March 22, 2005: Reorganization Meeting Minutes
TOWN OF CRANE LAKE
REORGANIZATION/BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ‘ MEETING
March 22, 2005
The March 22, 2005 Reorganization/Board of Supervisors’ 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: Supervisors Mark Anderson and Jim Janssen, re-elected Supervisor Jerry Pohlman, Clerk Jo Ann Pohlman, Jim Pucel of RLK-Kuusisto, a reporter from the Voyageur Sentinel, and 3 members of the community.
Clerk Jo Ann swore in re-elected Supervisor Jerry Pohlman and issued his Certificate of Election.
Clerk Jo Ann asked for nominations for Chairman. Jim nominated Jerry Pohlman as Chairman, Mark supported the nomination. There being no other nominations for Chairman, a vote for Jerry Pohlman to serve as Chairman was unanimous. Jo Ann then asked for nominations for Vice-Chairman. Mark nominated Jim Janssen as Vice-Chairman, Jerry supported the nomination. There being no other nominations for Vice-Chairman, a vote for Jim Janssen to serve as Vice-Chairman was unanimous. Jo Ann then turned the meeting over to Chairman Jerry.
Additions to the Agenda: A resolution approving a premises permit application was added to New Business.
Minutes – A motion was made by Mark, supported by Jim, to approve the minutes of the 2/8/2005 meeting. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report – Jo Ann read the Treasurer’s Report and presented the bills as follows: Vidmar Appraisals – $1,360.00; Lutefisk Tech., Inc. – $449.10; St. Louis County Assoc. of Twp. – $346.64; McCahill Publishing, Inc. – $112.50; Shirley Sanborn – $32.00; Virginia Marshall – $32.00; Charlotte Bystrom – $32.00; Crane Lake Visitor & Tourism Bureau – $1,547.05; and Payroll – $397.24. A motion was made by Mark, supported by Jim, 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.
Chairman Jerry introduced Jim Pucel of RLK-Kuusisto. Mr. Pucel introduced his Consulting Firm to the Board and community members present. They have offices in Duluth, Minnetonka, Ham Lake, and Hibbing and are currently the Engineers for the CLWSD sewer project. The firm assists with planning and securing funds in the form of grants and low-interest loans and would be available to provide their services for any upcoming Township projects.
OLD BUSINESS
Community Priority Projects Reports:
- Communications/Cell Phones – Jim Janssen reported that the tower at the landfill would not be available for cell phone use. The next step is to see if the tower on Mukooda Lake is an option. Jim has talked to Barbara West of Voyageur’s National Park. She may be able to get something done, if that is our only option. RCC is evaluating whether or not this would be beneficial for them. Our only other option is to put up our own tower. There would be funding available for this.
- Land Exchange/Community Property Project – Ruth L. Carlson has asked C.J. Fernandez for a report of his progress on the landscape design work for the project and is waiting for his response. Representatives of the US Forest Service met with representatives of Potlatch regarding qualifying land for the exchange. The Forest Service representatives report that it was a good meeting. Ruth hopes to have more information at the next meeting.
Zoning of Town Properties Report: Jo Ann read Rob Scott’s report to the Board and community members present. The Committee met on 2/22/05. They discussed the current County zone districts within the WSA. The report listed concerns and issues related to any amendments to rezoning and planning, which include: 1) The current capacity of the CLWSD sewage treatment plant. 2) The need for professional research. 3) Decision and authorization from the Town Board to finance professional services to develop a rezoning amendment. The Committee concluded that the existing zoning guidance is available to any property owner requesting specific land use permits with St. Louis County; professional expertise would be needed to draft a land use amendment, and any rezoning amendment requests should be in concert with other Town initiatives currently in progress, and to balance economic and environmental concerns of the WSA property owners. The Committee at this time is not prepared to recommend any rezoning change amendments. Mike White added that it would be wise for the Board to table any decision until the outcome of a report requested by the CLWSD of RLK-Kuusisto regarding a treatment plant capacity allocation plan is completed. The issue was tabled until further information is available from the CLWSD.
Culvert Finish Choice Report: Jerry relayed the choice to Chris Morris of St. Louis County. Mr. Morris asked about a photo of the Voyageur Statue to use as an emblem on the bridge/culvert. Jim will email a photo to Jerry to forward to Chris Morris. Butch Eggen mentioned that he may have a statue to send to them, as an example.
NEW BUSINESS
Treasurer Position Appointment: Butch Eggen volunteered to fill the Treasurer position. A motion was made by Jim, supported by Mark, to appoint Arthur “Butch” Eggen to the Treasurer position until the Annual Election in March, 2006. Motion carried. Newly appointed Treasurer Butch Eggen was sworn in by Clerk Jo Ann.
St. Louis County Pilot Backyard Compost Bin Distribution Program: A letter was received from St. Louis County on February 11th with the request that the Township ‘get the word out to residents’ announcing their program and to post their ad, which was done (poster at the Post Office) upon receipt of the letter. Alice Hill of the Voyageur Sentinel said that she contacted the County for a compost bin and found that all available bins have been issued.
St. Louis County All Hazard Mitigation Plan Strategies: To be covered under the St. Louis County All Hazard Mitigation Plan, cities are required to identify one or more strategies relevant for their community. The Board was unable to determine from the provided website what information was required and felt that the Fire Department may have already responded to the request. Jo Ann will call the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office to get further information.
April Short Course – Eveleth 4/1/05: Jo Ann and Butch plan to attend the April Short Course. A motion was made by Mark, supported by Jim to approve mileage and educational expenses for any Board members attending the course. Motion carried.
Reorganization
Town Board Meeting Date & Time: A motion was made by Mark, supported by Jim, for the Town Board Meeting Date and Time to remain the same – The second Tuesday of each month at 7:30PM. Motion carried.
Official Newspaper: Rate quotes were received from the Cook News-Herald and the Voyageur Sentinel. A motion was made by Mark, supported by Jerry, to name the Voyageur Sentinel as the official newspaper of the Town. Motion carried.
Official Posting Places: A motion was made by Jim, supported by Mark, that the posting places remain the same. The Church, Fire Hall, and Post Office and the following places of business when open – Voyagaire, Handberg’s Marine, Anderson Outfitters, and Nelson’s Resort. Motion carried.
Reorganization (Cont.)
Legal Representative: A motion was made by Jim, supported by Mark, that the Colosimo, Patchin, Kearney, Lindell & Brunfelt firm remain the legal representative of the Town. Motion carried.
Depository/Bank: A motion was made by Mark, supported by Jim, that any bank in St. Louis County may be used with the Beacon Bank of Duluth being designated as our primary bank. Motion carried.
Fellowship Hall Rent: A motion was made by Jerry, supported by Mark, that the Fellowship Hall Rent remain at $60 for 2005. Motion carried.
Minutes Distribution and Posting Policy: A motion was made by Jim, supported by Mark, that the policy would remain the same. Minutes will be mailed to those supplying the Clerk with stamped, self-addressed envelopes, and the minutes will be posted at the Church, Post Office, and on the website. Motion carried.
Salaries & Meeting Rate: A motion was made by Mark, supported by Jim, that the salaries and meeting rates would be as follows: Supervisors – $5 per meeting, Clerk $215 per month plus $40 per meeting, and Treasurer $120 per month plus $40 per meeting. Election Judge payment will remain the same at $8 per hour and $10 per hour after 10PM. Motion carried.
Mileage Reimbursement: A motion was made by Jim, supported by Mark, to follow the State guideline which fluctuates and at this time is 40.5 cents per mile. Motion carried.
Committees:
- Communications/Cell Phone: A motion was made by Mark, supported by Jerry, that Jim Janssen remain the Chair of this committee. Motion carried.
- Community Property Project-Trails/Beautification: A motion was made by Jim, supported by Mark, that Ruth L. Carlson remain Chair of this Committee. Motion carried.
- Zoning of Town Properties Committee: A motion was made by Jerry, supported by Mark, that this Committee remain the same with Rob Scott as Chair and Butch Eggen, Jerry Pohlman, and Doug Marshall as committee members. Motion carried.
- Budget Committee: A motion was made by Jim, supported by Mark, that the Committee remain the same with the Treasurer, the Clerk, Jerry Pohlman, Mike White, and Dee Kuder as committee members. Motion carried.
Town Representatives:
- Cook-Orr Healthcare District Board – Amy Ulen is currently the Town representative. No action is required by the Board as this is now an elected position.
- CLVFD Fire Fighters Relief Association – Two Town Board members currently serve on this Board. Mark was appointed for a three-year term beginning in 2003 and Jim Janssen was appointed for a three-year term beginning in 2004. County Commissioner Mike Forsman represents the other township that the CLVFD served. The CLVFD has now dropped that township. Representation by the Town will remain the same until we hear otherwise.
- International Rainy Lake Board of Control – Rob Scott is currently the Town representative and will be contacted to see if he is willing to continue serving in this position.
Premises Permit Application: A motion was made by Mark, supported by Jim, to adopt a resolution approving a premises permit application for the Crane Lake Voyageur Snowmobile Club, Inc., at Pine Point Lodge. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ruth L. Carlson congratulated Butch Eggen on his appointment to the Treasurer position on the Town Board and stated that the community was fortunate to have someone step forward and volunteer for the position.
Comments from Officers – Mark, Jim and Jerry agreed with Ruth’s comment on Butch Eggen’s appointment and welcomed him to the Board. Butch stated that he would do the job to the best of his ability.
Next Meeting: Board of Supervisors’ Meeting, April 12, 2005 – 7:30PM at the Crane Lake Fellowship Hall.
Board of Equalization Meeting, May 3, 2005 – 2PM at the Crane Lake Fellowship Hall.
There being no further business, a motion was made by Mark, supported by Jim, to adjourn the meeting at 8:40PM. Motion carried.
Jo Ann Pohlman, Clerk Jerry Pohlman, Chairman
