Crane Lake Township

Current Topics

February 14, 2012: Board of Supervisors Meeting

TOWN OF CRANE LAKE

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING

February 14, 2012

 

The February 14, 2012 Board of Supervisors’ Meeting was called to order by Chairman Jerry Pohlman at 7:30PM at the Crane Lake Chapel Fellowship Hall with the following in attendance: Supervisors Butch Eggen, Jim Janssen and Jerry Pohlman, Treasurer Terrie Hoff, Clerk Jo Ann Pohlman and 5 members of the community.

 

BUSINESS

 

Additions to the Agenda:  There were none.

 

Minutes – A motion was made by Butch, supported by Jim, to approve the minutes of the 1/10/2012 Reorganization & Board of Supervisors’ Meeting.  All voted in favor and the motion carried.

 

Treasurer’s Report – Terrie read the January Cash Balances and presented the bills as follows:  CLVTB – $680.20 & $737.15 and Payroll – $501.25. A motion was made by Jim, supported by Jerry, to approve the Treasurer’s Report as read and the payment of bills.  All voted in favor and the motion carried.  Terrie presented a funds transfer request to the Supervisors.  A motion was made by Butch, supported by Jim, to approve a transfer of funds in the amount of $713.27 from the Community Property Project Fund to the General Fund and a transfer of funds in the amount of $2,379.01 from the Fire Fund to the General Fund to bring all funds into balance.  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 the land exchange is on track with an expected completion by the last quarter of 2012.  Many of the required steps for the exchange have been completed with more to be accomplished for the final conclusion. The public comment period for the scoping document has been completed.  The US Forest Service will now evaluate and consider those comments along with the results of the environmental studies to draft an environmental assessment (EA) with an expected completion date this spring.  The EA will be available for review and comment.  Ruth’s full report will be on the Township website under Current Topics.  Ruth suggested that the Town Board organize a public informational meeting for the land exchange.

 

CLWSD Report:  Rob Scott provided a written report to the Board.  The plant and collection system continue to operating within standards.  The legal mediation process with RLK continues.  RLK is reviewing the District’s claim; and if there is need for a formal mediation session, it would be set for late February or early March.  The mediation with USA is complete with a final agreed payment due of approximately $11,000.  The District has sent a letter to Commissioners Nelson and Forsman seeking County support for the cost overrun of the CSAH 24 expansion project.  Rob will discuss the issue at the JPB meeting on February 15th.  Gary Cerkvenik is meeting with Senator Bakk, Representative Dill and the DNR regarding the DNR’s involvement and potential impact on the VNP Clean Water Project comprehensive plan on the same date. Three areas of interest include the Wooden Frog campground on Kabetogama, the DNR landing on the Handberg Road and the potential purchase of the Water’s Edge campground.  The Handberg Road expansion efforts continue.  Rob met with USDA-RD and S.E.H. to initiate the loan/grant application process.

 

Assessor Status Report:  Jan Jackson reported that all of the field work was done as required by December 31, 2011.  New construction work will be done by March 1st. The 2011 review area was the south ½ of Bear Island, Sections 25, 35 and 36.  MN Department of Revenue is currently reviewing the status of Jan’s work with a report due around the first part of March.

 

County Assessment:  St. Louis County is considering the elimination of all local assessors with the County providing all assessment work.  The County Board may vote for a ‘Full County Assessed System’ according to Minnesota Statute.  A motion was made by Jerry, supported by Jim, to write a letter to Commissioner Mike Forsman stating the Township’s wish to retain their right to choose an assessor at the Township level of government.  All voted in favor and the motion carried.

 

Town of Crane Lake Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Minutes – February 14, 2012

 

 

Chip Cravaack Letter:  A motion was made by Butch, supported by Jerry, to respond to Rep. Cravaack’s letter of November 18th offering that a staff member arrange a visit to Crane Lake Township in the near future.  All voted in favor and the motion carried.

 

Street Lights on Gold Coast Road:  Jim will report next month.

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Donation Request – Cook Library:  The Board did not approve the unbudgeted request.

 

Liquor License Approvals:  A motion was made by Jim, supported by Butch, to grant requests for renewal of 2012/2013 3.2 Percent Malt Liquor Licenses for Anderson Outfitters, Inc., Handberg’s Marine, Inc. and Pine Point Lodge & Resort, Inc., and request for renewal of 2012/2013 Combination On-Sale/Off-Sale and Sunday On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Crane Lake Bar & Grill, LLC.  All voted in favor and the motion carried.   A motion was made by Butch, supported by Jerry, to grant a request for renewal of 2102/2013 Combination On-Sale/Off-Sale & Sunday On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for VHB, Inc.  Butch and Jerry voted in favor, Jim abstained and the motion carried.  A motion was made by Jim, supported by Butch knowing that he had a conflict as an owner of Nelson’s Resort, to grant a request for renewal of 2012/2013 3.2 Percent Malt Liquor License and 2012 Seasonal On-Sale/Sunday On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Nelson’s Resort, Inc.  Jim and Butch voted in favor, Jerry abstained and the motion carried.

 

Local Board of Appeal & Equalization (LBAE) Meeting 4/18/12 – 2PM:  The LBAE will be on April 18th, 2PM at the Crane Lake Chapel Fellowship Hall.

 

DNR Public Water Access Proposal:  Jerry read aloud to those present a letter received from the MN Department of Natural Resources dated 2/9/12 regarding an option to purchase proposal for the Water’s Edge property to provide additional public water access to Crane Lake.  The option period is when the DNR seeks public input on the proposal with comments due March 6th.  There will be a press release and letters went to 17 adjacent landowners.  The proposal is to develop a permanent, year round facility including boat launching ramps, boarding docks, restrooms and parking for about 40 vehicles with trailers.  No fees would be charged to users.  Site maintenance and monitoring would be performed by DNR staff.    The DNR may be contacted at 218/753-2580, Extension 252.  The Town Board concerns included the inadequate comment period, the loss of tax base, the loss of revenue to the sewer district, and the loss of revenue to area businesses.  A motion was made by Jim, supported by Butch, to draft a letter of support of the purchase and requesting consideration of the loss of a private business to the Town of Crane Lake. A request for the DNR to consider keeping or retaining some campsites and RV sites at the access similar to what exists at Wooden Frog on Kabetogama should be incorporated into the letter. All voted in favor and the motion carried.

 

Other New Business:  Ruth L. Carlson suggested that a public informational meeting date for the land exchange be selected and the USFS District Ranger Tim Sexton be invited.  Friday, March 9th at 3PM will be considered as a possible date and time.

Comments from Officers:  Terrie stated that Township concerns on the proposed purchase of Water’s Edge are valid and that Water’s Edge may sell to whomever they choose.  Jo Ann reminded the Board of the spring Short Course at Black Bear Casino in Carlton on Friday, April 6th. Butch thanked community members for their attendance.

PUBLIC COMMENTS – There were none.

 

Next Meeting:    Annual Town Meeting, March 13, 2012 – 7:30PM, Fellowship Hall

Board of Supervisors’ Meeting, March 13, 2012, immediately following.

 

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20PM.

 

 

                                                                                                                                                           

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.