12/12/23 Minutes
TOWN OF CRANE LAKE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING
December 12, 2023
The December 12, 2023, Board of Supervisors’ Meeting was called to order by Chairman Jerry Pohlman at 5:30PM at the Crane Lake Chapel Fellowship Hall, with the Pledge of Allegiance recited by those in attendance including: Supervisors Jerry Pohlman and Jeanne Shuck; Treasurer Traci Bak; and Clerk Jo Ann Pohlman. Supervisor Jim Janssen & Deputy-Clerk Gretchen Janssen were absent.
BUSINESS
Additions to the Agenda: There were none.
Minutes – A motion was made by Jerry, supported by Jeanne, to approve the minutes of the 11/14/23 Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report –The November Cash Balances were read, and the bills were presented as follows: Crane Lake Chapel – $900.00; Timberjay – $82.60; MATIT – $269.00; CLWSD – $300.00; Postmaster – $66.00; Costin Group – $1,250.00; Lake Country Power – $154.57; CLVTB – $562.50 & $401.45; S.E.H. – $3,750.00; Johnson, Killen & Seiler – $619.50; Braun Intertec – $4,115.00; CR-Building Performance Specialists – $1,360.00; Casper Construction – $47,595.00 & $10,687.50; CLVFD – $27,500.00 and Payroll – $830.82. A motion was made by Jerry, supported by Jeanne, 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: There is very little to report for the past month. Progress is slow on the Visitor Center. Negotiations with the NPS continue on terms of the lease agreement. There are no Bayside Drive invoices for approval. There are 4 VC/Campground invoices for approval (See below). Does the Board have any concerns to pass on to the builders or to the Park? Yes. The Board is concerned about the length of time for completion of the VNP lease and the enclosure of the Visitor Center.
Bills to Approve:
Visitor Center
Braun B367452 $305.00
Braun B367451 $793.75
CRB (B3 Commissioning) $1,839.38
Campground
Casper Pay Ap 6 $584,761.18
Total to Approve. $587,699.31
Board Action
A motion was made by Jeanne, supported by Jerry, to approve and sign Casper Construction Pay Request #6 for $584,761.18. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
A motion was made by Jerry, supported by Jeanne, to approve payment of Visitor Center/Campground bills as listed above for $587,699.31. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Bayside Drive Upgrade: The grant contract agreement between the IRRR and the Township will expire on 12/31/23 and must be extended. Extension of the grant agreement is in process. A motion was made by Jerry, supported by Jeanne, to approve extension (amendment) of the grant contract PO ID 3000008984 between the State of MN, through the IRRR and the Town of Crane Lake to an expiration date of 12/31/24. The amount of the grant is $250,000.00. All voted in favor and the motion carried. A Joint Powers Agreement between the State of Minnesota (DNR) and the Town of Crane Lake is being formed providing for the Town to lead the development of preliminary plans and specifications necessary for the improvement of the existing Public Water Access on Bayside Drive. A motion was made Jerry, supported by Jeanne, to approve signature of the Joint Powers Agreement between the State of Minnesota and the Town of Crane Lake, contingent upon review of the document by the Board upon receipt. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Crane Lake Meeting Minutes – December 12, 2023
American Rescue Plan Act Fund: $1,111.15 in ARPA grant funds remain. There was no action.
Jim McKie Easement Request: Jim McKie is requesting an easement across Township land for dock access. The subject is currently under legal advisement. The Twp. is awaiting a response from the McKie attorney. There was nothing new.
VNP Ice Road Management Plan: There was nothing new.
Bayside Drive Maintenance: The Township will need to review options for road maintenance after the road improvements planned for spring 2024 are completed. There was no action.
Dark Sky Crane Lake: There was no report.
NEW BUSINESS
CLWSD Manager Position Appointment: There was one applicant for the position. A motion was made by Jerry, supported by Jeanne, to adopt Resolution No. 2023-06 re-appointing Deena Congdon to the CLWSD Board of Managers for a term commencing on January 1, 2024 and ending on December 31, 2026. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Tobacco License Renewals: A motion was made by Jeanne, supported by Jerry, to adopt Resolution No. 2023-07 approving the issuance of a tobacco products license for Scotts Bar & Grill, LLC d/b/a Scotts Bar & Grill for the year ending the 31st day of December, 2024; Resolution No. 2023-08 approving the issuance of a tobacco products license for Bell Resorts, Inc. d/b/a Voyagaire Lodge and Houseboats for the year ending the 31st day of December, 2024; and Resolution No. 2023-09 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 the 31st day of December, 2024. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Levy Revisit ($147,500): The Township has the option to lower the levy set in March of each year. The Board reviewed the levy – payable in 2024 – submitted to St. Louis County in September and agreed that it would remain the same.
2024 Meeting Date Posting: The Board reviewed the meeting dates prior to posting later this month.
Fire Protection Agreement 2024: A motion was made by Jeanne, supported by Jerry, to approve and sign the Fire Protection Services Agreement for 2024 between the Crane Lake Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. and the Town of Crane Lake. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Friends of the Parks Donation: The Board decided not to donate.
Other New Business: There was none.
Comments from Officers: Jo Ann stated that there will be a Presidential Primary Election on March 5, 2024.
Public Comments: There were none.
Next Meeting: Board of Supervisors’ & Reorganization Meeting – January 9, 2024 – 5:30PM, Fellowship Hall
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:00PM.
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.
