SCHROEDER TOWNSHIP

      Minutes for Regular Board Meeting of January 14, 2020

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

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

R. Anderson moved to approve the agenda as presented. B. Martinson seconded. Motion carried.

R. Anderson moved to approve the minutes of Dec. 10, 2019 regular meeting as presented. B. Martinson seconded. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Carla Menssen reported; Receipts for December totaled $2,507.46. Disbursements totaled $5,885.10. The ending checkbook balance, as of December 31, 2019, was $63,433.90, and a Total Balance of $198,768.49. R. Anderson moved to approve the treasurer’s report and to approve checks #4741-4761, in the amount of $11,789.61. B. Martinson seconded. Motion carried. B. Martinson moved to approve check #4762 in the amount of $99.00 made out to TSSSD for reimbursement of prior expenses. R. Anderson seconded. Motion carried.

Lodging tax for November was $766.50. Carla also reported that, according to County Auditor Powers, the County is authorized to collect the lodging tax and submit it to the townships or their designees. Any other agreements would be between the townships and LTTA. Carla will check on this further. Clerk asked to include this on the annual meeting agenda.

Fire Dept: Phil reported they practiced with the new equipment at their meeting last night. They now have an infrared imager, a 4 gas detector and a ground monitor. No fire calls last month, just a couple of accidents.

Commissioner Storlie: Ginny reported that the Commissioners approved the 2020 levy with a 5.89% increase. 2020 projects: publish a new plat book, update the county website, update 911 system to include texting and the 2020 census. They unanimously approved accepting refugees at the meeting today. They found out on Dec. 23 that they needed to have a decision on this issue by Jan. 21. Most emails received and comments at the meeting were in favor of approval. They will be lobbying the legislature to add another property class for vacation rentals. They are working with a consulting firm to find and hire a new administrator.

Road and Bridge: Rick reported that roads are looking pretty good but will be having Curt Laboda wing back the snow on all the township roads due to the heavy snowfall so far this year.

Cemetery: Nothing.

Recreation: Nothing

Maintenance: Rick noticed that the gutters on the back of the townhall are leaking at the seams. Recommended replacing them this summer. Might be a good idea to check the top front of the roof as well for any leaks and rot. Clerk will add all the maintenance items to the annual meeting agenda. Approved waxing the town hall floor. Phil said the snow placement in the parking lot is making it very hard to back the fire trucks in. Rick will talk to Karl and get it moved.

Other Business: Gregg Westigard summarized the Jan. 8 meeting with the Supervisors and SAHS Board. One possible option for more funding would be if they would be open year-round and receive money from LTTA as a tourist information center. Discussed John Schroeder Days as a community event as it was in the past. B. Martinson moved to support SAHS application for grant funds from Llyod K Johnson Foundation to develop a site plan for Cross River Heritage Center. R. Anderson seconded. Motion carried. MAT attorney has indicated the township does have statute authority to transfer property. Bruce will check with MNDOT on their feelings about a transfer. T. McKeever moved to approve the Board meeting dates for 2020 as presented by the clerk. B. Martinson seconded. Motion carried. T. McKeever moved to approve LaVonne Anderson, Jan Dillion, Judy Gregg and Doug Schwecke as election judges and to the absentee ballot board. B. Martinson seconded. Motion carried. The candidate filing period for the March 10 election ends today. Rick Anderson has filed for the supervisor position. No one has filed for the clerk’s position. 2020 budget will be set next meeting with the Board of Audit following the regular board meeting.

Correspondence: Sent- various year-end reports

Received–

Public Comments: Gregg Westigard mentioned that he is doing a series of articles about the local election process for Cook County News Herald.

R. Anderson moved to adjourn. B. Martinson seconded. Motion carried. Adjourned at 8:59 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Doug Schwecke, Clerk