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

Motion by Bilek, second by Johnson to accept the minutes of the August 9th Board Meeting as presented. Carried unanimous. The Clerk will have minutes from the August 25 Road Vacation Hearing for approval at the next Board meeting.

David Badger spoke to the Board about his plan for planting maple trees behind the ball field and gave a history of the park development by volunteers. He asked the Board for permission to plant 15 2-3 foot maple trees 25’ outside of the outfield fence. The purpose of the project is to enhance the beauty of the park area. He and volunteers will plant the trees and install protective fencing for each tree sometime in October. There is no cost to the township. Motion by Peterson, second by Bilek to give permission for the project as presented. Carried unanimous.

Supervisor Bilek gave the Planning & Zoning report as follows:

1. There was no DRT meeting and no variances requested.
2. 15 Permits were issued: 10 Land Use/Septic, 4 Shoreland, 1 Commercial.
3. Board members are registered to attend the 2016 Land Use Training and Education Program: Beyond the Basics of Planning & Zoning on September 22.

Chairman Peterson presented the Road and Bridge report as follows:

1. Regarding the sign inventory project, a meeting was held with Mark Hallan from Widseth Smith Nolting to discuss the conclusions of the study and to receive the documentation. 319 signs were documented and rated for condition and placement. Identifies 70 that should be replaced soon, and 62 that could be removed. Will start implementation of the recommendations soon. The blue, 911 address signs were not included as they are owned and maintained by the county.
2. Road maintenance agreements with surrounding municipalities are being updated & renewed. The Jenkins Township agreement had been approved by their Board and we are waiting for signed copies. Breezy Point will consider their agreement at their next Board meeting. And Timothy Township is reviewing the snow plowing agreement for their roads.
3. A road vacation hearing for a portion of Trout Lake Drive was held on August 25th. The Order & Resolution documents have been executed and submitted for recording. Part of the agreement includes allowing the township to install a hammerhead for turning around at the new end of the road.
4. The crew have been busy cleaning up after the recent storms. Working on a damage reimbursement claim with the county that, if approved, may cover up to 75% of the costs.
5. The road construction work had been interrupted by weather and the Hwy 371 project, but expect to finish the paving, cleanup, and mailbox install soon.
6. There were no safety incidents.

Supervisor Peterson presented the Fire Department report as follows:

1. There had been 15 medical runs during August; 2 fire, and 13 first responder. Total year-to-date is 89 runs. The fire calls were for one vehicle accident and one false alarm.
2. The helipad and expanded gas pump area have been paved.
3. The question regarding allowing personnel carrying firearms while on calls was raised. Need to implement a written policy as part of the employee handbook.
4. The Beef Feed was a success despite the stormy weather and 1850 people were served.
5. There were no safety incidents.

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

1. Year to date revenue is $51,090; up about $9000 over last year at this time.
2. Permit sales are up compared with last year. Year to date permits sold is 1073 compared to 872 by this time last year.
3. Hours have been changed to close at 4 pm instead of 5 pm effective on 9/6/16. Signs, disposal guide, and website have been updated to reflect the change.
4. The station is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays for the fall season.
5. Working to get the building exterior painted.
6. The new station attendant had worked alone on Saturday. Pleased that it worked out well.
7. Electrician has repaired the interior & exterior lighting so all is working properly.

Supervisor Johnson presented the Parks & Recreation report as follows:

1. Will work to schedule a grounds review soon.
2. Will get together with Clerk to discuss moving the Community Garden project forward.
3. The new A/V system has been installed in the town hall main meeting room and classroom.
4. Has submitted to receive $2500 grant from the NJPA to support the emergency recovery project. Evergreen Electric has been contacted to help develop estimate for installing generator for the town hall building.
5. A review of buildings and equipment for determining proper insurance coverages is scheduled for later this month.

Motion by Peterson, second by Bilek to accept the treasurer’s report for August as presented. Report includes receipts #5176 through #5200 totaling $42,436.41 and disbursements #IRS080116 through #20753 for total of $75,367.37. Carried unanimous.

Motion by Bilek, second by Johnson to approve the September claims as presented; claims #42588 through #42643 totaling $48,077.56. Carried unanimous.

Johnson presented a proposal to engage counsel regarding the renewal of the Charter Franchise in Ideal Township. The agreement from Brian Grogan at Moss & Barnett provides experienced help to guide us through the process. Peterson asked if he had success getting better deals for the municipalities he had worked with previously. Bilek asked what leverage the township may have to negotiate a better agreement. Johnson replied the previous work done was approved by the municipalities and our main leverage is just non-renewal. His goal for the renewal will be to work with surrounding cities to facilitate expansion of coverage. Motion by Johnson, second by Bilek to accept the Moss & Barnett engagement not to exceed $3500 billed as time is actually used. Carried unanimous.

The Clerk presented a series of correspondence items:

1. The quarterly Land Services Newsletter was received from the county.
2. The 2017 Levy has been certified at the county auditor’s office.
3. Election activities:
   1. Results of primary; 33 voters, out of 867 registered, is 3.8% turnout.
   2. Absentee Ballot applications are available now; Ballots will be available on September 23.
   3. Have agreed to participate with the county elections emergency plan for now, but will want to develop specifics of Ideal Township plan to include alternate polling place & administrator.

Johnson plans to attend the upcoming UofM Extension Office, Central Regional Sustainable Development Partnership meeting on September 13.

Renewals of insurance policies are coming up:

1. Health coverage renews on November 1. Deductible will increase $500 per person under the renewal plan, but otherwise very similar to current plan. Clerk has received a comparison of benefits and costs that are available from other providers. All have higher deductible levels than the current plan and vary in cost and network. The Clerk recommends staying with Health Partners and asked if the Board would consider covering the increased deductible with additional HSA contributions.
2. The life insurance plan for the staff is in open enrollment. Plan provides low cost coverage with benefits amounts based on employee age. No change recommended.
3. Consolidated property & liability coverage renews November 1. A review of all items listed is underway including the upcoming building appraisal. The fire department will provide a listing of major equipment as the current list is quite outdated.

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

1. The easement agreement has been completed.
2. The siren equipment has been received and is in storage until ready for install.

Upcoming calendar items were reviewed as follows:

1. The Central Regional Sustainable Development Partnership on Tuesday, September 13 at the town hall.
2. Beyond the Basics Conference that include planning & zoning training on September 22nd in Little Falls.
3. Absentee Balloting starts on Friday September 23.
4. The October Board Meeting on Tuesday, October 11. Delayed one day due to Columbus Day holiday.
5. The MN Association of Townships Annual Conference on November 17-19 in St Cloud.

There being no further business to transact, the meeting adjourned at 9:15 pm.

John Plein,
Ideal Township Clerk
September 28th, 2016