10/17/17 Minutes
TOWN OF CRANE LAKE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING
October 17, 2017
The October 17, 2017 Board of Supervisors’ Meeting was called to order by Chairman Jim Janssen at 7:30PM at the Crane Lake Chapel Fellowship Hall with the Pledge of Allegiance recited by those in attendance including: CBP representatives Michelle James, Michael Freeman, Tony Jackson and Jared Olafson; Supervisors Jim Janssen and Jerry Pohlman; Treasurer Traci Bak; Clerk Jo Ann Pohlman; and 18 members of the community. Supervisor Butch Eggen was absent.
BUSINESS
Additions to the Agenda: Fireworks Prepayment was added to New Business
Customs Border Patrol: Chairman Jim moved Customs Border Patrol (CBP) to the beginning of the meeting and introduced Seattle Director Field Operations-Michelle James, Seattle Assistant Director Field Operations-Michael Freeman, International Falls, MN Port Director-Tony Jackson, and Warroad, MN Port Director-Jared Olafson to those present. Jim explained that CBP representatives had attended the July meeting advising the community of changes to CBP in Crane Lake and that they would be updating the community on their findings since July and updating the community on where we are headed. The meeting was turned over to Michelle James, who explained that folks had been deployed from Seattle and International Falls to Crane Lake on two occasions to meet business owners face to face and introduce the technology that would be used for citizens returning to the US from Canada and to test the Wi-Fi service in the area. They are researching the operative and technology approach currently being used in the Northwest Angle and its application to Crane Lake. They stated that seven resort owners were willing to host the new technology. Three needs would be used by citizens to check back into the US: An application on individual phones; an application on a tablet at businesses; and kiosks or 8×8 heated and cooled buildings with the necessary technology for those returning to the US in a few areas in the community. The system is working well at the Northwest Angle and they feel it would apply to Crane Lake. The system could be operational by the end of boating season 2018. The CBP would have a randomly consistent presence in Crane Lake. Crane Lake is historically a low risk security area. Jared Olafson provided a slide show of tablet operation. Ms. James opened the meeting to questions and concerns, some being: Security level without a CBP representative present on a regular basis, the negative affect on businesses in both the US and Canada;and the possibility of Canadian Customs leaving the area.
The meeting was reconvened after a short break.
Minutes – A motion was made by Jerry, supported by Jim, to approve the minutes of the 9/12/17 Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report –The August Cash Balances were read and the bills were presented as follows: Costin Group – $1,250.00; Lake Country Power – $107.48; CLVTB – $18,213.61; S.E.H. – $10,750.00; IRS – $433.44; and Payroll – $555.50. A motion was made by Jerry, supported by Jim, 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
Jacque Eggen Memorial Fund: There was no report.
Costin Group Report: There was no report.
VNP-Visitor Center/Campsite: Gary Cerkvenik recommended that the Township go forward with the land purchase at the appraised value of $975,000. A motion was made by Jim, supported by Jerry, that the Township submit an offer of $975,000 for purchase of the Braaten property contingent upon any further requirements by the DNR. All voted in favor and the motion carried. Deena Congdon submitted a report from the VNP Committee’s meeting with Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program’s Holly Larson.
Town Of Crane Lake Meeting Minutes – October 17, 2017
ATV Use: Bruce Beste reported that the bridge design is complete with soil samples favorable. The draft master plan will be completed by November 1st. Wet land delineation is in process and trail signage is almost complete. There is a trail ride on October 21st to Elephant Lake and there was a fall color ride on October 7th with 120 people with 62 machines participating. The club is looking for funding to cross the Vermilion River and is working on land routes into National Parks.
Trails Report: Dee Kuder joined the USFS in clearing the trail to Dover Lake and Lori Sanborn joined the USFS in clearing the Echo River loop on the Herriman Lake Trail.
Land Use Project: There was no report. Butch will invite Andy Hubley to attend the November meeting.
IRRRB Voyageur Statue Work: Bids for the project are in the works with a contractor being selected by October 24th.
NEW BUSINESS
Variance Application: The Board had no objections to the Byers variance request.
Fireworks Prepay: A motion was made by Jim, supported by Jerry to prepay the budgeted amount of $8,500.00 in December to receive 15% additional display for the July fireworks. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Other New Business: None
Comments from Officers: There were none.
Public Comments: Bill Congdon said that the work at the DNR Public Landing on Handberg Road to construct bathroom facilities would begin next spring.
Next Meeting: Board of Supervisors’ Meeting, November 14, 2017 – 7:30PM, Fellowship Hall
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00PM.
Jo Ann Pohlman, Clerk Jim Janssen, 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.
