SCHROEDER TOWNSHIP

      Minutes for Regular Board Meeting of August 14, 2019

Present: Supervisors, Tina McKeever, Bruce Martinson, Rick Anderson; Clerk Doug Schwecke; Fire Chief Phil Bonin, and residents of Schroeder. Absent: Treasurer Carla Menssen

The meeting was called to order by T. McKeever at 7:21 PM.

B. Martinson asked to add MN Power meeting to Other and SAHS right after Fire. R. Anderson moved to approve the agenda as amended. B. Martinson seconded. Motion carried.

R. Anderson moved to approve the minutes of July 9, 2019 regular meeting as presented. B. Martinson seconded. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Clerk read report prepared by Treasurer Carla Menssen: Receipts for July totaled $19,788.53. Disbursements totaled $5,872.23. The ending checkbook balance, as of July 31, 2019, was $33,153.43, and a Total Balance of $168,302.53. B. Martinson moved to approve the treasurer’s report and to approve checks #4656-4674 in the amount of $14,627.11. R. Anderson seconded. Motion carried.

Lodging tax collected for May 2019 was $1,734.51.

Fire Dept: Phil reported a good turnout at last night’s meeting. 2 false calls last month. Discussed preparations for Saturday’s pancake breakfast, training programs for this fall and obtaining a bigger pressure washer. Report from PERA showed the retirement fund was 169% funded and no contribution was required from the township at this time.

Commissioner Storlie: not present

SAHS- Steve Schug and Deonn Cicak were present to speak about Schroeder Area Historical Society. The Cross River Heritage Center has just been repainted at a cost of about $15,000. The new director is Eric Simula?. One of his main focuses will be to try to obtain grants to help cover operating costs. The Lunde tour has been a major fundraiser for them for 15 years. Since the statute prohibiting the township from donating to a local historical society has been changed, they are asking the Supervisors to consider assistance through a donation, redoing the lease or somehow using lodging tax money. R. Anderson said he had concerns that he thought needed to be addressed. He felt the current lease didn’t adequately cover the township from liabilities. Probable building maintenance expenses over the next 5 years could be significant. Some items that have not been brought up to county specs; no water meter, 2^nd septic site, sufficient parking, well not on property and without an agreement. Tentatively set a joint meeting of Boards to discuss issues for 6 PM on Oct 14.

Road and Bridge: Rick reported that a resident had talked to him about the traffic on Hwy 61 through Schroeder. She felt it should be 40 MPH with NO PASSING zone the entire length. Discussed contacting MNDOT. The new road signs have been installed on Baraga Cross Rd. The rest will be installed shortly. 5 culverts have been purchased and are stored at the MN Power site for future use.

Cemetery: Bruce reported that the damaged arch is still being repaired but should be done by next month.

Recreation: Approved bike path bid notice and it will be published in Sept. Discussed trash being left in the dog waste station at Harbor Park. Will monitor for now.

Maintenance: Rick reported that the backup in the septic line was due to a stone and plastic in the line. It has been removed. Will try to further secure the clean outs. Bruce reported that he is working to get the bathroom remodel scheduled for after the summer rush. Approved spraying for cluster flies. Rick said the townhall roof leaked again and he will try to schedule a water test to find the leak.

Other Business: Board accepted Gale Ring’s letter of resignation for deputy clerk and thanked her for her 15 years on the Board. The Rings will be moving to Michigan. Bruce is working with MN Power to setup a CAP meeting. Discussed who to invite and issues to be discussed. Tentatively set for 5:30 on Oct 28 or 29 to discuss the economic development of the main facility and the future of the outlots.

Correspondence: Sent

Received–  MAT cards, questions on detachment,

Public Comments:

T. McKeever moved to adjourn. B. Martinson seconded. Motion carried. Adjourned at 9:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Doug Schwecke, Clerk