The meeting was called to order at 9:00 am. All members and the clerk were in attendance.
Chairman Peterson presented documents related to the bond issue financing for the new fire truck. Documents were prepared by bond counsel, the firm of Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick, P.A., of Duluth, Minnesota. Motion by Bilek, second by Johnson to approve the documents as presented including:
- Town of Ideal Pre- and Post-Issuance Compliance Policy and Procedures
- Purchaser Proposal by First National Bank North
- Town of Ideal Resolution 2016-01, Authorizing the Issuance, Sale, and Delivery of a $288,000 General Obligation Certificate of Indebtedness, Series 2016
Carried unanimous
A discussion of the previous years’ budget/levy versus actual took place. Overall for 2015 was over budget, mostly due to carry-over expenses in road construction and capital projects. Specific items that occurred in 2015 were noted - including additional road sealcoating, the 2nd attendant & concrete work at the transfer station, and the new fire truck down payment & new work truck – that added to the deficit.
Each fund was discussed with regard to plans for 2016 & 2017.
In road construction, there are plans for upgrades to Wild Acres Road, Buschmann Road and Nelson Road which have to be coordinated with the City of Pequot Lakes. These roads will require substantial cost and the Board wants to be prepared with the funds needed for when the City is ready. In Parks & Recreation for 2017, there may be some costs if the Board pursues the Community Garden idea. In Capital Projects, a salt/sand shed, and the new fire truck were discussed for 2016 & 2017.
A preliminary budget for 2017 was set as follows:
General Fund $175,000
Road & Bridge $200,000
Road Construction $240,000
Fire Department $215,000
Parks & Rec $5,000
Recycling $5,000
Capital Projects $120,000
Transfer Station $2,000
Total $962,000
This proposed 2017 budget amount would be a 2.7% increase of levy over 2016.
There being no further business to conduct, the meeting adjourned at 10:50 am.
John Plein
Ideal Township Clerk
February 4th, 2016