SCHROEDER TOWNSHIP

      Minutes for Regular Board Meeting of Feb. 12, 2019

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

The meeting was called to order by B. Martinson at 7:00 PM.

T. McKeever moved to approve the agenda as amended. R. Anderson seconded. Motion carried.

R. Anderson moved to approve the minutes of Jan. 8, 2019 regular meeting as amended. T. McKeever seconded. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Carla Menssen reported-Receipts for January totaled $554.04. Disbursements totaled $6,356.09. The ending checkbook balance, as of January 31, 2019, was $8,946.74, and a Total Balance of $143,856.81. R. Anderson moved to approve the treasurer’s report. T. McKeever seconded. Motion carried. R. Anderson moved to approve checks 4527-4546 in the amount of $9,236.91. T. McKeever seconded. Motion carried. Carla reported that the interest rates we are receiving from Grand Marais State Bank seem a little low. With the Board’s permission, Carla will check on other options while adhering to state mandated guidelines for investing public funds.

Lodging tax debit slip for $748.82 was approved and signed.

Fire Dept: Phil reported that PERA service certification report has been filed. At the meeting last night, they checked equipment. The batteries on one truck are almost 10 years old, and while they haven’t caused a problem, will be changed this year. 2 false calls last month. The PERA investment for 2018, showed a $7,700 investment loss.

Commissioner Storlie: Absent

Road and Bridge: Rick reported that it has been an expensive month moving all the snow we have had, but the roads are in pretty good shape currently. Rick also stated that MNDOT is going to be raising the speed limits from 55 to 60 mph over most roads across Minnesota. That would include Hwy 61 between Cross River and Temperance River. He felt this was a safety concern. After further discussion, Rick will contact MNDOT about the specific areas affected. Bruce has received requests for speed limit signs for snowmobiles on Schroeder-Tote Rd. Bruce will get some posted, with the Boards approval.

Cemetery: Our current lawn care contract is due for renewal. Clerk instructed to ready bids for publication in March with bids to be opened at the April meeting.

Recreation: nothing

Maintenance: Discussed purchase of a new rug for hallway. T.McKeever moved to approve purchase of a 6’X20’ red/black Waterhog rug. R. Anderson seconded. Motion carried. Pete Knutson has agreed to wax the townhall floor.

Other Business: TSSSD- Our attorney will soon be sending our petition to detach to MPCA for approval, as all the requirements have now been met. The budget for 2019 was discussed. R. Anderson moved to set the 2019 Budget as follows: General-$43,500 (includes $1,500 requests for support), Road&Bridge-$35,000, Cemetery-$2,000, Recreation-$4,500, Fire Dept.- $26,500 (includes $4,000 loan payment), Fire Relief-$0, Rescue Squad-$10,440,      TOTAL– $121,940.  Estimated Receipts- $123,000. T. McKeever seconded. Motion carried. Due to schedule conflicts, the March meeting date was changed to Thursday, March 7. Clerk will post notice of the change. Bruce mentioned that the decommissioning of Tac Harbor Energy Center is less than 2 years away and is concerned about the future of the site. T. McKeever moved to authorize the Chair to contact MN Power to urge them to assemble interested stakeholders to discuss the future of Mn Power & Cleveland Cliffs properties in Schroeder Township. R. Anderson seconded. Motion carried. Clerk presented a proposed agenda for the annual meeting. No changes requested. Briefly discussed compensation rates. Tabled until our reorganizational meeting in April.

Correspondence: Sent– various year end reports

Received–

Public Comments: Paul Renneisen urged the Board to pass a resolution in opposition to MNDOT raising the speed limit to 60 mph. Hwy 61, from the county line to Tofte is in rough shape, has very narrow shoulders, and has some dangerous curves. T. McKeever moved to authorize the Chair to notify MNDOT of the Board’s and residents concerns about raising the speed limit to 60 mph on the portion of Hwy 61 within Schroeder Township, until the roadway is improved. R. Anderson seconded. Motion carried.

T. McKeever moved to adjourn. R. Anderson seconded. Motion carried. Adjourned at 8:25 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Doug Schwecke, Clerk