2014

                          SCHROEDER TOWNSHIP

      Minutes for Regular Board Meeting of July 8, 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 7:00PM.

  1. McKeever moved to approve the minutes from the regular Board meeting of June 10, 2014. D. Johnson seconded. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Receipts for June totaled $24,246.46. Disbursements totaled $4,115.26. The ending checkbook balance as of May 31 was $24,686.34. R. McKeever moved to approve the treasurer’s report. D. Johnson seconded. Treasurer’s Report was approved. R. McKeever moved to approve checks #3312-3334 in the amount of $5,251.68. D. Johnson seconded. Motion carried.

Lodging tax debit slips of $226.53 and$1,145.43 were approved and signed.

Angelique Edgerton, Cook County Invasive Species Coordinator, presented to those present information on tansy, an invasive plant that is on the Ag. Dept list of weeds needed to be controlled. It has become widespread throughout the county thereby making eradication impractical. She will be in the Schroeder area on July 14th spraying tansy with a Conservation Corp crew of 4 young adults. They will be applying Escort herbicide, which has been used since 1986 and is very safe for humans, animals and bees.

Matt Hanka, attorney for the Wanous/Dyers Lake Family Partnership, addressed the Board regarding their attempts to gain access to their property following an old easement route. They have received an easement from Allete, believe an agreement is possible with the Van Dorns, but Cleveland Cliffs has not been receptive. After further discussion the Board asked them to investigate the history of the old easement and why it is considered void. Also if they continue their petition for a cartway, the Board would likely route it along Township land, not on the old route. Also we’re required to provide one access, not two as requested and all cost associated with the permitting and building of the cartway, including any legal expenses would be borne by them. We will wait to hear from them.

The 4 candidates vying for the District 5 Commissioners seat were asked to present a short bio and why they’re seeking the position. The candidates were Ginny Storlie and Tim Goettl from Lutsen area, Stanley Tull from Deer Yard Lake area, and current Commissioner Bruce Martinson from Schroeder. Questions from the audience included; How to revise the permitting process through Planning and Zoning to become responsive. Their feelings on accepting federal and state grants and the attached mandates that accompany them. How to keep commercial property available throughout the county for business development. The proposed “complete streets” project in Grand Marais and if it could be implemented countywide. Their view on the statement “Affordable housing only works in conjunction with living wages” (business development). They all expressed their views quite well, which will help us all decide for the Aug. 12th primary election.

Commissioner Martinson: Bruce reported that the proposed addition of the long eared bat to the Endangered Species list would negatively impact Cook County. The Board has passed a capital purchase plan for the highway dept., which he voted against because it was too aggressive on replacements rates.

Fire and Rescue: No fire calls, a few rescue calls, but none over the July 4th weekend. He is replacing some older equipment.

Road and Bridge: Bill will obtain a 30” and 36” culvert so we have them on hand for replacement when needed. The graders brakes need to be replaced. No cost estimate is available at present. Randy Merrit will mow Baraga Cross Rd. He is working on the ongoing beaver problem on Sugarloaf Rd.

Cemetery: The recent heavy rains have caused some washout at the entrances, but ditching along the back is holding up well.

Recreation: Ball field is being used this year. We have received the $1000 for the Moving Matters grant. An ADA picnic table and matching bench have been purchased and will arrive shortly.

Maintenance: Board approved increasing the rates to $20/bag for garbage removal associated with town hall rental. T. McKeever moved to approve purchase of an I3 level computer for the Fire Dept., an I5 level computer for the Clerk’s office, and Office 365 software at the best prices available. D. Johnson seconded. Motion carried.

Other Business: A community clean-up day is scheduled for July 10, lunch provided. Spraying for tansy will be on July 14. Reminder that the Continuation of the Annual Meeting will be 7 PM Monday, Aug. 11, followed by the monthly Board meeting. R. McKeever moved to send a letter affirming our non-financial support of the senior housing project in Tofte to IRRRB. T. McKeever seconded. Motion carried.

Judy Gregg reported that SAHS would be holding their Lunde cabin tour fundraiser this Saturday. John Schroeder Days are coming up in August.

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

Meeting was adjourned at 9:25.

Respectfully submitted,                                                          Approved Aug. 11,2014

Doug Schwecke, Clerk