December 10, 2002: Minutes
The December 10, 2002 Board of Supervisors’ Meeting was called to order by Chairman Ruth Carlson at 7:30PM, at the Crane Lake Chapel Fellowship Hall with the Pledge of Allegiance recited by those in attendance including: Supervisors Ruth Carlson, Terrie Hoff and Mark Anderson, Treasurer Jacque Eggen, Clerk Jo Ann Pohlman, a reporter from the Cook News-Herald, and 11 members of the community.
There were no additions to the Agenda.
Minutes – Motion by Terrie, supported by Mark to approve the minutes of the November 11, 2002 Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report – Jacque reviewed the Cash Flow Statement and recommended the payment of bills as follows: MN Assn of Townships Agency – $400.90; MN Assn of Townships Agency – $179.00; Ruth L. Carlson – $35.00; Terrie Hoff – $324.82; Jacque Eggen – $89.75; Jo Ann Pohlman – $169.06 and Postmaster – $37.00. A motion was made by Mark, supported by Terrie to accept the Treasurer’s Report and the payment of bills. Motion carried.
Correspondence – A motion was made by Terrie, supported by Mark to accept and place on file the correspondence as presented. Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS:
Fire Protection – Ruth reported that the signed Fire Protection Services Agreement had been forwarded to the Fire Chief for signature. The Fire Department has until December 31, 2002 to return the signed Agreement.
Welcome to Crane Lake Sign – Co-op with CLVTB – Ruth reported that she had called Kabetogama Township to see if they received grant money to refurbish their fish statue and surrounding area. They received $110,000 from the Federal Highway Department. The Town would not qualify for Federal Highway Funding as the Town has county roads. The Supervisors will continue to investigate funding options. Mark stated that the CLVTB is also working on the funding issue and that the Voyageur Statue has received a coat of primer paint and should be returned to Crane Lake in about one month.
Crane Lake Lodging Tax – Ordinance – Ruth said that the Crane Lake registered voters present at the Special Meeting held at 7PM voted unanimously in favor of the Town of Crane Lake collecting and administering the Crane Lake Lodging Tax. A Motion was made by Ruth, supported by Terrie to accept Ordinance No. 2002-01 – An Ordinance to Establish a Tax Imposed Upon Lodging to be collected and administered by the Town of Crane Lake. Motion carried.
Tobacco Licensing & Regulation – After checking with the county and the MAT attorney, it is suggest that the Town delay licensing tobacco until the year 2004. An ordinance must be written and adopted. The attorney felt this could not be accomplished by January 1, 2003 when the tobacco licenses must be issued. A motion was made by Ruth, supported by Terrie to delay issuing tobacco licenses until 2004, to send a letter to those establishments applying for tobacco sale licenses apprising them of the situation, and to call the county regarding the Town’s delay of issuing tobacco licenses until 2004 with a letter to follow. Motion carried.
Web Site – Ruth stated that Deena Congdon, a manager of the Crane Lake Water & Sanitary District had offered to look into the expense of sharing the cost of their website with the Town of Crane Lake.
NEW BUSINESS:
Minnesota Association of Townships Annual Conference 11/21-23 Report – Ruth explained that Terrie, Jacque, Jo Ann and Terrie went on a chartered bus to Alexandria for the very informative two-day conference.
Ruth said she learned how much more there was to learn. Ruth & Terrie attended the break-out sessions for supervisors while Jo Ann & Jacque attended workshops for clerks and treasurers.
Cell Phone Service – Ruth called the county about the tower that was recently built at the landfill. She spoke to Paul Kent, the head of communications at St. Louis County. They would be willing to rent to a cell phone provider. They cannot offer the service, but must be approached by the provider. Cell phone service was on the “want list” of the Community Action Plan. The Board is trying to follow those wishes and will continue to pursue this. Mark suggested that Cellular One be contacted as he feels they would be able to provide the best service in remote areas.
March Elections – Absentee Ballots: A letter was sent on December 9 to registered voters of Crane Lake explaining how to vote by absentee ballot for the March elections. A notice has been posted stating that applications for absentee voting are now available. Location for Absentee Voting: The Clerk’s home on Saturday, March 8 from 10 AM until 12 Noon. Call for Election Judges: Two people have expressed interest. There will be 3 hours of training in March and 4 hours election duty on Election Day at $8 per hour. The Supervisors will appoint election judges at the February meeting. Char Bystrom said she would be interested in being an election judge.
Candidate Eligibility – All officer’s terms will be up in March. Ruth explained the qualifications for candidacy and the procedure for filing for office. She also said that the MAT attorney defined Conflict of Interest as follows: Anyone can serve on the Town Board. If they are voting members of another board that deals financially with the Town Board, they may not discuss or vote on those issues. A point of interest was presented by Jacque – The Treasurer and the Clerk do not vote on the Town Board; therefore, they could serve on any other board and it would not be considered a conflict of interest.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Butch Eggen said he is excited about the possibility of cell phone service in the Crane Lake area.
Nancy Parvi said she was surprised at how much had been accomplished by the Board since the Town was established.
Gary Albertson referred to the conflict of interest issue. In his experience, an individual could not serve on two boards that tax the same people. An example would be the CLWSD and the Town Board.
Nancy Parvi said the Fire Department has been looking into cell phone service for rescue purposes. The Fire Department would support cell phone service in the area.
COMMENTS BY OFFICERS – Mark said he would not be able to attend the next meeting. Ruth said a letter should be sent to the Snowmobile Club thanking them for their financial help to the Township. She also thanked all for coming and wished all a Merry Christmas.
The next Board of Supervisors’ Meeting will be on January 14, 2003 at 7:30PM at the Crane Lake Fellowship Hall.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned by Chairman Ruth at 8:10PM.
Jo Ann Pohlman, Clerk Ruth Carlson, Chairman
