2014

                          SCHROEDER TOWNSHIP

      Minutes for Regular Board Meeting of Dec. 9, 2014

Present: Supervisors, Tina McKeever, Roger McKeever, Deb Johnson; Clerk, Doug Schwecke; Treasurer; Alicia Kangas, Fire Chief, Phil Bonin; Asst. Clerk Gale Ring, Commissioner Bruce Martinson, and residents of Schroeder.

The meeting was called to order by T. McKeever at 7:00 PM.

  1. McKeever moved to approve the minutes from the regular Board meeting of Nov.11, 2014. D. Johnson seconded. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Receipts for Nov. totaled $16,624.81. Disbursements totaled $9,124.15. The ending checkbook balance as of Nov. 30 was $48,102.49. R. McKeever moved to approve the treasurer’s report. D. Johnson seconded. Treasurer’s Report was approved. R. McKeever moved to approve checks #3426-3439 in the amount of $2,248.18. D. Johnson seconded. Motion carried.

Lodging tax debit slip for Oct. of $2,552.03 was approved and signed.

Commissioner Martinson: Bruce reported that was denied access to .6 acres of county land to build a road to a gravel pit by the USFWS because the land was classified as critical habitat for Canadian lynx and brown long eared bats. This issue will continue to be a challenge in the future. He just learned today that the Sierra Club and other environmental groups are pushing MPCA to close Minnesota Power’s coal powered generating plants, especially Taconite Harbor. No action advised at this time but this will need to be watched.

SAHS- Linda Lamb told us CRHC was now closed for the season. Their Holiday Bazaar on Nov. 22 was well attended. Funding was discussed. No action taken, but will continue the discussion next month.

Fire and Rescue: Phil reported they had their monthly meeting last night and worked on winterizing the trucks. The only call last month involved a semi in the ditch. Attended training course on rescue procedures involving electric cars. The County has turned over ownership of the ARMER radios to the local Fire Depts. We’re now liable for maintenance and replacement. Discussed insurance and setting up a replacement fund for the radios as they cost about $2,500.

 Road and Bridge:.Plowing contracts for this year are in place. Occasional use of the Township’s plow truck by plow contractors is covered by our insurance. If it becomes routine use then they should be classified as employees to maintain coverage. Bill is working on purchasing a set of chains for the plow truck.

 

Cemetery: Deb mentioned one plot might be accessed this winter.  Greg Johnson and Karl Crawford will be asked to trim trees this winter if possible.

Recreation: T. McKeever introduced a resolution in recognition of the completion of the conceptual planning process at Lakeside Park. This would give the committee the ability to pursue funding from grants, but still give the Township the option to accept or reject any grants. After discussion and rewording, R. McKeever moved to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE CONCEPTUAL INITIAL PLANNING PROCESS FOR THE SCHROEDER LAKESIDE PARK AND SUPPORT FOR THE PROJECT CONCEPT AS PRESENTED.

Whereas, the Schroeder Lakeside Park adjacent to Father Baraga Cross, is owned and managed by the Township of Schroeder; and

Whereas, the Schroeder Town Board recognizes the aesthetic, historical, cultural, scenic and other intrinsic values of the Park as significant to both residents and visitors; and

Whereas, the Schroeder Town Board has been the fiscal agent for this initial planning process; and

Whereas the project process and plans have been presented to the Town Board and public;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board recognizes the successful completion of the initial planning process for the Schroeder Lakeside Park and offers support for the project concept as presented.

  1. Johnson seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Maintenance: Our outside light, which has been giving us problems, has been replaced with a LED light owned by Arrowhead. Electrical cost savings more than make up for the $3/month charge. Discussed replacing 2 other outside lights with LEDs next spring.

Other Business: The filing period for supervisor and treasurer runs from Dec.30 until Jan 13. The Township now has an active website, though it is still being developed. A few changes were suggested. The website is at www.schroedertownship.com. Anyone who has suggestions for improvements should contact the clerk. Bruce Martinson will contact Auditor Brady Powers to get a breakdown on the township taxes/$100,000 property value, and report back next month.

  1. McKeever moved to adjourn. R. McKeever seconded. Motion carried.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:32.

Respectfully submitted,

Doug Schwecke, Clerk