March 20, 2007

Lent Township Board Meeting

Official Minutes

Township Board meeting was called to order by Clerk Roxanne Kahler at 7:30 pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The Clerk Kahler gave oath of office to the newly elected officers Dave Milles, Larry Peterson, and Pam Olson. Clerk Kahler asked for nominations of Chair Person. Larry Peterson nominated Gene Olson, Dave Milles seconded. All ayes. Motion passed.

In attendance were Supervisors Gene Olson, Dave Milles, Larry Peterson; Treasurer Pam Olson; and Clerk Roxanne Kahler.

G. Olson requested review of the agenda presented by the clerk. G. Olson asked to have added to the agenda to review the County Rd extension on county roads 30 & 14 and correspondence information for lawn mowing ditches.

Milles made a motion to approve the agenda with the additions presented, Peterson seconded. All ayes. Motion passed.

Minutes from the February 20th board meeting were reviewed. Peterson made a motion to approve the minutes, Milles seconded. All ayes. Motion passed.

G. Olson requested the review of the minutes for Joint Powers meeting. There were none. No action.

Review of Board of Canvas Minutes held after board of election. Milles made a motion to approve the minutes. Peterson seconded. All ayes. Motion passed.

Claims and consent against the Township were presented by the Treasurer P. Olson. Peterson made a motion to approve the claims and consents as presented. Milles seconded.  All ayes. Motion passed.

Planning & Zoning

Dave Milles submitted his resignation from the Planning & Zoning Commission. Milles commented that he would finish the building fee permit schedule for the public hearing on April 11^th and present the findings of fact to the Planning Commission. Milles said that he would complete the development plan for rural transit development. Milles commented that the first Board of Adjustment meeting was held on March 7. John Stewart was appointed the recording secretary and the Planning Commission representative to the Board of Adjustment. Don Bilunas would be the chairman of the Board of Adjustment. Meetings will be held on every third Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.

Milles motioned to have John Stewart as the recording secretary and the Planning Commission representative to the Board of Adjustment. Peterson motioned. All ayes. Motion passed

Boy Scouts

Dave Kasper requested the use of the township hall for their meetings. Meetings would be held on the first and third Tuesday evenings of the month from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. On the second Tuesday of the month would be held for leader meetings in the kitchen. G. Olson recommended that no basketballs to be used during board meetings. The storage room needs to be cleaned up and kept organized. Only one key will be handed out and the need to be signed for.

Milles made a motion. Olson seconded. Motion passed. Peterson abstained.

Rick Keller

Would like to “grandfather in” his business and would like to know how to proceed. Milles informed Keller to fill out a Certificate of Compliance.

Keller would like to hold a hunter safety class that would start in April that would involve two nights a week for four weeks. Keller is requesting to use the hall and what evenings are available. Keller will contact Clerk Kahler when he gets the event organized.  Peterson commented that the township is fully covered by state insurance for any incidents that might occur.

Milles motioned for the gun safety to be held in the township. Peterson seconded. Motion passed.

Keller asked about purchasing a swing away mail box post. Keller was informed by G. Olson to bring $55.00 to the town hall and pick one up at the maintenance building.

Keller commented he was at one time on the Planning Commission and would like to be reconsidered to be put back on the board. Peterson commented that he knew there is another interested person that would like to be on the board. There are six on the board now and Peterson said a motion was made to have nine positions on the board. Keller was told to bring a letter of intent to the town hall.

Peterson commented that he spoke to Amador Township and that they had submitted an application for their park money but haven’t heard from the County as of yet. Peterson said that the next meeting will be held on March 27^th, at 7:00 p.m. and that the meetings will be held on the last Tuesday of the month. Peterson commented that Brian Randt is the chair person for the committee. Randt said that they are looking at catalogs for bleachers for the parks. G. Olson commented that the County Park director is seeking legislation, to change the percentage of money the townships should get from 75% to 50% of the money.  The County is also requiring a park plan before the townships receive the money. Franconia and Chisago Lakes Townships, and the County Historical Society have received funds to move the Mooney barn. Amador bought park lights and has asked for money from the county, had a rough time to get reimbursed. The townships are going to meet in April to discuss the situation.

Randt commented that he found out that General Mills give out grants for $5000.00 and that an application should be filled out.

Organization of the Township-Appointments

A.     Pay Gopher Bounty - Township office will receive gopher feet and fill out papers during office hours and G. Olson will also receive gopher feet.

B.      Township Health Officer – Doctor on call at Fairview Lakes Hospital

C.     Road, Grading and Snow Removal Supervisor – Supervisor Olson

D.     Monthly Road Inspections – Supervisor Peterson

E.      Depositories – 1^st National Bank/Hudson and 1^st State Bank of Wyoming

F.      Representative to the Lent Township Planning Commission – Supervisor Milles

G.     Representative at the Chisago County Planning Commission meeting – Supervisor Olson and/or a planning commission representative

H.     Minnesota Benefit Association Group Life Insurance- G. Olson commented that for $80.00 a person, the benefit is $10,000.00 a person. The policy is for all board members, treasurer, clerk and maintenance. Peterson made motion for Life Insurance premium to be paid. Milles seconded. All ayes. Motion passed.

Milles asked to be the coordinator for a quarterly newsletter. G. Olson commented that information is handed in and the clerk illustrates the newsletter.

Milles asked is there a designated person who corresponds with the legislature. G. Olson commented that Milles can correspond as long as he doesn’t represent the Lent Township. Milles would have to speak to the other supervisors prior to corresponding if involving the township.

Park Commission

Peterson commented that he is the liaison to the Park Commission and asked if Milles would like to take the position over, Milles said that he would. Lyle Johnson was the liaison to the Fire Department Relief and that Peterson will be the new liaison. The Fire Department Relief meetings are held on the last Wed. of the month at 6:30 p.m.

In summary: Peterson is Fire Department Relief liaison and Road Inspector.

                     G. Olson is Road Maintenance and Snow Removal

Milles is Board of Adjustment, Planning Commission Board Representative, and liaison to Park Commission

                     Kahler will co-ordinate the newsletter.

Service Contracts

1.   Seven County Senior Federation: asked for $300.00 – was declined – need more information   about servicing Lent Township

2.   Family Pathways: asked for $1250.00 – was declined – need more information about servicing Lent Township.

3.   The Refuge Network: asked for $1000.00 -was declined – need more information about servicing Lent Township.

4.   Chisago County Senior Center: asked for $1000.00- Motion made by Peterson. Milles seconded. Motion passed.

5.   Chisago County Fair: asked for $500.00- Motion made by Peterson to give $500.00 to the Chisago County Fair in receipt of a service contract. Milles seconded. Motion passed. Discussion: Peterson asked if there was a service contract. G. Olson commented that a letter was received and would contact the Chisago County Fair for a service contract.

6.   Chisago County Recreation: asked for $500.00 and $85.00 a month for port a potty- Discussion: G. Olson commented that a letter from Tony Peterfeso was sent to the township saying that the township would be sued if we (donated) transferred funds to Bob Gustafson as it is illegal.  G. Olson that he has contacted the township attorney Peter Tiede and he said that it is legal to support the children in a recreational environment. It will be looked into with Peter Tiede to make the decision. Motion made by Milles to contract $600.00. Peterson seconded. All ayes. Motion passed.

A letter will be sent to the representatives of the service contracts that were declined.

Fire Department

A burn tower and training facility was presented by the Fire men. The cost was figured to be around $250,000.00. G. Olson commented that the burning tower should be kept in the township not to let Stacy be part owner. The building would be rented out for training and it would be an asset for the township. The gambling fund has given $15,000.00 towards the mortgage of the tower. The fire department has already given $15,000.00 on the last new truck purchased.

Lyle Johnson commented about the conversation he had with Troy that the sheriff department would like to include a 35 foot tower for repelling training along with the 28 foot building. It would be an extra $60,000.00 to $80,000.00. Troy is talking to the Lions for donations to keep cost down and getting detail plans. Johnson commented that the building plans should be really looked at before committing to building the structure and that there might be a variance for height allowed. G. Olson said that as of now there are only plans for a burning tower and would be watching the process.

Fire department operations manual is available for reviewing. P Olson commented that the first two chapters are finalized and is about the joint powers. Peterson and Milles would like a copy of chapters one & two.

Legal Publications

G. Olson commented that at the annual meeting, the township people decided to have the publications in all three of the papers.

Milles made a motion per the decision of the township people to have publications in all three papers. Peterson seconded. All ayes. Motion passed.

Road Report

Lyle Johnson provided the report. G. Olson said that the road report is accepted as presented.

Annual road tour needs to be schedule. G. Olson said that he tours the roads on the west side of river and Peterson tours the east side of river once a month and the maintenance men are on them quite frequently. Milles commented that he would like to ride along the next time G. Olson tours. The annual road tour was determined not necessary.

St. Cloud Spring Short Courses

The short coursed will be held on Monday, March 26, 2007. G. Olson, P. Olson, R. Kahler, and Milles will be attending. Bernice Woods will be in the office that day. The cost of the seminar is $35.00 per person and the township will cover the cost.

Clerk’s Comments

Bruce Brandenberg from the Chisago County sheriff department would like to use the North end of the ball field by the fire station for dog training and leave the equipment set up. G. Olson will contact them and make the arrangements.

Annual weed meeting will be on March 28 at 10:00 a.m., at the Legion Hall, in North Branch, MN.

Minnesota Department of Commerce, Energy Facilities Permitting Unit sent correspondence for any individuals to participate in a force task.

G. Olson commented that he received some correspondence on lawn mowing ditches.

The County Engineer picked a route from County Road 30 to County Road 14, extending County Road 17, so that the right a way can be protected. G. Olson asked for copies to be sent of the propose site to be put in the Planning & Zoning files. Option E is the one the County picked.

Brian Randt commented that he attended a waste water class and had information on waste treatment system.

      Milles made a motion to adjourn. Peterson seconded. Motion passed.

      Meeting ended at 9:40 pm

___________________________                                    ___________________________

Board Chair Signature                                                        Clerk Signature