Crane Lake Township

TOWN OF CRANE LAKE

ANNUAL MEETING

March 13, 2012

 

 

The March 13, 2012 Annual Meeting was called to order by Clerk Jo Ann Pohlman at 7:30PM, at the Crane Lake Chapel Fellowship Hall with the Pledge of Allegiance recited by those in attendance including:  Clerk Jo Ann Pohlman and 10 members of the community.

 

Clerk Jo Ann explained the purpose of the Annual Meeting and reminded everyone that it is a public meeting, anyone may attend, but only eligible voters of the Town may act at the meeting.  Voting was to be done by voice and show of hands.

 

Clerk Jo Ann asked for nominations for a Moderator.  Terrie Hoff nominated Jeff Sanborn, with a second by Ruth L. Carlson.  Jo Ann asked for any other nominations three times.  There being no other nominations, the nominations were closed.  All voted in favor with Jeff Sanborn being nominated to be the Moderator.

 

Moderator Jeff read the Agenda.

 

Jeff asked for any additions to the Agenda; there were none.

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

Minutes Approval – All attendees of the Annual Meeting received a copy of the minutes for approval. Jeff asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes.  There were none. A motion was made by Jerry Pohlman, supported by Terrie Hoff, to approve the minutes of the 3/8/11 Annual Meeting.  All voted in favor and the motion carried.  A motion was made by Ruth L. Carlson, supported by Shirley Sanborn, to approve the minutes of the 2/14/12 Board of Audit Meeting. All voted in favor and the motion carried.

 

Treasurer’s Report – Clerk Jo Ann read the following Treasurer’s Report for fiscal year 2011:

 

Opening Balance            $   115,523.26

Receipts                           +164,487.21

Disbursements                   -156,631.12

Ending Balance             $    123,379.35

 

A motion was made by Ruth L. Carlson, supported by Betty Corcoran, to approve the Treasurer’s Report as read.  All voted in favor and the motion carried.

 

Moderator Jeff asked if there was any other Old Business from the floor.  There was none.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

2012 Election Day Times & Location – Jeff asked for a motion on 2012 Election Day times and location. A motion was made by Nancy Parvi, supported by Shirley Sanborn, that the polls would be open from 10AM – 8PM for all elections at the Fellowship Hall.  All voted in favor and the motion carried.

2013 Annual Meeting Date, Time, & Location – A motion was made by Ruth L. Carlson, supported by Betty Corcoran, to set the 2013 Annual Meeting date and time for March 12, 2013 at 7:30PM at the Fellowship Hall.  All voted in favor and the motion carried.

 

CLVTB Annual Summary Report: Crane Lake Visitor & Tourism Bureau Chairman Butch Eggen reported that the mission statement of the CLVTB is to generate economic growth through tourism in the Crane Lake area.

• There is a 9 member volunteer board of directors and the CLVTB is a private non-profit MN Corporation.
• Annual budget is approximately $80,000.00.
• About 80% of the revenue is generated through the CL Town Ordinance calling for a 3% lodging tax.  The remainder comes from donations and grants.  A 5% administrative fee is retained by the Town.  This money, about $3,000 per year, is dedicated to the Town’s fireworks.
• There are 16 businesses in the taxing area, 4 businesses outside the area and 20 associate businesses on the membership roles.

 

Town of Crane Lake Annual Meeting Minutes 3/13/2012 – Page 2

 

 

CLVTB Annual Summary Report:  (Cont.)

• The CLVTB hosts the visitcranelake.com website and prints an area brochure.  Advertising is purchased in tourism interest publications, there is a billboard at Orr and the Voyageur Statue is maintained by the Bureau.  The CLVTB participates in regional and state programs; such as, the MN Arrowhead Assoc., Destinations Voyageurs National Park and Explore Minnesota Tourism.
• The website is the primary lead generator with about 600 M page views annually.  Approximately 5,000 brochures are mailed and about 5,000 emails are forwarded to members.
• Dee’s Nature Blog on the website generates about 25,000 views per month.  Her Blog is often used as an example for successful blogging in statewide seminars on tourism.
• There has been a 5 to 6% decrease in lodging tax receipts in each of the last three years. Marketing opportunities and new venues for members are continually being explored.
• The strategic plan will be renewed in late April and everyone in the community is invited to participate.

 

CLWSD Annual Summary Report:  Clerk Jo Ann read Rob Scott’s report for the Crane Lake Water & Sanitary District.

• The CLWSD plant processed over 2.3 million gallons of sewage while maintaining all standards.
• The main lift station had an explosion causing extensive damage and severely injuring one of our O&M personnel.  Both are fixed and mended.
• The budget showed a positive cash flow; however, the user rates were raised 3% to cover some of the projected cost increases.
• The first expansion within the ESA was completed.
• The mediation between the District and RLK continues and there is an anticipated closure early in 2012.

 

VNP Clean Water Joint Powers Board Report:  Clerk Jo Ann read Rob Scott’s report.

• The VNP Clean Water Joint Powers Board (JPB) was established in 2009 to carry out a preliminary planning project to develop a comprehensive wastewater collection and treatment system plan that includes Crane Lake, Ash River, Kabetogama, and Rainy Lake areas.  The Board consists of four county commissioners, two from St. Louis County and two from Koochiching County.  Additionally, there is an advisory group with representatives from each area along with county staff members.  The overall objective of the project is to ensure that the water quality is preserved in the watershed that impacts VNP.
• The current status of progress includes:  (1) Kabetogama is finalizing the initial sewer system on Puk’s Point.  (2) Rainy Lake is working on the Island View extension project.  (3) Crane Lake has completed the CSAH 24 expansion project.  (4) Ash River is developing a community action group to start the initial planning process.
• The JPB letter of agreement between the two counties has been approved for two additional years with ongoing efforts to secure administrative and engineering funding support until the project is completed.

 

IJC/Water Board Report:  Clerk Jo Ann read Rob Scott’s report.

• The IJC is in the process of approving the International Lake of the Woods and Rainy River Watershed Task Force’s Citizen Advisory Group report. The intent of the report, which was developed by Canadian and American local representatives, is to better address the quantity and quality of the Namakan, Rainy, and Lake of the Woods basin watershed along with the Rainy River flowage. The report is anticipated to be finalized in late spring. As the local Namakan basin representative, Rob discussed the ongoing work being conducted by the JPB as well as maintaining the current water quantity guidelines (rule curve). Both were included in the report.
• The water levels were maintained within the rule curve for 2011. The current level is at or slightly above the rule curve midpoint. On April 1^st the seasonal increase in water quantity begins and Rob will continue to monitor how the basin level increases given the likelihood of minimum run off this spring. The good news is that the established lower level of the rule curve prevents disproportional draining of the Namakan basin to raise the Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake basins.
• It looks like the economic down turn has had at least one positive impact to the Namakan River. The hydroelectric project that includes the potential building of dams at High Falls and Hay Rapids may be delayed indefinitely. The feasibility study is on hold pending an ongoing financial review of the project.  Sturgeon 1 – Chant Corporation 0.

 

CLVSC Annual Summary Report:  Mike Cherrywell reported for the Crane Lake Voyageurs Snowmobile Club.

• The 2011 snowmobile season started slow and ended on March 1^st with little snow at the beginning and enough at the end.
• Jeff Sanborn will be in charge of looking at a new groomer.
• Thanks to the groomers this year – Ted Smith, Kevin Hoffman and Joe Bonner.
• A good rapport was maintained with VNP this season and the Club looks forward to the next year.  Stakes will be removed soon.

 

 Town of Crane Lake Annual Meeting Minutes 3/13/2012 – Page 3

 

 

CL Chapel Annual Summary Report:  Nancy Parvi reported for the Chapel.

• The church has a new pastor, Pastor Roger Parrish Siggletow, who has brought a lot of contemporary music to the chapel.
• A fellowship time is hosted in the summer before services with coffee and breakfast goodies.  Many people show up and visit.
• Evening services have been tried this winter on the third Sunday of each month and have been very successful.  That service is less formal.
• Attendance has increased by at least 100%.
• The chapel has had several special music events, including:  An evening of music and poetry in the fall.  Ruth L. Carlson hosted an entertaining evening of music with Jack Pearson, which was followed with a potluck dinner.  Irish music and ministry with Paul Kyle and friends was enjoyed in March.
• Char Bystrom retired from years of providing Sunday school.  Sunday school will start up again with Roger’s wife Marnie coordinating it.  It will be held every Sunday until Memorial Day during the regular service.
• The new pastor has brought new life to the church with a lot of contemporary music.  He is a talented musician and has many musician friends.  All are encouraged to attend.

 

Cook-Orr Healthcare District Annual Report:  Cook-Orr Healthcare District Town Representative Shirley Sanborn reported the following highlights.

• The emergency room and outpatient services area are being updated and enhanced.
• The long-term care facility received five out of five stars for quality from Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare program. Large strides have been made in health information technology.
• Three Board of Trustees for the District became ‘Certified Trustees’, including Shirley Sanborn.
• Nursing Home funding continues to be a challenge.
• The CT scanner has been upgraded to provide improved diagnostic capabilities.
• There are brochures at the Crane Lake Post Office describing what the Hospital District has to offer, including new testing options closer to home.

CLVFD Annual Summary Report:  Fire Chief Jeff Sanborn reported for the Crane Lake Volunteer Fire Department.

• It was an uneventful year for the Department with 16 calls; 12 were EMS.
• A highlight this year has been the first responder classes.  Five people were up for renewal.  The class was opened up to all community members.  Seven young people between 14 and 17 years attended, 3 new adults attended, four people from Buyck and five people from Orr commuted to Crane Lake for the classes.
• There will be changes to the radio and dispatch system in St. Louis County, which will require the Department to purchase new pagers.

 

Review Proposed Revenue & Expenditures – Treasurer and Budget Committee Chairman Terrie Hoff reviewed the proposed 2013 budget revenues and expenditures.  Copies of the 2013 budget were distributed to everyone in attendance prior to the meeting.  Terrie reviewed the proposed revenues of $154,425.00 and the proposed Township disbursements of $112,180.00 plus Fire Protection for $50,000.00; totaling $162,180.00. Terrie asked if there were any questions.  There were none.

 

Moderator Jeff asked if there was any other New Business from the floor.

• Nancy Parvi stated that she would no longer be coordinating the Crane Lake Round Robin news.  The writing of the news provides scholarship funds for area high-school graduates.  Nancy and Sandy Bodkin are willing to continue with the scholarship fund.  New ways of funding scholarships was discussed.
• Butch Eggen received a phone call from Bill Congdon questioning the legality of driving 4-wheelers on the road in Crane Lake.  Bill will look into the possibility.

 

Moderator Jeff asked for a motion to either approve the 2013 levy request or recess the meeting.  A motion was made by Nancy Parvi, supported by Terrie Hoff, to approve the Township portion of the 2013 levy request at $35,000.00.  All voted in favor and the motion carried.  A motion was made by Ruth L. Carlson, supported by Butch Eggen, to approve the Fire Department portion of the 2013 levy request at $50,000.  All voted in favor and the motion carried.

 

 Town of Crane Lake Annual Meeting Minutes 3/13/2012 – Page 4

 

 

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:20PM

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                           

Jo Ann Pohlman, Clerk                                                               Jeff Sanborn, Moderator

 

 

 

 

 

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.