September 8, 2009

The September 8, 2009 Board of Supervisors’ Meeting was called to order by Chairman Jerry Pohlman at 7:30PM at the Crane Lake Volunteer Fire Department Hall with the Pledge of Allegiance recited by those in attendance including: Supervisors Jim Janssen and Jerry Pohlman, Clerk Jo Ann Pohlman, a reporter from the Voyageur Sentinel and five members of the community. Supervisor Butch Eggen and Treasurer Terrie Hoff were absent.

Additions to the Agenda: School Board Referendum was added to New Business

Minutes – A motion was made by Jim, supported by Jerry, to approve the minutes of the 8/11/09 Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. Jim and Jerry voted in favor and the motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report – Jo Ann read the August Cash Balances and presented the bills as follows: Pine Point Lodge – $700.00; Mike Carlson – $100.00; Handberg’s Marine – $95.81; Jeff Sanborn – $50.00; Crane Lake Visitor & Tourism Bureau – $14,422.63 and Payroll – $532.27. A motion was made by Jerry supported by Jim, to approve the Treasurer’s Report as read and the payment of bills. Jerry and Jim 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 Consultant David Schmidt continues to work on the land exchange application. He will have a draft to present to the Corporation sometime next week.

CLWSD Report: CLWSD Chairman Rob Scott reviewed the status of the CLWSD with the Board and others present. He reported that the 2008 and 2009 expenses for the District were similar. The plant continues to operate within the MPCA guidelines. Rutchasky Enterprises will be doing corrective work on the collection system with freeze issues being the number one focus and infiltration second. SEH, Inc. provided the recommendations for the District to follow in the corrective work. There has been no decision to date from Rural Development on the loan issue. The District is working with Fryberger, Buchanan to re-coop freezing losses. The VNP Clean Water Project JPA met in Cook on 8/20/09. Julie Kennedy of SEH will be at the October Board of Supervisors’ Meeting to provide information on the sewer related survey that will be sent to residents. The JPB will have their first meeting on October 1^st. The JPB, which addresses the financial issues of the JPA, will be made up of members of St. Louis and Koochiching Counties. They plan to establish an advisory group with representatives from each area.

Crane Lake Voyageur Days Report: Cathy Erickson reported that there had not been a follow-up meeting yet; however, there seemed to be about the same number of people at the event as last year. She thanked the Township for their support. The Committee should have more to report after their follow-up meeting.

Culvert: Rob Scott reported that an agreement between St. Louis County and the District had been received by the CLWSD. The agreement is for main line maintenance during construction of the culvert.

Speed Hump Follow-up Report: Cathy Erickson reported that Vic Lund had requested a report on the effect of the speed humps. Cathy received emails expressing support of the speed humps and the possible need for more.

NEW BUSINESS

International Rainy Lake Board of Control Report: Board Representative Rob Scott reported that the IRLBC held their annual meeting on 8/25/09 in International Falls. The 2008-2009 IRLBC water level management efforts resulted in nearly a total maintenance of the water levels of the Namakan basin within the IJC directed water operating bands. It appears that the IRLBC continues to be very supportive on not making any recommended changes to the IJC until the completion of the 15 year review. Rob recommended that the Township develop and submit correspondence to our elected officials regarding the Namakan Hydroelectric project. A motion was made by Jim, supported by Jerry to send a letter to our elected officials stating our opposition to the project. Jim and Jerry voted in favor and the motion carried.

Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Minutes – September 8, 2009

Unallottment of State Aids and Credits: A letter was received from the Minnesota Department of Revenue advising that 2009 unallotments had been made, which will reduce the amount of market value credit reimbursements to the Township. Proposed unallotments for 2010 will be determined in January.

Approval of CLVFD Financing Transaction: The Township has acknowledged and approved the CLVFD of a financing transaction with Leasing 2, Inc. for purchase of a fire truck.

Transportation Enhancements Program: The Northeast Minnesota Area Transportation Partnership is soliciting projects for the Transportation Enhancements Program, a federally funded program that targets projects that are historic, scenic or environmental, and/or focus on facilities for bicycles and pedestrians. The solicitation is for State Fiscal Year 2014. The Board did not feel it was something to pursue at this time.

School Board Referendum: Jim spoke to the issue of a bond referendum affecting students that attend Orr school. Most of the cities and townships in the Orr area are not in favor of the bond referendum as it stands because of the distance students would need to travel to the selected site for the new school. A motion was made by Jerry, supported by Jim to adopt a resolution opposing the bond referendum on the school. Jerry and Jim voted in favor and the motion carried.

Other New Business: There was none.

Comments from Officers: Jim thanked the committees and Rob Scott for their reports.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Cathy Erickson requested that someone communicate with Vic Lund on the effect of the speed humps. Jo Ann will call Mr. Lund.

Ruth L. Carlson asked who was responsible for the destruction of the beaver dam on the Handberg Road. It was understood that it was St. Louis County.

Next Meeting: Board of Supervisors’ Meeting, October 13, 2009 – 7:30PM, Fellowship Hall

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:35PM.

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.