3/10/20 Annual Meeting Minutes
TOWN OF CRANE LAKE
ANNUAL MEETING
March 10, 2020
The March 10, 2020 Annual Meeting was called to order by Clerk Jo Ann Pohlman at 5:37PM, at the Crane Lake Chapel Fellowship Hall with the Pledge of Allegiance recited by those in attendance including: Clerk Jo Ann Pohlman and 9 members of the community.
Clerk Jo Ann asked for nominations for a Moderator. Bill Congdon nominated Jeff Sanborn, with a second by Jim Janssen. There being no other nominations, the nominations were closed. All voted in favor of Jeff Sanborn being nominated as Moderator.
Moderator Jeff stated the order of business by reading the Agenda.
Additions to the Agenda: There were none. A motion was made by Jerry Pohlman, supported by Butch Eggen, to accept the Agenda as read. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
Minutes Approval – All attendees of the Annual Meeting received copies of the minutes for approval. Jeff asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes. There were none. A motion was made by Jim Janssen, supported by Mark Anderson, to approve the 3/12/19 Annual Meeting Minutes. All voted in favor and the motion carried. A motion was made by Butch Eggen, supported by Bill Congdon, to approve the 2/11/20 Board of Audit Meeting Minutes. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report – Clerk Jo Ann read the following Treasurer’s Report for fiscal year 2019:
Opening Balance $ 122,069.64
Receipts + 297,694.65
Disbursements – 283,389.11
Ending Balance $ 136,375.18
A motion was made by Bruce Beste, supported by Kara Knutson, to approve the Treasurer’s Report as read. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Moderator Jeff asked if there was any other Old Business from the floor. There was none.
NEW BUSINESS
2020 & 2021 Election Day Times & Location – A motion was made by Bill Congdon, supported by Jerry Pohlman, that the polls would be open from 10AM – 8PM for all elections in 2020 and 2021 at the Fellowship Hall. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
2021 Annual Meeting Date, Time, & Location – A motion was made by Butch Eggen, supported by Traci Bak, to set the 2021 Annual Meeting date and time for March 9, 2021 at 5:30PM at the Fellowship Hall. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Annual Summary Reports:
CLVTB: Chairperson Jim Janssen reported that tourism tax dollars remain steady, indicating a good economy and the desire to vacation in Crane Lake remains strong. Our board is working hard at soliciting new guests to our area each year.
CLVFD: Fire Chief Jeff Sanborn reported the following: There were 4 fire calls and 12 medical calls in 2019. There were no new purchases in 2019. There is a project to start a helipad this spring, thanks to some very generous donations. The fire department has two new members.
CLVSC: Jeff Sanborn reported that the club has a new groomer, which has had a lot of use this winter. The old groomer has had a lot of issues. The snowmobile season is coming to an end.
Town of Crane Lake Annual Meeting Minutes 3/10/20 – Page 2
CLWSD: Chairperson Rob Scott reported the following: The following summary points are submitted to provide an update on the past and current activities going on within the CLWSD: 1. The CLWSD 2019 annual revenues were $324,192 (operating, special assessment, and tax levy funds) and total expenses were $265,669 (operating, administrative, and debt service). For 2020 the user rates will remain the same. 2. The CLWSD has completed one annexation (East Bay) to the sewer district and two expansions to the original collection system (CSAH 24 project and Handberg Road project). We are in the process of our second annexation (Kicker Boulevard) and do not anticipate another expansion project. 3. The District continues to work on ISTS installations (decentralized collection systems) under our Management Program. We currently have 39 systems operational and plan to install 6-10 ISTS systems during the 2020 construction season. This includes a restroom facility at the Voyageur Statue. 4. We currently have a balance of around $475,000 in Legacy grant funds available for around 16 ISTS installations. During the current Legislative session, we are working on obtaining $600,00 in Bonding funds for an additional 20 ISTS installations. We are seeking $1.2 million in debt relief funds. The District has been approved for a $1.1 million loan under the MPCA Clean Water Partnership loan program. It is a zero percent loan and the funds will be utilized to pay our grant matches and ISTS installations. The loan is a four-year line of credit and not all of the funds available have to be utilized. 5. Rob Scott (son Rob) is the new treatment plant licensed operator. He replaced Terry Jackson who volunteered to extend his contract until we could find a replacement. For those folks that are concerned with Nepotism, the hiring process was reviewed by our law firm and all steps taken were done correctly and within State statutes. Our winterization program continues to prevent any freezing issues from reoccurring. We monitor the collection influent temperatures on a daily basis and all indications are that we should not have an issue this season.
CL Chapel: Nancy Hazlett provided the following report: Last year we had a change in Pastors. Pastor Barb moved south and Crane Lake Chapel’s Pastor Brenda started in June. She is very familiar with the area as her family had a cabin on the lake when she was growing up. We also were saddened to have lost some dedicated parishioners. Change is sometimes hard but we carry on. Vacation Bible School continues to bring children from many communities. We had the help of The Christian Ministry for National Parks teens who were working in the area to set up and run VBS. The Christian Ministry for National Parks teens held a service at the Chapel on Wednesday evenings with great music and fellowship. It was well attended all summer. Our release time on Wednesday during the school year is still doing well. It is great to reach out to area children. Fundraisers keep us busy during the summer and have been a great help in supporting the Chapel. Our only major project this past year was having gutters installed around the building. We hope this helps with erosion around the building. Overall, we had a good year. We look forward to summer approaching and all of our “summer” people returning. Winter time is very sparse. We appreciate your support and hope to continue serving Crane Lake for many years. Hope to see you all in worship on Sunday!
IJC/Water Boards Report: Jerry Pohlman reported that we went into emergency rule curve at this time last year expecting possible flooding. There is a meeting today, so we should be hearing soon if emergency measures will again be needed.
Cook-Orr Healthcare District: Town Representative Shirley Sanborn was not present to report but provided the 2019 Annual Report as a handout.
ATV Trails Committee: Bruce Beste provided the following report: Project Funding: 2019 Legislative Session $100,000 from ATV Dedicated Account for Contracted Environmental Assessment Worksheet – EAW, to continue building out the Voyageur Country ATV System; 2019 Legislative Session – $500,000 Project Award from ATV Dedicated Account for construction 5 ½ miles of trail enhancement area VRT to Shuster Road in Portage Township; 2019 IRRRB Trails Grant – $100,000 Project Award to construct added changes for 6 mile trail between Resort Community of Crane Lake and US Forest Service Recreation and Picnic Area at Vermilion Falls; Polaris Trail Award of $10,000 for trail planning and picnic area construction; 2020 Legislative Session – requesting $1,000,000 in Minnesota General Obligation Bonds + $1,000,000 from ATV Dedicated Account as 50 / 50 match for continuing our system connecting City of Orr, Kabetogama Township, Ash River, and to the county line St Louis County / Koochiching County. Relations with Agencies: St Louis County Resolutions to become fiscal sponsor for Voyageur Country ATV; Working with St Louis County to approve destination projects Pelican River Overlook and picnic area at new Vermilion River bridge site; Working with MN DNR to add Voyageur Country ATV system to Grant in Aid Program – GIA, and to include on DNR Trails Atlas; Significant Projects: Constructed 4 ½ mile trail and steel single span 185’ bridge over the Vermilion River – $1,300,000; Constructed Pelican River Overlook – club projects; Completing construction of 5 ½ mile trail and wood span 256’ bridge between Crane Lake and Vermilion Falls – $700,000. Events: Hosted the ATV Association of Minnesota – ATVAM Fall Conference Ride and Rally in Crane Lake and Voyagaire September 20 to 22; Event included 300+ political, agency, and ATV enthusiasts for the official ribbon (tow strap) cutting followed by VIP lunch at Vermilion Falls.
Town of Crane Lake Annual Meeting Minutes 3/10/20 – Page 3
Review Proposed Revenue & Expenditures – Clerk and Budget Committee member Jo Ann reviewed the proposed 2021 budget revenues and expenditures. Copies of the 2021 budget were distributed to everyone in attendance prior to the meeting. Jo Ann reviewed the proposed revenues of $217,750.00 and the proposed Township disbursements of $169,380.00 plus Fire Protection for $55,000.00; totaling $224,380.00. Jo Ann asked if there were any questions. There were none.
A motion was made by Bill Congdon, supported by Butch Eggen, to approve the Township portion of the 2021 levy request as follows: General Fund – $45,000; Community Property Project Fund – $5,900; Bond for Community Property Project Fund – $9,100; and Visitor Center Fund – $10,000 for a total of $70,000. All voted in favor and the motion carried. A motion was made by Bruce Beste, supported by Mark Anderson, to approve the Fire Department portion of the 2021 levy request of $55,000.00. All voted in favor and the motion carried. Total levy request is $125,000.00.
Moderator Jeff asked if there was any other New Business from the floor. There was none.
A motion was made by Bill Congdon, supported by Jerry Pohlman to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:05PM
Jo Ann Pohlman, Clerk Jeff Sanborn, Moderator
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.
