March 11, 2014
Munson Township Annual Meeting
March 11, 2014
8:15 PM
The annual meeting was called to order at 8:15 PM by Clerk, Boni Behnen.
A motion to nominate Dan Holthaus as moderator was made by Fred Lemke, seconded by Hank Rosenow. All in favor. Motion carried.
A motion to accept the minutes from the 2013 annual meeting was made by Hank Rosenow, seconded by Joe Willenbring. All in favor. Motion carried.
The treasurer's report was reviewed. A motion to accept the treasurer's report was made by Randy Buermann, seconded by, Fred Lemke. All in favor. Motion carried.
There was no report of any roads, signs or culverts in need of repair. A resident commented that, with all the snow this winter, Ralph Gertken had done a great job of plowing the roads. Many agreed.
2015 Levy Proposed: Motion to accept Second
General Fund $75,000.00 Randy Buermann Jerry Hemmesch
Road & Bridge $148,000.00 Fred Lemke Ray Ernhart
Snow Removal $30,000.00 Larry Massmann Fred Lemke
Fire Protection $105,000.00 Hank Rosenow Ray Ernhart
Building Fund $3,000.00 Jerry Hemmesch Doris Rosenow
All of the above motions were voted as listed, all in favor. Motions carried.
A motion to keep Matt Burg as poundmaster for 2014 was made by Randy Buermann, seconded by Larry Massmann. All in favor. Motion carried.
Posting of notices remains: State Bank of Richmond, Plantenberg's Market, Munson Township Hall, and Township website. Motion to accept and add Casey's : Matt Burg Second: Fred Lemke. AIF. Motion carried.
Publication of notices of notices is to be decided by the township board.
Monthly Munson Township Board meeting remain: 8:00 PM on the third Monday of the month. The third Tuesday if it falls on a legal holiday.
Annual meeting remains: 8:15 PM after the general election on the second Tuesday of the month of March. Voting hours 12 noon until 8:00 PM. Motion to accept these two items: Randy Buermann. Second: Larry Massmann. AIF. Motion carried.
Pay scales:
Labor: Leave at $15.00/hr. Motion, Randy Buermann. Second, Hank Rosenow. All in favor. Motion Carried.
Tractor: Leave at $12.00/hr. Plus fuel charge. Motion, Juanita Ernhart. Second, Doris Rosenow. All in favor. Motion carried.
Loader:Leave at $4.00/hr. Motion, Juanita Ernhart. Second, Doris Rosenow. All in favor. Motion carried.
Snow blower: Leave at $12.00/hr. Motion, Hank Rosenow. Second, Ray Ernhart. All in favor. Motion carried.
Chainsaw: Leave at $7.00/hr. Motion, Juanita Ernhart. Second, Doris Rosenow. All in favor. Motion carried.
Old business: Tony Barthel brought up the issue of the township putting up a concrete barrier on Fruitwood Road to close off the lake access. He believes that it is illegal for the township to close off, what he believes, is a public access near his home on Fruitwood Road. Holthaus told him that the township has heard enough on the issue. The clerk told Barthel that the issue had been voted on and that legally we did not have to listen. Barthel became irate and said that he should have two minutes to talk. He then talked for an estimated two minutes.
Dean Holthaus, Assistant Fire Chief, talked on the behalf of the Chain of Lakes Fire District. He gave a short synopsis of the calls made by the COL Fire Dept. in 2013. Alan Willenbring asked if the township was saving money without the Richmond Fire Dept? Dan Holthaus replied that the COL Fire Dept was under budget by $33,000.00. He said that the township pays almost the same as before but, we would have had to help pay for a new $400,00.00 fire hall if we would have stayed with Richmond. Dan Holthaus was asked how the relationship is between the townships in the fire district? He stated that all was going well. Mary Schommer said that she had a medical call that the fire district had responded to, and she was provided excellent service. Tony Barthel asked Dean about burning a brush pile and when a permit was needed.. Dean said that it was a good idea to call and let the fire dept know when burning, even if there is snow on the ground and no permit is required. If there is four inches of snow on the ground no permit is needed. All other times a permit is required.
New Business: Randy Buermann was concerned with the road across from Leroy Haffner's place. (Edgeton Road?) Buermann said that Ralph Gertken had done work on the road years back and the culvert is washing away by the Sauk River. Holthaus said that the board would take a look at it when they are doing road inspections. Buermann asked to be informed when they are going to look at it so he could be there.
Tony Barthel complained that what he says is never in the minutes. He said that there was nothing in the minutes about installing the concrete barrier on Fruitwood Road. The clerk stated that her minutes were accurate and he needed to read them. Holthaus told Barthel that the minutes regarding the barrier and the annual meeting minutes would be sent to him. (All township minutes are also posted on the Munson Township website.)
Election results as follows:
Supervisor: Butch Gertken 131
Jack Stang 78
Clerk: Boni Behnen 191
Total number of voters: 209
A motion to adjourn was made by Larry Massmann, seconded by Matt Burg. All in Favor. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted by,
Boni Behnen, Clerk
December 15, 2014
MUNSON TOWNSHIP
BOARD MINUTES
December 15, 2014
THE MONTHLY BOARD MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 8:00 PM BY CHAIRMAN, DAN HOLTHAUS, WITH THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS PRESENT: JOE WILLENBRING, BUTCH GERTKEN, CLERK, BONI BEHNEN, TREASURER, DICK BEHNEN, PLANNING AND ZONING AD., LYNN BURG, AND P&Z CHAIR, ORVILLE WILLENBRING.
MINUTES FROM THE NOVEMBER 17, 2014 MEETING WERE READ AND APPROVED WITH A MOTION BY WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0.
PLANNING AND ZONING MINUTES FROM THE LAST TWO MEETINGS WERE REVIEWED.
TREASURER’S REPORT: INCOME $12.185.65 EXPENSES $19,103.99 BALANCE $105,578.20. A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE TREASURER’S REPORT WAS MADE BY GERTKEN, SECONDED BY WILLENBRING. CARRIED 3-0.
ORVILLE SAID THAT THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD WOULD LIKE TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE ISSUEING OF VARIANCES AGAIN. THEY FEEL THAT THEY NEED MORE WORK TO DO. THE BOARD THOUGHT THAT THERE WAS A LEGAL ISSUE WITH THE VARIANCES THAT WOULD PROHIBIT THE P &Z BOARD FROM GETTING INVOLVED. BONI WILL CHECK WITH THE MN ASSOC. OF TOWNSHIPS FOR MORE INFO. A MOTION TO RE-APPOINT MIKE BEHNEN AND ORVILLE WILLENBRING TO THE P&Z BOARD, WAS MADE BY, GERTKEN, SECONDED BY, WILLENBRING. CARRIED 3-0.
ORVILLE SAID THAT THE RENTAL OF THE TOWN HALL WAS GOING WELL. HE ASKED IF THE BOARD WOULD BE OKAY IF HE MADE A CHAIR RACK FOR THE FOLDING CHAIRS AT THE HALL. THE BOARD WAS FINE WITH IT, AND ORVILLE WILL BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST.
LYNN SAID THAT THERE WOULD BE A VARIANCE HEARING IN JANUARY DURING THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING.
REVIEWED MAIL.
THERE WERE NO UPDATES TO THE ROMAN SCHAEFER ISSUE.
A MOTION TO PAY BILLS WAS MADE BY WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0. BILLS WERE PAID IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,762.97 USING CHECK NUMBERS 4544-4567.
AT 8:54 A MOTION TO ADJOURN WAS MADE BY WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0.
November 17, 2014
MUNSON TOWNSHIP
BOARD MEETING
NOVEMBER 17, 2014
8:00 pm
THE MONTHLY BOARD MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY CHAIRMAN, DAN HOLTHAUS WITH THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS PRESENT: JOE WILLENBRING, BUTCH GERTKEN, CLERK, BONI BEHNEN, TREASURER, DICK BEHNEN, ZONING AD., LYNN BURG, P&Z CHAIR, ORVILLE WILLENBRING, AND BLG. INSPECTOR, JERRY HAUS.
MINUTES FROM THE OCTOBER 15, 2014 BOARD MEETING WERE READ. A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES AS READ, WAS MADE BY, WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0.
TREASURER’S REPORT: INCOME $23,483.79 EXPENSES $51,414.60 BALANCE $122,496.54. A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE TREASURER’S REPORT WAS MADE BY GERTKEN, SECONDED BY, WILLENBRING. CARRIED 3-0.
STEVE JOHNSON GAVE DETAILS FOR THE LICENSE AGREEMENT BEING REQUESTED BY CHARLES AND JODEE MONTREUIL. A SHED HAD BEEN ERECTED IN THE UTILITY EASEMENT DURING THE 1960’S AND THE MONTREUILS WERE IN THE PROCESS OF PURCHASING THE PROPERTY AND NEEDED PERMISSION FROM THE TOWNSHIP TO KEEP THE SHED TO OBTAIN A LOAN. A MOTION TO SIGN THE LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN MUNSON TOWNSHIP AND THE MONTREUILS WAS MADE BY GERTKEN, SECONDED BY WILLENBRING. CARRIED 3-0. BONI WILL BRING THE DOCUMENT TO THE COUNTY TO BE RECORDED. CHARLES MONTREUIL AGREED TO PAY THE FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE AGREEMENT.
JERRY HAUS HAD ONE BUILDING PERMIT TO SUBMIT. HAUS STATED THAT ANGIE BURG AT STEARNS COUNTY HAD THANKED HIM AND THE MUNSON TOWNSHIP BOARD FOR REQUIRING THAT THE PINS BE LOCATED BEFORE GOING AHEAD WITH A VARIANCE. THE COUNTY IS NOW GOING TO ASK ALL THE TOWNSHIPS TO DO THE SAME.
THE FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR TARRING FRESNO COURT WAS DISCUSSED AT LENGTH. GERTKEN SAID THAT HE HAD A PROBLEM WITH PAYING $205,000.00 FOR 2200 FEET OF ROAD. ALL OF THE SUPERVISORS THOUGHT THAT THE PRICE TAG WAS TOO HIGH. HOLTHAUS SAID THAT IF THEY COULD GET THE MONEY UP FRONT FROM THE RESIDENTS IT WOULD ALMOST CUT THE PRICE IN HALF. GERTKEN SAID THAT IT WOULD BE NICE TO ELIMINATE SOME OF THE SMALL GRAVEL ROADS, SO RALPH DOESN’T HAVE TO DRIVE ALL THE WAY THERE FOR GRADING. IT WAS DECIDED TO HAVE BONI CONTACT MARY JO FEMRITE AND SEE IF SHE WOULD BE WILLING TO CONTACT THE RESIDENTS AND SET A MEETING TIME FOR THE RESIDENTS TO MEET WITH THE SUPERVISORS TO DISCUSS THE ISSUE.
ORVILLE WILLENBRING SAID THAT HE WOULD BE WILLING TO TAKE OVER THE DUTIES OF RENTING THE TOWN HALL. IT WAS DECIDED TO ASK FOR A $75.00 NON-REFUNDABLE FEE UP FRONT AND A $50.00 FEE THAT WOULD BE RETURNED IF THINGS WERE CLEANED UP PROPERLY. ORVILLE WOULD BE PAID $10.00 FOR CHECKING THE HALL AFTER EACH RENTAL. A MOTION TO APPROVE ALL OF THE ABOVE MENTIONED CHANGES WAS MADE BY GERTKEN, SECONDED BY, WILLENBRING. CARRIED 3-0.
BONI WAS QUESTIONING WHETHER CULVERTS HAD BEEN PICKED UP BY CHAD BUERMANN OR JEFF DINGMANN. BONI HAD PROVIDED PRICES TO BOTH OF THEM BUT WAS UNCLEAR IF THEY HAD ACTUALLY TAKEN ANY CULVERTS OR NOT. NONE OF THE SUPERVISORS KNEW IF THEY HAD BEEN TAKEN OR NOT. HOLTHAUS THOUGHT THAT DINGMANN DID NOT GET ANY YET. BONI WILL CALL BUERMANN. IN THE FUTURE BONI SHOULD HAVE PEOPLE GET A HOLD OF GERTKEN OR HOLTHAUS BEFORE ACTUALLY TAKING THE CULVERTS.
REVIEWED MAIL.
A MOTION TO PAY BILLS WAS MADE BY WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY, GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0. BILLS WERE PAID IN THE AMOUNT OF $19,278.99 USING CHECK NUMBERS 4521-4543.
WILLENBRING ASKED IF RALPH WAS GOING TO MAKE A SNOW FENCE ON SOME OF THE ROADS. IT WAS AGREED THAT HE WOULD, ESPECIALLY ON THE CORNER BY RON MEHR’S.
AT 9:20, A MOTION TO ADJOURN WAS MADE BY WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY, GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0.
Respectfully submitted by,
Boni Behnen, Clerk
October 20, 2014
MUNSON TOWNSHIP
BOARD MINUTES
October 20, 2014
THE MONTHLY BOARD MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 8:00 PM BY CHAIRMAN, DAN HOLTHAUS, WITH THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS PRESENT: BUTCH GERTKEN, JOE WILLENBRING, CLERK, BONI BEHNEN, TREASURER, DICK BEHNEN, ZONING AD., LYNN BURG, BUILDING INSP., JERRY HAUS, P & Z CHAIR, ORVILLE WILLENBRING.
MINUTES FROM THE SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 MEETING WERE READ. THE SUPERVISORS MADE THREE CORRECTIONS. WITH THOSE CORRECTIONS, A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES WAS MADE BY WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY, GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0.
TREASURER’S REPORT: INCOME $7,302.93 EXPENSES $84,747.35 BALANCE $150,427.35 A MOTION TO APPROVE THE TREASURER’S REPORT WAS MADE BY GERTKEN, SECONDED BY, WILLENBRING. CARRIED 3-0.
Al GERTKEN AND HANK ROSENOW WERE PRESENT REPRESENTING THE RICHMOND AMERICAN LEGION. THEY WANTED TO RENEW THEIR 10 YEAR LEASE OF THE TOWNSHIP HALL. THERE WERE NO CHANGES IN THE LEASE AGREEMENT TERMS. A MOTION TO GRANT THE LEASE AGREEMENT, WAS MADE BY WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY, GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0.THE LEASE WILL RUN FROM NOVEMBER 15, 2014 UNTIL NOVEMBER 15, 2024. IT’S A 10 YEAR LEASE @$100.00/MONTH, IN CASH OR MATERIAL APPROVED BY THE TOWN BOARD. AFTER 5 YEARS IT COULD BE RENEGOTIATED WITH NO HIGHER THAN A 15% INCREASE FOR THE SECOND 5 YEAR TERM.
WILLIAM HAWN PRESENTED A FINAL PLAT DOCUMENT TO BE SIGNED BY THE BOARD. IT WAS A SIMPLE SPLIT IN THE MARYTEMPLE VISTA & 2nd ADDITION. A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PLAT SPLIT AND SIGN THE DOCUMENT WAS MADE BY WILLENBRING, SECONDED GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0.
JERRY HAUS HAD 5 BUILDING PERMITS FOR THE MONTH. HAUS HAD CONTACTED STEARNS COUNTY AND TOLD THEM THAT THE TOWNSHIP WOULD LIKE PROPERTY OWNERS IN MUNSON TOWNSHIP TO HAVE THEIR PINS LOCATED BEFORE ISSUING A BUILDING PERMIT.
THE BOARD DISCUSSED, AT LENGTH, CHANGING THE FEES FOR VARIANCES. WITH A MOTION FROM WILLENBRING, THE TOWNSHIP WILL REQUIRE $1000.00 TO BE HELD IN ESCROW. REFUNDS TO THE PROPERTY OWNER WILL BE MADE AFTER ALL BILLS ARE IN. MOTION SECONDED BY, GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0.
ORVILLE WILLENBRING HAD A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE CONDITION OF THE TOWN HALL WHEN IT WAS RENTED BY HIS DAUGHTER-IN-LAW. HE SAID THAT THE FLOOR WAS DIRTY AND THERE WAS GARBAGE IN THE GARBAGE CANS. HE ASKED IF THE HALL HAD BEEN CHECKED BETWEEN RENTALS. IT HAD NOT. BONI HAD CONTACTED THE PERSON THAT HAD RENTED THE HALL THE DAY BEFORE. SHE HAD ASSURED BONI THAT THEY HAD CLEANED THE HALL AFTER USING IT. THEY HAD NOT MADE ANY FOOD, ONLY COFFEE. BONI ASKED HOW MANY KEYS WERE OUT FOR HALL AND THAT POSSIBLY SOME ONE ELSE HAD USED IT IN BETWEEN. ORVILLE ASKED WHY WE ARE COLLECTING A $50.00 DEPOSIT FEE IF NO ONE ENFORCES IT. BONI SAID THAT SHE WAS NOT WILLING, ON THE WEEKEND, TO CHECK THE HALL TO SEE IF IT WAS CLEANED. SHE THOUGHT THAT IF THAT WAS NEEDED, PERHAPS SOMEONE WOULD NEED TO BE HIRED SINCE THAT IS NOT THE CLERK’S DUTY. THE MATTER WAS TABLED UNTIL THE NEXT MEETING.
THE FEASIBILITY REPORT FROM SHANE NELSON FOR THE PROPOSED FRESNO COURT TARRING PROJECT WAS REVIEWED. THE SUPERVIORS DECIDED TO WAIT UNTIL NEXT MONTH’S MEETING TO ACT ON IT. THEY WANTED MORE TIME TO REVIEW IT.
RALPH GERTKEN PRESENTED A SNOW PLOWING QUOTE FOR THE UPCOMING 2014-2015 SNOW SEASON.
QUOTE FOR PLOWING SNOW: $98.00/HOUR
$1000.00 /MONTH RETAINER STARTING NOVEMBER 1, 2014
$6000.00UP FRONT FOR SALT/SAND TO BE USED THIS WINTER
A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE QUOTE AND GRANT HIM THE WORK WAS MADE BY WILLENBRING, SECONDED GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0.
WHEN CLEANING OUT THE DITCH BY WAYNE KOEPLIN’S THE TOWNSHIP HAD PUSHED DIRT INTO HIS FIELD. KOEPLIN SAID THAT IT WAS FINE AS LONG AS THE TOWNSHIP PAID FOR HIS DUST CONTROL NEXT YEAR. A MOTION TO PROVIDE FREE DUST CONTROL TO KOEPLIN WAS MADE BY WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0.
REVIEWED MAIL.
THE SUPERVISORS TOLD LYNN TO HAVE THREE SIGN PROBLEMS TAKEN CARE OF BY MATT. A STOP SIGN ON FIELDSTONE, TOWNSHIP SIGN BY CHARLIE MEYER, AND DEAD END SIGN ON 193RD AVE.
A MOTION TO PAY BILLS WAS MADE BY GERTKEN, SECONDED BY WILLENBRING. CARRIED 3-0. BILLS WERE PAID IN THE AMOUNT OF $51,414.60 USING CHECK NUMBERS 4499-4520.
A MOTION TO ADJOURN WAS MADE BY GERTKEN, SECONDED BY WILLENBRING. CARRIED 3-0.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY,
BONI BEHNEN, CLERK
September 15, 2014
Munson Town Board
Minutes
September 15, 2014
The monthly meeting was called to order by Chairman, Dan Holthaus at 8:20 pm following a special closed meeting. The following members were present: Butch Gertken, Joe Willenbring, Clerk, Boni Behnen, Treasurer, Dick Behnen, Zoning Ad., Lynn Burg, P & Z Chair, Orville Willenbring and Building Inspector, Jerry Haus.
Minutes from the August 18, 2014 meeting were read and approved with a motion from Gertken, seconded by, Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Treasurer’s Report: Income $3,673.48 Expenses $10,229.54 Balance $227,871.77 the treasurer’s report was approved with a motion from Willenbring, seconded by, Gertken. Carried 3-0.
Jerry Hettwer was present representing Brad Hageman. Hageman is an over-the- road trucker and could not be present. Hettwer was seeking information on the procedure for adding a driveway. Hageman would like to add a driveway off of Big Lake Road, to the west. Hettwer was informed that Burg would need to take a look at it and the permit application form would need to be filled out. Holthaus stated that the driveway would need to be at least 20 feet wide. The culvert would need to be at least 15” in diameter and 20 feet long.
Hettwer also asked about a conditional use permit for Hageman. Hageman would like to put in a trucking operation. He would be leasing to other truckers as well. It would be similar to the operation that Willamson has on Hwy 23 by Roadside Tavern. Hettwer asked how the board would feel about having Hageman’s property rezoned for commercial use. Holthaus and Willenbring said that it would need a public hearing and they would listen to public opinion of the surrounding neighbors.
Jim and Linda Brunner were present to ask for approval of the board to put a horse on their property near Elmdale road. They would like to add a temporary shelter and fence in one acre of land. They stated that there was no run-off to lakes. It is zoned R1. A motion to provide a letter of approval to the Brunners, was made by Gertken, seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0. A letter was given to the Brunners to present to the county.
Jerry Haus presented 22 building permits. He was concerned that when people get a site permit from Lynn, they think they are done and do not realize that they also need a building permit. Haus will develop a checklist for the procedure on obtaining a site and building permit in Munson Township. The checklist will be available on the township website. Haus requested a change in the fee schedule for building permits to coincide with the other townships in the area. A motion to make the fee schedule changes as requested by Haus, was made by Willenbring, seconded by, Gertken. Carried 3-0.
Lynn stated that Joshua Lang had put in a 15” culvert and filled up the ditch in the West Ashton Development. Lynn talked to the contractor. Even though the township does not own the road in the development, Holthaus believed that the township was responsible to take care of road issues. Lynn said that Lang was not willing to make any changes. Gertken thought that if the township tried to enforce anything with the road, it would become our road and our responsibility. Holthaus thought we should contact the county to see what our responsibilities were. (Boni contacted Bob Ruppe the following day to see what the law was on the issue. He said that Gertken was correct. The township cannot become involved in it. If we do, it becomes our responsibility. He said that it would be a good idea to suggest that a permit was needed to conform to township standards in case the township ever takes over the road. But, we would not be able to enforce it.)
A motion to appoint election judges for the upcoming November elections was made by Gertken, seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0. Appointed judges are: Dan Holthaus, Matt Burg, Dick Behnen, Orville Willenbring, Berni Doll, Boni Behnen, Robert Heying, Karen Buermann, Carin Schroeder, Amy Behnen, Mike Behnen, Kayla Behnen, Joe Willenbring, and Butch Gertken.
A motion to send Lynn and Boni to a P & Z training in St Paul on October 16th was made by Willenbring, seconded by, Gertken. Carried 3-0.
Reviewed mail.
An invitation from the City of Richmond had been received inviting a representative from the township to attend the 5th Monday meeting with reps from the school district and surrounding townships. The 5th Monday group is a collaborative effort to get the townships to work together. Gertken will attend the meeting.
A motion to pay bills was made by Willenbring, seconded by Gertken. Carried 3-0. Bills were paid in the amount of $84,747.55 using check numbers 4470-4498.
Boni thought that the fees charged for variances should be reviewed. The township is losing money on each variance hearing. Lynn will go through the fees and the board will take action at next month’s meeting.
A complaint had been received about a culvert on Elmway Road. Perhaps the culvert is too small. It will be looked at.
Willenbring had received a call from Pat Michalski about Elmcrest Road. She said that the water was running over the road and causing erosion. The township has received several complaints from her in the past but, did not see a problem. Holthaus stated that water and soil conservation does not want to get involved. It was decided to put the issue on hold.
At 9:30, a motion to adjourn was made by Willenbring, seconded by Gertken. Carried 3-0.
Respectfully submitted by,
Boni Behnen, Clerk
August 18, 2014
Munson Township Board Minutes
August 18, 2014
8:00 PM
The monthly board meeting was called to order at 8:00 PM by Chairman, Dan Holthaus with the following members present: Butch Gertken, Joe Willenbring, Clerk, Boni Behnen, Treasurer, Dick Behnen, Zoning Ad., Lynn Burg, P & Z Chair, Orville Willenbring and Jerry Haus, Township Building Inspector.
Mike Holasek was present to request vacating part of Jay Ave. He had recently purchased another lot on Jay Avenue and wishes to build a new home. Holthaus asked for questions or comments. There were none. A motion was made by Gertken to grant the partial road vacation of Jay Avenue. Seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0. Resolution 2014-3 was then adopted by the board approving the vacation of a portion of Jay Avenue.
At 8:05, a motion was made by Willenbring, to open the public hearing for a variance. Seconded by Gertken. Carried 3-0. Mike Blackston was requesting a garage addition that would be 14 feet from the road right of way of 30 feet. Mary and Larry Ruegemer (next door neighbors) were present to object to the addition because their sightline to Jay Ave would be blocked. They had also sent a letter to the board objecting to the variance. That letter of objection was read aloud. It was decided to table the issue until the board could go onsite and take a look at it. A motion to close the hearing, was made by Willenbring, seconded by Gertken. Carried 3-0.
A motion to conduct a site visit was made by Gertken, seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Minutes from the July 21, 2014 meeting were read. There were no additions or corrections. A motion to approve the minutes as read, was made by Willenbring, seconded by Gertken. Carried 3-0.
Treasurer’s Report: Income $68,995.49 Expenses $31,035.15 Balance $234,427.83 A motion to approve the treasurer’s report was made by, Willenbring, seconded by Gertken. Carried 3-0.
Residents from the West Ashton Development were present to request road issues within the development be taken care of by the township. The residents had 3 spokesmen, Lance Wait, Skip Halverson, and Glenn Berkman. The roads in their development are in need of grading and semis going to the farm are going 30- 40 mph. They feel that the development is generating income through taxes and that township is benefiting from that. Holthaus said that he understood their point but, explained that the township is not legally responsible to do anything and in fact would be in violation of the law to grade roads etc. Holthaus suggested that the residents form their own organization to deal with issues within the development. He suggested that they form a contract with Ralph Gertken to take care of the grading and snow plowing. Berkman asked if the covenants still stand for the development. The board was unclear about the issue. Bob Ruppe, township attorney was phoned to clear up the question. Ruppe stated that even though the developer had gone bankrupt, the covenants remain. But, it is not the townships responsibility to enforce. That is up to the residents of the development to enforce. There also was a question about a building permit that was issued by Haus that was in violation of the covenants. Haus is not required to enforce the covenants, he is required to go by the guidelines set forth by the county. If the residents of the development have an issue with that building, they would need to take care of it on their own. Holthaus suggested that the West Ashton residents try to talk to Larry Lahr, the farmer that also owns several lots in the development, about the speed of the semis. He probably doesn’t even realize that there is an issue with it. Holthaus also suggested that they talk to Curt Karls about forming a committee for the development. He has worked on that before. Questions were also asked about buses in the development. Holthaus informed them that the buses would not come in unless they have 120 feet to turn around in. The residents asked who owns the road in the development. They were told that all the people in the development own the road, not the township. It is a road dedicated to the public.
Haus presented building permits for the month.
A motion to approve a feasibility report to be generated by Shane Nelson, from the firm of HakansonAnderson, was made by Willenbring, seconded by Gertken. Carried 3-0. This report is for the possible Fresno Circle tarring project.
The 222nd road issue was discussed at length. The supervisors needed to decide what action should be taken against Roman Schaefer for violating the contract with the township concerning the improvement of 222nd Street. The approaches were put in illegally. The supervisors were concerned about the legal costs to the township and what would be the cheapest way to remedy the situation. After a 20 minute phone call to Ruppe about their options, it was decided to have Ruppe send a letter to Schaefer giving him until August 25th to remove the approaches or the township would do it. A motion to send the letter was made by Willenbring, seconded by Gertken. Carried 3-0.
Reviewed mail. A motion to continue to use Stearns County for the township assessing was made by Gertken, seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
A motion to pay bills was made by Willenbring, seconded by Gertken. Carried 3-0. Bills were paid in the amount of $10,229.54 using checks 4450-4469.
John and Wayne Lucken would like it to be on record that they do not want to be annexed by the City of Richmond.
Holthaus told Gertken to measure and see what culverts that we have left and see what needs to be ordered. Randy Gertken would like culverts. He will call Boni for pricing.
At 10:25 a motion to extend the meeting to Monday, August 25, 2014 at 7:00 PM was made by Willenbring, seconded by Gertken. Carried 3-0. The meeting was extended to meet onsite at 22135 Jay Avenue SE to consider the Blackston variance.
The extended meeting was called to order onsite at 7:00 PM by Chairman, Dan Holthaus with the following members present: Joe Willenbring, Butch Gertken, Clerk Boni Behnen and Zoning Ad., Lynn Burg.
Mike and Linda Blackston and Mary and Larry Ruegemer were also present.
The Ruegemers were questioning the size and location of the proposed addition to the Blackston’s garage. After a short discussion the Ruegemers realized that the addition would not impair their sightline to Jay Avenue. They changed their minds and dropped the opposition to the variance. With the problem resolved, a motion to grant the variance, and close the meeting, was made by Gertken seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Respectfully submitted by,
Boni Behnen, Clerk
July 21, 2014
MUNSON TOWNSHIP
BOARD MINUTES
July 21, 2014
The monthly board meeting was called to order at 8:00 PM by Chairman, Dan Holthaus, with the following members present: Joe Willenbring, Butch Gertken, Clerk, Boni Behnen, Treasurer, Dick Behnen, Zoning Ad., Lynn Burg, P& Z Chairman, Orville Willenbring, and Building Inspector, Jerry Haus. (At 8:23)
Board Minutes from the June 16, 2014 meeting were read. Gertken made two corrections to the minutes. With those corrections added, a motion to approve the minutes was made by, Willenbring, seconded by Gertken. Carried 3-0.
Treasurer’s Report: Income $218,501.36 Expenses $55,134.06 Balance $197,454.38. A motion to approve the treasurer’s report was made by Gertken, seconded by, Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Resolution 2014-2 setting the public hearing for the vacation of Jay Avenue was approved and signed with a motion from Gertken, seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Mary Jo Femrite presented a petition with 8 signatures requesting that Fresno Circle be paved. Holthaus stated that 80% of the residents on Fresno Circle would need to agree to the paving for the board to give the go ahead and that one half of the cost would be assessed to the residents living there. A motion to act on the petition was made by Willenbring, seconded by Gertken. Carried 3-0. Boni will contact Bob Ruppe, township attorney, for a list of engineers to do the feasibility study for the possible road tarring.
Kayle Luberts was present from All Things Asphalt and said that the crack fill on the township roads had been completed today. He said that the cost had been $1.32/lb. Jerry Haus asked” how do you know the accuracy of the crack fill by the pound?” Holthaus said that you have to trust the company.
Roman Schaefer’s attorney sent a letter to Bob Ruppe concerning the road improvements to 222nd St. The board would possibly dissolve the contract but, for now things are put on hold. Holthaus said that he would like an answer in a few days and he would call a special meeting if need be.
Lynn Burg stated that she would like a pay increase of $150.00/ month. She has not had an increase since 2007. Holthaus asked if she had been keeping track of her hours. Yes, for two months, 10 hours/mo. The board asked if she was that busy in the winter. It was decided that Lynn should keep track of her hours until March. At that time a decision would be made. If need be she would be given back pay.
Boni will call Bob Dunning from the Soil and Water Conservation District about the cost share for the chemicals used on 217th Street.
Boni will bill Farming Township for ½ of the cost of road repairs to 260th street.
A motion to pay bills was made by Willenbring, seconded by, Gertken. Carried 3-0. Bills were paid in the amount of $31,035.15 using check numbers 4433-4449.
At 9:30 PM, a motion to adjourn was made by Gertken, seconded by, Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Respectfully submitted by,
Boni Behnen, Clerk
June 16, 2014 Minutes
Munson Township Minutes
June 16, 2014
8:00 PM
The monthly town board meeting was called to order at 8:00 PM by Chairman, Dan Holthaus with the following members present: Butch Gertken, Joe Willenbring, Clerk, Boni Behnen, Treasurer, Dick Behnen, Zoning Ad., Lynn Burg, P & Z Chair, Orville Willenbring, and Munson Building Inspector, Jerry Haus.
Minutes from May 19, 2014 were read and approved with a motion by Gertken, seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Treasurer's Report: Income $4,803.04 Expenses $12,932.22 Balance $95,841.47
A motion to approve the treasurer's report was made by Willenbring, seconded by Gertken. Carried 3-0.
Holthaus asked Orville about how wind turbines were handled by the county. Orville said that they were on an individual basis. He also stated that Geo-thermal wells were looked at the same as feedlots by the county. Holthaus said that the township could enforce rules that were stricter than the county. Willenbring asked if the township really wanted to get involved. Orville said that Angie Burg, from environmental services at the county thought that the township should stay out of it.
Orville asked if there was a way to enforce payment for annexation by the City of Richmond. Holthaus said that the most we could get would be 5%. It was decided to make a request for 70% the first year and drop that by 10% every year for 7 years. Boni and Dan will get together to compose a letter making that request.
Boni had received a complaint about the picnic tables at the town hall. They are in need of repair. Matt Burg will do the repairs.
Holthaus said that he had received a complaint from a resident about the neighbors not cutting their lawn. Willenbring said that he thought it was the property owners decision to do what they wanted. It's their property. Gertken said that the township should stay out of it unless it devalues the property. It was decided to let it go, unless things get ugly later on.
The road by Roscoe, 220th St. near Alver Schlangen's needs repair. Ralph will be contacted to take care of it.
A letter of complaint had been received from a resident concerning 260th St. This road is maintained by Farming Township and half of the cost is paid by Munson Township. Farming Township will take care of the necessary repairs.
Haus brought in building permits for the month. He said that the north end of Hilltop Road was in need of repair. Concrete loads were being hauled in for the chicken operation near there and the road had developed a frost boil. Holthaus said that it should be taken care of. Willenbring thought that Ralph should blade it while they are hauling. The road is bad near Koeplin's driveway.
Lynn had mining pit renewals for Hardrives and Randy Gertken. A motion to grant the renewals was made by Willenbring, seconded by Gertken. Carried 3-0.
Willenbring was concerned about the digging up of a cartway in Munson Township. Paul Magadanz dug up the cartway by Craig Lang's and put a culvert in the middle of it. The sheriff's department had contacted Willenbring because they were unable to get through the area where the cartway had been. Willenbring questioned if the township would need to get involved. Holthaus said that we do not maintain anything in there, it is not our concern. It was recorded as a cartway back in 1962 or so.
The culvert near Willenbring's property needs to be cleaned out. Ralph will be contacted. Also, the culvert near the T on Hilltop Rd and 243rd Ave needs to be cleaned out as well.
A motion to appoint election judges for the upcoming primary was made by Gertken, seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0. The following people were appointed as election judges. Matt Burg, Carin Schroeder, Kayla Behnen, Amy Behnen, Orville Willenbring, Berni Doll, Robert Heying, Mike Behnen, Karen Buermann, Dan Holthaus, Joe Willenbring, Boni Behnen, Dick Behnen, and Butch Gertken.
Holthaus had received a notice of noxious weeds from Stearns County. The area is located on 217th Street. Matt will take care of it.
Mail was reviewed.
A motion to pay bills was made by Willenbring, seconded by Gertken. Carried 3-0. Bills were paid in the amount of $55,134.12 using check numbers 4402-4432.
At 9:00 PM, a motion to adjourn was made by Gertken, seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Respectfully submitted by,
Boni Behnen, Clerk
May 2014 Minutes
Munson Township Board Minutes
May 19, 2014
8:00 PM
The monthly town board meeting was called to order by Chairman, Dan Holthaus, with the following members present: Joe Willenbring, Butch Gertken, Clerk, Boni Behnen, Treasurer, Dick Behnen, Zoning Ad., Lynn Burg, and P & Z Chair, Orville Willenbring.
Minutes from the April 21, 2014 were read. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Willenbring, seconded by, Gertken. Carried 3-0.
Treasurer's Report: Income $1000.20 Expenses $22,110.38 Balance $103,970.65
A motion to accept the treasurer's report was made by Gertken, seconded by, Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Wayne Sanders, a representative from Gold N Plunp, and Hank and Adam Braegelmann were present to ask if the board had any concerns or questions about their new chicken raising operation. Hank: “How concerned are you about the roads?” Holthaus: “If things go bad we will have to address it”. Sanders stated that 10 loads would come in and go out every 55 days and that the loads would be taken out at night. Holthaus said that if frost boils occur, they would take a look at it. Gertken said that it would be no worse than having three garbage truck companies coming in. Hank asked if there was a preference where the trucks would come in. The board did not have a preference. Holthaus told them to call one of the supervisors if problems arise.
A motion was made by Gertken, seconded by Willenbring, to open the crack fill quotes. Carried 3-0.
Astech Quote: 1.83/lb (No price totals for specific roads)
All Things Asphalt Quote: .48 cents/linear ft.
Fruitwood Rd: $1,000.00
Townview Lane: $2,400.00
EdgemereCt: $600.00
Elkview Rd: $1,400.00
223rd Ave: $14,200.00
Edgeton Rd: $35,000.00
Big Lake Rd: $2,900.00
217th St: $2,050.00
Edgewater Rd: $4,200.00
Munson Townhall Parking Lot: $1900.00 Sealcoating: $4,500.00
Willenbring said “There is no way to compare the two. We have no totals from Astech.” Gertken thought that we should do some this year and wait with the rest. Leave 223rd Ave and Edgeton for now. It was decided to repair the five following roads.
1) Big Lake Road
2) 217th St
3) Edgewater Road
4) Fruitwood Road
5) Elkview Road
Totaling: $11,550.00
A motion was made by Gertken, to award the crack fill to All Things Asphalt. Seconded by, Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Kayle, All Things Asphalt Representative, asked if we would like to set a start date? Holthaus said as soon as they could get at it. Kayle said that they would have to work around the rain because it can not rain within a certain time. Holthaus said that we would need a certificate of liability insurance but, we did not need a bond because it was a smaller job.
Jerry Haus, Munson Township Building Inspector, had written three permits during the last month. He asked if the variances were handled here or at the county. Lynn said that for roads it would be here but, lakeside was the county. She also said that for under 150ft storage shed no permit was needed but, they would need one from the county.
Lynn presented mining pit renewals from Hennen, Harvey Gertken, Knife River-Wilder Site, Hemmesch Site and Richmond Concrete. A motion to grant the renewals was made by, Gertken, seconded by, Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
The 222nd St Access Agreement from Bob Ruppe, Township Attorney, was reviewed by the Supervisors.
Gertken stated that Schaefer is agreeing to meet township road specifications. Holthaus said that 222nd St was recorded at 66ft 20 years ago. A motion to accept the access agreement, was made by Gertken, seconded by Willenbring Carried 3-0.
A motion to sign the human trafficking resolution was made by Gertken, seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0. (The resolution had been discussed at the previous meeting and had been reviewed and edited by Bob Ruppe.)
A revised rental agreement for the town hall was reviewed by the Supervisors. Bob Ruppe had made the revisions. A motion to accept the revised agreement was made by Willenbring, seconded by, Gertken. Carried 3-0.
Boni said that there was rain coming in under the back door of the hall during heavy rains. Holthaus told Dick to take care of it with caulking.
Boni asked if she could put in planters at the hall and put in perennials next to the building. Holthaus said that it was fine, as long as he didn't have to take care of them. Boni will take care of the watering etc.
Gertken said that he had received a call that Hilltop Road needs graveling by Leo Schlangen's driveway. Holthaus said that the culvert needed to be fixed and redone. He asked if they should meet and take a look at it? Willenbring said that it should be fixed. All of the fill that will be taken out of the ditch could be used to repair the road.
Holthaus told Lynn to have Matt to clean out the ditch and spray the brush by Jim Doll's cabin.
Willenbring said that the ditch north of his place on Elmdale Road needed cleaning out. Holthaus said that he should work with Raplh on it.
There are holes on 2nd St by Antone Schreifels that need patching. Ralph will be contacted to do the patching for that and Edgeton Rd and 260th St.
Reviewed mail.
A motion to pay bills was made by Willenbring, seconded by Gertken. Carried 3-0. Bills were paid in the amount of $12,932.22 using check numbers 4390-4401.
Holthaus told Orville that at the next P & Z meeting the board should discuss what we want for an annexation agreement with the City of Richmond. Last time it was a 7 year agreement for the channel.
At 9:55, a motion to adjourn was made by Gertken, seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Respectfully submitted by,
Boni Behnen, Clerk
April 21, 2014
Munson Township
Board Minutes
April 21, 2014
The monthly board meeting was called to order at 8:00 PM by Chairman, Dan Holthaus, with the following members present: Joe Willenbring, Butch Gertken, Clerk, Boni Behnen, Treasurer, Dick Behnen, Zoning Ad., Lynn Burg, and P & Z Chairman, Orville Willenbring.
The minutes from the March 17, 2014 town board meeting were read. A motion to accept the minutes as read, was made by Willenbring, seconded by, Gertken. Carried 3-0.
Treasurer's Report: Income $1,190.00 Expenses $42,355.03 Balance $125,080.83.
A motion to accept the treasurer's report was made by Gertken, seconded by, Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
At 8:05, a motion to open the public hearing to consider a variance request was made by, Willenbring, seconded by, Gertken. Carried 3-0. Tony and Debra Bengston were requesting an additional 16 feet into the road R.O.W. to attach a garage to their existing home. Hothaus asked if there were any questions or comments. There were none. A motion to close the hearing was made by, Willenbring, seconded by, Gertken. Carried 3-0.
Willenbring asked how the garage would line up with the other buildings near there? Burg said that there were no other buildings to line up with. The garage would be the closest building to the road. Debra stated that the parked cars would be further off the road than they are now. Holthaus stated that the variance would be close to the guidelines. (usually 15 ft) A motion to grant the proposed variance was made by, Gertken, seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Matt Loven, attorney for Roman Schaefer, had emailed and asked Boni to present an access agreement granting two approaches to Schaefer on 222nd Street. Loven wanted the board to either accept or deny the agreement. Loven also emailed two letters of support from the neighbors on 222nd Street. The board reviewed letters from Wendy and James Gilk, and Herb Koetter stating that they have no objection to granting access to Schaefer. The supervisors also reviewed the access agreement. Willenbring stated that “we are back where we started”. Holthaus agreed. Schaefer was asking for immediate access and Gertken said “it doesn't say he will build up the road” The agreement limits the gravel loads to 10 loads of Class 5. Holthaus said that he “did not like it”. It was agreed to have Boni forward the agreement to Bob Ruppe, township attorney, and have him review it and call Holthaus. A motion to table the issue was made by, Willenbring, seconded by Gertken. Carried 3-0.
Boni brought the procedure used to pay for Dust Control. At the March Short course the insurance reps for the Mn Association of Townships stated that the checks from individual residents for dust control should be made out directly to the dust control company, not the township. Boni will call Central Mn Dust Control and inform them of the change. Letters will be sent to residents on the dust control list informing them of the change as well.
Pat Johnson from Twilight Acres requested a 3.2 liquor license. A motion to grant the license was made by Gertken, seconded by, Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
A resolution on human trafficking was reviewed by the supervisors. A copy of the resolution had been received from the board at St Martin asking for Munson Townships support. The resolution would make fines stiffer for human trafficking. Gertken asked if it was passed, would it link the township to donating funds? A motion to table the resolution until Bob Ruppe could take a look at it, was made by Willenbring, seconded by Gertken. Carried 3-0.
Boni requested funds to buy new computer equipment because Microsoft XP is the operating system on the township computers and support for that operating system ended on April 8, 2014. CTAS, the accounting program used by the township now requires Windows 7 or better to operate. A motion to allow Boni to buy what is needed was made by, Gertken, seconded by, Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Boni brought up that comments had been made about Lynn and Boni both being present at the P &Z meetings. It was believed that it was a waste of township money to pay both of them. Boni said that she would be willing to drop out and have Lynn take care of the minutes and all paperwork concerned with the planning and zoning board. Lynn will keep track of her hours to determine how many hours she is putting in each month. Changes in her wages may come later depending on the results.
Holthaus suggested to Orville Willenbring that at the next P &Z meeting the board should take a look at driveway permits. Driveways too close to property lines pose a problem with snow removal. Holthaus thought the board should talk about what could be done.
A motion to pay bills was made by Willenbring, seconded by, Gertken. Carried 3-0.
Bills were paid in the amount of $22,110.38 using check #'s 4373-4389.
At 9:10 PM, a motion to extend the meeting for road inspections on Monday, April 28, at 4:00 PM, was made by Willenbring, seconded by, Gertken. Carried 3-0.
Respectfully submitted by,
Boni Behnen, Clerk
March 17, 2014
Munson Township
Board Minutes
March 17, 2014
The monthly board meeting was called to order at 8:00 PM by Chairman, Dan Holthaus, with the following members present:Joe Willenbring, Jack Stang, Clerk, Boni Behnen, Treasurer, Dick Behnen, Zoning Ad., Lynn Burg, and P &Z Chairman, Orville Willenbring.
A motion to accept the February 18, 2014 minutes as read, was made by Stang, seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Treasurer's Report: Income $25,268.59 Expenses $18,252.13 Balance $166,245.86
A motion to accept the treasurer's report was made by Willenbring, seconded by Stang. Carried 3-0.
Matt Loven, attorney for Roman Schaefer, was present to request the board to sign the access agreement allowing improvements to be made to 222nd Street. He asked if the agreement was ever going to happen. Loven said that the hurdle with Dan Ley had been addressed, the road would be built to township specs and the indemnification clause would release the township from liability should there be problems in the future. The agreement calls for the improvements to be done by June 1st and Loven was concerned about the time frame for getting the work done. Holthaus asked if Schaefer had talked to the other neighbors? (Gilk and Koetter) He had not. But, no one else had come forward to oppose it. Holthaus also asked if Loven had checked with the county to see if the road was recorded at 66 ft. He was not sure. Hothaus told Loven to check with the county to see how it was recorded. Holthaus stated that the road may have to be moved to the north, and that the power poles may have to be moved. Holthaus offered to go out to the site with Loven. He also said that the entire board would go, if that was what Loven wanted. Holthaus said that if an extention to the June 1st deadline was needed it could be written.
Holthaus thought that a thank you to Elroy Theis should be published in the Cold Spring Record and the Paynesville Press, for his years of service to the township as the building inspector. Boni will ask Heidi for the photo of Theis that was used in the Wakefield Township Newsletter.
A motion to open the quote for dust control, was made by Stang, seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
A dust control quote from Kurt Kubasch of Central Mn Dust Control was opened and reviewed. Boni had requested a quote from Stan Johnson of Envirotech as well but, none had been received.
Dust Control Quote:
Application of Dustguard Liquid Magnesium Chloride 30%
Price per foot @ 20 feet wide. .52
Holthaus asked how it compared to last year. Kubasch said that it was up two cents per foot over last year. With a motion from Stang, second from Willenbring it was decided to accept the quote from Kubasch. Carried 3-0. Kubasch asked if the board was satisfied with the work last year? Yes, no complaints.
Holthaus asked if a representative from the Dooley Pipeline Gas Company was going to present anything. Boni had emailed and requested someone to come but, did not receive a response.
A motion to use the Paynesville Press and The Cold Spring Record to publish Township notices was made by Stang, seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Matt Burg had notified the clerk that he had only charged the township $6.00/ hr for the chainsaw use in 2013 and it should have been $7.00. He added $64.50 to his bill for March 2014.
Lynn Burg said that there would be a variance for the April Town Board Meeting.
The board again discussed renewing the agreement with Safeguard Security for the town hall security system. It was decided to leave it on and continue to pay for it on a monthly basis.
A motion to open quotes for Class 5 and Blading was made by Willenbring, Seconded by Stang. Carried 3-0.
Ralph's Excavating 2014 Quote:
Blading $93.00/hr
Class 5 – Hauling, spreading, and blading $7.75/yd
Herdering Inc 2014 Quote:
Blading $94.50 Fuel surcharge: Prices based on $3.00/gal off road fuel, for every .25 increase in fuel price, an additional $2.00 /hr would be added.
Class 5 – Crushing, Hauling and cost of material $8.65/yd
Hauling to be done as directed by Town Board.
Blading of material to be done by Township.
Fuel surcharge: Prices based on $3.50/gal truck diesel, for every .25 increase in fuel price, an additional .10/yd would be added.
A motion to give Class 5 and Blading to Ralph's Excavating for 2014 was made by Stang, seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
The board signed a retirement card for Elroy Theis.
Holthaus brought up the condition of the road by Ron Mehr's property. Holthaus thought that it may have to be built up. Holthaus told Ralph to take a look at it this spring and see what he thought could be done.
Reviewed mail.
A motion was made by Stang, seconded by Willenbring to pay bills. Carried 3-0. Bills were paid in the amount of $42,355.03 using check #'s 4339-4372.
At 8:52, a motion to adjourn was made by Stang, seconded by Willenbring Carried 3-0.
Respectfully submitted by,
Boni Behnen, Clerk
Munson Township Board Minutes
MUNSON TOWNSHIP
BOARD MINUTES
FEBRUARY 18, 2014
The monthly Township Board Meeting was called to order at 8:00 PM by Chairman, Dan Holthaus, with the following members present: Joe Willenbring, Jack Stang, Clerk, Boni Behnen, Treasurer, Dick Behnen, Zoning Ad., Lynn Burg, and P & Z Chairman, Orville Willenbring.
The minutes from the January 21, 2014 board meeting were read and approved with a motion from Stang, seconded by, Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Treasurer's Report: Receipts $7,932.24 Expenses $15,049.55 Balance $158,690.28
A motion to accept the treasurer's report was made by Willenbring, seconded by, Stang. Carried 3-0.
Holthaus invited Dan Ley to come forward to discuss the proposed Roman Schaefer upgrade to 222nd Street. Holthaus told Ley that the road would be upgraded to Munson Township specifications if it was decided to go ahead with the proposal. Ley said that if that was done and all was in order he would not have a problem with the upgrade. Ley also stated that he thought that Koetter and Gilk would need to be involved too. Holthaus said that the board would keep Ley informed.
Matt Loven was present to represent Bill and Sandy Hawn. The Hawn's live at 21083 Edgewater Court. They are requesting a variance from Stearns County to split off a lot and they were asking for a letter of support from Munson Township for their variance application. Willenbring asked if the neighbors were okay with with granting the variance. Loven stated that they were. A motion to sign a letter of recommendation that had been drawn up by Loven, was made by Willenbring, seconded by Stang. Carried 3-0.
Elroy Theis and Jerry Haus were present to discuss Haus replacing the retiring Theis. Holthaus asked if anyone had heard from Randy Linz. No one had been contacted by Linz concerning his exam status. Theis was asked if Haus had been hired by Wakefield Township. Yes, he was hired and Wakefield was doing a 80/20 split with Haus on the building permits. Munson currently was at a 70/30 split with Theis. Haus said that he would have Theis take care of the building permits for the homes that Haus builds in Munson Township for the first year. After that, Haus will hire a building inspector to inspect homes that he builds. A motion was made by Stang, seconded by Willenbring to approve the 80/20 split. Carried 3-0. A motion was made by Willenbring to hire Jerry Haus to be the building inspector for Munson Township, seconded by Stang. Carried 3-0. A motion to use Elroy Theis as needed for building inspection was made by Willenbring, seconded by Stang. Carried 3-0. Theis' license is good until May of 2015. Theis asked if we could put a copy of the building permit on the township website. Haus will email a blank copy of a permit to Boni so she can place it on the website. Boni will also post and put the contact information for Jerry Haus on the website.
Holthaus stated that a resident had called and requested to have 15-20 mph signs placed on Florence Circle. It was decided to wait and look at the issue when doing the road inspections in the spring.
Holthaus said that the COL Fire District members had used the town hall for a potluck supper. He asked if the township should charge the regular rental fee or if it should be free? It was agreed that they should not be charged, with a motion by Stang, seconded by Willenbring. Carried. 3-0.
Orville Willenbring had pointed out to the clerk that the January agenda did not include the name of Kayla Behnen to serve as an election judge. Her name was in the minutes and on the work schedule but , not on the list on the agenda. A motion was made by Willenbring, to amend the January agenda to include Kayla Behnen. Seconded by, Stang. Carried 3-0.
Orville Willenbring told the board that the Planning and Zoning Board was moving ahead with plans to develop a protocol for appointing new P& Z board members. The procedure would include publishing for interested persons and interviewing candidates at a P&Z meeting, followed by a vote among the members. The candidate would then be recommended to the township board.
Reviewed mail.
A motion to pay bills was made by Willenbring, seconded by Stang. Carried 3-0. Bills were paid in the amount of $18,252.13 using check #'s 4330-4338.
At 9:10, a motion to adjourn was made by Willenbring, seconded by Stang. Carried 3-0.
Respectfully submitted by,
Boni Behnen, Clerk
2013 Annual Meeting Minutes
Munson Township Annual Meeting
March 12, 2013
8:15 PM
The annual meeting was called to order at 8:15 PM by Clerk, Boni Behnen.
A motion to nominate Dan Holthaus as moderator was made by Jerry Hemmesch, seconded by Hank Rosenow. All in favor. Motion carried.
A motion to accept the minutes from the 2012 annual meeting was made by Bob Beedle, seconded by Jack Stang. All in favor. Motion carried.
The treasurer's report was reviewed. A motion to accept the treasurer's report was made by Bob Beedle, seconded by, Jack Stang. All in favor. Motion carried.
A resident stated that the road signs on Edgeton and 22 needed work. Matt Burg will look at it.
2014 Levy Proposed: Motion to accept Second
General Fund $75,000.00 Bob Beedle Joe Willenbring
Road & Bridge $148,000.00 Leroy Schlangen Mike Behnen
Snow Removal $30,000.00 Matt Burg Larry Massmann
Fire Protection $105,000.00 Juanita Ernhart Jerry Hemmesch
Building Fund $3,000.00 Matt Burg Mike Behnen
All of the above motions were voted as listed, all in favor. Motions carried.
A motion to keep Matt Burg as poundmaster for 2013 was made by Jerry Hemmesch, seconded by Larry Massmann. All in favor. Motion carried.
Posting of notices remains: State Bank of Richmond, Plantenberg's Market, Munson Township Hall, and Township website. Motion to accept: Leroy Schlangen Second: Hank Rosenow. AIF. Motion carried.
Publication of notices remains: Cold Spring Record and Paynesville Press. Motion to accept: Leroy Schlangen. Second: Mike Behnen. AIF. Motion carried.
Monthly Munson Township Board meeting remain: 8:00 PM on the third Monday of the month. The third Tuesday if it falls on a legal holiday.
Annual meeting remains: 8:15 PM after the general election on the second Tuesday of the month of March. Voting hours 12 noon until 8:00 PM. Motion to accept these two items: Mike Behnen Second: Fred Lemke. AIF. Motion carried.
Pay scales:
Labor: change to $15.00/hr (from $12.00/hr). Motion, Matt Burg. Second, Mike Behnen. All in favor. Motion Carried.
Tractor: Leave at $12.00/hr. Motion, Leroy Schlangen. Second, Dick Behnen. All in favor. Motion carried.
Loader:Leave at $4.00/hr. Motion, Leroy Schlangen. Second, Ray Ernhart. All in favor. Motion carried.
Snow blower: Leave at $12.00/hr. Motion, Bob Beedle. Second, Juanita Ernhart. All in favor. Motion carried.
Chainsaw: Leave at $7.00/hr. Motion, Leroy Schlangen. Second, Jerry Hemmesch. All in favor. Motion carried.
Old business: Tony Barthel stated that he feels that he is being harassed. He believes that it is illegal for the township to close off, what he believes, is a public access near his home on Fruitwood Road. Holthaus stated that it is all being done in accordance with the law. Holthaus told him that the township has heard enough on the issue. Barthel said that he should have two minutes to talk. He was then allowed to continue to state his displeasure with the township board.
Dean Holthaus, Assistant Fire Chief, talked on the behalf of the Chain of Lakes Fire District. He said that they now have 26 members. He then talked about the fire stats that were given in the fire district handout. One resident asked what time the fire dept was at the scene of the tire fire on Fruitwood Road? Dean said between 1:30 and 2:00 PM on Sunday. The resident had seen a fire at 10:30 the night before and thought someone was having a bonfire. Tony Barthel said that he saw the fire at 3:00 AM. Dean told him that he should have called in at that time to reduce the risk to the firefighters and surrounding residents. Tony Barthel asked Dean about fire permits. Dean said that it was a good idea to call and let the fire dept know when burning, even if there is snow on the ground and no permit is required. If there is four inches of snow on the ground no permit is needed. All other times a permit is required.
Dean Holthaus reminded the residents of the upcoming fire dept fundraiser on April 5th at 7:00 Pm at River Station. Fire fighters at the meeting had tickets available.
Election results as follows:
Supervisor: Joe Willenbring 170
George Schlangen 44
Clerk: Boni Behnen 198
Treasurer: Dick Behnen 197
Total number of voters: 214
A motion to adjourn was made by Mike Behnen, seconded by Jerry Hemmesch. All in Favor. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted By,
Boni Behnen, Clerk
January 2014
January 21, 2014
Munson Township
Board Minutes
The monthly board meeting was called to order at 8:00 PM, by Chairman, Dan Holthaus, with the following members present: Jack Stang, Joe Willenbring, Clerk, Boni Behnen, Treasurer, Dick Behnen, Zoning Ad., Lynn Burg, P & Z Chairman, Orville Willenbring.
The minutes from the December 16, 2013 meeting were read and approved with a motion from Willenbring, seconded by Stang. Carried 3-0.
Treasurer's Report: Income $6.004.06 Expenses $140,137.04 Balance $165,807.59
A motion to accept the treasurer's report was made by Stang, seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
The security system was discussed at length. There have been problems with the alarm going off when people are renting the town hall. The possibility of upgrading to a system that would capable of arming and disarming via smart phone or internet was talked about. The cost for the upgrade would be a one time fee of $200.00 and an additional $10/mo. With a motion from Willenbring, seconded by Stang, it was decided to leave the current equipment in place. Motion carried 3-0.
Matt Loven, attorney for Roman Schaefer, provided an follow up on the potential access agreement with the township. Loven had talked to Dan Zimmerman and he had said that he no longer represented Dan Ley. Loven also talked with Bob Ruppe, township attorney, about the access agreement and Ruppe stated that he agreed that the township did have the authority to grant access to Schaefer. Loven stated that it was not an unreasonable request that Schaefer was making, he would upgrade the road to township specifications and only use the road 4-5 days per year. Holthaus thought that a letter should be sent to Ley inviting him to the next board meeting to get feedback from him. Boni will send a registered letter to Ley inviting him to the board meeting on February 18.
Elroy Theis was present to discuss the addition of another building inspector for Munson Township. Jerry Haus had passed his test with a 78%.Theis said that Wakefield Township was planning on appointing Haus on the first Thursday in February. It was decided to wait and see if Randy Linz passes his test by the next board meeting. The board will make a decision at that time. Theis was asked what backgrond Haus had. Haus is a experienced builder, in fact he built the Munson Town Hall and the Wakefield Maintenance Building.
The absentee ballot board was appointed with a motion by Willenbring, seconded by Stang. Carried 3-0. Mike Behnen and Karen Buermann will serve on the ballot board.
Election judges were appointed for the upcoming township election with a motion from Stang, seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0. Appointees are: Amy Behnen, Mike Behnen, Kayla Behnen, Karen Buermann, Matt Burg, Orville Willenbring, Carin Schroeder, Joe Willenbring, Robert Heying, Berni Doll, & Dan Holthaus.
Upcoming meetings:
Board of Audit- February 18, 2014, 7:30 PM Motion Stang, second Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Board of Canvass- March 11, 2014, After Annual Meeting Motion Stang, second Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Board of Qualification- March 24, 2014 8:00 PM Motion Willenbring, second Stang. Carried 3-0.
Lynn presented mining permits from Richmond Rock and Marcellus Rothstein. A motion to grant the permits was made by Willenbring, seconded by Stang. Carried 3-0.
A motion to pay bills was made by Stang, seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0. Bills were paid in the amount of $15,049.55 using check #'s 4313-4329. Holthaus said that next year we should prepay for LP gas to save money.
Stang wanted to discuss developing a procedure for appointing new Planning and Zoning Board members. He suggested that a notice requesting a new member be published two times and that a minimum of five people vote on it. Stang would like to see some protocol in place. Holthaus suggested that Orville bring the matter up at the next P&Z meeting as well.
Stang asked about Matt Burg's last bill for the township. Stang thought that the cost of the brush cutting seemed high. Holthaus said that he had thought that it would be high because the list that he had given to Burg was extensive. Holthaus and Willenbring both said that it takes a lot of time to cut and haul away the brush. Some areas can not be sprayed to kill the brush and some of the brush is up high and that takes extra time too. Stang also questioned the fee paid to Burg for chain saw rental. Willenbring said that the fee was voted on at the annual meeting and that it seemed fair when you consider that Burg pays his own insurance. Stang said that when you consider it, he thought it would be cheaper to buy a chain saw. Burg is getting $21.00/hr with his wages and saw rental. Stang thought that it wouldn't be difficult to find others that would do it for that. It was decided to make a decision later.
At 9:00 PM a motion to adjourn was made by Stang, seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Respectfully submitted by,
Boni Behnen, Clerk