SHAMROCK TOWNSHIP
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
Thursday, January 12, 2012

Chairperson Nancy Karjalahti called the special board meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. Present were Supervisors Ron Smith and Charles Quale, Clerk Candace Bartel, Treasurer John Brula, road maintenance employees Tim Turner and Marvin Turner and resident Rich Biernat.

The purpose of the special board meeting was to discuss road related issues to include the comprehensive road plan (2011 Capital Improvement Plan from SEH), culvert/driveway guidelines, utility rules and regulations, the 218th PL drainage proposal, road signs, radio equipment and other road concerns.

There is a foreclosed property now owned by Bremer Bank on Lily Avenue that could possibly be purchased by the township to be used for a gravel pit. It is 38.49 acres and some gravel pit work has been done there. Charles Quale will contact Bremer Bank for more information on the property.

The condition of the township blacktops was reviewed. Trader’s Post (520th LN), 201st Ave., 202nd PL are the oldest. Sheshebe (188th Ave.) is older but has been resurfaced. Bridge Road has also had an overlay. When 520th LN is done, the culvert will need to be replaced before any blacktop work is done. John Welle, Aitkin County engineer, will be contacted in regard to the culvert.

Information on grants available from the Minnesota DNR was shared. The grants are available to counties, cities and townships to provide/improve access to state parks and outdoor recreation units (public lakes, rivers and state campgrounds). Possible public accesses that might qualify would be Indian Portage, the 498th LN access and the access on 520th LN. The grant applications would be for the 2013; information for application will be available later in the year.

Gravel road repair projects were discussed. The use of geogrid for certain projects was considered. 473rd St. (dump road) is the heaviest traveled roads and needs more gravel. There is a section (the hill near the satellite dishes) that the geogrid could be used on 473rd St. The erosion on the hill on 483rd St. has been engineered and should be a project for this summer. It should be rocked on the lake side and possibly lay chainlink fence under the rock to prevent muskrat damage; the culvert may need to be replaced. The low area on 483rd St. needs to be engineered or specs written before bids are taken on the project. Areas with frost heaves that could benefit from the use of geogrid are on 490th St. and the ‘y’ on Bridge Road.

The drainage on 218th PL was discussed. SEH engineered two plans for consideration. There is concern about the standing water and ice at the intersection. This could be a phased project. The property owner (Olson) northeast of the intersection of 218th PL and 482nd LN will need to be contacted to obtain permission to discharge storm water runoff onto their property. Workman Township will need to be consulted before any work is started. Ditch work in the right-of-way could be done now that the survey stakes are in place.

Information to be presented at the annual meeting: the comprehensive plan (copies will be available for review), repair of the blacktops priorities are on 201st Ave., 202nd PL, and 520th LN. Bridge Road from Maple LN to the end of the blacktop and extended to the ‘y’ – this will be a multi-year project with the blacktop removed, the frost boils/holes repaired and the road left to sit for a year; 188th Ave. should also be resurfaced, these projects will be done at a point in time yet to be determined. Gravel road repairs planned for 2012 include frost boil heaves on 490th St. and near the Bridge Road ‘y’, geogrid on 473rd St. near the satellite dishes, 483rd St. erosion control and riprap project. Future gravel road repairs will include repair of the low area on 483rd St. Cost estimates are outlined in the comprehensive plan. 2013 DNR grant applications will be submitted for the Indian Portage access, 520th LN access and 498th LN.

The driveway access guidelines were reviewed and revised. Permits will not be required. Once the guidelines are finalized they will be sent to area realtors, area contractors, the county zoning office and the county engineer’s office.

Guidelines for utilities on township roads were reviewed. Some revisions were made and will the guidelines will be further reviewed at the January 12 regular board meeting. When the guidelines are finalized copies will be sent to the power company, the phone company, the cable company and gas companies with a request for a copy of any work orders relating to underground utility installation under township roads. A copy will also be sent to Aitkin County Zoning.

Tim Turner gave the monthly road report: they have been sanding and scraping roads as needed, tree trimming has been done, equipment maintenance has been done, there is plenty of salt/sand on hand, and ice ridges at the public accesses have been cleared.

Maintenance men will start work on replacing the signs in sections one through twelve. A list of signs recommended for removal will be started. Charles Quale checked with John Welle and the county is not willing to help with the township’s sign replacement installation.

The radio system and radio upgrade were discussed. This will be discussed further at the January 12 regular board meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 12:30 p.m.

Candace Bartel, Shamrock Town Clerk
Nancy Karjalahti, Shamrock Town Board Chairperson

MINUTES WERE APPROVED AT THE JANUARY 12, 2012 REGULAR BOARD MEETING

 

SHAMROCK TOWNSHIP
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
Thursday, December 8, 2011

Board Chairperson Nancy Karjalahti called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Present were Supervisors Charles Quale and Ron Smith; Treasurer John Brula; Clerk Candace Bartel; road maintenance employee Marvin Turner, and residents Rich Biernat and Jerry Pawlak.

The minutes from the November 10, 2011 regular board meeting were unanimously approved on a motion by Ron Smith, seconded by Charles Quale.

The treasurer reported the following fund balances for the period ending November 30, 2011: General Revenue Fund, $74,852.04; Road & Bridge Fund, $401,413.37, Fire Fund, $42,474.13; Building Fund, $68,739.95; Sewer Fund, $4,703.81; Parks & Rec Fund, $51,283.56; and the Lease/purchase Fund, $55,684.64. The Road & Bridge CD’s total $336,474.27; Building final payment CD, $77,257.98; Sewer Fund CD’s $84,465.47; Kirt Properties escrow CD $4,675.38. Money market interest received November 30 was $199.14, property tax receipts totaled $235,269.12 and $1154.00 was received from Crow Wing Recycling for scrap metal, disbursements were $15,452.54. Checking account balance plus investments on hand as of November 30, 2011 was $1,202,024.60. Liabilities are the building bond at $520,000. Motion by Charles Quale, seconded by Ron Smith to approve the treasurer’s report; motion carried unanimously. Motion by Charles Quale, seconded by Ron Smith, to approve the revised November claims report to include the VISA bill for a total of $15,452.54; motion carried unanimously. Motion by Ron Smith, seconded by Charles Quale to approve payment of the December claims and payroll totaling $40,589.82; motion carried unanimously.

Correspondence: The following was received: Information on parts and service specials from Ziegler, newsletters from Rep. McElfatrick, and the USDA Rural Development newsletter.

Joe Gould, Democrat candidate for the MN House of Representatives, was unable attend tonight’s meeting as planned. He will attend the January 12 board meeting.

OLD BUSINESS:
• DNR pit lease – nothing new to report.

• Road report: Marvin Turner reported the plow trucks have been inspected, brush has been mowed on Bridge Road, trees were cut on 200th Avenue and off Long Point Place, parts for the pickup plow have been ordered, and Freeman Electric has ordered a relay part for the furnace in the old shop. Ron Smith reported a sign on 508th LN indicating the property owner doesn’t want the right-of-way mowed, sprayed; the right-of-way is maintained by township, not the property owner.

• 218th PL – the recommendations from Matt Reid, SEH, on diverting drainage were received. Tabled to allow the supervisors time to review the report.

• Lakeview Land Access (by Cajun Queen): After discussion Jerry Pawlak offered to contact the conservation officer regarding ATV use of the public access.

• 188th Avenue – items in the right-of-way. The leaves are still piled in the right-of-way, they will be moved when the snowplow goes through the area. It was noted that some of the right-of-way stakes on the recently surveyed section have been removed.

• Nancy Karjalahti informed Dick Bevill that the township is not interested in cost sharing on shoreline restoration on the public access near his property on Lake Minnewawa.

• 202nd PL – the boat lift in the way of the snowmobile crossing has been moved. The boat in another location is still in the right-of-way.

• The township utility permit rules and regulations will be discussed at a special meeting in the next couple of months. The county’s culvert/driveway access guidelines will be also reviewed. Once township guidelines are revised they should be distributed to area realtors and contractors.

• Ron Smith moved to adopt the township road sign maintenance plan discussed at a previous meeting utilizing a three-year replacement option, seconded by Charles Quale; motion carried. Charles Quale will check with the county engineer’s office about the installing of new signs.

• Long-Range Comprehensive Road Plan: a special board meeting was scheduled for Thursday, January 12, at 9:30 a.m. to discuss road issue planning to include the comprehensive road plan, the utility permit rules and regulations, culvert/driveway issues and the 218th PL drainage.

• Townhall remodeling: Nothing new to report.

• Several inquiries have been received regarding use of the townhall for public meetings. After discuss, it was decided that the building will not be available for public meetings at this time.

• Ron Smith moved by resolution of authorize a supervisor, with proper qualifications, to work as a back-up road equipment operator in an emergency situation, seconded by Nancy Karjalahti; motion carried on the following vote: Karjalahti, aye; Quale, aye; Smith, aye.

• Ron Smith shared concerns about realtor signs on the edge of the road. Notification will be sent to the realtors regarding items in the right-of-way along with the township culvert/driveway guidelines.

NEW BUSINESS:
Information received from the county assessor regarding the tax impact of changes to Homestead Market Value Credit was distributed.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Candace Bartel, Shamrock Township Clerk
Nancy Karjalahti, Shamrock Township Board Chairperson

MINUTES WERE APPROVED AT THE JANUARY 12, 2012 REGULAR BOARD MEETING

 

SHAMROCK TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, November 10, 2011

Board Chairperson Nancy Karjalahti called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Present were Supervisors Charles Quale and Ron Smith; Treasurer John Brula; Clerk Candace Bartel; road maintenance employee Marvin Turner, residents John Clasen and Jerry Pawlak, Matt Reid from SEH, and Amber Lehman from the Voyageur Press.

The minutes from the October 13, 2011 regular board meeting were unanimously approved on a motion by Charles Quale, seconded by Ron Smith.

The treasurer reported the following fund balances for the period ending October 31, 2011: General Revenue Fund, $34,723.31; Road & Bridge Fund, $277,970.99, Fire Fund, $27,997.76; Building Fund, $66,685.93; Sewer Fund, $4,683.21; Parks & Rec Fund, $43,555.49; and the Lease/purchase Fund, $22,365.09. The Road & Bridge CD’s total $334,455.06; Building final payment CD, $76,944.43; Sewer Fund CD’s $83,950.07; Kirt Properties escrow CD $4,675.38. Money market interest received October 31 was $197.03, Market Value Credit receipts totaled $1798.75 and disbursements were $26,456.10. Checking account balance on hand as of October 31, 2011 was $477,981.78. Liabilities are the building bond at $520,000. Motion by Charles Quale, seconded by Ron Smith to approve the treasurer’s report; motion carried unanimously. Motion by Charles Quale, seconded by Ron Smith, to approve payment of claims and payroll totaling $15,262.62; motion carried unanimously.

Correspondence: The following was received: the Technology Exchange newsletter, LTAP workshop information, Bremer Bank fraud seminar invitation, Minnesota Benefit Association scholarship program information, newsletters from Rep. McElfatrick, The Noncom Scoop newsletter, Lakes & Pines newsletter, the Big Sandy Lake Association agenda, The Pipeline Awareness newsletter, Lake Country Power Strictly Business newsletter, and Sen. Tom Saxhaug’s newsletter.

The representative from the DNR was not able to attend the meeting. Nancy Karjalahti will contact him for further information regarding the pit lease renewal for gravel storage and a future gravel crush.

John Clasen requested information on the snow plowing policy and inquired if his road (195th PL, currently a non-maintained township road) could be snowplowed. He requested and received a copy of the snow plowing policy and the agreement with Minnewawa Estates.

OLD BUSINESS:
• Road report: The roads have been graded and some areas graveled, the salt shed is full of salt/sand mix, trees were cut on 476th LN and Bridge Road, work has started on cutting back the banks and filling the narrow areas on 510th LN, and equipment maintenance was done, parts were ordered for the Sterling. The garage door for the fire truck has continued to fail to close periodically; permission was given to replace the garage door opener. Multiple stumps need to be ground out on 476th LN and Bridge Road; Darlow Excavating charges $2/inch. An estimate was requested from Marv Wyman but none has been received. Replacement of one of the dump trucks was discussed. The Kodiak is a 1995 and the Sterling is a 2000. It was suggested that the trucks be replaced on a regular basis. A replacement for the Sterling will be researched.

• Matt Reid, SEH, reviewed drainage concerns at four locations and presented his recommendations. 1) A portion of 218th PL and 482nd LN has been surveyed by SEH. Matt offered several options for fixing the drainage problem. It was noted that SEH could not find a culvert in the area. After discussion, Matt will review the option of diverting the water to the ravine to the northwest with a basin and pipe and develop a plan for consideration. It was noted that fence posts have been placed in the right-of-way by a property owner. They need to be removed. 2) 202nd PL and 507th LN – 507th LN is a private driveway. The driveway needs to be built up and crowned; this would allow the water to shed to the edges. The township road is not causing the drainage problem. 3) 49569 210th PL – concern that the driveway is too wide and causes drainage problems. The road should continue to be crowned and the ditch should be cleaned out. Grass planted in some areas would slow down the wash out problems; there is too much hard-surface area that allows water to run off. 4) 483rd Street and 482nd Street – after reviewing the recommendations from Nichole Sternquist and consulting with Crow Wing County for similar situations, Matt recommended that using sewer rock along the edges of the road would be the easiest solution although the catch-basin and pipe option could be used as well.

• The public hearing minutes from November 2, 2011 on 189th PL were approved on a motion by Ron Smith, seconded by Charles Quale. Resolution 2011-7 replacing Resolution 2011-6 was presented for adoption on a motion by Ron Smith, seconded by Charles Quale and adopted on the following vote Smith, aye; Quale, aye; Karjalahti, aye. (The resolution approves the acceptance of 189th PL as a township maintained road.) The road order directing the clerk to record the road with the Aitkin County Recorder’s office was approved on a motion by Charles Quale, seconded by Ron Smith. It was noted that the driveway culvert of concern on this road will be replaced by the property owner with a smaller culvert as discussed with Charles Quale. The clerk reported that the opinion from two attorneys is that the road acceptance procedure and the road vacation procedure are two separate procedures and they have separate guidelines.

• Lakeview Land Access (by Cajun Queen): the drawings/plans were received from the county soil and water office; the second drain basin could not be located. Ron Smith consulted with the conservation officer and he has looked at the area. The conservation officer talked with Bob Moore, Trails and Water Ways in Grand Rapids. Ron will contact Bob Moore for a follow-up on this situation. This was discussed at the recent BSAWLMP meeting and the ATV conservation officer will contact the property owner regarding the damage caused by ATV use on this access.

• 202nd PL – concerns were shared about items in the right-of-way and docks in the right-of-way. Charles Quale will check into this issue.

• 188th Avenue – items in the right-of-way. One area has been cleaned up and the resident was directed to contact the sheriff’s office for ATV concerns. The other area has not had the bags of leaves removed; Charles Quale will talk with the property owner.

• Jim Howley from Tensar will do a presentation on November 29 at 11 a.m. on geogrid for road and shoulder stabilization. Matt Reid will invite the Aitkin County engineer and the city of McGregor road maintenance men. The clerk will invite the area contractors. Lunch will be provided. The meeting will be posted to allow the supervisors to attend.

• The township utility permit rules and regulations were tabled.

• Long-Range Comprehensive Road Plan: Plan will be presented at the annual meeting. The board will review and make a recommendation for work based on the plan.

• The Big Sandy Lodge deferral/abatement – upon the recommendation of the township attorney the agreement will remain as it is.

• Ball field: Nothing new to report.

• Townhall remodeling: Nothing new to report; Charles Quale will contact the local contractor to see if he is intending to complete a design.

• Discussion on a back-up road equipment operator was tabled.

• Ron Smith recently attended the required supervisor training for the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization. New procedures were presented by a representative from the MN Department of Revenue. Ron shared some of the changes that will be required. The county assessor will contact the townships with further information on how the Board of Appeal and Equalization should be conducted in the spring.

• The clerk attended the Aitkin County Association of Townships quarterly meeting at Hazelton Township on Oct. 20th. The county representatives to the national convention gave a report. Kirk Peysar, Aitkin County Auditor, reported the homestead credit on property taxes and the market value credit the townships receive will be eliminated in 2012. Idun Township presented a resolution requesting the First Responders be included in those organizations that the townships can donate to; this will be voted on at the next ACAT meeting. Irene Bright presented a review of the duties of the board officers. It was noted that effective October 1 townships are exempt from state sales tax.

• John Brula talked with a representative from Epic Solutions about their sign inventory program; it only does signs at this time. More options could be added but the cost would increase.

• Attendance at the Minnesota Association of Townships Annual Convention in Alexandria November 17- 19 was discussed. No one from the board plans to attend.

• Representative Carolyn McElfatrick will meet with county, township, city, and school district representatives on November 16 at the Aitkin County Courthouse.

• The clerk completed and returned the 2011 Census of Government Units Survey.

• An inquiry regarding when a representative from Kennicott Mining will attend a future meeting was discussed. No definite date has been scheduled.

• A resident inquired if the township would consider doing a cost-share with BSALWMP on shoreline restoration on a Lake Minnewawa public access; this is a platted road to the lake. The area will be inspected and discussed it at the next meeting.

• A report on the Carlson Trophic Status Index (TSI) on Horseshoe Lake was presented for the board to review.

NEW BUSINESS:
• The conditional use permit requested by Don Gossen to build a house on 206th PL was reviewed. The board offered no opinion on the request.

• A request to snowplow a section of a non-maintained road (184th PL) was received on behalf of a resident. This is a non-maintained township road and will not be plowed. It was also noted that the snowplowing policy does not allow plowing on private drives.

Meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.

Candace Bartel, Shamrock Township Clerk
Nancy Karjalahti, Shamrock Township Board Chairperson

MINUTES WERE APPROVED AT THE DECEMBER 8, 2011 REGULAR BOARD MEETING

 

SHAMROCK TOWNSHIP
PUBLIC HEARING
Wednesday, November 2, 2011

The public hearing was called to order by Chairperson Nancy Karjalahti at 9:48 a.m. at the town hall. Present were Supervisors Charles Quale and Ron Smith, Treasurer John Brula, Clerk Candace Bartel and residents Ron Isakson and John Clasen.

The purpose of the public hearing was to determine if 189th Place meets the township’s specifications and otherwise satisfies the requirements established by the town board for acceptance as a township maintained road. The hearing was immediately preceded by a road view of the road by the supervisors, the clerk and the road maintenance employees.

The road was found to have a 24 to 27 foot top, an adequate turnaround and good ditches. Two culverts are under the road. The road has been inspected by the county engineer and meets the county road specifications.

The driveway culvert located on the east side just before the red log building is too large and too short; it should be replaced with a smaller, longer culvert set lower. There is concern that the water will collect, run off onto the road and create a swale and soft shoulder. The board wants adequate culverts on any new driveways installed.

John Clasen requested a copy of the petition requesting the road acceptance; one was provided. He asked if money was paid upfront by those presenting the petition to cover the costs; no escrow funds were requested. The board will the bill the developer for the expenses. John stated he feels discriminated against because he was previously told he would need to provide escrow funds upfront for a road vacation. Nancy Karjalahti stated that the expenses should have been charged prior and an escrow account set up to cover the expenses for the road acceptance; this was not done. These expenses will need to be paid by someone. It was noted that road vacations and road acceptances are two different procedures. Any further discussion on road vacations should be addressed at a regular board meeting.

Ron Smith moved by resolution to accept the road, seconded by Charles Quale. Discussion: the resolution should state that the road will be accepted and recorded when the expenses are paid by the developer (JCAT,LLC,) and/or the property owners. Vote on the resolution as presented: Smith, opposed; Quale, opposed; Karjalahti, opposed; resolution did not pass. Ron Smith moved by resolution to accept the road and begin maintaining it as such as soon as the township expenses for acceptance and recording of the road are paid by JCAT,LLC and/or property owners, seconded by Charles Quale; the resolution was approved on the following vote: Smith, aye; Quale, aye; Karjalahti, aye. The road order will not be recorded until the expenses are paid. Expenses will be presented to the board before the developer is billed. The road maintenance men will put up right-of-way markers once the road order is recorded.

Ron Isakson requested a stop sign be placed at the intersection with County Rd 6. This is the county’s responsibility. A request will be forwarded to the county engineer.

Hearing adjourned at 10:18 a.m.

Candace Bartel, Shamrock Township Clerk
Nancy Karjalahti, Shamrock Township Board Chairperson

MINUTES WERE APPROVED AT THE NOVEMBER 10, 2011 REGULAR BOARD MEETING

 

SHAMROCK TOWNSHIP
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
Thursday, October 13, 2011

Board Chairperson Nancy Karjalahti called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Present were Supervisors Charles Quale and Ron Smith; Treasurer John Brula; Clerk Candace Bartel; resident Aaron Maki, Amber Lehman from the Voyageur Press and Jim Huhta, Lake Country Power District 8 Director; Rick Lemonds, Lake Country Power General Manager and Sherm Liimatainen, Chairman of the Rates and Capital Credits Committee at Lake Country Power.

The minutes from the September 22, 2011 regular board meeting were unanimously approved on a motion by Charles Quale, seconded by Ron Smith.

The treasurer reported the following fund balances for the period ending September 30, 2011: General Revenue Fund, $40,987.35; Road & Bridge Fund, $293,438.44, Fire Fund, $27,997.11; Building Fund, $68,416.64; Sewer Fund, $4,681.37; Parks & Rec Fund, $44,826.39; and the Lease/purchase Fund, $22,094.80. The Road & Bridge CD’s total $334,455.06; Building final payment CD, $76,944.43; Sewer Fund CD’s $83,950.07; Kirt Properties escrow CD $4,675.38. Money market interest received September 30 was $243.09, clean-up day receipts totaled $305.00 and disbursements were $31,685.93. Total cash and savings balance on hand as of September 30, 2011 was $1,002,467.04. Liabilities are the building bond at $520,000. Motion by Ron Smith, seconded by Charles Quale to approve the treasurer’s report; motion carried unanimously. Motion by Charles Quale, seconded by Ron Smith, to approve payment of claims and payroll totaling $26,456.10; motion carried unanimously.

The representatives from Lake Country Power were present to answer questions about the power company services and the capital credit program. Changes have recently been made to the capital credit patronage/allocation program. It was noted that townships receive their capital credit patronage/allocation under the same guidelines as everyone else. Lake Country Power receives federal funding and must work within federal guidelines. It is expected that in December members will receive 1.5% of the capital they contributed to the cooperative last year. Also discussed were the sources of energy used, renewable energy resources, state requirements, local service issues and rates. They anticipate big changes in the energy industry in the next decade.

Correspondence: Big Sandy Lake Association meeting agenda, notice of a public meeting on Oct. 19, at 6:30 p.m., at the Long Lake Conservation Center on the Long-Range Strategic Plan Update for county managed lands; an invitation to meet with Rep. Carolyn McElfatrick on Nov. 16 at the Aitkin Co. Courthouse; LTAP traffic sign maintenance and management workshop information; an invitation to the 2011 Upper Midwest Regional Springsted Symposium Nov. 17 in St. Paul; Lake Country Power duel fuel heat fall check-up reminder; the Aitkin County Historical Society newsletter and information from the Census Bureau regarding the 2011 Census of Governments survey that will be arriving soon.

OLD BUSINESS:
Road report: The roads have been graded and graveled, the debris from clean-up day has been picked up except the tires, a pump was borrowed from the DNR to clean out a culvert on 490th Street, hydraulic hoses were replaced on the grader, trees were trimmed on 490th Street, wind damaged trees were cleaned up, the ditch on 520th LN was cleaned, maintenance was done at both leaf sites, and trees on 200th Avenue and 197th Avenue were marked for power company removal.

• A drainage issue at 49569 210th PL was discussed; the property owner had complained about the way the road had been graded. The supervisors inspected the area. Matt Reid, SEH, will be contacted to do a site inspection.
• Guidelines for driveways and driveway approaches will be reviewed. The county driveway access permitting application was reviewed. The township right-of-way ordinance needs to be reviewed to include driveway requirements.
• Concern was shared about the property owner at 48171 218th PL placing fence posts along the road. This is another drainage issue area. Matt Reid, SEH, will be contacted to schedule a survey of this area.
• The 188th Avenue survey has been completed and the right-of-way stakes are in place. Two residents have items/bags of leaves in the right-of-way; they will be sent letters instructing them to remove the debris. If the debris is not removed within 20 days from the date of the letter, it will be referred to the township attorney. This will be reviewed at the November meeting.
• Nancy Karjalahti attended the October BSALWMP meeting. Lakeview Lane Access (by the Cajun Queen) was discussed. Nancy will request a copy of the original drainage plans from Soil and Water so the drainage can be cleaned. Ron Smith will contact the conservation officer to have him look at the damage. Signs will be requested from the DNR restricting ATV use.
• The drainage issue on 202nd PL across the road from 50742 was discussed. Matt Reid, SEH, will be contacted to do a site inspection of this area.
• A petition requesting the township acceptance and maintenance of 189th Place was received. The petition was accepted. A road view to inspect the road was scheduled for Wednesday, November 2, at 9 a.m. with a public hearing to follow (approximately 9:45 a.m.) at the townhall. The public hearing will determine if 189th PL meets the specifications for acceptance as a township maintained road.
• Sign Logic contacted John Brula with information regarding future updates to their software to include culvert locations, etc. Sign Logic had requested the township introduce them at the October ACAT meeting; none of the supervisors were planning to attend the meeting. Sign Logic will have a booth at the MAT annual convention in Alexandria in November.
• The township utility permit rules and regulations were discussed. Several changes were discussed; no decisions were made. It will be discussed again at the November meeting.

Long-Range Comprehensive Road Plan: Plan will be presented at the annual meeting. The board will review and make a recommendation for work based on the plan. An additional board meeting may be scheduled to work on this.

The Big Sandy Lodge deferral/abatement: Information was sent to the township attorney. We are waiting to hear back from him.

Ball field: Nothing new to report.

Townhall remodeling: Nothing new to report.

Clean-up Day (September 24): All the debris has been removed except the tires. Charles Quale will check on tire pickup. It was suggested that it might be necessary to limit the number of loads per resident/property owner. People cleaning out foreclosed/repossessed properties can be considered a business; this event is not intended for commercial use. The general consensus was that this service is being abused and the rules are being bent as to township residency/property ownership. Other ways to control overuse/abuse were discussed; no decisions were made.

Social Security: Notification was received from PERA informing the township that the Regional Commissioner of Social Security approved the Section 218 agreement modification requested by the township. Social Security and Medicare taxes will be withheld from all newly elected officials and those current officials who voted to have such coverage.

Back-up road equipment operator: Guidelines for a supervisor working as a township employee were discussed. A resolution authorizing this is required. The possibility of others who might be available was considered. No decision was made.

Minnewawa Estates: There was no change in the county equipment rates as of October 1, 2011. Charles Quale moved to have the snow plowing contract with Minnewawa Estates remain the same as last year, seconded by Ron Smith; motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:
The gravel pit lease will expire on December 31, 2011. Nancy Karjalahti will contact the Grand Rapids DNR office regarding the lease. It may be possible to have a DNR representative attend a meeting to discuss the lease; the leased area needs to be clarified.

The road mileage of 51.553 miles for township maintained roads was certified on a motion by Charles Quale, seconded by Ron Smith; motion carried. The certification will be sent to the county engineer.

The Blue Cross/Blue Shield premium rates for health insurance for the township employees have been reduced effective December 1, 2011.

Effective October 1, 2011 townships are exempt from most Minnesota state sales taxes. Vendors will be notified.

The Aitkin County Association of Townships (ACAT) will meet on October 20 at Hazelton town hall.

There was discussion on attending the Minnesota Association of Townships (MAT) annual meeting and educational conference in Alexandria November 17-19. Shamrock Township has a resolution about the Auto Mark required usage at annual township elections that will be considered at the annual meeting on November 19.

Meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.

Candace Bartel, Shamrock Township Clerk
Nancy Karjalahti, Shamrock Township Board Chairperson

MINUTES WERE APPROVED AT THE NOVEMBER 10, 2011 REGULAR BOARD MEETING

 

SHAMROCK TOWNSHIP
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
Thursday, September 22, 2011

Board Chairperson Nancy Karjalahti called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Present were Supervisors Charles Quale and Ron Smith; Treasurer John Brula; Clerk Candace Bartel; road maintenance employee Tim Turner; property owners Jerry Pawlak, John Clasen, and Scott Omlid; Ron Kern from Kern Excavating.

The minutes from the September 8, 2011 special board meeting were unanimously approved on a motion by Charles Quale, seconded by Ron Smith. The minutes from the September 8, 2011 regular board meeting were unanimously approved on a motion by Ron Smith, seconded by Charles Quale.

Correspondence: Information was received from the Minnesota Department of Health on water protection grants available and an invitation was received to the SEH Octoberfest on October 6 at their Brainerd office.

Issues not on the agenda:
John Clasen requested information on partial road vacation of 195th PL. He owns property on both sides of the road. The road vacation procedure was discussed and John was given the road vacation guidelines and estimated costs involved. There was concern voiced about access for other property owners. John also expressed concern about ATV’s damaging the road; it was suggested he contact the sheriff’s office or the conservation officer.

Rod Kern presented a utility permit application requesting permission to bore a sewer line under 496th LN. Motion by Charles Quale, seconded by Ron Smith, to approve the permit application with the installer to follow the Aitkin County guidelines and install a tracer wire; motion carried. Ron Smith will do an inspection of the work when it’s completed. The guidelines for utilities on township road right-of-ways need to be reviewed.

The building permit variance from Scott Omlid at 20593 508th LN was reviewed. Scott was present to explain the variance request. He is requesting a right-of-way setback from the township road of 16 feet plus other variances to build a garage. Motion by Charles Quale, seconded by Ron Smith, to recommend that the county rules and regulations be followed on the requests not related to the road setback, the board does not have a problem with the requested setback from the township road; motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS:
Road report: Tim Turner reported they have graded and graveled roads, the culverts on 170th PL and 200th Ave. were replaced, some blacktop patching was done, black dirt was spread on the ball field, and equipment maintenance was done. There is a drainage issue on 498th LN due to runoff from a driveway; the property owner will be contacted to help remedy the problem. A request was received to remove tree on 197th Ave., the power company will be contacted as it is close to the power lines. The large rock at Boehlke’s on Long Point Place has been removed from the right-of-way.

The 188th Avenue survey should be completed by the October 13th board meeting. A complaint was received regarding the garbage bags along the edge of 188th Avenue. The issue was discussed, no action taken. The public access by Cajun Queen (Lakeview Lane): Nancy Karjalahti left a message for Steve Hughes regarding issues on the access but has not heard back from him. Concerns about this access were discussed at the recent BSALWMP meeting. The drainage issue on 202nd PL across the road from 50742: Ron Smith will contact the property owner. Property owners on 189th PL were contacted regarding the procedure to request township acceptance and maintenance on the road. Information will be sent. Matt Reid, SEH, would like to arrange a brown bag lunch/product presentation with the Tensar representative the last week in November. The board selected Tuesday, November 29.

Long-Range Comprehensive Road Plan: Plan will be presented at the annual meeting. The board will review and make a recommendation for work based on the plan.

The Big Sandy Lodge deferral/abatement: Information was sent to the township attorney. We are waiting to hear back from him.

Ball field: The black dirt has been spread. Rock pickers are needed to help clean up the rocks.

Townhall remodeling: Nothing new to report.

Clean-up Day (September 24): The supervisors and the maintenance men plan to work.

NEW BUSINESS:
Contracts and requirements for projects were discussed. Clarification is needed on when a contract is needed and who should generate the contract.

Information was received from Sign Logic about road sign inventory software. It was suggested that additional information such as culvert location, utility lines, etc. would be very helpful. John Brula will contact the company for further information.

The possibility of having a supervisor work as back-up road maintenance employee was discussed. The clerk will check on the guidelines for this.

Meeting adjourned at 9 p.m.

Candace Bartel, Shamrock Township Clerk
Nancy Karjalahti, Shamrock Township Board Chairperson

MINUTES WERE APPROVED AT THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING ON OCTOBER 13, 2011

 

SHAMROCK TOWNSHIP
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
Thursday, September 8, 2011

Chairperson Nancy Karjalahti called the special meeting to order at 5:03 p.m. Present were Supervisors Ron Smith and Charles Quale, Clerk Candace Bartel and attorney Ken Bayliss. Ron Smith moved to close the meeting pursuant to Minnesota Statutes section 13D.05, subd. 3(b) to discuss with the township’s attorney the ongoing lawsuit pending in Aitkin County District Court entitled Shamrock Township v. Pate Bonding, Inc., motion seconded by Charles Quale; motion carried unanimously.

Motion by Ron Smith, seconded by Charles Quale, to go in to open session; motion carried. No further business was discussed. Motion by Charles Quale, seconded by Ron Smith, to adjourn (6:04 p.m.); motion carried.

Candace Bartel, Shamrock Town Clerk
Nancy Karjalahti, Shamrock Town Board Chairperson

MINUTES WERE APPROVED AT THE SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 REGULAR BOARD MEETING