November 20, 2007

Lent Township Board Meeting

Official Minutes

Township Board meeting was called to order by Chair G. Olson at 7:30 pm.

In attendance were Supervisors Gene Olson - Chair, Larry Peterson, Dave Milles; Treasurer Pam Olson; and Clerk Roxanne Kahler.

Public in attendance were Bernice Woods, Darrel Fisk, KimMarie Granger, Don Mudrick, John Stewart, Norm Kahler, Mike Olson, and Dan Good.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited..

G. Olson requested a review of the meeting agenda presented by the clerk. Peterson made a motion to approve the agenda as presented, Milles seconded. Motion passed.

G. Olson brought the consent agenda to the floor for approval:

G. Olson requested approval of the following items:

   1. Net Pay for Payroll Period ending 10/20/2007 for 2 items in the amount of $2315.27

   2. Net Pay for Payroll Period ending 11/9/2007 for 2 items in the amount of $2115.35

   3. Net Pay for November 2007 payroll 5items in the amount of $1713.26

   4. Claims List for Approval for 39 items in the amount of $61,736.90

   Milles made a motion to approve the consent agenda, Peterson seconded.

Discussion: Peterson inquired about the 25 aluminum tables that were purchased. G. Olson reported that the old wooden tables are not in good condition and that 25 of the best ones will be offered for sale in the January newsletter for purchase.

No other discussion. Motion passed.

Minutes from the October 16, 2007 board meeting were reviewed.

P. Olson noted that under the agenda item for the fire department it reads: “…that the Stacy/Lent Fire Department Relief Association is requesting a Gambling Permit for $10,000.00 for the training simulator…” In fact, they are not requesting a permit but are actually asking the Township to accept gambling funds for the training simulator.

   Milles made a motion to approve the minutes as prepared with correction as follows: “…the Lent Township requested Gambling funds in the amount of $10,000.00 towards the training simulator from the Stacy/Lent Fire Department Relief Association…”, Peterson seconded. Motion passed.

First at Hand

Darrell Fisk requested a gambling permit for the Turkey Banquet on February 9, 2008. G. Olson reported that a lot of unfortunate incidents in the past resulted in some cost the Township and improper treatment of the staff and other visitors at the hall by nonprofit organizations. A verbal warning was given for future use of the hall.

Milles made the motion to approve the gambling permit for the Turkey Banquet, Peterson seconded. Motion passed.

Old Minutes

Fire Department

G. Olson reported that three departments have used the training simulator. $45,000.00 has been received from the Stacy/Lent Fire Department Relief Association. Peterson inquired about the gift certificates that were requested at the October 16, 2007 meeting for the volunteers. G. Olson reported that inquiry through MAT suggested that a plaque or certificate would be the only legal acknowledgment.

Peterson reported that a special meeting will be held on November 28 at 6:00 p.m. at the fire hall, for the fire department’s retirement account, as the membership counselor maybe continuing under a new company. Peterson will be attending.

Lent Township requested Gambling funds in the amount of $15,000.00 towards the training simulator from the Stacy/Lent Fire Department Relief Association.

Milles made the motion to submit the request for the gambling funds in the amount of $15,000, Peterson second. Motion passed.

Personnel Manual

Milles made a motion to accept the Amendment 07-001 for the Personnel Manual as presented, Peterson seconded. Discussion: Peterson commented that if an employee were called in, the employee would be paid 2 ½ times the normal rate of pay. He also noted that the personal holiday would be treated like a regular holiday. Milles suggested that if an employee needs to come in on their personal holiday, it should be addressed at that point and determined if an additional amendment is needed. Motion passed.

Planning Commission

D. Milles reported that the Planning Commission reviewed two Certificates of Land Use Compliance as follows:

      Rodney Ebnet on 5448 Emily Lane, Stacy, has a lawn mowing service.

Troy and Marcy Colberg, who live at 31671 Elmwood Trail, are in violation for installing a driveway for a pole barn without a permit.

The Planning Commission tabled the two Certificates of Land Use until the December Planning Commission meeting.

Milles reported that Gordy Peterson and Josh Kopp were present at the meeting to present a revised preliminary plat. The committee did not know they were going to appear and did not publish the required notice for a public hearing. There was discussion that the plat would be modified to include only one (1) lot and an outlot. Peterson & Kopp will formally present the revised preliminary plat at the December meeting.

Milles reported that three (3) complaints were investigated and presented to the Planning Commission.

Eric Larsen and Shelly Anderson live at 4585 321st Street with unlicensed vehicles and a variety of miscellaneous items stored in the front yard. The Planning Commission recommended that a warning letter be written and sent.

James and Samantha Gordy live at 33262 Hemingway with miscellaneous items and machinery stored in their yard. The residence is a dilapidated log home and they have been working with Jack Kramer to clean the property up. The Planning Commission recommended that a warning letter is to be sent.

Richard Carlson lives at 35902 Grand Avenue and has had several past zoning violations with the county. This complaint is being investigated and will be presented to the Planning commission’s meeting in December.

KGM Construction Co. is being investigated for a non permitted sign and possibly utilizing their pond for a commercial aquaculture enterprise. If this use is confirmed, enforcement action will be initiated and KGM will need to apply for an amendment to allow aquaculture as a conditional use in the Rural Residential District.

Peterson made a motion to have the letters for Eric Larsen and Shelly Anderson, and James and Samantha Gordy signed and sent. Milles seconded. Motion passed.

Milles reported that Kim Marie Granger sent a letter to request to serve on the planning commission. The discussion at the planning commission meeting was to increase to eight (8) members and place an ad in the papers for volunteers to serve on the planning commission. G. Olson made a motion to have Kim Marie Granger appointed to serve on the Planning Commission and increase the committee to nine (9) members. Peterson seconded. Motion passed.

Milles reported that the fourth RTC Development plan meeting was held on Monday, November 12^th, and completed six (6) of the seven (7) purposed goals and strategies. The final version should be ready to be presented at a public hearing by February 2008.

Milles reported that Rick Robinson, with Indeck Energy, gave a presentation on a proposed natural-gas powered peaker gernerator in conjunction with an RFP issued by Xcel Energy at the planning commission meeting. Robinson said that they have given a proposal to Xcel and are waiting to hear if they have been accepted on the short list.

Milles reported that the building permit receipts are showing that money is being made.

Park Commission

Milles reported that a notice is to be placed in the news letter for volunteers. There is not a park plan completed and will be worked on at the next meeting.

Road Report

Peterson presented a written road report.

Treasurers Comments

P. Olson reported that the Data Privacy Act has been completed and needs a motion to be adopted.

Milles made a motion to adopt the Data Privacy Act as presented by the treasurer P. Olson. Peterson seconded. Motion passed.

P. Olson received a letter from Country Mutual Insurance regarding our general liability and vehicle insurance policy. Because of a law change, we will be required to increase our coverage. G. Olson stated that we should use Option 1, which will not increase the premiums. Option 2 would increase the premiums about $289.00. We will meet with our insurance agent in January or February and, at that time decide what we must do to stay in compliance with the new coverage requirements.

The training simulator will need insurance and will be covered by property insurance. Workmen’s comp insurance will cover any injuries to the Stacy/Lent firemen and any out side units are covered by their own insurance.

P. Olson presented a time line for the logo contest. The contest rules will be in the next newsletter.

P. Olson reported that the Township has not received the second property tax settlement from the County as of yet.

Clerk’s Comments

Kahler presented the question, “Does the Plan Check Fee get paid to Jack Kramer when he goes over the permit and the permit is voided out?” G. Olson reported that J. Kramer is to be paid the plan check fee. Milles reported that an application fee will be brought at the planning commission meeting.

Kahler reported Stacy Lions gave a $1000.00 donation towards the township’s new defibrillator and she will be sending a thank you note to them.

Kahler reported that Dan Rohdee from the DNR contacted Lent Township. The DNR will be laying pipe down under Hemingway Avenue on November 26th or 27th.

Kahler reported that the Girl Scouts would like to use the hall on April 19, 2008 to hold a Powder Puff Derby. Peterson made a motion to wave all fees for the girl scouts to use the Township hall, Milles seconded. Motion pass.

Kahler reported that David Waldoch would like to use the hall on Tuesday, February 5, 2008 from 6:00-9:00 pm, for a DFL Chisago County Caucus.

Kahler reported that Char Michael from Community Living Option would like to use the hall two (2) nights a week for three to four months starting in January, so that the mentally disabled men can play basketball. G. Olson requested for C. Michael to come to the December 18^th board meeting to discuss further.

Kahler reported that information was sent for the 2008 MBA Scholarship Program.

Kahler reported that the Chisago County Senior Center is requesting a donation for their Senior citizens Christmas party. Milles made a motion to donate $300.00 to the Chisago County Senior Center Christmas party. G. Olson seconded. Motion passed.

Kahler received FYI-Operation Community Connect sent an Annual report

Kahler reported that a thank you card was received from the 2007 Fall Fire Arm Safety Class.

Kahler reported that the property tax estimate for the rental house 30785 Forest Blvd. has been received for 2008.

Kahler reported that an erase/bulletin board has been found to display maps for $195.00. G. Olson made a motion to purchase the erase board, Peterson seconded. Motion passed.

Supervisors

G. Olson reported that he released the bond for Nature Preserve Swamp on the cul-de-sacs and will not need to be reissued for the next seven months.

G. Olson reported that the County has issued a letter on tax forfeit property for sale, 05.00393.10 and 05.0394.00, and said that this property won’t profit the Township.

G. Olson reported that the Thomas Griffith sod farm money is in a reserve account for him and he refuses to go and claim the money.

G. Olson reported that North Branch has no interest in annexation once the RTC is completed. North Branch is interested in providing sewer as they have capacity for the RTC development and would like to work with the Township.

Milles reported that he will be gone January 10 thru 17, 2008 and will miss the January board meeting.

New Business

Sunday Liquor License

Lyle Johnson was not present to speak about the Sunday liquor license for the March 2008 ballot. Discussion was made to possibly hold off on putting on the ballot until there is interest shown, Then hold a special election.

Engineer

G. Olson reported that Hakanson Anderson Assoc., Inc. wants to meet the week of November 26 to discuss Erie Lane. G. Olson commented that a decision will be need to be made on using Hakanson Anderson Assoc., Inc. for further engineer projects. Jim Johnson can not confirm a commitment at this time.

Motion was made to adjourn by Milles.  Peterson seconded. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 9:09 p.m.

___________________________                              ___________________________

Board Chair Signature                                                  Clerk Signature