1/10/23 Minutes
TOWN OF CRANE LAKE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ & REORGANIZATION MEETING
January 10, 2023
The January 10, 2023, Board of Supervisors’ & Reorganization Meeting was called to order by Clerk Jo Ann Pohlman at 5:30PM at the Crane Lake Chapel Fellowship Hall, with the Pledge of Allegiance recited by those in attendance including VNP Superintendent Bob DeGross, Mark Denker of VNP; Supervisors Brandon Anderson, Jim Janssen & Jerry Pohlman; Treasurer Traci Bak; Deputy-Clerk Gretchen Janssen; Clerk Jo Ann Pohlman; and four members of the community (including Zoom).
Nomination of Chairman and Vice-Chairman: Jim Janssen nominated Jerry Pohlman as Chairman. There were no other nominations, all voted in favor of Jerry continuing as Chairman. Jim Janssen nominated Brandon Anderson as Vice -Chairman; Brandon declined the nomination. Jerry Pohlman nominated Jim Janssen as Vice-Chairman. There were no other nominations, all voted in favor of Jim continuing as Vice-Chairman. The Clerk turned the meeting over to Chairman Jerry Pohlman.
BUSINESS
Additions to the Agenda: There were none.
Presentation by VNP Superintendent Bob DeGross and Mark Denker: Bob began by stating that he typically attended Township meetings in the spring and fall; however, this year’s fall meeting was extended to January. Bob introduced Facilities Leader Mark Denker from the St. Croix area who will be assisting in the VNP area this year. Bob spoke to this winter’s snowmobile season, which is not the best. They have opened the Green trail from I Falls to Ash River and hope to open the rest of the trail to Crane Lake by next week. Check Facebook or the VNP website for current trail conditions. The Kettle Falls contract is up and the NPS has announced the business opportunity. Camping and houseboat reservations made as of 12/29/22 for 2023 are down from 2022, but in good shape. The VNP is recruiting weather observers for the area. If interested, contact cocorahs.org or email ketzel.levens@noaa.gov. The Board asked Bob about continued boat rentals by 4 area resorts at Mukooda Lake. The permits are up this year and the park service is reviewing the continuation of permits of boats with motors. They will continue on a yearly basis until a permanent decision is made. The placement of boats in other lakes was discussed. The Board and audience thanked Bob for his presentation.
Minutes – A motion was made by Brandon, supported by Jerry, to approve the minutes of the 12/13/22 Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report –The December Cash Balances were read, and the bills were presented as follows: RAMS – $150.00; IRS – $477.84; MN Rev. – $73.28; SLC Auditor – $95.00; Costin Group – $1,250.00; Lake Country Power – $156.00; Border State Bank – $3,865.02; S.E.H. – $14,700.00; Gretchen Janssen $2,653.99 & $83.94; and Payroll – $1,063.17. A motion was made by Jim, supported by Brandon, to approve the Treasurer’s Report as read and the payment of bills. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
The Clerk presented the correspondence. The correspondence was received and will be placed on file and acted upon as required.
OLD BUSINESS
VNP-Visitor Center/Campsite:
Committee Report & Resulting Board Action: Gretchen provided the following report: The Town has been awarded a state DEED grant in the amount of $87,240 to help pay for contamination cleanup costs at the Visitor Center site. The County has agreed to administer these funds. We will also request a grant from IRRR as these DEED dollars require a 25% match. The campground plans are finalized. The engineers are working with the County to get this project out to bid in January. The pre-design document for the Visitor Center required by the LCCMR has been completed and submitted to the state Department of Administration. The final reimbursement request has been submitted for the Culture and Tourism IRRR grant awarded to the Town in 2022. This grant will cover 50% ($2707) of the expenses: Banner-W.A.Fisher-$791.14; Domains–GoDaddy-$83.94; Website-TechBytes-$1,195.00; Logo-W.A.Fisher-$541.88; Computer-Dell-$2,80.32 = $5,452.28.
No action items at this time.
Crane Lake Meeting Minutes – January 10, 2023
VNP-Visitor Center/Campsite: (Cont.)
Bayside Drive Upgrade: The Duluth Law attorneys requested that a Special Board of Supervisors’ Meeting be scheduled to discuss damages awards with Bayside Drive landowners. The Board discussed and set the date as Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at 2PM at the Crane Lake Chapel Fellowship Hall & via ZOOM. A motion was made by Jim, supported by Brandon, to approve the Order Establishing a Town Road (Bayside Drive) in Crane Lake Township, St. Louis County as described in the 20 pages of legal descriptions and surveys attached to the Order as Exhibit A. All voted in favor and the motion carried. A motion was made by Brandon, supported by Jim, to sign the Bayside Drive Wetland Permit Application provided by S.E.H. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Funding: Noted above.
ATV Report: This item will be removed from the Agenda and added back in when needed.
American Rescue Plan Act Fund: There was nothing new. The balance in the account is $8,961.15. The funds should be used by 12/31/24.
CIC Termination: Attorney Roy Christensen has been working with the Shucks to complete the paperwork included in the CIC Termination. Jim will look into the process.
Jim McKie Easement Request: Jim McKie is requesting an easement across Township land to access his dock. The attorneys continue to review the request along with their CIC work.
Flooding: The Township continues to work with FEMA for expenses acquired by the Township related to the flooding this spring.
County Dock: The County requested the Township’s and local business owners’ input on the rebuilding of the dock at the public landing on Gold Coast Road that was damaged during the spring flood. The Town Board is talking to local business owners for their thoughts and will connect with the County again in January.
NEW BUSINESS
Board of Audit Meeting: The Board of Audit Meeting is set for February 14, 2023, at 5:30PM at the Fellowship Hall prior to the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting.
Budget Committee Meeting: The Budget Committee Meeting is set for January 26, 2023, at 5PM at the Fellowship Hall
Tobacco License Renewal: A motion was made by Jerry, supported by Brandon, to adopt Resolution No. 2023-01 approving the issuance of a tobacco products license for Pine Point Lodge & Resort, Inc. d/b/a Pine Point Lodge & Resort, Inc. for the year ending 12/31/23. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Reorganization:
A motion was made by Jerry, supported by Brandon, to designate the following for 2023:
Town Board Meetings – Date & Time remains as the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30PM May through September and 5:30PM October through April, any changes will be posted.
Official Posting Places remain the same as one posting listing all meeting dates for the year at the Church, Post Office & the following businesses when open – Anderson’s, Crane Lake Bar & Grill, Handberg’s, Nelson’s, & Voyagaire. Changes will be posted as needed.
Legal Representation remains as Couri & Ruppe of St. Michael and Johnson, Killen & Seiler of Duluth, with the option to consult others on an as-needed basis.
Depository/Bank remains the same as any bank in St. Louis County may be used with Frandsen Bank designated as the primary bank.
Fellowship Hall Donation will increase to $900 for 2023.
Minutes Distribution & Posting Policy – Minutes are mailed to those supplying the Clerk with stamped, self-addressed envelopes. Minutes are posted on the Website.
Copy & Information Request Policy remains the same – Charge of 25 cents per copy (includes labor) for copy requests & $25 per hour for other labor requests.
Crane Lake Meeting Minutes – January 10, 2023
Reorganization: (Cont.)
Salaries & Meeting Rates change as follows: Salaries remain the same. Meeting rates increase from $55 per meeting to $60 per meeting: Supervisors-$60 per meeting; Clerk- $380 per month + $60 per meeting; Treasurer- $245 per month + $60 per meeting; Deputy Clerk-$100 per month + $60 per meeting. Election Judges remain the same at $11 per hour and $12 per hour after 10PM.
Mileage Reimbursement remains the same to follow State guideline, which fluctuates and at this time is .62 cents per mile.
Official Newspaper will be the Timberjay as per motion by the Board in 2014 to alternate between the CNH and Timberjay each year.
All voted in favor and the motion carried.
A motion was made by Jerry, supported by Jim, that Committees & Representatives would be as follows:
Committees
Budget Committee – The Budget Committee will continue to be made up of One Supervisor, the Clerk, the Treasurer and two members of the community.
VNP Visitor Center/Campground Committee – Deena Congdon and Gretchen Janssen as Co-Chairs of the Committee. Other members are Brenda Pohlman, Mark Anderson, Bruce Beste, Lori & Jeff Sanborn, and Jim Janssen as ex-officio. Others are welcome.
Trails Committee – Deena Congdon, Gretchen Janssen, Dee Kuder, Lori Sanborn & Jo Ann Pohlman. Others are welcome.
Representatives
International Rainy Lake Board of Control – Jerry Pohlman.
All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Note: It was suggested to form a committee for border communications and lakes access. The Board will consider.
Other New Business: There was none.
Comments from Officers: There were none.
Public Comments: Jim McKie asked if the Township can sell any of the Visitor Center/Campground property. The Board did not feel it was possible because of the funding. Jim McKie suggested that pole extensions could be beneficial for the rebuilding of the County Public Dock on Gold Coast Road.
Next Meeting: Board of Supervisors’ & Board of Audit Meetings – Feb. 14, 2023 – 5:30PM, Fellowship Hall
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:37PM.
Jo Ann Pohlman, Clerk Jerry Pohlman, Chairman
This draft of the Crane Lake Township minutes has been posted solely for preliminary informational purposes. Minutes are unofficial and subject to change until they have been approved by the Crane Lake Board of Supervisors.
