August 12, 2003: Minutes
The August 12, 2003 Board of Supervisors’ Meeting was called to order by Chairman Ruth Carlson at 7:30PM, at the Groomer Garage with the Pledge of Allegiance recited by those in attendance including: Supervisors Ruth L. Carlson, Terrie Hoff and Mark Anderson, Treasurer Jacque Eggen, Clerk Jo Ann Pohlman, a reporter from the Cook News-Herald, a reporter from the Voyageur Sentinel, a reporter from the Timberjay and 36 members of the community.
Additions to the Agenda: None
Minutes: Motion by Terrie, supported by Mark to approve the minutes of the July 8, 2003 Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report: Jacque read the following Cash Flow Statement for the month of June: Beginning Balance – $27,563.62, Receipts – $14,380.61, Disbursements – $21,424.38, Ending Balance – $20,519.85 plus deposits in transit, less outstanding checks equals $18,963.39 which balances with the bank statement. Jacque then presented the bills as follows: CVTB – $13,661.58, Jacque Eggen – $84,60 for mileage, and Payroll – $324.41 for a total of $14,070.59. A motion was made by Mark, supported by Terrie to approve the Treasurer’s report as read and the payment of bills. Motion carried.
Correspondence: The Clerk presented the correspondence. The correspondence was received as read and will be placed on file and acted upon as required.
OLD BUSINESS:
Web Site: The web site is up but not running. Clerk Jo Ann plans to work on this soon.
MAT Short Course in Grand Rapids 7/31/03 Report: Chairman Ruth L. Carlson, Clerk Jo Ann Pohlman and Treasurer Jacque Eggen attended. There were nine different workshops to select from; some specifically for supervisors, others for clerks and/or treasurers. These short courses are always very informative and the Board thanks the Town for supporting the Board in the attendance of these courses.
Population of Crane Lake: The Board received a letter in April from the Department of Administration, State Demographic Center with population and household estimates of the Town of Crane Lake that the Board did not agree with. The Board felt the numbers were too low. A response to the Board’s challenge of those figures was expected by the end of July; but it has not been received. The Board will continue to pursue this.
Bear Island Issue: Chairman Ruth stated that material from different sources had been received throughout the month regarding the issue. There was to be a hearing on August 18 in Duluth that members of the Board had planned to attend. The hearing has been postponed. The Town attorney has advised that the Board should not respond to this issue until there is a hearing and/or more information is received.
NEW BUSINESS:
International Rainy Lake Board of Control Joint Public Meeting of 7/25/03 – Rob Scott: Ruth explained that Rob Scott had been appointed to represent the Town by attending a series of meetings affecting water levels in our area. The focus of the presentation by Col. Bob Ball (USACE) was “How can we in one year go from floods to low water conditions with IJC mandated water level targets issued in 2000?” Many factors contribute to watershed amounts; the only measurable entity that the IRLBC can utilize in managing water levels is inflow and outflow rates. The “rule curve” is actually three levels: high level, low level, and drought level. The Namakan basin experienced a below low water level from April to July; but never reached drought level. We are currently within the rule curve. Rob requested an update to the May IJC meeting. The purpose of that
meeting was to request local input on two agenda items: 1. Possible increase in IRLBC membership and 2. desire for a locally based advisory committee. A decision will possibly be made in October. Rob stated that there were no issues actions for the Town Board and that he has requested to be considered for assignment to the IRLBC and/or advisory committee.
MN Association of Townships Insurance Trust (MATIT) – Property, Auto & Liability (PAL) program coverage: A resolution was passed on February 11, 2003 to participate in the MAT insurance and bond trust. This enables the Township to apply to participate in insurance programs provided by the MATIT. The Board had previously applied for E & O insurance through this program. A motion was made by Terrie, supported by Ruth to apply for General Liability Insurance through the MATIT program. Motion carried.
Resolution of Support – Orr Area JOBZ Sub Zone Application: Chairman Ruth explained that Orr is working on JOBZ, a new program created by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development to help small communities with job creation and business development. Orr has asked for a resolution of support of their application to this program. A motion was made by Ruth, supported by Terrie to pass Resolution No. 2003-03 in support of the City of Orr’s application to the JOBZ program. Motion carried.
Resolution – CLWSD Board Appointments: The CLWSD has passed a resolution to give the power of CLWSD Board appointment to the Town Board rather than the County Board. The CLWSD requests that the Town Board pass a similar resolution. This procedure was recommended by the MPCA as the proper steps to be taken to transfer the responsibility. The Town Board would have no other responsibility for the CLWSD. A motion was made by Terrie, supported by Mark to pass Resolution No. 2003-04 transferring the responsibility of CLWSD Board Appointments from the County Board to the Town Board. Motion carried.
Naming of Plant Site Road: The CLWSD had this on their agenda for a long time and no action was taken. A 911 address is needed for delivery purposes. The CLWSD has requested that the Town Board name the road. Chairman Ruth suggested that the theme of trees would be nice and recommended White Pine Way as a name. Other suggested names were mentioned. A motion was made by Mark, supported by Ruth to name the plant site road White Pine Way. Motion carried.
2004 Budget: The Board had received the budget from the Budget Committee prior to the meeting. The Committee had planned to post the budget in the usual posting places but was unable to do so as they were making last minute changes and adjustments. A motion was made by Terrie, supported by Mark to accept the 2004 budget as presented by the Budget Committee. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Some of the comments were as follows:
Carole Scott – There have been a lot of changes in the Town. For many years there has been no building or improvement. With the new sewer, businesses will be able to make changes. Carole would like to see the Town control future changes and hopes the Board will consider taking on Planning and Zoning as it would benefit Crane Lake.
Doug Marshall – Doug’s comments are in regard to the Bear Island issue. He commented that the letter Mr. Traff received from Mark Johnson of St. Louis County on 7/3/03 stated that a landowner has no right to build a road without the local form of government’s approval. Mr. Marshall does not feel that the Town should accept the road as a legal road as the legal status is still pending; 20 of 28 families on the Island do not want the road; it is inconsistent with a wilderness setting; Mr. Traff can access his property the same way everyone else does; and it is a degradation to the Island. Mr. Marshall requests that the Board does not take any action until the Court has taken action.
Warren Bradbury – Warren’s comments are in regard to the Bear Island issue. Warren and three other people canoed around the Island and noted 22 homes on the south side and 7 cabins plus some in progress on the north side. The north side residents value the access road. Thanks to the road they were able to meet
sanitary requirements and have maintained the beauty of their shoreline. The road would also provide handicap access to the north side of the Island. Warren urges the Board to assist in mediating an acceptable road use policy and to assist with communication between parties.
COMMENTS BY OFFICERS – Ruth said it was very nice to see all the citizens here and wished we had this attendance at every meeting.
The next Regular Board Meeting will be September 9, 2003 at 7:30PM at the Crane Lake Chapel Fellowship Hall.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned by Chairman Ruth at 8:15PM.
Jo Ann Pohlman, Clerk Ruth Carlson, Chairman
