11/11/14 Minutes
TOWN OF CRANE LAKE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING
November 11, 2014
The November 11, 2014 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: Consultant Gary Cerkvenik, Supervisors Butch Eggen, Jim Janssen and Jerry Pohlman, Treasurer Shannon Bibeau, Clerk Jo Ann Pohlman, and three members of the community.
BUSINESS
Additions to the Agenda: There were none.
Minutes – A motion was made by Jim, supported by Butch, to approve the minutes of the 10/14/14 Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report – Shannon read the October Cash Balances and presented the bills as follows: Premier Pyrotechnics – $600.00; Cook News-Herald – $126.00; Costin Group – $1,069.44; Shirley Sanborn – $135.00; Jill Crain – $135.00; Debora Scott – $135.00; Lutefisk Tech. – $275.40; CLVTB – $4,308.17; CL Sustainable Land Corp. – $600.00; and Payroll – $676.81. A motion was made by Butch, 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
Land Exchange/Community Property Project: Ruth L. Carlson provided the following report: On October 24, 2014 the land exchange was completed. All is done except the paying of final bills before the Corporation will be dissolved. The members of the Crane Lake Sustainable Land Corp. decided it would be nice to have a social gathering to celebrate the completion of the land exchange and provide information to the community. The date for the gathering will be December 13th at Voyagaire Lodge at 6PM. Jerry thanked Ruth and everyone for their hard work over the past 12 years to bring the land exchange to conclusion. A motion was made by Jim, supported by Jerry, to approve payment by the Town of 1/3 of the expenses for the celebration. Jim & Jerry voted in favor; Butch abstained and the motion carried. Following are the Land Exchange reports from the Town of Crane Lake and the Crane Lake Sustainable Land Corporation provided by Ruth L. Carson:
Town of Crane Lake
Land Exchange Report
The area of Crane Lake became the Town of Crane Lake with a township form of government in 2002. This was accomplished by following the edicts of the 2000 Community Action Plan established by the area citizens as well as the able assistance of the United States Forest Service. The primary objectives outlined in the Community Action Plan were to increase the autonomy of the Town of Crane Lake, to increase the amount of land ownership in the private sector as well as land for a town hall. Only 20% of the land in the new town was in private ownership.
The desire for this expansion resulted in the formation of the Crane Lake Sustainable Land Corporation. Members of the Corporation are William Congdon, Arthur Eggen, and the Town of Crane Lake represented by Ruth Carlson. This resulted in a formal land exchange between the Corporation and the Forest Service.
A long laborious journey for the exchange ensued. On October 24, 2014, the exchange was completed. This accomplishment is a win-win situation for the Town and the Forest Service.
The Forest Service now holds title to 2 1/3 “40s” on the Vermilion River which will be under Forest Service management. The Town is now in ownership of 2 1/3 “40s”. This land will be used for private ownership plus reserving green space for a Town hall, with a playground and picnic area. The Frontier Communications Telephone Company building occupies land space now in the ownership of the town. The Town will receive annual lease fees from Frontier Communications. The Crane Lake fire hall is now situated on town property. Individual lots of land when purchased for private ownership will add
Town of Crane Lake Meeting Minutes – November 11, 2014
to the tax base of the Town of Crane Lake. A new Community Action Plan will be approved by the citizenry to help guide the town board of supervisors in preparing plans for the new land management acquisition.
Many years of unfaltering dedication have resulted in the final closing. To that end the Town of Crane Lake wishes to thank the US Forest Service employees, Forest Supervisor Brenda Halter, Realty Specialists Joan Weckman and Elizabeth Schleif. Further thank you must go to attorney Charles Andresen, Land Exchange Consultant Dave Schmidt and Closing Consultant Deena Congdon for support in seeing this project to completion.
This project provides a sustainable economic future for the Town of Crane Lake.
Crane Lake Sustainable Land Corporation
Land Exchange Report
The Town of Crane Lake, William Congdon and Arthur Eggen formed the Crane Lake Sustainable Land Corporation in 2004. The primary objective of the Corporation was to enter into a formal land exchange between the United States Forest Service and the Corporation.
A long laborious journey for the exchange ensued. On October 28, 2014 the exchange was completed. This accomplishment is a win-win situation for the Forest Service and members of the Corporation. The Forest Service now holds title to 265.72 acres, which abuts the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the Vermillion River and land in Portage Township on the Cemetery Road. The Corporation has title to 352.17 acres, land to be in private ownership with green space for a town hall.
Division of the Corporation acres is as follows:
The Town of Crane Lake 2 1/3 “40s” – Land for future development and a town hall.
Arthur Egan 2 “40s” – Land for personal development.
William Congdon 4 2/3 “40s” – Land for commercial development and personal development.
An equalization payment of $10,750 was paid by William Congdon to the Corporation. The Corporation dispersed $7000 to the Forest Service and $3750 to the Town.
The Corporation wishes to thank all the Forest Service employees and all others who have assisted in this accomplishment.
The Corporation will be dissolved when all final expenses have been dispersed.
Jacque Eggen Memorial Fund: There was no report this month.
Crane Lake Road Repair: Deena Congdon reported that she spoke to newly elected County Commissioner Tom Rukavina following the elections about repair to the Crane Lake Road including shoulder work.
VNP-Visitor Center/Campsite: Mike Ward will plan to attend a Township meeting when there is new information to provide.
Frontier Internet: There was no report this month.
St. Louis County Survey: The Board will complete the St. Louis County Consolidated Plan Survey for the 5-year community development strategy for 2015-2019. The survey will guide applications by to County to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for funding for housing and community development needs.
UTV use on Vermilion Falls Road: Jim will look into this.
Speed Limit between Anderson’s & Gold Coast Road: The Board requests that community members express their interest in decreasing the speed limit between Anderson’s & Gold Coast Road.
Town of Crane Lake Meeting Minutes – November 11, 2014
Costin Group Report: Gary Cerkvenik stressed that the VNP has a big obligation to provide a big presence via a Visitor Center in the Crane Lake community. He will continue to work on the County Road Upgrades with County Commissioner Nelson and newly elected County Commissioner Tom Rukavina. Gary explained that St. Louis County’s Railroad Authority preserves corridors for bike paths and is looking into a possible bike path between Ely and Buyck along the Echo Trail.
NEW BUSINESS
Fireworks Payment: A motion was made by Butch, supported by Jim, to accept Premier Pyrotechnics’ early pay option to increase by 15% the fireworks product for the fireworks display on July 4th by making the payment in December. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Other New Business: Butch suggested that the Community Action Plan (CAP) be placed on the agenda. With the Land Exchange completed, it is time to begin future plans with the newly acquired property by the Township.
Comments from Officers: Jerry thanked Ruth, Deena and everyone for working on the Land Exchange and saw it as a very good step in a new direction for the community. Jim and Butch echoed Jerry’s comments. Butch thanked all veterans in Crane Lake and nationwide for their service to our country.
Public Comments: Gary Cerkvenik suggested that the Township write a thank you letter to Rep. Rick Nolan for his assistance with the Land Exchange.
Next Meeting: Board of Supervisors’ Meeting, December 9, 2014, 7:30PM – Fellowship Hall
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10PM.
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.
