10/13/15 Minutes
TOWN OF CRANE LAKE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING
October 13, 2015
The October 13, 2015 Board of Supervisors’ Meeting was called to order by Chairman Jerry Pohlman at 7:30PM at the Crane Lake Chapel Fellowship Hall with the Pledge of Allegiance recited by those in attendance including: Supervisors Butch Eggen and Jerry Pohlman; Treasurer Traci Bak; Clerk Jo Ann Pohlman, and 2 members of the community. Supervisor Jim Janssen was absent.
BUSINESS
Additions to the Agenda: Rainy-Namakan Lakes Rule Curve Review Meeting Report
Minutes – A motion was made by Butch, supported by Jerry, to approve the minutes of the 9/8/15 Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report –The September Cash Balances were read and the bills were presented as follows: Costin Group – $1,000.00; Applied Insights North – $237.50; CLVTB – $19,101.88; IRS – $399.26; Shirley Sanborn – $112.50; Shannon Bibeau -$99.00; Debora Scott – $103.50; and Payroll – $524.59. A motion was made by Jerry supported by Butch, 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 as read and will be placed on file and acted upon as required.
OLD BUSINESS
Land Exchange/Community Property Project: Ruth L. Carlson reported the following: Ruth communicated with both Mia Thibodeau of Fryberger and Huck Andresen of Hanft Law Firm throughout the month to complete the correction of land swap documents. Mia received the title commitment for the parcel of land that the Township received in the land swap. In order for the Town to obtain clear title to the property, a corrective deed must be obtained from the USFS. It was requested of Huck to proceed with whatever is necessary to provide the corrected documents. Huck is requesting the Forest Service supply corrective deeds. It is undetermined what expenses will be incurred by the Township.
Jacque Eggen Memorial Fund: There was no report.
Costin Group Report: Gary Cerkvenik reported that he is working on Nolan meeting and discussion on appropriations for a visitor center for Crane Lake. He is expanding support for the project. He is doing follow up on shoulders on the Crane Lake Road. Nolan reported meeting with Commissioner Landwehr on the visitor center.
Crane Lake Road Repair: Deena Congdon was not present to report. Copies of emails between Bill Congdon and Eric Fallstrom of St. Louis County provided information on the shoulders for the road. The plan is for 6’ paved shoulders from Orr to the VRT (intersection of 23/24), then 5’ paved shoulders from there to where the last section of road was built closest to Crane Lake with the last six miles going back to 6’ paved shoulders. Bill also brought the ‘heave’ areas by the old Buyck Post Office and near Trails End to the County’s attention.
VNP-Visitor Center/Campsite: Deena Congdon, co-chair of the VNP Committee, emailed the following report from VNP Superintendent Mike Ward: I believe you all who met with the Congressman and the Commissioner know more than me. I have received a statement that the DNR has decided to work with us on their property for a portion of the project. Kind of in Gary and the Congressman’s hands now other than me providing staff information. Deena reported that Mark Anderson, Bruce Beste, Brenda and Jerry Pohlman, Jim Janssen, Gary Cerkvenik and herself attended the meeting with Congressman Nolan at the Cerkvenik home. Mr. Nolan sounded supportive of getting an RV Park and Visitor Center to Crane Lake. Committee members are: Deena Congdon and Brenda Pohlman – Co-Chairs; Kara Knutson, Mark Anderson, Bruce Beste and Supervisor Jim Janssen (ex-officio).
Frontier Internet: Jim was not present to report. Jim will be asked to look into progress again.
Town of Crane Lake Meeting Minutes – October 13, 2015
ATV Use on Vermilion Falls Road: Committee Chairman Bruce Beste reported that St Louis County approved an interim permit for the Voyageur Country ATV Club for corridor access trails on limited county roads. Once the ATV warning and guide signs are installed, the corridor access trails will be officially open to ATV use and ATV operators should not be cited for riding on the road shoulder. The Club will also be putting up speed signs. There are currently over 600 members in the club. There is increased interest by surrounding townships in the Club’s activities.
Crane Lake Comprehensive Plan: John Powers provided the following report: They have prepared maps for the public planning session and have conducted additional background research, revised the agenda and materials for the public meeting and drafted components of the plan document. The Board and community members present reviewed the agenda items and suggested revisions. Jerry will contact John Powers with the requested changes. Butch and Jo Ann will work on the letter to be sent to community members prior to the community planning session. The Board will send an email to John Powers suggesting the first week of December or the first week of January as possible community meeting dates. Jim Janssen will be consulted on when would be best for the Voyagaire restaurant.
NEW BUSINESS
CLWSD Board Appointments: Notices will be posted on the two positions up for appointment on the CLWSD Board of Managers.
International Rainy-Namakan Lakes Rule Curve Study Board Meeting Report: Jerry attended the meeting as a Township Representative in International Falls on September 29th. The meetings were to discuss the evaluation methodology for the Rainy-Namakan Lakes Rule Curve Review. Feedback and comments may be submitted to saundersk@ottawa.ijc.org or at the Study Board website http://ijc.org/en /RNLRCSB by October 14th. There were very few attendees at the meeting with no representation from St Louis County; however, there was representation from Koochiching County. No one was there from Kabetogama or Ash River; most attendance was from the south showing concern for Rainy Lake and the wish to return to the 1970 Rule Curve, as that lake seems to flood every other year. Jerry applied to the IJC to join the Rule Curve Public Advisory Group. The group will meet over the next 18 months. A motion was made by Butch supported by Jerry, to send a letter to the IJC supporting Jerry’s appointment to the Advisory Group. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Other New Business: There was none.
Comments from Officers: Jo Ann thanked Jerry for applying to the IJC for appointment to the Advisory Group.
Public Comments: Bruce Beste stated that he had received an email from Scott Sanborn asking for advice on where to begin with his Eagle Scout project to put up a new informational sign near the Voyageur Statue. Suggestions on where to get funding would be appreciated. His project must be completed by February 16th.
Next Meeting: Board of Supervisors’ Meeting, November 10, 2015, 7:30PM – Fellowship Hall
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30PM.
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.
