The meeting was called to order by Chairman Peterson at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. All members, the Clerk, and four residents were in attendance.
Motion by Bilek, second by Johnson to approve the minutes of the October 9th Board Meeting, the October 19th Special Meeting, the November 9th Special Meeting, and the amended September 11th Board Meeting as presented. Carried unanimously.
A resident commented about a pile of discarded cans behind a residence that are now visible from CR 39 and asked if anything can be done. He also requested that the Board consider including a walking lane in construction plans for Ossiwinamakee Road. He has several neighbors that have commented favorably to the idea. Peterson responded that the Board can look at options & costs if a majority of the road’s residents are interested.
Chairman Peterson presented the Fire Department report as follows:
- There was one first responder call during October. Year to date count is 98; down from 117 by this time last year.
- Replacement rescue ATV & trailer for Station 2 is now in service. The old ATV was traded-in on the new one, and the old trailer will be sold.
- Pricing proposal for fire service was approved by the Timothy Township Board – 2018 will be $9200 and the price will increase $200 each year through 2022. Ideal will invoice them each year in January and their payment is due by March 1.
- There were no safety incidents.
Supervisor Bilek presented the Planning & Zoning report as follows:
- There had been 3 shoreline, and 3 septic permits issued during October.
- Discussed the recent Public Utilities Commission hearings regarding the Enbridge Line 3 replacement project. Representatives of the Whitefish Area Property Owners Association and the Kimble Lake Owners Association spoke and are asking jurisdictions to support their associations’ opposition to Enbridge’s preferred route which passes through the Pine River Watershed area. They pointed out that the type of oil to be transported through the pipeline is a type that is more difficult to clean up and has serious health implications due to the chemicals used to dilute the tar sands oil. Johnson commented that as a Board member, he represents all the citizens of Ideal and must consider their concerns. He suggested that one measure of that is the comprehensive plan that was adopted in 2004. One of the key objectives outlined is to protect the watershed and recreational environment recognizing the value of the lakes and lakeshore property in the area. Bilek suggested that Board take some more time to review the issue before deciding on an action. Johnson asked to set a special meeting so that Board action can completed before the end of the PUC comment period on 11/22/17. Peterson set the special meeting to be on 11/20/17 at 10 am. The Clerk will work with residents and the Chair to prepare a resolution to be considered at the special meeting.
Chairman Peterson presented the Road and Bridge report as follows:
- Crew has plowed snow a couple times already.
- New salt shed is working out good.
- The mower tractor has been breaking down quite a lot so are looking to acquire a replacement. Have contacted several vendors who participate in cooperative purchasing programs that are available and are developing a detailed specification for the purchase.
- Have reviewed the helipad with FAA officials to pursue certification. There are a few items to resolve yet and plan to take up the issue again later.
- Working with the Crow Wing County Highways Department on planning for cooperating on road construction & chip sealcoating work in 2018. Will receive preliminary quote soon and expect to get significant savings by having work done under the County contracts.
- Received the final data from the ride assessment done on all the Township roads this summer. Will use this data to form a 5-year plan for road construction.
- There were no safety incidents.
Supervisor Bilek presented the Transfer Station/Recycling Center report as follows:
- October 2017 receipts of $4918; down slightly from last year.
- The metal pile has been picked up again.
- A Kinship Partners mentor had session with several young people at the station looking for items that could be repaired as a project.
- Will order user permit cards for the coming new year. Suggested raising permit price for 2018 by $2 – to $10 for residents and $12 for non-resident/commercial. Motion by Johnson, second by Peterson to raise the permit price as suggested. Carried unanimously.
Supervisor Johnson presented the Buildings, Grounds, Parks & Recreation report as follows:
- Working on getting quotes to connect the standby generator equipment to power the maintenance garage.
- Will make a final report to the National Joint Powers Alliance about the completion of the generator project.
Supervisor Johnson presented the report on Legislative & Research issues as follows:
- Reviewed list of bills passed in 2017 session that affect townships.
- A big issue that is coming are changes to statutes regarding annexations.
- Will contact counsel to push progress on the Charter franchise agreement.
Motion by Bilek, second by Johnson to accept the treasurer’s report for October as presented. Report includes receipts #5467 through #5484 totaling $65,546.60 and disbursements #SL100117 through #21565 for total of $167,413.27 including a $50,000 operating funds transfer. Carried unanimously.
Motion by Bilek, second by Johnson to approve the November claims as presented; claims #43184 through #43230 totaling $143,396.78. Carried unanimously.
The Clerk presented a series of correspondence items as follows:
- Resolution #2017-06 Designating Annual Polling Place for 2018 as the Ideal Community Center. Motion by Johnson, second by Bilek to adopt the resolution as amended to specify year as 2018. Carried unanimously.
- A refund check from Central Building Supply for the return of excess materials from the salt shed of $322.91 to be refunded to the Capital Projects fund.
Upcoming calendar items were reviewed as follows:
- The annual MN Association of Townships Conference on November 16-18 in Rochester, MN.
- The Special Meeting re: the pipeline route resolution on Monday November 20 at 10 am.
- The December Board Meeting on Monday December 11 at 7 pm.
- The Ideal Fire Department Holiday Party on Saturday January 13.
There being no further business to transact, the meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm.
John Plein,
Ideal Township Clerk-Treasurer
December 4th, 2017