8/16/16 Minutes
TOWN OF CRANE LAKE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING
August 16, 2016
The August 16, 2016 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, Jim Janssen, and Jerry Pohlman; Treasurer Traci Bak; Clerk Jo Ann Pohlman, VNPA Executive Director Christina Hausman, VNP Acting-Superintendent Bill Carlson, and 3 members of the community.
BUSINESS
Additions to the Agenda: There were none.
Chairman Jim Janssen introduced Christina Hausman to those present and explained that her presentation was to explain the purpose of the Voyageurs National Park Association to the Crane Lake community.
VNPA Executive Director Christina Hausman began by explaining that the VNPA serves as the Park’s nonprofit partner with a new mission statement to protect and promote the natural, recreational, and historic resources of Voyageurs National Park. Along with the VNP they manage and support several projects and initiatives that connect youth, visitors, volunteers, partners, advocates, and donors to the Park. Christina went on to explain how the group is connecting people to the Park through special event hosting, supporting media & tourism relations, and connecting kids to the Park. The VNPA provides protection and conservation efforts for the Park by serving as a voice for the Park with elected officials, supporting land conservation and advocating sustainable funding. The group enhances the Park by connecting donors and volunteers for project accomplishment. Christina met with Trail Committee members earlier this year to discuss a trail at Mukooda Lake and other trail possibilities within the VNP. Their 2017 focus will be Crane Lake, 2018 will be Ellsworth Gardens and 2019 will be the Kettle Falls Hotel. The Board thanked Christina for her presentation and Bill Carlson for his supporting contribution to her presentation.
Minutes – A motion was made by Butch, supported by Jerry, to approve the minutes of the 7/12/16 Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report –The July Cash Balances were read and the bills were presented as follows: CNH- $126.00; Couri, MacArthur & Ruppe – $180.00; Costin Group – $1,483.20; Jo Ann Pohlman – $103.68; Shirley Sanborn – $240.30; Debora Scott – $130.50; Jill Crain – $121.50; Shannon Bibeau – $18.00; Crane Lake Visitor & Tourism Bureau – $15,567.20; and Payroll – $554.21. A motion was made by Jerry, 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
Land Exchange/Community Property Project: Ruth L. Carlson reported that she had contacted Attorney Huck Andresen who reported that the paperwork was still at the USFS Milwaukee office. US Forest Service Supervisor Connie Cummins will be contacted to assist the Township in completing this project. Connie was the District Ranger of the LaCroix Ranger District when the Land Exchange began.
Jacque Eggen Memorial Fund: There was nothing new to report.
Costin Group Report: Gary Cerkvenik emailed the following report: Meet with the Park Service and US Senators/Congressman Nolan on visitor center and testify and submit Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) application for $950,000.
Crane Lake Road Repair: The Board and those present discussed the construction project between Orr and the VRT. Damage to windshields and boats has been reported. Public Works Director/Highway Engineer Jim Foldesi will be contacted. The Board discussed the removal and replacement of the directional signs at the beginning of Nelson & Handberg Roads. An email from Victor Lund explained the County’s policy on required sign replacement.
Town of Crane Lake Meeting Minutes – August 16, 2016
VNP-Visitor Center/Campsite: A Special Board of Supervisors’ Meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 7:30PM at the Fellowship Hall to review the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) requirements for acknowledging and accepting Minnesota’s Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) funding support. Gary Cerkvenik of the Costin Group will attend the meeting.
Frontier Internet: New equipment has been installed; and some businesses have improved service. Improvement will continue.
ATV Use: Bruce Beste reported the following: The public comment period for opening to ATV use eight US Forest Service roads ends August 19. So far comments have been favorable. The St Louis County has reviewed and approved the use of a portion of Arrowhead Snowmobile Trail for ATV use for purpose of trail connectivity. The portion is that which is between the Elbow Lake grade at CSAH 23 and Novak Forest roads. We are planning a dual ribbon cutting for CSAH 180 and USFS 203 in late September or early October. Plans to invite Congressmen, Senators, MN DNR, USFS, county officials, local officials, ATVAM, and club membership.
Trails Report: VNP is looking into the trail at Mukooda Lake. A list of trail improvement and creation has been requested by the Park.
Crane Lake Comprehensive Plan: There was nothing new to report.
MN Dot Aeronautics: There was nothing new to report.
Hospital Levies: There was nothing new to report.
NEW BUSINESS
Letter of Support – Voyageur Statue Area: A letter of support from the Township to the CL Visitor & Tourism Bureau was requested by the Bureau for enhancement of the Voyageur Statue area. A motion was made by Jerry, supported by Butch, to write the letter of support. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Other New Business: There was none.
Comments from Officers: Jerry thanked community members that attended the International Rainy and Namakan Lakes Rule Curves Study Board meeting on July 28th.
Public Comments: Deena Congdon asked what the Special Board of Supervisors’ Meeting was about. The Board responded that it was to review the LCCMR application process for the Braaten property purchase funding.
Next Meeting: Board of Supervisors’ Special Meeting – August 23, 2016, 7:30PM – Fellowship Hall
Board of Supervisors’ Meeting – September 13, 2016, 7:30PM – Fellowship Hall
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45PM.
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.
