Nov. 9, 2016

                          SCHROEDER TOWNSHIP

      Minutes for Regular Board Meeting of Nov. 9, 2016

Present: Supervisors, Tina McKeever, Roger McKeever, Bruce Martinson; Clerk, Doug Schwecke; Treasurer Alicia Kangas; Fire Chief, Phil Bonin; Commissioner Ginny Storlie, and residents of Schroeder.

The meeting was called to order by T. McKeever at 7:03 PM.

B.Martinson moved to approve the agenda with PERA being added under Fire Dept. R. McKeever seconded. Motion carried.

R. McKeever moved to approve the minutes of Oct. 11, 2016 as amended. B. Martinson seconded. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Receipts for October totaled $223.93. Disbursements totaled $29,135.68. The ending checkbook balance as of October 31, 2016 was $59,358.42, and a Total Balance of $203,753.16. B. Martinson moved to approve the treasurer’s report. R. McKeever seconded. Motion carried.

B. Martinson moved to approve checks #3908-3930, with ck# 3921 being voided, in the amount of $4,087.75. R. McKeever seconded. Motion carried.

Lodging tax debit slip for August, $6,123.33, was approved and signed.

Treasurer Alicia Kangas informed the Board that Tofte Charters has paid off their loan through the Storefront Loan program. A lien release was approved and signed by the Chair. Clerk was asked to contact his insurance company and remove Schroeder Township as an additional insured. We wished him continued success in his business.

Commissioner Storlie: reported that after yesterday’s election, Miron Burshiem will replace Gary Gamble as commissioner in January, both the bonding and levy for the school passed. She has been meeting with the county highway committee prioritizing road projects which need to be sent to the State for approval to receive money from the State. The commissioners all held public meetings in their districts to inform residents of budget details and to receive comment. Today’s community lunch featured Sherriff Pat Eliasen presenting a program on self defense and scamming.

Fire and Rescue: Phil reported Firefighter 102 training course will be held either here or in Lutsen. It consists of 110 hours over 3 months. Our 9 new members will all need to complete this course. State grants cover most of the cost. They responded to 2 accident calls and one fire call on Sugarloaf Rd. They are getting estimates for the tiling job in the fire hall. Purchased a rescue sled, with wheels and skis, for use by all 3 townships. Cost will be $6,000 with half being covered by a grant. Charlie Mugggley asked the Board to authorize a request for cost analysis from PERA. This is the first step to having PERA take over administration of Fire Relief. When done, we would receive more information about our future exposure. B. Martinson moved to authorize the Request for Cost Analysis for Retirement Coverage by PERA. R. McKeever seconded. Motion carried. T. McKeever moved to offer $1,000 towards the purchase of a rescue sled if matched by Tofte and Lutsen. B. Martinson seconded. Motion carried.

Road and Bridge: Rick Anderson reported that the patching job on the parking lot probably would not get done this fall. The bid would still be good next spring. Discussed having the gravel patches refilled and graded to help prevent erosion. Charlie Muggley volunteered to do this at no cost. Thanks Charlie. New locks and a couple of heaters have been purchased for use in the maintenance building, which we take possession of on Dec. 1.

Cemetery:T. McKeever moved to approve a deed to Phil Bonin family for Lots 1-6, Block 33.  R. McKeever seconded. Motion carried.

Recreation: nothing

Maintenance: The septic system backed up into the fire hall again. A rock was discovered in the line causing the blockage when used heavily like at the last wedding held last week. The rock has been removed, the line repaired, and the fire hall will be cleaned tomorrow morning. The light on the front walkway is out. The clerk was asked to see about replacing it. Also, it was suggested to get reflective tape for the stairs.

Other Business: The committee for revising the Schroeder Township Land Use Plan will hold one more work session to go over input from tonight’s public hearing, at 4:30 PM, Nov. 15, 2016 at the town hall. The revised plan will then be presented for approval at Dec. 13th regular Board meeting. T. McKeever moved to authorize Supervisor B. Martinson to enquire at the County about changing commercial and residential zones to mixed use. R. McKeever seconded. Motion carried. Word changes in the Schroeder Township Business Development Revolving Loan Fund were discussed. B. Martinson will research further and bring recommendations to next month’s meeting.

Correspondence: Sent–

                        Received– gravel pit permit, soil composting letter

Public Comments: Bruce Martinson mentioned that Paul James has resigned as Supervisor in Tofte. They will be appointing his replacement tomorrow night.

R. McKeever moved to adjourn. B. Martinson seconded. Motion carried. Adjourned at 8:15 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Doug Schwecke, Clerk