6/13/17 Minutes
TOWN OF CRANE LAKE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING
June 13, 2017
The June 13, 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: Supervisors Butch Eggen and Jim Janssen; Treasurer Traci Bak; Clerk Jo Ann Pohlman; and 3 members of the community. Supervisor Jerry Pohlman was absent.
BUSINESS
Additions to the Agenda: MAT 2017 Short Course attendance was added to New Business.
Minutes – A motion was made by Butch, supported by Jim, to approve the minutes of the 5/9/17 Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report –The May Cash Balances were read and the bills were presented as follows: Costin Group – $1,493.40; MATA – $813.00; St. Louis County Auditor – $180.00; Art Driggs – $2,350.00; St. Louis County Auditor-Licensing – $52.00; CLVTB – $19.27; and Payroll – $555.50. A motion was made by Jim, supported by Butch, 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: Gary emailed the following report: I’m pleased to report that we achieved $87,000 from the IRRRB for Crane Lake. Thanks to Rob for driving to St. Paul for the meeting. Additionally, the $950,000 LCCMR grant was approved by the Legislature and is awaiting the signature of the Governor. $4 million was also awarded to the VNP Clean Water Project for projects within the plan.
VNP-Visitor Center/Campsite: Chairman Jim Janssen reported the following: He met with Scott Kelling of the DNR, Bob DeGross and Bill Carlson of the VNP, and community resident Bill Congdon. The entire VNP Visitor Center Committee was invited to attend. They walked the land proposed for the visitor center and the DNR landing, as well as the property between the two, currently owned by Kristin and Tony Cornelius. There was discussion on visitor center placement and how the two properties would work together. Gretchen Janssen continues to work with Holly Larson, Outdoor Recreation Planner for the Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Program on the application for RTCA assistance. A motion was made by Butch, supported by Jim, to adopt Resolution No. 2017-05 authorizing the Board of Supervisors to apply for a 2018 bonding grant through the Minnesota Management and Budget System. All voted in favor and the motion carried. It was noted that the visitor center project was brought up at a recent ATV meeting with the USFS. As a result, a letter of support from USFS Supervisor Constance Cummins was received by the Township. Budget projections for the Crane Lake Visitors Center were provided by Gary Cerkvenik as follows: Building Construction – $2,800,000; Car and trailer parking/access road – $600,000; Site utilities – $50,000; Boat ramp and lake access/dock – $100,000; Site improvements for 6 camp sites and playground – $200,000; Contingency and fees – $750,000. Total – $4,500,000.
Frontier Internet: Jim reported that internet service is improving.
ATV Use: Bruce Beste reported that there was an article in the Sunday Star Tribune about ATV use. Registration fees may be going up and there are trail building opportunities. A writer from the Texas Fish & Game Magazine will be in the area and plans to come north for a trail ride. There is a meeting planned for tomorrow at Wolf Bay Lodge where bridge engineering and wet lands will be discussed. Maps will be printed soon. All are invited to assist with trail work that will begin in September or October.
Trails Report: The update of the Vermilion Falls picnic area was discussed.
Town of Crane Lake Meeting Minutes – June 13, 2017
Street Lighting: The project is moving along and Art Driggs has been reimbursed for expenses to date.
Land Use Project: Butch’s conversations with Andy Hubley of the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC) provided the following information: Mr. Hubley has reviewed C.J. Fernandez’ (U of M Center for Changing Landscapes) concept plan done 12-15 years ago. He will be reviewing the Community Action Plan and conversing with C.J. for background information. Mr. Hubley would like to visit the area along with C.J., Barb Caskey (ARDC Grant Writer), possibly another colleague familiar with housing and community center development, an IRRRB representative, and possibly a MN Extension representative. Butch will communicate with Andy and suggest July or August meeting attendance.
Speed Signs on Gold Coast Road: Options were discussed at the May meeting and follow-up conversations between Jim and Vic Lund of St. Louis County have led to the decision to discontinue pursuit of the issue. The speed study done in 2008 determined that there is not a speeding problem. Most drivers are driving at the “reasonable speed”, between 20 and 25mph; 3% were exceeding those speeds. State statute allows 30mph as the lowest speed limit that can be posted on Gold Coast Road. Speed feedback signs would need to be posted at 30mph, this may encourage people to drive faster.
Weed Inspection: There was discussion and no report.
IRRRB Voyageur Statue Work: Rob Scott provided information to the Board on the project. The $87,000 grant was approved by IRRRB. Background information was provided on the project and updates will be provided to the Board for future Board action.
Speed Humps: The speed humps will be stored by the Township.
NEW BUSINESS
Short Course Attendance: A motion was made by Butch, supported by Jim, to approve expenses for anyone on the Town Board wishing to attend the June 29th MAT Short Course in Carlton, MN. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Other New Business: None
Comments from Officers: Jim thanked everyone for attendance; Butch wished everyone a Happy Fourth of July.
Public Comments: Bruce Beste voiced his concern about the houseboat parked on the Brinkman property. He also mentioned that new directional signs were being installed by Handberg Road. He suggested that the road sides be mowed from Handberg Road towards the Gold Coast Road.
Next Meeting: Board of Supervisors’ Meeting, July 11, 2017 – 7:30PM, Fellowship Hall
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:35PM.
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.
