JULY BOARD MEETING MINUTES

JULY 14, 2009

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 by Chairman Jeff Bachke. The “Pledge of Allegiance” was recited. Present for the meeting was Chairman Bachke, supervisors Greg Andrews and John Werner, clerk Patti Alander, Treasurer Holly Herstad, animal control officer Gloria Dallum and fire Chief Matt Frantz. Absent was deputy clerk Cammy Hansen.

I. Jeff went over the upcoming meetings:

July 15, 2009 6:00 p.m. Utilities Commission meeting

July 20, 2009 7:30 p.m. Rice Lake Fire Fighters Relief Association (note time change)

July 21, 2009 7:00 p.m. Planning & Zoning Commission

August 4, 2009 5:00 to 8:0 p.m. Neighborhood Night Out at the Park

August 5, 2009 6:00 p.m. Agenda meeting (note date and time change)

August 11, 2009 7:00 p.m. Board meeting

Patti noted that the WLSSD Board meeting is also on 7/20/09 and at that meeting they will be voting on the takeover of Lift Station #9. Greg will attend the Relief meeting, Jeff will attend the WLSSD meeting, John is not available that evening.

II. A motion to approve the June 9, 2009 Board meeting minutes, the June 11, 2009 Lift Station #1 Improvement bid opening minutes and the June 18, 2009 MS4s Public Hearing minutes was made by John and seconded by Greg. All vote in favor; minutes to be placed in file.

III. The financial report was read into the record by Holly:

June Receipts $35,650.58

June Expenditures

General Fund $ 8,099.44

Administration $ 15,213.36

Public Works $ 7,016.69

Road & Bridge $174,129.17

Fire $ 501.12

Building Inspection $ 5,012.41

Lift Station #1 Improvements $ 9,631.80

Total Expenditures $219,603.99

July Expenditures thus far

General Fund $190,655.16

Utilities $ 17,180.85

Payroll (3 payrolls) $ 30,000.00

Fair Housing $ 8.00

IV. CORRESPONDENCE:

Minnesota State Demographer’s notice of 2008 population and households

April 1, 2008 estimated population is 4,265 and estimated households 1,593.

St. Louis County May apportionment $521,714.99

“Municipal Sewer & Water” July issue

“Stream Line” Spring/summer issue

“Today” summer issue

“Minnesota Cities” June/July issue

Charter Communication letter regarding channel changes

E-update from MN State Auditor July 10^th issue

RSTP June 17^th meeting minutes

Duluth Superior Metropolitan Interstate Council notice of upcoming meeting, agenda and summary of June meeting

Standard for Digital Storm water System Data Exchange

Email from RSTP results of rain barrel and composter sale

MN Rural Water Association letter thanking us for continuing to support them.

“Business North” July issue

E-update from MN State Auditor July 2^nd issue

Email from Matt Hanka regarding Grew public hearing

MN State Auditor statement of position

League of MN Cities “Cities Bulletin” July 1^st issue

“Dig” Gopher State One Call summer issue

Charter Communication letter regarding restructuring. (we completed this information at the June board meeting and forwarded to Charter’s attorney.

MSA ‘s application for Section 569 US Army Corps of Engineer’s monies

E-update MN State Auditor June 26^th issue

MN State Auditor Pension Division Newsletter June issue

List of 2009/2010 proposed unallotments for towns (see new business)

“Minnesota Preservation Planner” summer issue

“Ag Innovation News” July-September issue

“Pipeline” Spring issue

“Lakewood Town Crier” May/June issue

US Bank letter regarding the Feral Reserves’ Supervisory Capital Assessment Program.

St. Louis County Association of Township’s May meeting minutes and agenda for June 24^th meeting

League of MN Cities “Cities Bulletin” June 17^th issue

Ayers Associates “Trends” summer issue

E-update State Auditor June 12^th issue

Metropolitan Interstate Council notice of upcoming meeting, agenda and May’s meeting summary.

Center for Transportation Studies “Sensor: 1st issue for 2009

Thank you from Ed Schilla for the town’s support regarding his Eagle Project

“Session Weekly” May 29^th issue

“Minnesota Counties” May issue

Patti called attention to two items: our population estimate (down by three people) and our St. Louis County Apportionment of $521,714.99

V. DEPARTMENT REPORTS

A. Fire Department, reported by Matt Frantz

1. May, 2009

a. 13 medical calls

b. 1 grass fire

c. 1 vehicle accident

d. 1 mutual aid vehicle accident

2. June, 2009

a. 8 medical calls

b. 2 burn piles

c. 1 vehicle accident

d. 1 mutual aid traffic control

e. Dug power line for light in backyard of fire hall

B. Animal Control, reported by Gloria Dallum

1. June, 2009

a. 38.5 hours worked

b. 18 miles driven (used personal vehicle as town van was in the shop)

c. Collected $178.63 in fines

d. Issued one citation

e. Collected $26.00 in license fees

f. Brought one dog to the shelter

2. Jeff asked Gloria the status of the dog bite issue on Martin Road. Gloria has heard nothing additional. The lawyer pretty much told Cammy the same thing that Gloria said.

C. Building Department

JUNE BUILDING DEPARTMENT

Total valuation of projects $695,532.65

Total fees collected $9,819.25

JUNE PLANNING & ZONING REPORT

A Planning & zoning workshop was held at the Dewitt Seitz building on June 4^th. Very informative.

The regular meeting of the planning commission was held on June 16^th.

A public hearing was conducted by the Board of Adjustment to consider a variance application on Tuesday June 30^th. The request was to construct an accessory structure on a non-conforming lot. Two variances were needed. A request to vary the lot area from 1 acre to .32 acre and the lot width frontage from 150 feet to 70 feet. Both variances were approved.

The next meeting of the planning commission is Tuesday July 21^st at 7:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Marty Paavola

Building/zoning administrator

D. Public Works/Road & Bridge, as submitted by Gary Olson

1. June, 2009

a. Commercial water meters were read

b. Annual water meter audit started

c. Worked with MSA to inspect manholes on 3^rd Ave. S.

d. Hydrant Flushing weekly on W. Calvary and Stavanger roads

e. Lawns mowed and trimmed

f. 35 Gopher One locates were completed

g. Two legal postings were put out for the clerk

h. Five loads of aluminum cans hauled to recycler

i. Several culverts were delivered for town road work

j. Gravel projects were completed the last week of June; the roads graveled were Fauvelle, Summers, half of the Kingston, Mulvahill, Ridgeview. Gravel was also put down on Rutter and Stavanger Roads where they meet W. Calvary in anticipation of blacktopping to be done on W. Calvary by the County.

k. Water usage: 2,508,345 gallons (daily 83,611 gallons)

l. Waste water pumped: 1,114,600 gallons

E. Utilities

1. West Calvary Road residents continue to come in to pay fees to hook into the new system.

2. Lift Station #1 contracts have not been returned by RJS as of today’s date.

F. Park

1. Patti reported that additional expenses for the irrigation system were explained by Scott Twining in a email dated 7/9/09:

As we quoted to the township last year we ran a cable from the pump house to the furthest west hand-hole location where we believed all wires were run to. We also stated that we were connecting 6 solenoids. After we install everything and finally found someone that knew what was done there we found out that the wires were not all run to one location and that there are actually 7 loops. We ran a 7 conductor cable before for 6 loops (1 wire for each loop and last wire as a common) so there is one wire short for the seventh loop. Seeing that we were working on visual layouts only and did not have any plans of the way that the field was laid out was the reason why I spelled out what we were going to do so if there were any discrepancy's they could be caught at time of approval. As I stated in the second proposal we are willing to do the second field at a not to exceed cost so the price given is a high water mark and hopefully things will go good and it will be at a lesser cost.

A motion to approve the additional expenses of $1,500.00 was made by Greg and seconded by John. All vote in favor, motion carried.

G. Sheriff’s Report: none received

H. Rice Lake Fair Housing Authority-one loan was completed; no other applications have been received.

VI. OLD BUSINESS

1. Rice Lake Dam Road- Further research on this project will be deferred until this fall so that the county will be able to assist us as they are too busy at this time.

2. Fire Department by law changes update-Matt told the board that they bylaw changes were read and are expected to be approved in July

3. Bow Hunting- A proposed ordinance was distributed to the members for review and then will be forwarded to our attorney for review. After the attorney approves it, a public hearing will be required as well as posting/publishing.

VII. NEW BUSINESS

1. Matt Bonnema presented an Eagle Scout project he would like to do for Rice Lake Township. He would like to paint the eight historical/informational signs that are currently in the township. He expects the cost to be approximately $65.00. He will also repair the signs as needed. Two of the original signs are no longer there. Matt will speak with John to see if he can get the additional information to replace those two signs. Motion made by Greg to approve the project, seconded by Jeff; John abstains. Greg and Jeff vote in favor, motion carried.

2. Conrad Meints’ father, Luke presented Conrad’s proposed Eagle Scout project. He would like to install plant identification stakes along the nature/hiking trail in the Rice Lake Town Park, install signs labeling each learning pod, install a sign displaying maple syrup information, clean out overgrown areas, repair benches and speak with the Homecroft principal regarding possible use of the project by Homecroft students. Motion made by Greg to approve the project, seconded by Jeff; John abstains. Greg and Jeff vote in favor, motion carried. The work is expected to be completed this fall.

3. Resolution 09-06-24, a resolution receiving bids and awarding contract for the 2009 Rice Lake Township Lift Station #1 Renovations, which was adopted at the June 17, 2009 Utility meeting was reaffirmed (attached.)

4. A motion to approve the proposal from Corrpro for the annual inspection of the water tower cathodic protection equipment at a cost of $640.00 plus the Annual 15 point tank review and replacement of lights at the cost of $505.00 for the tank review and $250.00 for light replacement was made by John and seconded by Greg. All vote in favor; motion carried.

5. Patti informed the board that the state auditor has informed us of the anticipated funding reductions for the years 2009 and 2010. 2009 reduction will be $16,962.00 and 2010 will be $35,788.00. The board will need to decide where to cut expenses for next year.

6. Erickson Road: Patti stated that attorney Tim Strom has given us guidance on how to proceed with the gate that is across town property on this road. Patti would like authorization to ask the sheriff to speak with the property owners. Motion to call sheriff made by John, seconded by Greg, all vote in favor. Motion carried.

7. Patti informed the board of the attorney’s actions regarding nuisance dogs. He found a typographical error in the Ordinance that needs correction. She also pointed out that the town has the right to issue a citation to the owner of a nuisance dog requiring a hearing in front of a judge. The judge is the one who can order the dog destroyed. We have had no further contact from the parents of the child. At this time, it is a civil matter with the court. John recommends that we to contact the child’s parents to let them know that the town is proceeding.

8. Patti will be going shopping for a new refrigerator for the town hall kitchen.

9. Phone system: Our current phone system is over 20 years old and is need of upgrading. Patti presented a proposal from Telephone Associates for a new system for the board’s review. It will be discussed at a later date. Patti is also is discussion with Qwest for phone service rates.

VIII. BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR

1. Randy Kniep, West Calvary Road: Asked what would happen if a resident does not hook up to the sewer system. Jeff responded that the Town’s ordinance spells out what can happen, but does not recall the exact language; a letter can be sent that contains the specifics. Randy said he received a letter saying that the town would install the system if he didn’t and he wants to know if that could happen. Jeff answered that if the Town chose to do that, a contractor would be selected, the sheriffs department would be involved, and you would be assessed the amount of the cost that would become due and payable with the next property tax installment.

2. Mark North, West Calvary Road: He does not know where he is going to come up with the money to hook up to the new system. What should he do if he cannot qualify for a loan? He said that at first, the town stated that every parcel of land would be assessed and what actually happened was every house was assessed. Jeff explained that when the property is developed with a home, that homeowner will have to pay the same amount that the existing homeowners are paying. Mark believes that every property owner should have been assessed, not just the homeowners.

3. Larry Cozzi, 4^th and 5^th Ave. South: Asked the board about his property on 5^th Ave. S. He asked the Town to ditch out the road as it hasn’t been done for several years. He understands that the town has limited funds and he and the other residents on the road are willing to help. John stated he has looked at what needs to happen, but this year’s budget has been expended. John’s request is that the material taken out of the ditches it be removed, and not placed along the sides of the road so that it may run back into the ditch. John will make arrangements to meet with Larry and walk the road to see what can be worked out.

4. Allen Kniep, West Calvary Road: Would like to know what options may be available for financing the hook ups for water/sewer. He will call Patti tomorrow to get contact information for AEOA.

IX. MOTION TO APPROVE AND EXECUTE CLAIMS: Motion made by Greg, seconded by John. All vote in favor; motion carried.

General Fund checks #50024 through 50075

Utility fund checks #4092 through 4102

Payroll Checks #9947 through 9952

Rice Lake Fair Housing check # 1035

With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.