattresses.
4. New signs for the dumpsters are in the works.

Supervisor Johnson presented the Parks & Recreation report as follows:.

1. Looking into options for the community garden. He is reviewing surveys and property info to determine best location. Preliminary idea is to create a 40x100’ area divided into 10 plots. Area would need fencing and a water supply.

Motion by Bilek, second by Johnson to accept the treasurer’s report for February as presented. Report includes receipts #5061 through #5080 totaling $410,850.89 (includes receipt of general obligation bond issue proceeds of $288,000) and disbursements #20365 through #20413 for total of $501,456.99 including $360,518 payment for new fire truck and $100,000 operating funds transfer. Carried unanimous.

Motion by Bilek, second by Johnson to approve the March claims as amended; claims #42292 through #42369 totaling $36,870.09. Carried unanimous.

The Clerk presented a new joint powers agreement that was received from City of Jenkins regarding administration of lodging tax in the City. The agreement was accepted and signed by the Chair.

Discussion of the mileage rate for the Township took place. The federal rate was lowered for 2016 to $0.54 per mile. Motion by Peterson, second by Bilek to institute policy to always follow the federal rate to be effective on January 1st of each year. Carried unanimous.
Several donation requests were received. Discussion on this topic was tabled so that requirements on donations by township can be reviewed. Requests will be reviewed at a future meeting.

The new outdoor emergency siren project was discussed. Install is scheduled for the week of March 23. Crow Wing Power will deliver the pole, ReadyWatt Electric will mount the equipment, and then Crow Wing Power will come back to set the pole and equipment. Work is expected to be done that week. First official testing of the siren should occur on Wednesday, April 6th at 1 pm. Sirens are tested monthly on the first Wednesday of each month at 1 pm.

The proposed 2017 levy was discussed to confirm amount to be presented for approval at the Annual Meeting. Motion by Bilek, second by Johnson to propose a 2017 levy of $962,000 to be divided as outlined at the preliminary budget meeting.

Upcoming calendar items were reviewed as follows:

1. Annual Township Election and Meeting on Tuesday, March 8th. Polls open from 5-8 pm with meeting to start at 8 pm.
2. MAT Spring Short Course on Monday, March 21st from 8 am to 3 pm at the Breezy Point Convention Center.
3. Annual Reorganizational Meeting on Monday, March 21st at 3:30 pm at the Breezy Point Convention Center.
4. April Board Meeting on Monday, April 11th at 7 pm.
5. MAT Legislative & Research Committee Meeting on Wednesday, April 12th at the Midpoint Event Center in St Paul.
6. Legal Short Course on Thursday, April 21st at the Burnsville Best Western;
7. Annual Local Board of Appeal & Equalization on Friday, April 22nd at 10 am.
8. May Board Meeting on Monday, May 9th at 7 pm.

Pay for the Annual Meeting Moderator was discussed. Motion by Johnson, second by Bilek to set the Moderator pay at $100. Carried unanimous.

There being no further business to transact, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.

John Plein,
Ideal Township Clerk
March 24th, 2016