August 9, 2005: Minutes
TOWN OF CRANE LAKE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING
August 9, 2005
The August 9, 2005 Board of Supervisors’ Meeting was called to order by Chairman Jerry Pohlman at 7:30PM at the Crane Lake Chapel Fellowship Hall with the Pledge of Allegiance recited by those in attendance including: Supervisors Jerry Pohlman, Jim Janssen and Mark Anderson, Clerk Jo Ann Pohlman, Treasurer Butch Eggen, University of Minnesota Landscape Architect C.J. Fernandez, reporters from the Voyageur Sentinel and the Timberjay, and 8 members of the community.
Chairman Jerry introduced C.J. Fernandez of the University of Minnesota Center for Changing Landscapes. C.J. presented a preliminary design plan for trails, a community building and adjacent land on August 8th. C.J. will be available after the meeting to listen to input.
Additions to the Agenda: Resolution to adopt Township General Retention Schedule was added to New Business.
Minutes: A motion was made by Mark, supported by Jim, to approve the minutes of the 7/12/2005 Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Butch read the Treasurer’s Report. Butch then presented the bills as follows: MN Association of Townships – $70.00; CLVTB – $12,257.67; Robert Scott – $97.20; Arthur Eggen – $110.15; and Payroll – 373.62. A motion was made by Jim, supported by Mark, to approve the Treasurer’s Report as read and the payment of bills. 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
Community Priority Projects Reports:
- Communications/Cell Phones – Jim said there was no new report.
- Land Exchange/Community Property Project & Trails/Beautification – Ruth L. Carlson reported that C. J. Fernandez of the University of Minnesota Center for Changing Landscapes had been in the Crane Lake area for the past three days and had presented his design options at the Public Meeting on August 8th. He will go back to his office to review comments from the Crane Lake citizens and plans to be back in Crane Lake in October for another Public Meeting.
Summer Short Course Report – Grand Rapids 7/28/05: Treasurer Butch and Clerk Jo Ann attended the Short Course. The General Session was a mock township meeting dealing with the sealed bid procedure for contracting a township project. Butch attended workshops on the Bidding Process for Contracts and Auditing the Town Books. Jo Ann attended workshops on Records Retention and Elections, which focused on HAVA and the distribution of equipment to be used in the 2006 elections.
NEW BUSINESS
International Rainy Lake Board of Control & International Rainy River Water Pollution Board Joint Annual Meeting Report – Rob Scott: Jerry read Rob’s report, which focused on the water levels of this spring. Two items at the meeting were directly related to the township. 1) The IRLBC has been informed that residents of the Crane Lake area desire a lower vs. higher water level within the rule curve and 2) there will be a proposed USACE report to the IJC out this fall with a summary of the last five years of data and significant issues. Rob recommended that the Board provide a position that Rob can forward to the IRLBC on what the desires of the Crane Lake citizens are in managing the water levels at Crane Lake. The Board discussed Rob’s recommendation and felt they needed to talk to people for their opinions on water levels before making a recommendation for Rob to present to the IRLBC. Water levels will be an agenda item next month.
State Board of Appeal & Equalization Assessment Changes: A letter was received from the St. Louis County Assessor’s Department stating that the following changes were ordered by the Minnesota Department of Revenue to equalize the level of assessment in our jurisdiction: Agricultural Land – +15% and Timber Land – +15%. State-ordered changes cannot be appealed to the Minnesota Tax Court.
St. Louis County HAVA Equipment Plan Meeting – 8/31/05: Clerk Jo Ann plans to attend the meeting, and requested that Head Election Judge Shirley Sanborn attend the meeting along with any other interested Board members. A motion was make by Jim, supported by Mark, to approve mileage expenses for those wishing to attend the meeting. Motion carried.
2006 Budget: Treasurer Butch thanked all the Budget Committee members before reviewing the adjustments made to the Budget since it was presented to the public at the March Annual Meeting. A motion was made by Jerry, supported by Mark, to approve the revised proposed budget as presented by the Budget Committee. Motion carried.
Resolution to adopt Township General Retention Schedule: A motion was made by Mark, supported by Jim, to adopt the resolution to adopt the Township General Retention Schedule. Motion carried.
Comments from Officers: Jerry stated that it was a very good meeting on August 8th, and thanked C. J. Fernandez for a great presentation and Nancy Larson and Tim Engrav of the US Forest Service for their participation.
Public Comment: None
Next Meeting: Board of Supervisors’ Meeting, September 13, 2005 – 7:30PM – Fellowship Hall
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8PM.
Jo Ann Pohlman, Clerk Jerry Pohlman, Chairman
