APRIL BOARD MEETING MINUTES

APRIL 14, 2009

The meeting was called to order by chairman Greg Andrews with the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:00 p.m.  Present for the meeting were chairman Andrews, supervisor Jeff Bachke , supervisor John Werner, treasurer Holly Herstad, clerk Patti Alander, deputy clerk Cammy Hansen, fire chief Matt Frantz, representatives from the MPCA Pat Hanson and Peter Tiffany.  Absent was animal control officer Gloria Dallum.

I.              REORGANIZATION OF THE TOWN BOARD:  A motion was made by Greg and seconded by John to nominate Jeff Bachke as Town Chairman and John Werner as Assistant Chairman.  All supervisors vote in favor, motion passed.  Jeff took over the remainder of the meeting.

II.            Jeff introduced Pat Hanson of the MPCA to give the town an update on the activities that are and will be occurring at the landfill on the Rice Lake Road.  Pat introduced Peter Tiffany who is a staff engineer for MPCA. 

A.    Pat gave a brief history of the landfill

B.    The landfill is no longer active and the project is in the process of being closed to today’s standards.

C.    Peter described the actions being taken

1.      “Hot spots” were removed and transported to a portion of the landfill that has a protective lining

2.     Wetland areas will be restored to Corp of Engineers standards in areas that have been affected.

3.     The major portion of the project involves moving the boundaries of the existing landfill, and adding an active gas extraction system with an enclosed flare that will incinerate 99.8% of the organic compound and all of the methane gas.

4.     The estimated completion date of the project is summer 2010.

Jeff asked if there is technology available to utilize the methane gas for other sources of energy.  Pat stated that there is but the size of this landfill is not large enough to produce enough energy to make it a viable possibility.   Jeff asked how long the methane and/or VOCs will be emitted after the system is in place.  Pat stated that the expected time period is in excess of 30 years.  John also asked about the smell coming from the landfill.  Pat stated that, unfortunately, that is part of the process of this type of work.  After the project is complete and clean soil is placed atop the landfill and grass is planted, this should eliminate any odor. Greg asked about truck traffic during the project.  Pat stated that most of the traffic will be contained to within the site itself.  Some traffic for delivery of the plastic covering and possibly new topsoil may be generated.

III.           UPCOMING MEETINGS:

April 15, 2009 6:00 p.m. Utilities meeting with MSA Professional Services, Inc.

April 16, 2009 6:00 p.m. Board of Equalization

April 20, 2009 7:00 p.m. Rice Lake Fire Relief Association meeting at Martin Road Fire Hall

April 21, 2009 11:00 a.m. MN DNR Trails & Waterways, St. Louis County Public Works Department RE: Rice Lake Dam Road

April 22, 2009 7:00 p.m. St. Louis County Association of Townships at Cotton, MN

May 5, 2009 7:00 p.m. Agenda meeting

May 7, 2009 5:30 p.m. Annual Road Tour

May 12, 2009 7:00 p.m. Board Meeting

Patti called attention to the April 21, 2009 meeting at 11:00 a.m. with the DNR and County

IV.           MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES

January 29, 2009 Budget Meeting

February 10, 2009 Board Meeting Minutes

March 3, 2009 Agenda Meeting Minutes

March 10, 2009 Annual Meeting Minutes (draft, the approval is done at the 2010 Annual Meeting by the residents present)

March 11, 2009 Board of Canvass and Utility Systems of America strategy meeting minutes

March 26, 2009 Meeting with St. Louis County engineer regarding 2009 road projects in Rice Lake

April 6, 2009 Annual Sewer, Lift Station and Manhole inspection

A motion to approve all minutes as presented was made by Greg with a second by John.  Motion carried with minutes to be placed in file.

V.            FINANCIAL REPORTS  Holly read the following financial reports into the record:

March Receipts:                 $29,764.96 (Fire Dept. 2% money $15,630.00)

March Expenditures:

      General Fund                            $32,752.33

      Administration                           $14,334.25

      Public Works                             $  5,605.12

      Road & Bridge                          $  1,320.64

      Fire Department                                    $17,330.94 (*2008 2% $15,630.00)

      Building Inspection                    $  8,561.88

      Water Tower                              $     215.63

      Lift Station #3                           $  3,916.32

Total March Expenditures:       $90,342.72

April Expenditures thus far:

      Estimated payroll                      $16,000.00

      General Fund                       $102,107.43

      Utility Fund                               $  6,652.24

      Fair Housing Authority               none

VI.           CORRESPONDENCE

·         “Minnesota Cities” March issue

·         “Session Weekly” April 10^th issue

·         David Oberstar’s e-mail regarding Charter Communication and the town’s franchise agreement.

·         WLSSD notification of WLSSD Level of Service Exceedances on March 23^rd through 25^th.

·         ARDC notice of Regional Transportation Advisory Committee in Kind Grant program and application

·         “Water & Wastes Digest” April issue

·         “Today” spring issue

·         State Auditor’s e-update April 10^th issue

·         “Minnesota Counties” March issue

·         League of MN Cities “Cities Bulletin” April 8^th issue

·         North Shore Bank of Commerce letter requesting a reduction in the assets pledged to the town’s deposits

·         Duluth superior Metropolitan Interstate Council meeting notice, agenda and  March meeting notes

·         “FYI” a publication of Northspan

·         “Session Weekly” April 3^rd issue

·         Letter from Mike Jaros regarding establishment of South St. Louis Municipality within WLSSD

·         North Shore Bank of Commerce letter regarding the reduction of pledged deposits from $1,225,000.00 to $625,000.00.

·         Marilyn Fifield letter regarding evergreens and right of way issues on Birchwood Road

·         League of MN Cities “Friday Fax” April 3^rd issue

·         State Auditors e-update April 3^rd issue

·         “Business North” April issue

·         MN Secretary of State’s “Office Update” March issue

·         Minutes from February 25^th RSPT meeting

·         League of MN Cities “Cities Bulletin: April 1^st issue

·         St Louis County Auditor letter and notice of Tax forfeited land payment in the amount of $3,264.17

·         Public Facilities  Authority public notice regarding Federal stimulus money and guidelines

·         Notice of WLSSD public hearing on April 20, 2009 at 4:00 PM regarding the Consent Degree prior to authorization.  Hearing is for public comment

Information from St. Louis county Environment Services Department regarding onsite wastewater treatment, and draft ordinance

·         WSB letter regarding 2009 MS4 permit assistance program

·         “Minnesota township News” March/April issue

·         National Night Out brochures

·         “Session Weekly” March 27^th issue

·         League of MN Cities “Friday Fax” March 27^th issue

·         Notice and agenda for March 30, 2009 Charter Communications Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

·         League of MN Cities “Cities Bulletin” March 25^th issue

·         State Auditor’s e-update March 27^th issue

·         Charter Communication notice of additional changes that will be available

·         “Session Weekly” March 20^th issue

·         League of MN Cities “Friday Fax: March 20^th issue

·         State Auditor’s e-update March 20^th issue

·         League of MN Cities “Cities Bulletin” March 18^th issue

·         Minnesota Rural Water Association “The Technical Assistance Times” April issue

·         “Ag Innovation News” April issue

·         St. Louis County Association of Township’s March 25^th meeting agenda and February meeting minutes

·         MPCA notice of change in status for hazardous waste license

·         “Pipeline” winter 2009 issue

·         “Minnesota Preservation Planner” spring issue

·         “Corporate Trust connection” spring issue

·         Letter from Marcia Stromgren of Normanna Township regarding program for March DAT meeting

·         “Session Weekly” March 13^th issue

·         Minnesota Safety & Health conference notice dates May 13^th through 15^th

·         League of MN Cities “Friday Fax” March 13^th issue

·         State Auditor’s e-update March 13^th issue

·         “fedgazette” March 2009 issue

·         League of MN Cities “Cities Bulletin” March 11^th issue

·         Minnesota Rural Water Association thank you note

·         2010 Program kickoff notice for CDBG

·         “Water & Wastes Digest” March

·         WLSSD letter regarding update of Comprehensive wastewater Services Master Plan work group meeting

·         “Minnesota Cities” February issue

·         “Session Weekly” March 6^th issue

·         “Minnesota Counties” February issue

·         State Auditor’s e-update March 6^th issue

·         “Municipal Sewer & Water” March issue

·         “Business North” March issue

·         League of MN Cities “Cities Bulletin” March 4^th issue

·         “Town of Canosia” newsletter March issue

·         RSTP notice of “Lake Superior Watershed festival” June 6^th

·         “Session Weekly” February 27^th issue

·         Northeast Service Cooperative letter and insurance interest payment $33.00

·         Duluth Area Township’s January 15, 2009 meeting minutes

·         Minnesota Secretary of State’s “Office Update” February issue

·         State Auditor’s e-update February 27^th issue

·         League of MN Cities “Friday Fax” February 27^th issue

·         State Auditor’s “Pension Division Newsletter” February issue

·         League of MN Cities “Cities Bulletin” February 25^th issue

·         St. Louis County Auditor letter regarding required Road & Bridge Levy for gas tax in 2010.  Town is required to levy $144,169.00

·         State Auditor’s e-update February 20^th issue

·         RSTP January 21^st meeting minutes

·         LTAP notice of Minnesota Spring Maintenance Training export on April 14 and 15 in St. Cloud

·         “Rural Water” first quarter 2009 issue

·         “Session Weekly” February 20^th issue

·         US Department of Commerce letter regarding “2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide” and copy of the guide

·         S. E. H.  “Insight” winter issue

·         League of MN Cities  “Friday Fax” February 20^th issue

·         MPCA’s  letter regarding accepting project submissions for State Revolving Fund Loan Programs

·         Blue Cross/Blue Shield “Group Leader Bulletin” February issue

·         “Charter Communication letter regarding approval by the bankruptcy court of a financial restructure program.

·         RSTP agenda for February 25^th meeting

·         Government Training Services notice of 2009 Land Use Planning Workshops

·         League of MN Cities “ Cities-e-bulletin February 18^th issue

·         League of MN Cities notice of live online briefing February 27^th regarding “How will the Federal Stimulus Affect Minnesota Cities”

·         St. Louis County Association of Township’s January meeting minutes and February meeting agenda

·         “General Construction Services” notice

·         “Dig” winter issue

·         “Session Weekly February 13^th issue

·         “Water & Wastes Digest” February issue

·         “The Town Crier” 1^st issue 2009

·         League of MN Cities “Friday Fax” February 13, 2009 issue

·         Letter from governor Pawlenty regarding MN Safety Council’s Governor’s Workplace Safety Awards program

·         Charter Communication letter regarding updates to their operations

·         MN Rural Water Association letter requesting assistance

·         League of MN Cities Insurance Trust notice of 2009 Safety & Loss Control Workshops

·         “PRB” February issue

·         League of MN Cities “Cities Bulletin” February 11^th issue

·         “Session Weekly” February 6^th issue

·         South St. Louis Soil & Water Conservation District invitation for input to the Comprehensive County Water Management Plan

·         MIC notice and agenda for upcoming February 18^th meeting

In addition, Patti notified the board of a letter that was received on April 9, 2009 from St. Louis County notifying us of a special election to be held on April 29, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the Courthouse.  The special election is to fill a WLSSD board position being vacated by Richard F. Holt.  Jeff Bachke, as Town Chairman, is required to attend.

VII.         DEPARTMENT REPORTS

A.    Building Department

FEBRUARY & MARCH 2009 BUILDING      REPORT

Total valuation of projects $100,207.00.  Total fees collected $1,770.91

B.    Planning & Zoning

The regular meetings of the Planning Commission were held on February 17^th and March 17^th.

A public hearing was held on March 24, 2009. The public hearing was to consider the Conditional Use Permit application for T-Mobile Central LLC & Begley Wireless Consulting Services LLC to construct a 100 foot communication tower on property located at 4483 Martin Road was held on March 24, 2009.  The permit was approved.

The next meeting of the Planning Commission is Tuesday April 21, 2009 at 7:00

C.   Public Works/Road & Bridge

March, 2009

·         A new stop sign was installed on Washington and Arnold Roads

·         Tree limbs were trimmed on Birchwood and Arnold Road for better visibility

·         Commercial water meters were read

·         Two loads of aluminum cans were hauled to the recycler

·         Eight legal postings were put out

·         Locates were done a lift station #1

·         Ten loads of sand were put through our sander

·         Hydrant flushing was done, to keep residual

·         Snow plowing and shoveling was done as needed

·         Darrell Johnson excavating did some culvert repairs on Luzerne, Rutter, Townline and the south side of Stavanger Roads

·         Water usage was 2,011,523 gallons – daily 64,887 gallons

·         Waste water collected was 1,945,200 gallons – daily 62,748 gallons

D.   Fire

Matt Frantz read the following report into the record:

February:

·         5 medical calls

·         2 vehicle accidents

·         1 dumpster fire

·         1 brush fire

·         1 mutual aid

·         1 carbon monoxide alarm

March:

·         6 medical calls

·         1 structure fire

·         1 burn pile

·         2 mutual aid

·         1 good intent

On March 27, 2009 the fire department received the closeout confirmation email from FEMA for the Air to Firefighters grant we received in 2006.

E.     Animal Control

Patti Alander read the following reports into the record as submitted by Gloria Dallum:

February, 2009:

·         Hours worked:  44

·         Miles Driven:  150

·         Fines assessed/collected:  none

·         License fees collected:  114.50

·         Animals to pound:  none

·         Citations issued:  two

March, 2009:

·         Hours worked:  44

·         Miles driven:  165

·         Fines assessed/collected:  none

·         License fees collected:  $50.00

·         Animals to pound:  none

·         Citations issued:  none

F.                Sheriff

Patti read the following information into the record as submitted by Shannon Schultz, Supervising Deputy, St. Louis County Sherriff’s Department:

            January, 2009:

·         Four shifts for a total of 16 hours worked

·         20 vehicle stops resulting in 14 warnings, 8 citations and 1 arrest

·         Investigated 1 underage drinking party and assisted the fire department

February, 2009:

·         Four shifts for a total of 16 hours worked

·         19 vehicles stops resulting in 16 warnings, 3 citations and 1 arrest

·         Checked on suspicious person

·         Assisted resident with kid trouble

·         Assisted with welfare check

Total amount invoiced for January and February was $1,760.00.

G.    Utilities:

1.     Patti gave a verbal update to the board:  HANCO Utilities was in the hall this week to let us know that they are ready to begin work for six W. Calvary Rd. residents.  We will send them the project specifications when they are approved by the board.

2.     All lift stations were cleaned today except #3. 

3.     Jerome recommends doing a smoke test to find out where the breaks may be in the existing lines.  The board agreed that this needs to be done.

4.     Greg reported that the generator testing went fine; we could probably get by with a 100KW generator rather than the150 KW that was used during testing.

H.    Park:  Patti received a call from Scott Rautio, a local scoutmaster who would like to have his scout troop do a spring clean up at the town park.  Les is going to take a look to see what needs to be done and Patti will let Scott know.  Patti has also contracted to have the athletic fields aerated and weed and feeded.  The soccer and football associations will reimburse part of this cost.

I.      Rice Lake Fair Housing Authority:  No applications

VIII.        OLD BUSINESS

A.    DNR Water Access Money:  A meeting has been scheduled for April 21, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with the DNR and St. Louis County to discuss this project.

IX.           NEW BUSINESS

A.                Resolutions 09-04-09, 09-04-10, 09-04-11, and 09-04-12:  Resolutions deferring special assessments for the properties located at 4197 W. Calvary Road, 4357 W. Calvary Rd., 4154 W. Calvary Rd. and 4294 W. Calvary Rd.   A motion for the adoption of these resolutions was made by John Werner and seconded by Greg Andrews.  Motion carries.

B.                A motion to confirm the following policies as adopted at the 2009 annual meeting on March 11, 2009 was made by Greg Andrews and seconded by John Werner, motion carried:

1.     One driveway culvert will be furnished free of charge to new residents with new construction on Township roads if necessary.

2.     Pay scale for election judges:  Chief/head judge $8.50 per hour, member judge $8.00 per hour.

3.     Upon recommendation of the Town Board, the Town Depository will be North Shore Bank of Commerce.  In addition, for investment funds, North Shore Investment and Trust will be used.

4.     Posting locations will be:  Homecroft Super Valu, Chalstrom’s Bait & Tackle, Ridgeview Lanes, Rice Lake Recycle Shed and Rice Lake Town Hall.

5.     The Duluth News Tribune will continue as the Town’s legal newspaper for publishing all legal notices.

6.     Town employee salaries will conform to union contracts as they are adopted.

C.    Motion to approve and enter in the agreement with LarsonAllen for the 2009 Annual Township Audit made by John Werner, seconded by Greg Andrews.  Motion carried.

D.    Motion to approve sale of hot water heater by Carlson Concrete Products for $175.00 made by John Werner, seconded by Greg Andrews.  Motion carried.

X.            BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR

A.    Cammy updated the board on the town’s website.  She is researching opportunities to update the site.  Lake Superior College has interns available to work on this project for the approximate cost of $2,000.00.  At this time it was decided that we will hold off on hiring interns until we can formulate a plan.  In the meantime, Cammy will continue to update the site as she is able.  At this time, she has added events to the community calendar, posted meeting minutes and added staff directory information.

B.    Holly asked if the town has heard any additional information regarding stimulus funds.  John stated that the funds have not yet trickled down to the town level (and we are not sure that they will.)

C.    Patti asked for the board’s input on the draft letter that David Oberstar has prepared.  Copies were distributed to board members for discussion at the utility meeting on April 15, 2009.

D.    Patti distributed copies of MSA’s changes to the sewer ordinance also for discussion at the April 15, 2009 utility meeting.

XI.           MOTION TO APPROVE AND EXECUTE CLAIMS

General fund checks #49949 through #49983

Utility fund checks #4061 through #4067

Payroll checks none

Fair Housing checks none

A motion to approve and execute the claims as presented was made by John with a second by Greg.  Motion carried with the balance of the meeting spent reviewing and executing claims.

Patti asked the board if they want all contractors working in the town to be licensed.  At this time we are issuing Contractor’s Permits only to the excavators.  The e/one installers are required to attend a training session, but are not issued a Contractor Permit.  The Board felt all contractors working on the town’s sewer and water systems should be permitted.  This item will be discussed at the utility meeting tomorrow night.

XII.          Holly Herstad was sworn in as Treasurer of the Town of Rice Lake.

XIII.        MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT

Having nothing further to discuss a motion to adjourn was made by John with a second by Greg.  Motion carried and meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

____________________________                       _______________________________

Camille S. Hansen, Deputy Clerk                        Jeff Bachke, Chairman