Category: Minutes

Attendance:

Town officers: Supervisors Charles Kuettel,  Doug Dressen,  Doug Nelson; Clerk Lita Wallace, Treasurer Carol Nelson,  Deputy Treasurer Ed Potter

Guests:  Bonnie Dressen, Ray Barnes, Scott Mead, Deb Pomroy, Daryle Waldriff, Ted Wallace

 Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Chair Kuettel at 7:03 p.m.

 Clerk’s Report – Wallace presented the July Meeting Minutes which was motioned by Dressen for approval with correction on adding Bonnie Dressen’s name to the guest list. Seconded by Nelson, motion carried. Kuettel yay, Dressen yay, Nelson yay, 3-0-0.

Treasurer’s Report – C. Nelson presented the Treasurer’s Report. Nelson motioned to approve, Dressen seconded, motion carried. Kuettel yay, Dressen yay, Nelson yay, 3-0-0.

JULY 2023

Total Funds on Hand 7/1/2023 $215,772.96
Plus: Deposits $35,659.05
Interest on Accounts 483.55
First Half Tax Apportionment 34,365.00
State of MN Town Aid $810.50
Less: Disbursements $1,749.78
Payroll 549.03
941 PR Taxes 1,040.09
Other Expenses 160.66
Total Funds on Hand 7/31/2023 $249,682.23
Checks Written #1914 – #1923
Check Voided #1918

AUGUST 2023

Claims (August) $1,420.91
Checks Written #1924-#1929
Expected Receipts MN DNR Payment in lieu of taxes
Taconite Production taxes
No transfers to the Checking Account will be needed

Nelson motioned to approve, Dressen seconded, motion carried. Kuettel yay, Dressen yay, Nelson yay, 3-0-0.

Old Business

• Update on the West Branch Road:1. Report from Nelson – The meeting with Steve Krasaway of St. Louis County was held on July 20. All three township supervisors were in attendance. Steve indicated that our township road #2412 was not a viable candidate for the chip and seal program offered by the county because there were too many issues with potholes, oversized cracking and missing blacktop on the edges. He also said the county normally considers the useful life of Asphalt Road to be about 20 to 30 years old. Our road was probably built in 1992 or 1993 at a cost of $75,000.00 according to the notes of past meetings I could find making our road about 30 years old. His educated guess at replacement cost today would probably be about $500,000.00. That could be reduced if someone set up a batch plant and was doing other roads in the vicinity. Steve also indicated that we probably would not qualify for any grants or aid from the state or federal government because of the limited usage. This leaves the township with the task of repairing and maintaining the road as best we can within our resources. I will continue to contact other contractors. In this month’s issue of Minnesota Association of Township Insider Magazine, there is a mention of financial help with culver replacement which I intend to investigate further to see if we can get a grant to help cover our costs.
  2. Report from Dressen: Googled blacktopping a road in MN and found the average cost per foot is $70.00 to $170.00 per foot.  That is $370.00 to $900,000.00 per mile.   The township has 2.3 miles of road to do. Pequaywan township would have to spend over a million dollars to repair our 2.3 miles on West Branch.  That money would come from all the taxpayers on this lake and in the township. John Wilson has stated that West Branch Rd was intended to simply be an access to the cabins his father built.  It never did have the usual foundation prepared to put down a paved road. Communication by phone to County Traffic Engineer Victor Lund in 2019 was to determine West Branch would be classified as a 5 ton or 7 ton road.  I pushed for 7 ton so garbage and propane trucks could use the road for residents.  Since then, much larger vehicles and pieces of equipment have been hired by residents using the road beyond that 7 ton listed capability. Pequaywan has moved from being a cabin lake to a lake bordered by large expensive homes.  Realty records show the last couple of sales were $640,000.00 and $576,400.00.  The Island is currently listed for $599,000. There are three more for sale in the amount of $180,000.00 and mid $340,000.00. Park Point is having the same problem right now. A former Pequaywan resident’s Park Point home was purchased by a large corporation at a huge price. Corporations are pushing private bidders out of home sales so the large investors can use the land for luxury rental properties.  Taxes rise and smaller long time owners can no longer live there. We have to address this problem now before the road is completely gone. The County has already threatened to stop plowing if all the deep potholes were not filled. I’d like the issue presented at the Annual meeting so the Board can get feedback from all township residents on this issue and which of very few options we can use to resolve this important issue.
  3. Nelson motion to hire a contractor to repair West Branch Road for $19,000.00 or under, Kuettel seconded, motion carried. Kuettel yay, Nelson yay, Dressen nay, 2-1-0.

• Update on the deputy clerk position opening – Wallace reported that no one has applied for the position

New Business

• Upcoming Pequaywan Lakes Association event: Pequaywan National Night Out is a community social event scheduled on August 12 at 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Pequaywan Inn. Dressen mentioned that he will have a map of the trail.
• Email from MN Department of Revenue regarding Town Aid Certification states that Pequaywan Township will be receiving $1.621.00 for 2023 and $1,470.00.00 in 2024. C. Nelson mentioned that we already received half of the $1,621.00.
• Wallace reported that she will be attending the Minnesota Association of Townships “4-Corners” Training for Clerks and Treasurers in Grand Rapids.

Correspondence

Received:

• August Newsletter from St. Louis County Public Health re-Disease Prevention and Control Projects
• District 10 Meeting and Election on August 24, 2023 Email from Minnesota Association of Townships
• July 2023 Newsletter from Minnesota Association of Townships
• Email from Josh Brinkman of St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office re-FEMA spring flooding disaster applicant briefing
• Email from MN Department of Revenue re-Town Aid Certification Update – 2024 Aid Amounts Posted
• Email from Minnesota Association of Townships re-the Minnesota Office of Broadband Development’s upcoming regional gatherings in August and September at 17 different locations to discuss funding for broadband infrastructure and the preparation for a plan by each eligible entity for how to achieve internet for all.
• Email from Minnesota Association of Townships re- Clerk and Treasurer “4-Corners” Training
• Email from Cathy Roleau re- MAT District 10 Director elections and SLCAT District 10 Candidate Forum
• Email from Minnesota Association of Townships re-“4-Corners Training for Clerks and Treasurers scheduled on October 5 in Grand Rapids, MN

Sent:

Public Comment:
This is a courtesy extended to persons wishing to address the Board. No more than one (1) public comment per citizen will be accepted per meeting. A Public Comment information with your name and topic of comments must be submitted to the clerk via email (peqclerk@gmail.com) three (3) days before the scheduled meeting. Your presentation will be limited to two (2) minutes.

Note: There was no public comment received.

Next Meeting, September 12, 2023, 7:00 p.m., Pequaywan Firehall

Meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. by Nelson, seconded by Dressen, motion carried, Kuettel yay, Dressen yay, Nelson yay, 3-0-0.

Respectfully submitted by,
Lita Wallace, Clerk

Attendance:

Town officers: Supervisors Charles Kuettel,  Doug Dressen,  Doug Nelson; Clerk Lita Wallace, Treasurer Carol Nelson,  Deputy Treasurer Ed Potter

Guests:  Ray Barnes, Steve Mueller, Deb Pomroy, Daryle Waldriff, Ted Wallace

Meeting was called to order by Kuettel at 7:04 p.m.

 Clerk’s Report

June  Board Meeting Minutes was presented for approval. Motion to approve by Dressen, seconded by Nelson, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Treasurer’s Report

JUNE 2023
Total Funds on Hand 6/1/2023 $216,970.29
Plus: Deposits $497.09
Interest on Accounts 497.09
Less: Disbursements $1,694.42
Payroll 1,215.74
Other Expenses 478.68
Total Funds on Hand 6/30/2023 $215,772.96
Checks Written #1905-#1913

JULY 2023

Claims (July) – $14,249.78
Checks Written #1914-#1923
Expected Receipts First Half Tax Apportionment – $34,365
State of MN Town Aid

Nelson motioned to approve the Treasurer’s Report, Dressen seconded, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Old Business

• Update on West Branch Road – D. Nelson reported that he contacted St. Louis County and a few businesses. Supervisors will meet with St. Louis County on July 20 to seek information on what needs to be done and estimate on how much it will cost.
• Update on deputy clerk position opening – Wallace reported that the opening was posted on the town website and Pequaywan Lake Community Facebook page but as of tonight, no one has applied.
• Question on MATIT insurance coverage – C. Nelson asked a question about the invoice regarding coverage for Automark since it will no longer be used in future elections. It was agreed that coverage will be kept until the machine is turned-over to the company. When we receive the new voting machine, that will be added to the coverage.

New Business

• Items discussed at the Northstar Township meeting on June 23 regarding short term rentals (STR) with North Star and Pequaywan Townships supervisors and St. Louis County – this is a continuing issue for townships. Some questions raised were: (1) Should more items on STR be imposed? (2) Should permit be approved by the township in addition to the county? (3) Enforcement?
• Clerk report on completing the required new clerk election training for 2024 Presidential Election – Wallace reported that St. Louis County will conduct in-person election training in June 2024. Since the Presidential Primary Election will be held in March, she was required by the county to complete a set of election materials to receive the certificate as an election judge which she completed.
• D. Nelson mentioned that he will complete the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization (LBAE) online training for LBAE 2024.

Received:

• Email from St.Louis County Elections with new clerk  election training materials for the clerk to review and complete to complete initial clerk certification.
• Minnesota Association of Townships June 2023 Newsletter via email
• Email from Breanna Archer of St. Louis County Public Works re-website created that centralizes all the information regarding their Construction Projects, Plans, and Studies. https://slc-mn-public-works-slcgis.hub.arcgis.com/
• Email from Teresa Hirsch regarding the results of the calcium chloride dust control bid for 2023. Envirotech Services Inc. was awarded the bid for liquid calcium chloride. Edwards Oil Inc. was awarded the bid for magnesium chloride.
• Email from NST Assessments requesting special current pending and/or levied assessments information against a property at Pequaywan Lake Road.
• Bill from Minnesota Association of Townships Insurance And Bond Trust (MATIT) in the amount of $970.00.
• Invoice from Daisy Wallace for tech work in June 2023 in the amount of $12.50.
• Invoice #00000435 dated January 11, 2023 from St. Louis County Elections for election judge training in the amount of $47.00 for 2022 election.
• Email from Ryan Bauers of St. Louis County Economic Services & Supports re-Critical Medical Assistance information to get the word out to the community.
• Email from Lora Skarman of St. Louis County Assessor’s Office re- Board of Appeals and Equalization 2024 appeals season training available online for voting county board members to access.

Sent: 

• Posted Critical Medical Assistance information from St. Louis County to the “Pequaywan Lake Community” Facebook page
• Posted Deputy Clerk position opening to the “Pequaywan Lake Community” Facebook page

Public Comment: This is a courtesy extended to persons wishing to address the Board who are not on the agenda. No more than one (1) public comment form per citizen will be accepted per meeting. Your presentation will be limited to two (2) minutes. A complete Public Comment information must be emailed to the clerk, peqclerk@gmail.com, prior to the meeting.

There was no public comment received.

Next Meeting, August 8, 2023, 7:00 p.m., Pequaywan Firehall

Meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. by Nelson, seconded by Dressen, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Respectfully submitted by,
Lita Wallace, Clerk

Attendance:

Town officers: Supervisors Charles Kuettel,  Doug Dressen,  Doug Nelson; Clerk Lita Wallace, Treasurer Carol Nelson,  Deputy Treasurer Ed Potter

Guests:  Ray Barnes, Deb Pomroy, Ted Wallace

Meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Kuettel.

Clerk’s Report

May Board Meeting Minutes was presented for approval. Motion to approve with corrections by Dressen, seconded by Nelson, motion carried, 3-0-0. Corrected wordings are under New Business, bullet 5.

Treasurer’s Report

May 2023

Total Funds on Hand 5/1/2023 $218,487.00
Plus: Deposits $480.17
Interest on Accounts $480.17
Less: Disbursements $1,996.88
Payroll $285.93
Other Expenses $589.70
2nd Half snow plowing $1,121.25

Total Funds on Hand 5/31/2023 $216,970.29
Checks Written #1898-#1904

JUNE 2023
Expected Receipts None

Nelson motioned to approve the Treasurer’s Report, Dressen seconded, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Old Business

• Update on West Branch Road: The supervisors inspected the damages on the road. More research will have to be done as the estimate of $1,500.00 is too high for the few potholes and cracks.
• Appointing a deputy clerk: Supervisors questioned whether the township needs a deputy clerk. Wallace responded that during the clerk trainings that she attended, all the speakers emphasized that it is an advantage for townships to hire a deputy clerk and deputy treasurer in case the clerk or treasurer and are not available to perform their duties. Nelson motioned to appoint a deputy clerk and for Wallace to create a Resolution appointing a deputy whenever a vacancy occurs for both the clerk and treasurer positions, Dressen seconded, motion carried, 3-0-0.
• Paying deputy clerk and deputy treasurer: Lita reported that she had verified with Lori Stalker of the Minnesota Association of Townships (MAT) that we can amend Resolution #2023-004, Resolution for Establishing Policy for the Compensation and Reimbursement of Town Officers. The original resolution approved in April 2023 stated that “Deputy Clerk and Deputy Treasurer shall only be eligible for compensation if they are attending the meeting to perform the official duties of the Clerk or Treasurer in their absence.” Wordings which was copied from the MAT website. Lori Stalker stated that it is at the discretion of the board to pay the deputies if they attend meetings. Nelson motioned to amend the resolution and to pay the deputies when they attend meetings and to be retroactive effective April 2023, Dressen seconded, motion carried, 3-0-0.
• Procedure when officers want to attend monthly meeting for St. Louis County Association of Townships in Cotton: Nelson motioned that any officer who wants to attend a meeting may do so with pay (meeting and mileage) and that attending the meeting is not mandatory, Dressen seconded, motion carried. 3-0-0.

New Business

• Short-term Rental meeting at North Star: North Star Township had invited Pequaywan supervisors to attend a meeting re-Short-term rental at the North Star Firehall on June 23 at 9:30 a.m. Nelson motioned to have Dressen and Kuettel attend the meeting, Dressen seconded, motion carried, 3-0-0. Dressen mentioned that he purchased a decibel meter to measure the noise from short-term rentals in Pequaywan Township.

Correspondence

Received:

• Email from Amanda Yates of St. Louis County Economic Services and Supports, re-Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) Request for Proposal (RFP) Opportunity to apply to provide MFIP Employment Services if working with low-income families.
• Email from Josh Brinkman of St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Planner re-hosting of PDA meeting for cities, townships, county departments intending to submit disaster reimbursement for the spring flooding this year.
• Email from St. Louis County re-Disease Prevention and Control newsletter, May 2023, Vol. 1, Issue 2.
• May 2023 Newsletter from Minnesota Association of Townships via email
• Email from Cathy Roleau re-Agenda for May 24, 20234 St. Louis County Association of Townships Annual Meeting in Cotton and May 25, 2022 Annual Minutes.
• Email from Minnesota Association of Townships re-Town Law Review to be held on June 14, 2023.
• Email from Jonathan Blevins of St. Louis County Elections to discard old election forms and to use the new ones such as (1) Minnesota Voter Registration Application; (2) 2023 Minnesota Absentee Ballot Application; and for election day registrations: (3) Minnesota Voter Registration Application; (4) 2023 Minnesota Absentee Ballot Application
• Invoice from Daisy Wallace, Web Administrator, for $50.00 for the month of May 2023
• Email from St. Louis County re-Disease Prevention and Control newsletter, June 2023, Vol. 1, Issue 3.
• Minnesota Association of Townships Official Membership Card for all officers.
• Email from Dusty Letica of Economic Services & Supports, St. Louis County, re-new Medical Assistance renewal lookup website.
• Emails from Lori Stalker of Minnesota Association of Townships, in response to the inquiry about the compensation for town officers.
• Letter from Minnesota State Demographic Center, Department of Administration, re-number of annual population and household estimates as of April 1, 2022.

Sent:

• Email by town clerk to Minnesota Association of Townships verifying a statement in MAT’s Document TO4000,Establishing a Policy for the Compensation and Reimbursement of Town Officers stating whether the deputy clerk and deputy treasurer are only eligible for compensation when attending meetings performing duties of the clerk or treasurer in their absence or will it be at the discretion of the board.

Public Comment: This is a courtesy extended to persons wishing to address the Board who are not on the agenda. No more than one (1) public comment form per citizen will be accepted per meeting. Your presentation will be limited to two (2) minutes. A complete Public Comment information must be emailed to the clerk, peqclerk@gmail.com, prior to the meeting.

There was no public comment received.

Next Meeting, June 13, 2023, 7:00 p.m., Pequaywan Firehall

Meeting was adjourned at 7:47 p.m. by Dressen, seconded by Nelson, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Respectfully submitted by,
Lita Wallace, Clerk

 

 Attendance:

Town officers: Supervisors Charles Kuettel,  Doug Dressen,  Doug Nelson; Clerk Lita Wallace (by phone), Treasurer  Carol Nelson,  Deputy Treasurer Ed Potter

Town employee: Bonnie Dressen (Fill in Recording Secretary)

Guests:  Deb Pomroy,  Ray Barnes,  Don Swanstrom,  Dick Arndt, Ted Wallace

Call to Order:  The Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Kuettel.

Clerk’s Report:

Copies of the April Board Meeting Minutes were presented for approval. Amendment to April Minutes- remove Nick Elmquist’s name as the contact for road emergencies/conditions as Nick is one of several local equipment operators  who can assist the town officers. Dressen motioned to approve the minutes, seconded by Nelson, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Treasurer’s Report

APRIL 2023
Total Funds on Hand 4/1/2023 $220,813.30
Plus: Deposits $493.61
Interest on Accounts 493.61

Less: Disbursements $2,819.91
Payroll 2,158.36
Other Expenses 661.55

Total Funds on Hand 4/30/2023 $218,487.00
Checks Written #1880-#1895

MAY 2023
Expected Receipts None

Motioned by Nelson to accept the Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Dressen, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Old Business

• West Branch Road update: Inspected by Kuettel and Nelson.  Culverts are running, will still need inspection when water level is lower. Several potholes were noted. Road work will be scheduled, Board agreed to try for Thursday, May 18, 2023.    Dressen will call contractor and see if that date will work.
• Automark update: Wallace reported that per St. Louis County Elections, Automark will no longer be in use as of 2024 and will be replaced with the OmniBallot system that the county will be providing to all townships for free later this year along with tutorials. The Automark will be collected and returned to the vendor for recycling or reuse.
• Wallace suggested that Bonnie Dressen be officially hired as Recording Salary to take minutes in the absence of the clerk. Motioned by Nelson, seconded by D. Dressen, with a salary of $50.00 per meeting. motion carried, 3-0-0.
• Hiring a deputy clerk: tabled for June meeting.

New Business

• Discussion on the status of the tree/branch burn area at the township property in Rossini Road and if there will be a date for unloading the branches: Saturday, June 17, will be the only brush disposal date this summer. The pile was not burned last year due to the heavy snow we had. The times to bring brush and trees will be from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The requirements are as follows: (1) the maximum diameter is 10 inches or less; (2) branches must be delimbed/separated from the trunk; and (3) no rotting/decayed wood allowed. Wallace will enter the information on the township website and on the Pequaywan Community page.
• Ability for officers to purchase office supplies i.e., folders, staples, postage stamps, flash drives, envelopes, paper, paper clips, etc. without prior approval for every purchase: Dressen motioned for town officers to be allowed to purchase supplies for township use without prior approval. Dressen said there should be an amount limit. Seconded by Nelson, motion carried, 3-0-0. Wallace mentioned that she has tax-exempt cards for  Menards and Walmart that officers can use when purchasing supplies for the township and not pay state sales tax in Minnesota. She will distribute a copy to the town officers in the next meeting
• Wallace requesting approval to attend the St. Louis County Association of Townships (SLCAT) meeting on May 24, 2023 in Cotton Community Center: Dressen motioned to approve Wallace to attend the meeting as well as any town officer wishing to attend, seconded by Nelson, motion carried, 3-0-0. Wallace mentioned that each officer register directly with Cathy Roleau.
• Noxious weed problem: Kuettel  introduced Deb Pomroy and Ray Barnes as experts on local weed problems.  Deb said that the township is required to submit an annual survey. Wallace said she has two copies of the weed management book. One will go to the Weed Inspector and township will have the second copy.   Purpose of Weed Inspector is for early detection and possible eradication of the weeds. Motion by Nelson that Michelle Kokosh be new Weed Inspector, seconded by D. Dressen, motion carried, 3-0-0.
• Election judges: Wallace confirmed per a town resolution approved in April that Lita Wallace, Deb Pomroy and Bonnie Dressen have been appointed as election judges for 2023.

Correspondence

Received:

• 2nd half snow plowing invoice in the amount of $1,121.25 from Rena Johnson of St. Louis County Public Works Department
• Invoice from Minnesota Association of Townships in the amount of $450.00 for Spring Short Course attendance of six township officers at $75.00 each
• Invoice from Daisy Wallace for April 2023 web administration in the amount of $92.50
• Email from Dustin Letica of St. Louis County Public Health re-town hall meeting for Medical Assistance Enrollees and followed-up with more emails from Ryan Bauers with more information
• April Newsletter from St. Louis County Public Health via email
• April Newsletter from Minnesota Association of Townships via email
• Email from Josh Brinkman of St. Louis County Emergency Management Planner requesting for preliminary damage assessments from townships
• Sample blank LBAE Appellant Letter and minutes of the meeting from Roy Levitt, Principal Appraisal, of St. Louis County
• Email from Cathy Rouleau re-annual SLCAT Meeting on May 24, 2023, and Election of SLCAT officers
• Email from Cathy Rouleau re-Minutes of March 22, 2023 SLCAT meeting with list of townships that had paid their dues
• Email from Heather Tidmore of Minnesota Association of Townships Insurance & Bond Trust (MATIT) re-Overland EXL reaching out directly to townships for property evaluations

Sent:

• Clerk change of address to MATIT
• Clerk change of address to St. Louis County Public Works for snow plow billing
• Appellant letter response on a property owner at Pequaywan Township for an appeal of property tax adjustment granted during the LBAE meeting on April 20, 2023

Public Comment: This is a courtesy extended to persons wishing to address the Board who are not on the agenda. No more than one (1) public comment form per citizen will be accepted per meeting. Your presentation will be limited to two (2) minutes. A complete Public Comment information must be emailed to the clerk, peqclerk@gmail.com, prior to the meeting.

There was no public comment received.

Next Meeting, June 13, 2023, 7:00 p.m.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:33 p.m. by D. Dressen, seconded by Nelson, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Respectfully submitted by,
Bonnie Dressen, Recording Secretary
Lita Wallace, Clerk

 Attendance:

Town Officers Present: Chair Charles Kuettel, Vice-Chair Douglas Dressen, Supervisor Douglas Nelson, Clerk Lita Wallace, Treasurer Carol Nelson, Deputy Clerk Ed Potter

Guests: John Lucia, Bonnie Dressen, Ted Wallace

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by Kuettel.

Clerk’s Report: The March Board Meeting Minutes was presented for approval. Dressen motioned to approve the minutes, seconded by Nelson, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Treasurer’s Report

MARCH 2023

Total Funds on Hand 3/1/2023 $222,915.49
Plus: Deposits $1,740.22
Interest on Accounts 445.92
SLC Forfeit Land Apportionment 1,294.20
Corrections 0.10

Less: Disbursements $3,842.41
Payroll 1,717.69
Other Expenses 624.72
Fire Department 1,500.00

Total Funds on Hand 3/31/2023 $220,813.30
Checks Written #1868 – #1879

APRIL 2023

Expected Receipts: None

Motioned by Dressen to accept the treasurer’s report, seconded by Nelson, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Old Business

• Update from Pequaywan Fire Department: John Lucia of the Fire Department submitted financial reports of receipts and disbursements from 2016-2022. It will be an Open Meeting when Treasurer Nelson meets with the Pequaywan Fire Department treasurer at the end of the year to discuss financial matters.
• Oath of Office conducted in March by Amber Cruz for elected supervisor Douglas Nelson
• Last reminder: LBAE (Local Board of Appeal and Equalization) meeting scheduled on April 20, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Pequaywan Firehall. The purpose of this meeting is to determine whether property in the jurisdiction has been properly valued and classified by the Assessor.
• Amber Cruz resigned her position as clerk effective March 31, 2023. Minnesota Association of Townships Document No. TO2000 states that “the deputy serves only if the clerk or treasurer who appointed him or her is still in office. When the clerk or treasurer resigns or completes the term of office, the deputy’s power is automatically removed.” Therefore, the term of Diana Potter as deputy clerk is completed as of March 31, 2023.
• Update on adding Lita Wallace and Douglas Nelson to the credit union checking account – Dressen motioned to add Lita Wallace and Douglas Nelson to the credit union checking account and to remove Don Swanstrom and Amber Cruz, seconded by D. Nelson, motion carried, 3-0-0. Carol Nelson will take care of contacting the credit union and acquiring signatures.

New Business

• Appoint Chair Person on the Town Board – Dressen motioned to appoint Kuettel as Chair, seconded by Nelson, motion carried, 3-0-0.
• Lita Wallace had completed an Oath of Office when she was hired as clerk in 2014, therefore, per Minnesota Association of Townships, she would not need to take another oath.
• A township is required to have an LBAE certified supervisor to be able to conduct LBAE meeting in the township. Since outgoing supervisor Donald Swanstrom was the only supervisor with LBAE certification when he left office, Charles Kuettel was able to complete an online catch-up training in March through the Department of Revenue good from 2023 to 2027.
• Deputy Clerk position: Supervisors tabled the decision to hire a deputy clerk at this time. Wallace suggested that if a deputy clerk is not hired, it will be beneficial if a Recording Secretary is appointed to take minutes in the absence of the clerk and recommended Bonnie Dressen who agreed.
• D. Dressen motioned to have any town officer be able to contact a contractor in case of an emergency road condition; i.e. culvert going out; seconded by Nelson, motion carried, 3-0-0.
• Carol Nelson reported that at the April 2023 MAT training session, the trainer mentioned that payroll should be paid not more than 31 days apart. The trainer also mentioned that to make it easy for processing, have the  timesheets submitted from the 1st to the end of each month, and submitted by the 5th of the following month.
• Automark – Wallace will check with Elections on the status of Automark usage for next election.

Correspondence

Received:

•  Invoice from Pequaywan Township Web Administrator Daisy Wallace in the amount of $223.38 (Dreamhost Annual Renewal $155.88; Website Administration $62.50, and Lower Rate Administration $5.00)
• Dues Statement from SLCAT (St Louis County Association of Townships) in the amount of $477.12 ($313.52 for MAT dues and $163.60 for county dues) due by May 1, 2023
• March Newsletter from Minnesota Association of Townships
• Email from Katherine Brey of St. Louis County Assessor’s Office re- 2023 Assessment Book for Pequaywan Township

Sent:

• Emailed Contact List of officers effective April 1, 2023 to Minnesota Association of Townships (MAT) and St. Louis County Elections

Public Comment: This is a courtesy extended to persons wishing to address the Board who are not on the agenda. No more than one (1) public comment form per citizen will be accepted per meeting. Your presentation will be limited to two (2) minutes. A complete Public Comment information must be emailed to the clerk, peqclerk@gmail.com, prior to the meeting.

Bonnie Dressen mentioned that she would appreciate for the Pequaywan Fire Department to provide financial statements at the end of the year.

Next Meeting, Tuesday, May 9, 2023, 7:00 p.m.

Dressen motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:18 p.m., seconded by Nelson, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Respectfully submitted by,
Lita Wallace, Town Clerk

Attendance:

Town officers: Charles Kuettel, Doug Dressen, Douglas Nelson, Lita Wallace, Carol Nelson, Ed Potter

Guests: Bonnie Dressen, Ted Wallace

Meeting was called to order by Kuettel at 8:20 p.m.

Discussion and/or approval of the following Resolutions:

Resolution #2023-001: Resolution for Appointing Vice-Chair Person on the Town Board – Motioned to approve by Dressen, seconded by Nelson, motion carried, 3-0-0

Resolution #2023-002: Resolution for Appointing Election Judges – Motioned to approve by Dressen, seconded by Nelson, motion carried, 3-0-0

Resolution #2023-003: Resolution for Designating Annual Polling Place – Motioned to approve by Nelson, seconded by Dressen, motion carried, 3-0-0

Resolution #2023-004 : Resolution for Establishing a Policy for the Compensation and Reimbursement of Town Officers – Motioned to approve by Nelson, seconded by Dressen with corrections, motion carried, 3-0-0

Resolution #2023-005 : Resolution for 2023 Levy – Motioned to approve by Nelson, seconded by Dressen, motion carried, 3-0-0

Resolution #2023-006 : Resolution for Statutory Conflicts of Interest – Nelson motioned to table the resolution for further research and study, seconded by Dressen, motion carried, 3-0-0

Motioned by Dressen to adjourn the meeting at 8:51 p.m., seconded by Nelson, motion carried. 3-0-0

Respectfully submitted by,
Lita Wallace, Town Clerk

Meeting was called to order by Charles Kuettel at 9:51 pm. The meeting was held at Pequaywan Firehall.

Attendance

Officers: Supervisor Donald Swanstrom, Supervisor Douglas Dressen, Supervisor Charles Kuettel, clerk Amber, Cruz, treasurer Carol Nelson, incoming supervisor Douglas Nelson and incoming clerk Lita Wallace

Guests: Ted Wallace, Dale Brooks, Mark Freeman, Steve Mueller

Clerk’s Report

February 14, 2023, Board Meeting Minutes for approval. A motion to approve the minutes was provided by Dressen. The motion was seconded by Swanstrom, motion carried 3-0-0

Treasurer’s Report

 FEBRUARY 2023

Total Funds on hand as of 02/01/2023 (Includes Investments) $ 218,392.12

Plus: Deposits 5,143.53
Interest on Accounts $504.85
St Louis County 2022 Road Tax 1,611.68
St. Louis County 2022 Production Tax 3,027.00

Less: Disbursements 620.16
Payroll $ 289.45
Other Expenses $ 330.71

Total Funds on hand as of 2/28/2023 $222,915.49

Feb Checks Writtten # 1864-1867

MARCH 2023

Deposits – Forfeit Land Revenue
Disbursements – $ 3,365.29
Checks written # 1868-1879
No transfers to the Checking Account will be needed

Motion to approve the treasurer’s report was provided by Dressen. The motion was seconded by Swanstrom, motion carried 3-0-0

Old Business

• Results of Township Election: out of the 151 registered voters 17 votes were received. Douglas Nelson has been elected supervisor with 12 votes.
• Update on training, new board members and election judges: Douglas Nelson will join the board as a supervisor. Lita Wallace was appointed clerk to replace the current clerk Amber Cruz. Amber Cruz will assume the role of co-deputy clerk until after the May meeting.
• Motion was given by Dressen for Lita Wallace to handle the registration details for the training on April 7. The motion was seconded by Swanstrom, the motion carried 3-0-0.
• Motion to add Douglas Nelson to the checking accounts was provided by Dressen. The motion was seconded by Swanstrom, the motion carried 3-0-0.
• Motion to add Lita Wallace to the checking accounts was provided by Swanstrom. The motion was seconded by Dressen, the motion carried 3-0-0.
• Upcoming LBAE meeting: the county has scheduled the meeting to be held on April 20, 2023 from 3-4 pm at the Pequaywan Fire Hall.

New Business

• 2024 Levy motion to accept. Motion to accept the 2024 levy was provided by Dressen. The motion was seconded by Swanstrom, the motion carried 3-0-0
• Board of Canvass: Cruz reported that Douglas Nelson run for the open supervisor position and won the election. The result was motioned and seconded. Motion passed. 3-0-0.

Correspondence Received

• Email reminder from US Census Bureau to respond to the 2023 Boundary and Annexation Survey
• Email from Minnesota Association of Townships (MAT) with broadband/digital connection information
• Email from Cathy Rouleau of St Louis County Association of Townships with the SCLAT minutes for the meeting held on 1/25/2023
• February 2023 newsletter from Minnesota Association of Townships
• Emails from Jonathan Blevins of St Louis County Elections Department with Automark and DS200 access code; election day information; a notice that election rosters are now available for pickup; and roster pickup information
• Invoice from Daisy Wallace in the amount of $30 for website maintenance
• Email from JoDee Poucher of St Louis County Auditor/Elections with the master list
• Email from Alyssa Hanson of Minnesota Association of Townships with a request for updated clerk address
• Email from Minnesota Association of Townships with an Advocacy Alert: email legislators about township priorities
• Email from Minnesota Association of Townships with an invitation: Auditors State of Main Street event

Correspondence Sent

• Email to Jonathan Blevins of St Louis County Elections containing a sample ballot.
• Email to Alyssa Hanson of Minnesota Association of Townships with the clerk’s current address as well as a notice of a new clerk starting in April
• Email to Jonathan Blevins of St Louis County Elections concerning election roster pickup.

Public Comment

• Dressen reported that the Pequaywan Garden Club has weed people that will do the weed reports for the township

Upcoming Meetings

• Township Board Meeting April 11, 2023, at 7pm located at the Pequaywan Fire Hall
• LBAE meeting April 20, 2023, from 3-4pm at the Pequaywan Fire Hall

Motion to adjourn the meeting was provided by Dressen. The motion was seconded by Swanstrom, the motion carried 3-0-0. The meeting was adjourned at 10:12 pm by Kuettel

Respectfully submitted by
Amber Cruz, Clerk

Posted by Lita Wallace

2023 Annual Town Meeting Minutes
March 14, 2023

Meeting called to order: Town clerk Amber Cruz called the meeting to order at 8:30 pm. The meeting was held at the Pequaywan Fire Hall.

Attendance: Amber Cruz, Paul Klassen, Douglas Nelson, Carol Nelson, Douglas Dressen, Donald Swanstrom, Daryll Waldriff, Charles Kuettel, Mark Freeman, Richard Arndt, Marialice Arndt, Katie Dekenbach, Dale Brooks, Todd Abernathy, Alicia Abernathy, Bonnie Dressen, Steve Mueller, Lita Wallace, Ted Wallace and Penny Linn

Election of a Moderator: Richard Arndt was nominated by Charles Kuettel to be moderator. The motion was seconded by Steve Mueller, the motion carried by unanimous vote.

Announce the Agenda for the Rest of the Meeting: (moderator, subject to modification by vote of electorate): No change.

Review and Approve 2022 Annual Meeting Minutes (clerk): The clerk provided copies of the 2022 Annual Meeting Minutes. A motion to approve the minutes was provided by Douglas Nelson. The motion was seconded by Bonnie Dressen, the motion carried by unanimous vote.

Reading of Board of Audit Report as posted prior to meeting (clerk): All were in favor of report.

Annual Board of Appeals and Equalization
Scheduled on April 20, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 4:00pm located at the Pequaywan Fire Hall

Results of the Township Election: Clerk Amber Cruz reported that there was one supervisor position open for election. Out of 151 registered voters, 17 votes were received. Douglas Nelson was elected with 12 votes. The other votes were cast as follows: Don Swanstrom 1, Bonnie Dressen 1, and Paul Klassen 3.

Road Report for West Branch Road: Supervisor Doug Dressen reported that there is approximately 9,095 ft left of the road to complete at approximately $800,000. A1 Blacktop will patch holes with a ton of black top once the snow has melted. All were in favor of the report.

Update, suggestions and discussion
Bonnie Dressen stated that she had placed a call to the owner of the church, Rosefall, about using the church as a town hall. The church is having a meeting Memorial weekend and will report to the township afterwards. The township has decided to form a steering committee to oversee this
proposal. The steering committee consists of the following residents: Douglas Dressen, Bonnie Dressen, Douglas Nelson, and Daryll Waldriff. The steering committee will review the report after the church meeting and will report back to the township at a later date.

2024 Levy: Discussion and motion to approve the general levy and any dedicated levies (road and bridges, plus others determined helpful to treat as designated and not just a budget item.) Pequaywan Fire and EMS in the amount of $25,000.00

Summary                                 2024 Levy              2024 Budget
General Fund                         $26,000.00           $26,000.00
Road & Bridges (on-going
maintenance)                        $2,000.00                 $2,000.00
Building/Property
Maintenance Fund             $2,000.00                  $2,000.00
Fire and EMS                        $25,000.00              $25,000.00
Roads & Bridges
(Capitol Reserve)                $5,000.00                  $5,000.00

Total                                         $60,000.00             60,000.00

 

– It was discussed that Fire & EMS will receive the levied amount in 2 payments.
– Recommended that the Township treasurer and the Fire & EMS treasurer meet yearly to discuss the financial standing of the department.
– Fire & EMS will be more formal in the requests for funds from the Township.
Motion to approve the 2024 Levy was provided by Charles Kuettel. The Motion was seconded by Todd Abernathy. The motion carried 8-7-0.

Other years’ financials
Summary                                             2023 Levy             2023 Budget
General Fund                                     $35,000.00           $35,000.00
Road & Bridges (on-going
maintenance)                                    $2,000.00               $2,000.00
Fire and EMS                                     $18,000.00             $18,000.00
Building/Property
Maintenance Fund                          $2,000.00                $2,000.00
Roads & Bridges
(Capitol Reserve)                            $2,000.00                  $2,000.00
Total                                                    $59,000.00            $59,000.00

2022   

Name of Fund	Levy 2022		Balance 1/1/2022	Receipts 2022	Disbursements 2022	Balance 12/31/2022
General Fund	$18,000.00		$13,639.17	$31,803.57	$18,669.77	$26,772.97
Road and Bridges (On-going Maintenance	3,600.00		9,200.32	5,750.60	3,168.83	11,782.09
Fire & EMS	18,000.00		21,516.08	16,509.20	16,500.00	21,525.28
Building/Property Maintenance Fund	2,000.00		1,500.00	2,000.00	0	3,500.00
Road and Bridges (Capital Reserve)	15,000.00		156,402.96	15,526.19	0	171,929.15
Total Amount	$56,600.00		$202,258.53	$71,589.56	$38,338.60	235,509.49

2024 Annual Town Meeting: the state set the Annual Town Meeting on the second Tuesday of March Following the Township Election. The Annual Town Meeting will be held at the Pequaywan Fire Hall. All were in favor of location.

Motion to set monthly Town Board meeting dates and times: Douglas Dressen motion to set the Town Board meeting on the second Tuesday of each month at 7pm. With the meetings to be held at the Pequaywan Fire Hall. The motion was seconded by Charles Kuettel. The motion carried unanimously.

Motion to set Voting Place:
All were in favor of keeping the primary voting place as the Pequaywan Fire Hall.

Motion to set voting times
7:00 am – 8:00 pm., Presidential Nomination Primary Election, Primary Election and General Election
7:00 am – 8:00 pm.., State Election
10:00 am – 8 pm., Special Primary Election and Special General Election
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm., Township Election
Charles Kuettel motioned to set the voting times as listed. The motion was seconded by Douglas Dressen. The motion carried unanimously.

Posting Areas
– Pequaywan Township website: pequaywantownship.org
– Pequaywan Fire and EMS bulletin board
– Pequaywan Inn bulletin board
– West Branch Road Marque
All were in favor by unanimous vote.

General Discussion of Items of Concern
no discussion

Adjourn
All were in favor by unanimous vote. Meeting adjourned at 9:43 pm.

Respectfully submitted by
Amber Cruz, clerk

February 14, 2022 Township Board Meeting Minutes

Pequaywan Fire Hall
8764 Pequaywan Lake Road
Duluth, MN 55803

Meeting was called to order by Charles Kuettel at 7:03 pm.

Attendance
Officers: Supervisor Charles Kuettel, Supervisor Donald Swanstrom, Supervisor Douglas Dressen, Deputy Treasurer Ed Potter, Clerk Amber Cruz

Clerk’s Report
January 10, 2023 minutes for approval. A motion to approve the minutes was provided by Swanstrom. The motion was seconded by Dressen, motion carried 3-0-0

Treasurer’s Report
January 2023
Total Funds on Hand as of  01/01/2023 (Includes Investments)                     $236,976.05
Plus: Deposits                                                                                     $892.78
Interests on Accounts                                                    $68.30
St Louis County 12/22 Apportionment                         $1219.41

Less: Disbursements                                                                           $18,405.08
Payroll                                                                           $498.69
Pequaywan Lake Fire Dept                                          $16,500
Other Expenses                                                             $1406.39

Total Funds on hand as of 01/31/2023                                                           $218,392.12
January Checks written #1855-1863

February 2023
Deposits: Taconite Production Tax
State of Minnesota – Town Road Aide

Disbursements – $620.16
Checks written # 1864-1867
No transfers to the Checking Account will be needed

Motion to accept the treasurer report was provided by Swanstrom. The motion was seconded by Dressen, motion passed 3-0-0

Old Business

• Review of the 2022 resolutions: The 2022 Resolutions were sent to the website administrator for inclusion on the website
• Fire Department: Discussion regarding needs for Fire Dept. Building fund and gear. No decisions made at this time
• Upcoming events: review the website and posting

Township Election for Supervisor, March 14^th 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Annual Township Meeting, March 14^th 8:30 PM

Board of Canvas Meeting March 14^th 9:00 PM

Township Meeting, March 14^th, 9:15PM

Update Calendar on Website.

New Business

• Upcoming training at the DECC on April 7, 2023 Dressen moved to send Treasurers and Clerks to training this spring. The motion was seconded by Swanstrom, motion carried 3-0-0
• Dressen Moved to provide a letter of support for Cooperative Light and Power in pursuit of a Federal Grant for upgrades to the electrical grid. The motion was seconded by Swanstrom, the motion carried 3-0-0
• Amber Cruz is resigning her position as Clerk April 30, 2023. Board will be looking to fill the position.

Correspondence
Received

• Email from Lora Skarman of St Louis County Assessor’s Office with the tentative 2023 LBAE and open book meeting schedule
• Email from the US Census Bureau on the upcoming 2023 Boundary and Annexation Survey
• Email from the Minnesota Benefits Association with January newsletter
• Email from Susan Vitulli Public Health Supervisor for St Louis County with Public Health guidance for MN Statute, section 151.72 regarding the sale of THC edible products
• Email from Angela Lepak of St Louis County Planning and Community Development on Ordinance 61 Amendments
• Email from the Minnesota Association of Townships with the January 2023 newsletter
• Email from Minnesota Association of Townships with a reminder for the Day in the Capitol event as well as upcoming short courses/training
• Email from Cathy Rouleau of St Louis County Association of Townships with 2023 GO TO MEETING CODES & Tentative Speakers and type of meeting
• Email from Cathy Rouleau of St Louis County Association of Townships SLCAT Meeting at Cotton Town Hall Tentative Agenda for Jan 25, 2023 6:30 PM COTTON TOWNHALL
• Email from Cathy Rouleau of St Louis County Association of Townships with the minutes of the 12/07/2022 SLCAT meeting
• Email from Minnesota Association of Townships with the 2023 Legislative Agenda
• Email from Minnesota Association of Townships with an Alert: Fraudulent MAT Impersonation Email
• Email from Jonathan Blevins of St Louis County Elections containing the master list for the upcoming March elections
• Email from the Minnesota State Auditor on CTAS 2022 Submission, CTAS 2023 Released, and CTAS 2023 Winter Newsletter
• Email from Cathy Rouleau of St Louis County Association of Townships containing the notices from the SLCAT meeting of 1/25/2023
• Invoice from Daisy Wallace in the amount of $30.00 for website maintenance
• Email from Heather Tidmore of Minnesota Association of Townships Insurance and Bond Trust with 2022 WC Audit – Payroll Information Requested
• Email from Minnesota Association of Townships with Township calendar correction for March absentee voting times
• Email from Jonathan Blevins of St Louis County Elections with a notice of the Start of Absentee Balloting for March Township Election
• Email from Kristin Fogard St Louis County AG inspector with 2023 Noxious Weed Updates/training information

Sent

Public Comment

Upcoming Meeting

• Board of Audit Meeting February 21, 2023 at 7pm located at the Pequaywan Fire Hall
• Budget Meeting February 21, 2023 following the Board of Audit Meeting
• Annual Township Meeting March 14, 2023 at 8:30 pm at the Pequaywan Fire Hall

A motion to adjourn was provided by Swanstrom. The motion was seconded by Dressen, motion carried 3-0-0

Meeting was adjourned by Kuettel at 7:40pm

Respectfully submitted by
Amber Cruz, clerk

 

 

 

 

 

Budget Meeting Minutes, February 21, 2023

Meeting was called to order at 7:44 pm by Charles Kuettel.

Attendance:
Town officers: Supervisor Charles Kuettel, supervisor Donald Swanstrom, supervisor Douglas Dressen, clerk Amber Cruz and treasurer Carol Nelson
Guest: Tom Getchell (fire chief), Dale Brooks, and Dan Ahonen (fire dept. treasurer)

Discussed and set-up budget amounts for 2023
Budget in the amount of $ 59,000.00 that was approved in 2022 for 2023 was not changed.

Discussed and set-up budget amounts for 2024
Proposed budget: $60,000.00
General Fund: $26,000.00
Road and Bridges (On-going Maintenance): $2,000.00
Building/Property Maintenance Fund: $2,000.00
Fire and EMS: $25,000.00
Roads and Bridges (Capitol Reserve): $5,000.00
Total Amount: $60,000.00

Dressen motioned to approve the proposed budget in the total amount of $60,000.00 seconded by Swanstrom, motion carried, 3-0-0.

Discussed levy recommendation for 2024 for presentation to the residents at the March Townhall Meeting
Proposed Levy:
General Fund: $26,000.00
Road and Bridges (On-going Maintenance): $2,000.00
Building/Property Maintenance Fund: $2,000.00
Fire and EMS: $25,000.00
Roads and Bridges (Capital Reserve): $5,000.00
Total Amount: $60,000.00

Dressen motioned to approve the proposed levy in the total amount of $60,000.00, seconded by Swanstrom, motion carried, 3-0-0.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:27 p.m. by Swanstrom

Respectively submitted by,
Amber Cruz, Clerk