4/16/24 Minutes
TOWN OF CRANE LAKE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING
April 16, 2024
The April 16, 2024, Board of Supervisors’ Meeting was called to order by Chairman Jerry Pohlman at 7:00PM at the Crane Lake Chapel Fellowship Hall with the Pledge of Allegiance recited by those in attendance including: Supervisors Jim Janssen, Jerry Pohlman & Jeanne Shuck; Treasurer Traci Bak; Clerk Jo Ann Pohlman; and one member of the community. 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 3/12/24 Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report –The March Cash Balances were read, and the bills were presented as follows: IRS – $487.56; Cook News-Herald – $96.00; Lutefisk Tech. – $99.90; Jeff Sanborn – $50.00; Costin Group – $1,250.00; Lake Country Power – $156.00; St. Louis County Auditor – $1,806.93; Beth Bak – $756.00; CLVTB – $308.02; and Payroll – $785.73. A motion was made by Jeanne, 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 and will be placed on file and acted upon as required.
OLD BUSINESS
VNP-Visitor Center/Campground:
Committee Report & Resulting Board Action: Gretchen provided the following report: Campground meetings have resumed. These are held in-person at the Chapel the first Thursday of the month at 11 am. On April 4th Casper reported being ready to start again once road bans are lifted. Sewer at the campground is 90% complete, but water lines and electric lines still need to be run. There was discussion of placing these two systems in the same trench. Lanyk electric anticipates 6-8 weeks will be needed to complete their work. The Visitor Center is moving along on schedule. Construction should be completed by end of June. The next meeting on this is Thursday April 11th at 10 am in person. Jeanne will be attending this meeting and others are always welcome. The next Visitor Center committee meeting is April 23rd at 5:30 pm to continue planning/preparing. There will also be a meeting with Jason Chopp on April 23rd at 2 pm to discuss development of the boat landing at the end of Bayside Drive. Both meetings are open invitations and will be held at the Chapel. Bills to approve: Widseth $2400. S.E.H $1928.44 (Visitors Center) S.E.H $5340 (Campground)
Total $9668.44
Board Action: A motion was made by Jim, supported by Jeanne, to approve the above listed bills totaling $9,668.44 for payment. All voted in favor and the motion carried. A motion was made by Jim, supported by Jerry, to approve Bayside Drive bills from S.E.H. for $5,800.00 & $3,946.76 for payment. All voted in favor and the motion carried. A motion was made by Jerry, supported by Jim, to approve and sign the following Max Gray Pay Requests: PR#6 – $239,855.13; PR#7 – 195,891.84 & PR#8 – $218,200.96. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Jeanne spoke to the need to address employment for the Visitor Center/Campground. The Board agreed.
Bayside Drive Upgrade: Jim Mckie has requested a driveway approach on the east edge of the McKie lot on Bayside Drive during the Bayside Drive improvement. This will be discussed at the Closed Meeting following the May Board of Supervisors’ Meeting.
American Rescue Plan Act Fund ($1,111.15): The Board agreed that the remaining funds could be used for internet at the Visitor Center.
McKie Easement Request: The Board will plan a closed meeting following the May regular meeting.
VNP Ice Road Management Plan: The Board discussed attendance at the Voyageurs Affairs Meeting on 5/10/24 from 1 – 2:30PM at VNP Headquarters in I Falls where Mukooda Lake Operations, Frozen Lake Use Plan and the CL Visitor Center will be on the agenda.
Crane Lake Meeting Minutes – April 16, 2024
Bayside Drive Maintenance: The Board discussed what needs to be included in a bid for road maintenance. It was agreed that no maintenance should be done until after the construction.
Dark Sky Crane Lake: Peter Coggan was present and discussed an approach to Dark Sky Crane Lake with the Board. Steps would be to have the Town of Crane Lake certified as a Dark Sky community; then move on to include businesses and individuals. Peter has guidelines for communities that could be utilized to further the community’s involvement and is willing to provide a presentation at a future meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Tobacco License Renewal: A motion was made by Jim, supported by Jeanne, to adopt Resolution #2024-01 approving the issuance of a tobacco products license for Anderson Canoe Outfitters, Inc. d/b/a/ Anderson Canoe Outfitters, Inc. for the year ending the 31st day of December, 2024. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Early Tax Distribution: The Board agreed that this was not needed.
Cramer Variance: The Board agreed that there were no questions or concerns with the Cramer variance request.
Township Docks: A motion was made by Jerry, supported by Jeanne, that the Township will not be renting dock space. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Community Action Plan: The Board discussed forming a Committee and would ask Deena Congdon for her participation. More discussion to follow.
Other New Business: There was none.
Comments from Officers: There were none.
Public Comments: Peter Coggan said he was happy to be in Crane Lake.
Next Meeting: Board of Appeal & Equalization Meeting – May 2, 2024 – 3-4PM, Fellowship Hall
Board of Supervisors’ Meeting – May 14, 2024 – 7:00PM, Fellowship Hall
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:50PM.
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.
