2013

                          SCHROEDER TOWNSHIP

      Minutes for Regular Board Meeting of July 9, 2013

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

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

  1. Johnson moved to approve the minutes of June 11, 2013 R. McKeever seconded. Minutes approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Receipts for June totaled $25,789.46. Disbursements totaled $2,722.89. The ending checkbook balance was $24,950.03. D. Johnson moved to approve the treasurer’s report. R. McKeever seconded. Treasurer’s Report was approved. Alicia also reported that the first period property taxes had arrived, two CDs had matured and have been renewed.

  1. Johnson moved to approve checks #3050-3073 in the amount of $10,569.41. R. McKeever seconded. Motion passed.

Lodging tax debit slip for $1,230.97 was approved and signed.

Commissioner Martinson: Bruce reported that Dave Betts had presented to the Commissioners two options to increase revenues to the Transpotation Fund. Option 1: Wheelage tax of $10/vehicle added to annual vehicle registration, providing the County with $50,000-$60,000 per year. Option 2: extra sales tax of up to ½%, possibly reducing the 1% County wide tax now in effect. No action was taken on this by the Commissioners. Also Lucy Hunt of Mn. Dept. of Agriculture had informed the Board about the proposed Gypsy Moth quarantine of Lake and Cook Counties. Inspection of tents and other camping equipment would be a self-check system with information provided by the Forest Service. A public hearing on this is to be held at a later date.

Fire and Rescue: Phil reported last month was very busy with both fire and medical calls. While providing help at the Finland church fire, a transmission problem was discovered on one of the pumper trucks. It is being checked out. The new logos have been installed on the trucks and they look nice. Water tank at the cemetery has been filled.

Road and Bridge: The new signs have been ordered and should be here in 2-3 weeks. The beaver are back on Sugarloaf Rd. and options for control were discussed. D. Johnson moved to spend up to $300 for an electric fencing unit to try to keep them away from the culvert. Second by R. McKeever. Motion passed. Insurance value of the plow truck was discussed. Clerk was asked to contact MATT for the current value.

Cemetery: Pretty quiet. No record of David Huseby owning a plot could be found in our records.

Recreation: The grant from MSLCP for Father Baraga’s park is done with the final paper work to be completed this month. A new grant for further planning is being sought. Several landholders in the area expressed concerns about some planned improvements. Increased use of the road, impaired sightlines, and maintenance costs of permanent toilets and pavilion were mentioned.

Maintenance: The new flagpole has been installed by Greg Johnson. Nice job.

Other Business: Welcome Walls- We will be receiving some free help from MCC to clean up the remaining walls in Aug. Gale will schedule community help for the same day. Discussion on the best way to dispose of the pulled tansy safely. Some information might be available at a program on controlling Invasive Species to be held at Sugarloaf Cove at 10:30 on July 13. The continuation of the Annual Meeting will be at 7 PM Aug. 12 to set the levy for 2014. The regular Board meeting to follow. A. Kangas suggested that a computer be purchased for the Treasurer’s use. This would allow transfer of the Township’s records to any new Treasurer rather than having them on someone’s personal computer. R. McKeever moved to approve spending up to $500 for a computer for the Treasurer’s use. Second by D. Johnson Motion passed. Alicia also requested permission to reorganize the back room and buy more storage if necessary. Permission was granted. Bruce M. said the bike path should be extended to the wayside parking lot yet this fall, along with improved signage. Judy Gregg reported that the annual meeting for SAHS held at the Town Hall was well attended. The program by the Civil War author last Sat. was attended by over 60 people. The Lundy tour scheduled for next Sat. is a major fundraiser for them. Many activities are planned for John Schroeder Days to be held in Aug.

Correspondence: Sent-Border crossing letter, 2nd qt. MnUI, plaque to Jim Norvell

                        Received-Thank-you from Birch Grove Foundation ,U of M mental health clinic, Jessica Abson information request, Fair Board member sought

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

Adjourned at 8:06 PM

Respectfully submitted,

 

Doug Schwecke, Clerk