The meeting was called to order at 3:00 pm. All members and the Clerk were in attendance.
Supervisor Wortham discussed plans for installing an outdoor emergency siren at the town hall. He had met with Bob Schiller of Ready Watt Electric to discuss options and costs. A 60’ class 2 cedar pole can be obtained & installed from Crow Wing Power at cost of $2029 and can be delivered in about 4 weeks. Utilities will be located to assist in determining exact position of pole.
The siren equipment can be purchased directly from Federal Signal and is the same model as ones in use in Pequot, Breezy, and Emily. Supervisor Peterson will contact Federal to begin process including confirming location and coverage areas. System is DC powered from a battery pack so that it will still operate during power outages. Batteries are charged continuously when power is on. Batteries last about 4 years and can be replaced by our maintenance department.
Installation of the equipment can be done by Ready Watt Electric and can be completed in about 2 weeks once the pole is delivered. After equipment is installed on pole, Crow Wing Power crew will raise the pole & equipment into position.
Activation & testing of the siren is done by the county emergency services via radio signal. Testing will occur on first Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm. Peterson will coordinate with John Bowen at the county to setup system at their end.
Total cost of siren is estimated at under $20,000 each and is to be taken from the Capital Projects fund. Plan is to install first one at town hall location and then consider installing another on north side next year.
Motion by Peterson, second by Bilek to proceed with outdoor emergency siren project at a cost of about $20,000. Carried unanimous.
The Clerk presented cost comparison information on the employee health insurance policy renewal and HSA contributions for the coming year. Motion by Peterson, second by Bilek to set the township HSA contribution at $4000 per employee to be paid quarterly. Carried unanimous.
There being no further business to conduct, the meeting adjourned at 3:30 pm.
John Plein
Ideal Township Clerk
October 12th, 2015