March 9, 2010: Annual Town Meeting
TOWN OF CRANE LAKE
ANNUAL MEETING
March 9, 2010
The March 9, 2010 Annual Meeting was called to order by Clerk Jo Ann Pohlman at 7:35PM, at the Crane Lake Chapel Fellowship Hall with the Pledge of Allegiance recited by those in attendance including: Clerk Jo Ann Pohlman and 11 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. Ruth L. Carlson nominated Jeff Sanborn, with a second by Terrie Hoff. 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. A motion was made by Butch Eggen, supported by Shirley Sanborn to approve the Agenda. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
Minutes Approval – All attendees of the Annual Meeting received a copy of the minutes for approval. Clerk Jo Ann asked that all minutes be approved in one motion. Jeff asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes. There were none. A motion was made by Bruce Beste, supported by Butch Eggen, to approve the Minutes of the 3/17/09 Annual Meeting and the Minutes of the 2/16/10 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 2009:
Opening Balance $ 99,864.24
Receipts +175,893.45
Disbursements -164,579.95
Ending Balance $ 111,177.74
A motion was made by Terrie Hoff, supported by Jerry Pohlman, 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
2010 Election Day Times & Location – Jeff asked for a motion on 2010 Election Day times and location. A motion was made by Lori Sanborn, supported by Ruth L. Carlson, that the polls would be open from 10AM – 8PM for all elections at the Fellowship Hall. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
2011 Annual Meeting Date, Time, & Location – A motion was made by Jim Janssen, supported by Terrie Hoff, to set the 2011 Annual Meeting date and time for March 8, 2011 at 7:30PM at the Fellowship Hall. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
CLWSD Annual Summary Report – CLWSD Board Chairman Rob Scott provided the report. Some of the highlights of his report included: The plant processes between 2.3 and 2.4 million gallons of effluent per year; which is below plant capacity. The District financial balance for 2009 was a positive $24,000, O & M expenses were approximately $85,000. The District books are audited each year. The rates have been held at $56.00 base fee and $12.52/per 1,000 gallons since 2006. Overall users have decreased by 8% since the beginning of operation, when an increase was anticipated. There are approximately 70 users on the system. The District has not paid on the USDA-RD loan for the past two years. The District has been involved in a workout plan with USDA-RD to reduce the amount of the loan. With the support of Congressman Oberstar and lobbyist Gary Cerkvenik, the District now has made an agreement with USDA-RD to reduce the interest on the loan payment from 4.75% to 2.375% over 37 years. There will be interest only payments for the next
Town of Crane Lake Annual Meeting Minutes 3/9/10 – Page 2
NEW BUSINESS (Cont.)
three years with principal and interest payments beginning in 2014. The plant has maintained all standards and has received an award from the MPCA for good plant/system management. The District contracted with S.E.H. Engineering for $12,000 to provide system review service to correct electrical, infiltration and freezing issues. The District is in legal mediation with RLK to re-coop funds spent by the District for design related corrective action.
Namakan Basin Project Annual Update – Rob Scott explained the Namakan Basin Joint Powers Board as including Crane Lake, Ash River and Kabetogama involved in a comprehensive plan to preserve clean water in the Namakan Basin. The VNP Joint Powers Board was explained as the financial portion of the project including both St. Louis County and Koochiching County to procure funding for the Namakan Basin Area project. Funding would be used by all three areas as needed. Our area is considering expansion on County Road 24 and then the Handberg Road.
Census Reminder: Clerk Jo Ann reminded those present to complete their soon-to-arrive census forms. The data helps to determine how dollars are distributed to the state, local and tribal areas each year.
Review Proposed Revenue & Expenditures – Treasurer and Budget Committee Chairman Terrie Hoff reviewed the proposed 2011 budget revenues and expenditures. Copies of the 2011 budget were distributed to everyone in attendance prior to the meeting. Terrie reviewed the proposed revenues of $159,317.00 and the proposed Township disbursements of $112,145.00 plus Fire Protection for $50,000.00; totaling $162,145.00. Terrie asked if there were any questions. There were none.
Moderator Jeff asked if there was any other New Business from the floor. A Fire Department reported was added.
Fire Chief Jeff Sanborn reported that 2009 was a quiet year, unlike the beginning of 2010. A new fire truck has been ordered, built and will arrive in Crane Lake on Friday, March 12th. The total cost was near $180,000. A sizeable down payment was made and a yearly payment of $14,000 will be made. The levy will be maintained at a reasonable level to meet these payments. A few new members were added to the Department this year.
Moderator Jeff asked if there was any other New Business from the floor. There was none.
Moderator Jeff asked for a motion to either approve the levy request of $89,917.00 or recess the meeting. A motion was made by Terrie Hoff, supported by Bruce Beste to approve the Township portion of the levy request at $39,917. 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 levy request at $50,000. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15PM
Jo Ann Pohlman, Clerk Shirley Sanborn, Election Judge
Joan Olson, Election Judge
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.
