8/21/18 Minutes
TOWN OF CRANE LAKE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING
August 21, 2018
The August 21, 2018 Board of Supervisors’ Meeting was called to order by Chairman Jerry Pohlman at 7:35PM at the Crane Lake Chapel Fellowship Hall with the Pledge of Allegiance recited by those in attendance including: VNP Superintendent Bob DeGross, NPS Outdoor Recreation Planner Holly Larson, Landscape Architect Barett Steenrod, Gary Cerkvenik of the Costin Group, Supervisors Butch Eggen, Jim Janssen and Jerry Pohlman; Treasurer Traci Bak; Clerk Jo Ann Pohlman; and 4 members of the community.
BUSINESS
Additions to the Agenda: There were none.
Jerry introduced Bob DeGross and Holly Larson to those present and turned the meeting over to Holly. Holly has been working with the VNP Committee since March and she and Bob felt it was time to update the Board and the community on their progress with the Visitor Center and Recreational Development Planning. The presentation reviewed the Committee’s vision for recreational development, needs for the visitor center building and the outside areas including a covered exhibit space. Three leasing & funding options were presented: 1) NPS funding used for part of the construction costs and pay for a lease – this is off the table as the NPS has a policy against NPS spending for construction outside of Park boundaries. 2) Non-NPS funding used to build the Visitor Center, Township would own the building, NPS would lease space. 3) Visitor Center is constructed using non-federal funds obtained by the Township and other partners; the building is owned and managed by the Township and leased by a non-profit organization with the Park as a partner. Options 2 and 3 will be explored. The Federal Freeze the Footprint policy was discussed – existing spaces would need to be removed to create a new space. The site for the Visitor Center was discussed as it relates to the existing CIC plat restrictions, shoreline, wetlands, etc. The interior space of the Visitor Center was discussed. The Committee recommended a space 1.5 times the size of the Kabetogama Visitor Center or 5,420 square feet. Use of the remaining Township land was discussed; i.e., campground, parking lot, docks, etc. Next steps would be: Explore Options 2 & 3 for the Visitor Center building. Continue with agreement between the Township, NPS & other partners. Township & DNR discuss trade for parking, etc. Continue planning Visitor Center layout and size. VNP needs estimate for lease amount. Set design workshop date and time. Resolve road issue to DNR property. Strategize fundraising. Questions were presented to the Board. 1) Do you agree with the function list for the Visitor Center both inside and outside? – Yes. 2) Are you willing to consider both Options 2 and 3 for the Visitor Center? – Yes. 3) What do you think of the rough proposed size for the Visitor Center – 5,420 squarer feet? – Agree. 4) Are you considering removal of the CIC Plat or considering working with it as is? – Working on this. 5) Do you want to have a public design workshop in Sept. or Oct.? – Yes, the Committee should select a time. Gary Cerkvenik suggested that the Committee & Board work on the following: Cost estimate, Purchase of the house between the Township property and the DNR property, and create a Letter of Intent between the Township and the VNP. Bob DeGross agreed to work with Gary on the Letter of Intent.
Costin Group Report: Gary Cerkvenik reported that we were not successful with the Bond funding. The November election results are important for future funding. He suggested that the LCCMR funding process begin.
Minutes – A motion was made by Butch, supported by Jerry, to approve the minutes of the 7/10/18 Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. Butch and Jerry voted in favor, Jim abstained. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report –The July Cash Balances were read and the bills were presented as follows: Costin Group – $1,258.00; Cook News-Herald – $128.62; Shirley Sanborn – $96.30 & $170.00; Jill Crain – $150.00; Debora Scott – $160.00; Lake Country Power – $146.56; Randy Clemmer – $210.00; Art Driggs – $2,115.00; CLVTB – $15,576.64; and Payroll – $567.05. A motion was made by Butch, 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 as read and will be placed on file and acted upon as required.
OLD BUSINESS
Jacque Eggen Memorial Fund: The Memorial has been completed and the funds expended. Butch thanked everyone that worked on the project for their time and effort.
Town Of Crane Lake Meeting Minutes – August 21, 2018
Costin Group Report: Above.
VNP-Visitor Center/Campsite:
- Committee Report: Above.
- Grounds Cleanup and Docks: There was discussion on payment to those providing dock repair material and receipt of donations for dock use. The Township attorney advised the Township that the property, including the dock area, is subject to CIC Plat No. 84.
- CIC Covenants/Unit 13: Jerry has been communicating with attorney Bob Ruppe and will request a list advising the Township of what should be removed and what should be retained in the Covenants.
- Insurance Coverage: Was not discussed.
ATV Use: Bruce Beste was not present to report as he was at a meeting in Ely regarding ATV’s. Traci reported that the Ely Township is willing to take ownership of bridges – a requirement prior to construction.
Trails Report: A letter was sent to Tim Engrave of the USFS and Scott Kelling of the MN DNR regarding the Chaffee Trail.
Land Use Project: Because the community is so involved in developing the Visitor Center/Campground area, the development of the Land Exchange area will be addressed later on.
IRRRB Voyageur Statue Work: Rob Scott sent the following report: The Statue project continues to move at half the speed of smell and I continue to work the project funding issue with the IRRRB. I have sent out additional correspondence to Sen. Bakk, Rep. Ecklund, and the IRRRB Commissioner to support a request for an additional $50K from the IRRRB Commissioner’s Fund. We have the approved $87.5K grant funds for infrastructure work. However, to get the total scope of work done (flags, kiosk, picnic area, parking, ground work, and lighting) some of the items need to be covered by a different fund (in the world of grants not all monies are colored the same). With a little creative work on the original package, I think we can get what we originally requested and also add a handicap access bathroom facility to the project. I think with a little TLC we can get traction on this one. Life is good.
NEW BUSINESS
CLWSD Board Appointment: The Board discussed the applications received. A letter received from the CLWSD Board Chairman Rob Scott was read in support of appointing Nick Roth to the Board of Managers. A motion was made by Jim, supported by Butch, to adopt Resolution No. 2018-06 appointing Nick Roth to the Board of Managers of the Crane Lake Water & Sanitary District. Jim and Butch voted in favor, Jerry voted against and the motion carried. Applicants were thanked for their interest in serving on the CLWSD Board.
Other New Business: There was none.
Comments from Officers: Jim thanked the Driggs for all they are doing for the community. Jerry and Butch agreed and expressed their appreciated for the tribute to Jacque Eggen. Traci commented that she has heard complements on the mowing and flowers.
Public Comments: Deena asked how people could contribute to Town beautification. The response was that they could make a donation to the Township.
Next Meeting: Board of Supervisors’ Meeting – 9/11/18, 7:30PM – Fellowship Hall
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15PM.
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.
