March 13, 2012

The March 13, 2012 Board of Supervisors’ Meeting was called to order by Chairman Jerry Pohlman at 8:24PM at the Crane Lake Chapel Fellowship Hall with the following in attendance: Supervisors Butch Eggen and Jerry Pohlman, Treasurer Terrie Hoff, Clerk Jo Ann Pohlman and 7 members of the community. Supervisor Jim Janssen was absent.

BUSINESS

Additions to the Agenda: There were none.

Minutes – A motion was made by Butch, supported by Jerry, to approve the minutes of the 2/14/2012 Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. All voted in favor and the motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report – Terrie read the February Cash Balances and presented the bills as follows: CLVTB – $415.50 and Payroll – $760.99. A motion was made by Butch, supported by Jerry, to approve the Treasurer’s Report as read and the payment of bills. 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 a Special Town Board of Supervisors’ Meeting would be held on Friday, March 16^th at 3PM for informational purposes about the land exchange. The meeting is, of course, open to the public. Ruth reminded everyone that the land exchange project has been on the Township’s monthly meeting agenda since 2002 and reports are in the minutes, as well as under Current Topics on the Township website. The project is progressing with an anticipated completion by the end of 2012. The scoping documents have been submitted and approved. The Environmental Assessment Worksheet will soon be available for public review.

CLWSD Report: Rob Scott provided a written report to the Board.

A spreadsheet showing current and projected revenues, expenses and EDU’s for the district was developed and presented to the board at the February meeting. The intent is to better understand how the projected revenues and costs relate to the increased debt service payment in 2014. The debt service playability issue has been addressed to USDA RD including an invitation to attend the April monthly meeting.
The treatment plant is having difficulty maintaining Total Suspended Solid standards at the plant. Terry Jackson has notified and is working with the MPCA and S.E.H. on the issue. The efforts are focused on low volume flows and the chemical treatment process.
The ongoing collection system corrections will continue in the spring as funds become available.
The heat tape installed into the culvert is operational and the invoices have been forwarded to St. Louis County for reimbursement.
The lift station insurance claims have been closed out.
The mediation process continues (CLWSD vs. RLK) and the District is awaiting the counter offer from RLK. It is anticipated that the initial mediation hearing with Judge Sullivan will be in April.
The JPB has been granted an additional two-year extension to the original letter of agreement between St Louis and Koochiching counties. Additionally, both counties are in process to appropriate funds to continue the engineering and administrative support. The District is working with Commissioners Nelson and Forsman to get monetary support to cover cost overruns for the CSAH 24 project. The cost overruns are related to special assessment funds, not construction budget. The goal is to use the assessment funds for capital reserves vs. having to apply them to expansion project costs.
The CSAH 24 expansion is complete except for some easement work that should be closed out this month.
The Handberg Road expansion project is still in the initial administrative phase. The board is seeking Public Facilities Authority funds for engineering and environmental services. The grant fund application process is being worked by Gary Cerkvenik. Additionally, work continues to seek DNR funding support including a letter that was sent on the potential impact to sewer district revenue with the purchase of the Water’s Edge RV Campground.

Assessor Status Report: MN Department of Revenue is currently reviewing the status of Jan’s work with a report due around the first part of March.

Town of Crane Lake Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Minutes – March 13, 2012

Proposed Full County Assessment System: 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 letter was sent to Commissioner Mike Forsman, with copies to all Commissioners, stating the Township’s wish to retain their right to choose an assessor at the township level of government. No response has been received to date.

Chip Cravaack Mobile Office Visit: The Township will contact Rep. Cravaack’s office requesting an April 28^th, 3PM meeting date with Crane Lake Township.

Street Lights on Gold Coast Road: Jim was not present to report.

DNR Public Water Access Proposal: There was nothing new to report.

NEW BUSINESS

Donation Request – St. Louis County Fair: The Board did not approve the unbudgeted request.

Resolution Establishing Precincts & Polling Places: A motion was made by Jerry, supported by Butch, to adopt Resolution No. 2012-02 reestablishing precincts and polling places as Crane Lake Chapel Fellowship Hall, at 7399 Handberg Road in Crane Lake, MN. All voted in favor and the motion carried.

Spring Clean-Up Day: Shirley Sanborn will again head Spring Clean-Up Day. Wednesday, April 25^th at 4:00PM was selected with May 2^nd at 4:00PM selected as the rain date. Voyagaire will be asked to supply the bags.

Spring Short Course: A motion was made by Jerry, supported by Butch, to approve expenses for any Board members that wish to attend the Spring Short Course on April 6^th at Black Bear Casino in Carlton. All voted in favor and the motion carried.

Local Board of Appeal & Equalization Training: A motion was made by Jerry, supported by Butch, to approve expenses for Butch Eggen to attend LBAE training in Cotton on April 27, 2012. All voted in favor and the motion carried.

Community Action Plan Re-Visit: The Board discussed the re-visit with Butch volunteering to contact Tim Campbell about facilitating in August.

Other New Business: There was none.

Comments from Officers: There was none.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Ruth L. Carlson suggested that the Board wait on the Action Plan Re-Visit until the Land Exchange had been accomplished.

Shirley Sanborn mentioned that the Timberjay had an article about the three new Certified Trustees from the Cook-Orr Health District joining the 34 others in the state who had earned this recognition.

Next Meeting: Board of Supervisors’ Meeting, April 10, 2012 – 7:30PM – Fellowship Hall

Board of Appeal Meeting, April 18, 2012 – 2:00PM – Fellowship Hall

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:55PM.

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.