​November 16, 2015
Munson Township Board of Supervisors
Meeting Minutes


November 16, 2015
Opening
The regular monthly meeting of the Munson Township Board of Supervisors was called to order at 8:00 PM on November 16, 2015 by Chairman, Dan Holthaus.
Present
Joe Willenbring, Butch Gertken, Clerk, Boni Behnen, Treasurer Dick Behnen, P & Z Ad., Lynn Burg, and P & Z Chair, and Orville Willenbring.
Absent
None
Approval of Minutes
A motion to approve the minutes from October 19, 2015 was made by Willenbring, seconded by, Gertken. Carried 3-0.

Treasurer’s Report
Income $2,079.72 Expenses $46,044.79 Balance $176,244.54. A motion to accept the Treasurer’s report was made by Willenbring, seconded by, Gertken. Carried 3-0.
Variance
Harvey and Mary Schmitt were requesting a variance for their property on 20824 Eastway Road, Parcel 23.14167.0000. They would like to build a new shed 24 x 32 feet on the right side of their home. They had previously been granted a variance by Munson Township to build on the left side of their home but, it did not meet the Stearns County setbacks. At the public hearing on November 5, 2015 with the Planning and Zoning Board, Harvey informed the board that the existing shed was non-conforming and it would be removed if the variance was granted. The Planning and Zoning Board with a 5-0 vote recommended the variance to the town board. A motion was made by Gertken to grant the variance. Seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
New Business
Mary Matze, LANDFORM Planner, had emailed documents for a possible Solar Garden on the property of Roy and Sheila Torborg, It is an 80 acre parcel located at 23038 County Road 9, Parcel 23.13525.0000. At this time Ecoplexus is requesting a conditional use permit from Stearns County. The supervisors reviewed the plans and maps that were submitted to the county.
Gary Johnson was present to enter a complaint about the work that was being done by Munson Township along Elkview Circle, Edgeton Road and Elmway Road. The township is using a tractor and boom mower to clean brush from the road right-away. Johnson believes that the stumps that remain are a safety issue for snow mobiles and ATVs that use the ditch. He believes that someone will be seriously injured or killed if the stumps are not removed. The stumps range from 6” – 34” tall. He said there appears to be no rhyme or reason to the area being cut. His neighbor’s hedge was cut down. He believes that all the stumps should be completely removed. Johnson also stated that it looks horrible. Holthaus explained that the township does not have a budget that would allow for removal of every stump. Using the boom mower is more cost effective. Holthaus said that the township has the right to clean out all trees in the road right-away (33 feet from the center of the road into the ditch) Holthaus said that the township was trying to be nice by not cutting out all the trees completely. He also stated that the branches hanging out into the ditch hinder the snow plow.
Johnson also had a complaint about the road maintenance on Elkview Road in respect to winter snow removal. He said that the lack of snow plowing on Elkview Road was “atrocious”. The streets in the winter are in consistently poor condition. He believes that this is also a safety issue and that if improvements aren’t made “some is going to be killed”. Holthaus said that at the last annual meeting the residents complimented the township and Ralph’s Excavation on the snow plowing of the roads. Holthaus explained that township roads cannot be maintained like city streets. It’s part of country living and we do not have a snow plowing budget to send the trucks out every time we get an inch of snow or the wind blows and drifting occurs. It was suggested to Johnson that he attend the next annual meeting on the second Tuesday in March at 8:15 PM. That is when the levy for snow removal is set and voted on by the residents.
Zoning Administrator
No updates.
General Township Issues
The annexation of Munson Township parcels by the City of Richmond was discussed. Bob Ruppe, township attorney had sent an email detailing the steps that would need to be taken to oppose the annexation. That email was read by the clerk. Ruppe said it would cost an estimated $40,000 to $80,000 to oppose it in court. The tax revenue gained by the township would be very small in comparison to the price tag to oppose it. A motion to not spend the money to oppose the annexation by the City of Richmond was made by Willenbring, seconded by, Gertken. Carried 3-0.
Ron Mehr had done some road work on Greenfield Road. He provided 1600 yards of fill off his property to raise the road and picked rocks off the road. A motion to pay Mehr for the road work on Greenfield Road was made by Gertken, seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0. If the ditch needs to be seeded it will be done in the spring.
Gertken had attended the county meeting in Freeport. He had information on the new buffer zones for township roads. There will be a separate meeting in 2016 for the supervisors to attend. Also, the county is considering taking care of the signage for bridge signs and billing the townships.
Reviewed Mail
Pay Bills
A motion to pay bills, was made by Gertken, seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Bills were paid in the amount of $16,389.24 using check numbers 4782-4796.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 PM by Chairman, Dan Holthaus with a motion from Gertken, seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0. The next general meeting will be at 8:00 PM on December 21, 2015.
Minutes submitted by: Boni Behnen, Clerk

October 19, 2015
Munson Township Board of Supervisors
Meeting Minutes


October 19, 2015
Opening
The regular monthly meeting of the Munson Township Board of Supervisors was called to order at 8:00 PM on October 19, 2015 by Chairman, Dan Holthaus.
Present
Joe Willenbring, Butch Gertken, Clerk, Boni Behnen, Treasurer Dick Behnen, P & Z Ad., Lynn Burg, and P & Z Chair, Orville Willenbring, and Jerry Haus, Outgoing Building Inspector.
Absent
None
Approval of Minutes
A motion to approve the minutes from September 21, 2015 was made by Willenbring, seconded by, Gertken. Carried 3-0.

Treasurer’s Report
Income $2,956.49 Expenses $65,710.70 Balance $220,209.61. A motion to accept the Treasurer’s report was made by Gertken, seconded by, Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
New Business
Roger Brown, Sun Edison Solar Developer, was present to offer outreach to the township in regards to the solar garden being designed for the property owned by, Marvin and Sandra Ramler in Munson Township. The solar garden would take up 30 acres of a 113 acre parcel. The project is in the design stage at this point. It would be a fenced area with screening of sensitive areas. Maintenance of the fenced in area and panels would be provided for in the contract. If approved by Stearns County, it would be constructed in the first half of 2016. This parcel is zoned A-40 agricultural land. The panels are fixed with no moving parts. If approved there would be a 26 year certified lease with the Ramlers. The board thanked Roger for informing them of the possible project.
Building Inspector
Jerry Haus said that he had met Mark Harren, the new Munson Township building inspector and the transition was going well. A motion to allow Haus to finish out the building permits that he had started when Harren took over, was made by, Gertken, seconded by, Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Zoning Administrator
There will be a variance to consider at the November meeting.
General Township Issues
Minnesota Equipment Rental in Rogers, MN had been contacted about renting a tractor and boom mower for the second week of November (8-14). The cost would be $2,300 for a 40 hour week, plus a $200 delivery fee each way and fuel. Gertken said that he was unable to do the work that week because of a prior commitment. Holthaus will find someone to do it. Boni will contact the MN ASSOC of Townships about insurance coverage for that week. A motion to approve the rental of the tractor and boom mower was made by, Willenbring, seconded by, Gertken. Carried 3-0.
Orville said that the town hall is not being cleaned properly when the Legion is using the building. Garbage is being left in the kitchen waste basket. It contains food and if it isn’t taken out right away it is causing odors. Holthaus said that we would talk to the legion members.
Orville also said that the town hall is rented for tomorrow by a group of ladies that will be in the hall quilting for two days. Since it is during the week and we don’t usually have renters then, it was agreed to charge them 1 ½ times for the rental fee.
Ralph and Matt Gertken presented quotes for snow plowing for the 2015-2016 season. It is as follows:
Quote for plowing snow - $98.00/Hour
$1000.00/ Month - Retainer, starting Nov 1, 2015
$6000.00 up front for salt and sand to be used this winter
A motion to approve the snow plowing quote from Ralph’s Excavating was made by, Willenbring, seconded by Gertken. Carried 3-0. Ralph was issued a check for $7,000.00.
Reviewed Mail
Pay Bills
A motion to pay bills, was made by Gertken, seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Bills were paid in the amount of $46,044.79 using check numbers 4766-4781.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM by Chairman, Dan Holthaus with a motion from Gertken, seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0. The next general meeting will be at 8:00 PM on November 16, 2015.
Minutes submitted by: Boni Behnen, Clerk



September 21, 2015
Munson Township Board of Supervisors
Meeting Minutes

September 21, 2015
Opening
The regular monthly meeting of the Munson Township Board of Supervisors was called to order at 8:00 PM on September 21, 2015 by Chairman, Dan Holthaus.
Present
Joe Willenbring, Butch Gertken, Clerk, Boni Behnen, Treasurer Dick Behnen, P & Z Ad., Lynn Burg, and P & Z Chair, Orville Willenbring.
Absent
Building Inspector, Jerry Haus
Approval of Minutes
A motion to approve the minutes from August 17, 2015 was made by Willenbring, seconded by, Gertken. Carried 3-0.

Treasurer’s Report
Income $7,748.77 Expenses $21,870.37 Balance $282,963.82. A motion to accept the Treasurer’s report was made by Gertken, seconded by, Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Variance
Charles and Marilyn Montreuil Parcel # 23.14613.0000, 20487 Fruitwood Road were requesting a variance to build 26x34 foot garage, 26 feet from the road right-of-way on Fruitwood and/or 54 feet from the center of the existing road. The Planning and Zoning Board made a recommendation to approve the variance with a 5-0 vote at their meeting on September 3, 2015. A motion to grant the variance as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Board, and authorize the signing of the Resolution at a later date was made by Gertken, second by, Willenbring. Carried 3-0.

Building Inspector
Not in attendance.
Zoning Administrator
There will be a variance to consider at the November meeting.
General Township Issues
A boom mower for rent was not found except in neighboring states. Dick had found several to purchase. Holthaus will try to find one for rent.
The MATIT Consolidated Insurance Coverage Policy was reviewed and changes were made in coverage of equipment and computers. Boni will contact MATIT to make the changes.
A motion was made by Gertken, to close the meeting to discuss potential candidates for building inspector. Seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
There were two candidates to consider:
Mark Harren, Mid MN Code
Andy Schreder, Rum River Const. Consultants
After a short discussion of the merits of both candidates, a vote was taken. A motion to hire Mark Harren was made by Willenbring, seconded by, Gertken. Carried 3-0.
Mark was called to see when he could start. He was open to start the next day. Boni will call Jennifer Buckentine at Stearns County to inform her of the decision.
A motion to open the meeting was made by, Gertken, seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Reviewed Mail
Pay Bills
A motion to pay bills, was made by Willenbring, seconded by Gertken. Carried 3-0.
Bills were paid in the amount of $65,710.70 using check numbers 4742-4765.
Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM by Chairman, Dan Holthaus with a motion from Gertken, seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0. The next general meeting will be at 8:00 PM on October 19, 2015.
Minutes submitted by: Boni Behnen, Clerk




Minutes
August 17, 2015
Munson Township Board
Meeting Minutes
August 17, 2015
Opening
The regular monthly meeting of the Munson Township Board was called to order at 8:00 PM on August 17, 2015 by Chairman, Dan Holthaus.
Present
Joe Willenbring, Butch Gertken, Clerk, Boni Behnen, Treasurer Dick Behnen, P & Z Ad.,Lynn Burg, Building Insp., Jerry Haus, and P & Z Chair, Orville Willenbring.
Absent
None
Approval of Minutes
A motion to approve the minutes from July 20, 2015 was made by Gertken, seconded by, Willenbring. Carried 3-0.

Treasurer’s Report
Income $14,628.68 Expenses $58,739.72 Balance $297,085.42. A motion to accept the Treasurer’s report was made by Willenbring, seconded by, Gertken. Carried 3-0.
Variance
Jerry and Melissa Issacson parcel # 23.13938.0000, were requesting a variance to park a camper closer to the road, 28 feet from the road right-of-way on Elmway and/or 41 feet 8” from the center of the existing road. The Planning and Zoning Board made a recommendation to approve the variance with a 5-0 vote at their meeting on August 3, 2015. A motion to grant the variance as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Board, was made by Gertken, second by, Willenbring. Carried 3-0.

Building Inspector
Jerry Haus said that he was looking to step down as building inspector for Munson Township. With his construction business and building inspector duties it was more than he could handle. The board was sorry to hear that and said that he was doing a great job. Orville has a list of building inspectors in the area. He will make it available to the clerk.


Zoning Administrator
There will be a variance to consider at the September meeting.
Rick Gertken had purchased 40 acres and called and asked about getting a driveway permit to access a grain bin. The supervisors were fine with it but, cautioned Lynn to inform him that only one permit is allowed.
General Township Issues
Holthaus said that Collegeville Township was not interested in renting out their boom mower at this time. They do not feel comfortable with it.
It was decided to try and find a place to rent a boom mower and have Gertken do the work. Dick will try to find pricing. It will be looked at next month.
Holthaus had received a dog barking complaint at a property on 21071 Elkview Road. The clerk will send out a letter to the owners with a copy of the ordinance that pertains to the issue.
Orville said that the hall is being rented out quite a bit but, he was concerned about the hall not being cleaned properly by the legion. Holthaus will mention it to Alvin Gertken.
Willenbring reminded Boni that she needed to send out a bill to Brad Hageman for culverts. Lynn said that she could find an address for Brad.
Holthaus had attended a meeting on the Highway 23 projections in regards to Munson Township. The supervisors reviewed the maps. The information will be in the newspaper in September for the public to review.
Reviewed Mail
Pay Bills
A motion to pay bills, was made by Gertken, seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Bills were paid in the amount of $21,870.37 using check numbers 4726-4741.
Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 9:35 PM by Chairman, Dan Holthaus with a motion from Gertken, seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0. The next general meeting will be at 8:00 PM on September 21, 2015.
Minutes submitted by: Boni Behnen, Clerk




July 20,2015
Munson Township Board
Meeting Minutes
July 20, 2015
Opening
The regular monthly meeting of the Munson Township Board was called to order at 8:00 PM on July 20, 2015 by Chairman, Dan Holthaus.
Present
Joe Willenbring, Butch Gertken, Clerk, Boni Behnen, Treasurer Dick Behnen, Building Insp., Jerry Haus, and P & Z Chair, Orville Willenbring.
Absent
Zoning Ad., Lynn Burg
Approval of Minutes
A motion to approve the minutes from June 15, 2015 was made by Willenbring, seconded by, Gertken. Carried 3-0.

Treasurer’s Report
Income $212,804.80 Expenses $58,314.96 Balance $341,196.46. A motion to accept the treasurer’s report was made by Gertken, seconded by, Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Variance
James and Laurie Meyer were requesting a variance to construct 15x20 foot shed 25 feet from the road right-of-way and/or 44 feet from the center of the existing road. The Planning and Zoning Board made a recommendation to approve the variance with a 5-0 vote at their meeting on July 9, 2015. A correction was made to the resolution at the county. The size of the building should have read 17x20 feet. This correction was initialed by Lynn Burg, Zoning Ad., A motion to grant the variance as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Board, was made by Gertken, seconded by, Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Plat- Cedar Island South Shores
Allen Christy, Attorney, and Will Huston, Planner for Westwood Professional Services, presented a preliminary plat for Cedar Island South Shores. Bob Ruppe, Township Attorney, was telephoned for advice as to how to proceed. He said we did not need to have the approval of the Planning and Zoning Board. Stearns County was merely looking for the board to review the plans and sign off on them. A motion to recommend approval of the preliminary plat and authorize execution of any documents or forms necessary for Stearns County was made by, Willenbring, seconded by Gertken. Carried 3-0. The motion also allowed for the signing of documents by the clerk and chairman, including signing of the final plat.


Building Inspector
Jerry Haus had issued 6 building permits in June. He had some questions about the upcoming variance request for Randy and Jayne Buerman.

Zoning Administrator
There will be two variances to consider at the August meeting. The supervisors were given copies of the notices.
General Township Issues
Holthaus asked the other board members if they thought Munson Township should rent a high boom brush cutter, with operator, from Collegeville Township. Collegeville Township will get in touch with Holthaus with the estimated cost. A decision will be made next month.
Holthaus obtained estimates from Knife River and MN Blacktopping for tarring Fellows Road. The lowest estimate was $75,000.00 and the highest was $90,000.00 w/o gravel. The board agreed that the cost was too high and to wait until spring when costs are usually lower. A motion to put on 3-4” of gravel now so the road is ready next spring, was made by Willenbring, seconded by Gertken. Carried 3-0.
Discussed the annexation issue with the City of Richmond. The residents on the annexation list feel that they do not have a choice in the matter. It was decided to call Bob Ruppe, township attorney, to look into the issue. Ruppe will contact the Richmond City attorney.
No mail.
Pay Bills
A motion to pay bills was made by Willenbring, seconded by, Gertken. Carried 3-0. Bills were paid in the amount of $58,739.72 using check numbers 4704-4725.
Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM by Chairman, Dan Holthaus with a motion from Willenbring, seconded by Gertken. Carried 3-0. The next general meeting will be at 8:00 PM on August 17, 2015.
Minutes submitted by: Boni Behnen, Clerk




Minutes
June 2015
Munson Township Board
Meeting Minutes
June 15, 2015
Opening
The regular monthly meeting of the Munson Township Board was called to order at 8:00 PM on June 15, 2015 by Chairman, Dan Holthaus.
Present
Joe Willenbring, Butch Gertken, Clerk, Boni Behnen, Treasurer Dick Behnen, Zoning Ad., Lynn Burg, Building Insp., Jerry Haus, and P & Z Chair, Orville Willenbring.
Approval of Minutes
Holthaus made one correction to the minutes. With that correction made a motion to approve the minutes from May 18, 2015 was made by Willenbring, seconded by, Gertken. Carried 3-0.
Treasurer’s Report
Income $2,951.33 Expenses $14,742.38 Balance $186,706.62. A motion to accept the treasurer’s report was made by Gertken, seconded by, Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Building Inspector
Jerry Haus had issued 9 building permits in May. The county had raised a question as to increasing the square footage for a building permit from 150 sq ft to 200 sq ft before a permit was needed. A motion was made by Gertken to have it remain at 150 sq ft. Seconded by Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Haus stated that a structure of any size on the shoreland side needs a permit.
Zoning Administrator
Lynn said that there would be an extra Planning and Zoning meeting July 9, 2015 to consider a variance.
General Township Issues
Holthaus asked the treasurer to do a review of township finances and give a rough estimate of money available for the possible tarring of Fellows Road. Dick will contact him with the totals. Holthaus asked Lynn to go out and measure the footage from County Road 43 to Big Lake Road (Fellows Rd).
Holthaus reminded Boni that Farming Township needed to pay one half of the asphalt repair that was done on 260th St. Boni will call MN Blacktopping and get a breakdown of that cost and bill Farming Twp.
Duane Janssen was present to request a temporary approach on his uncles farm (Herbie Koetter) for a day or two during Koetter’s farm auction. The board gave him permission to put in the approach before the auction and remove it following the auction.
Boni will call Terres Construction to see how many feet of culvert they took so she can bill them for it.
Discussed the annexation issue with the City of Richmond.
Reviewed mail.
Pay Bills
A motion to pay bills was made by Willenbring, seconded by, Gertken. Carried 3-0. Bills were paid in the amount of $58,314.96 using check numbers 4673-4703.
Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM by Chairman, Dan Holthaus with a motion from Willenbring, seconded by Gertken. Carried 3-0. The next general meeting will be at 8:00 PM on July 20, 2015.
Minutes submitted by: Boni Behnen, Clerk



MAY 18, 2015
MUNSON TOWNSHIP BOARD
MINUTES
MAY 18, 2015

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 CHAIR, ORVILLE WILLENBRING, AND BUILDING INSP., JERRY HAUS.
MINUTES FROM THE APRIL 20, 2015 MEETING WERE READ AND APPROVED WITH A MOTION FROM GERTKEN, SECONDED BY WILLENBRING. CARRIED 3-0.
TREASURER’S REPORT: INCOME $4,965.48 EXPENSES $7,497.21 BALANCE $198,497.67. A MOTION TO APPROVE THE TREASURER’S REPORT WAS MADE BY, WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0.
MINUTES FROM THE MAY 7, 2015 PLANNING AND ZONING PUBLIC HEARING CONSIDERING A VARIANCE FOR HARVEY AND MARY SCHMITT PARCEL# 23.14167.000. THE P& Z BOARD RECOMMENDED A 24 FOOT VARIANCE. A MOTION TO APPROVE THE VARIANCE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE P&Z RECOMMENDATIONS WAS MADE BY WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY, GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0.
RHONDA DINGMANN WAS PRESENT TO REPRESENT ST PETER AND PAUL CEMETERY, PARCEL# 23.13518.0040. THEY WERE REQUESTING A VARIANCE TO CONSTRUCT A NEW ARCHWAY ENTERING INTO THE MAIN GATE OF THE CEMETERY. THE P&Z BOARD HAD MADE A RECOMMENDATION TO ALSO APPROVE THIS VARIANCE. HOLTHAUS THOUGHT THAT THEY SHOULD GRANT 3 EXTRA FEET TO THE VARIANCE ALLOWING FOR THE ARCHWAY TO BE 34 FEET FROM THE CENTER OF THE ROAD. A MOTION TO APPROVE THE VARIANCE AS STATED WAS MADE BY HOLTHAUS, SECONDED BY GERTKEN. CARRIED 2-0. WILLENBRING ABSTAINED.
RHONDA DINGMANN ALSO BROUGHT UP THE POSSIBLE ANNEXATION OF THREE OF THE PROPERTIES OWNED BY ST PETER AND PAUL CHURCH, BY THE CITY OF RICHMOND. HOLTHAUS SAID THAT THE PROPERTY OWNERS THAT ARE BEING CONSIDERED FOR ANNEXATION DO HAVE A CHOICE IN THE MATTER. HE STATED THAT THE PEOPLE HAD A RIGHT TO KNOW WHAT COSTS WERE INVOLVED IN BEING ANNEXED BY THE CITY.
RON MEHR HAD CALLED HOLTHAUS TO REQUEST A COAT OF GRAVEL ON GREENFIELD ROAD. THERE ARE ALSO ROAD SIGNS MISSING ON GREENFIELD. MATT WILL PUT THE SIGNS UP.
HOLTHAUS ALSO THOUGHT THAT THE BLACKTOPPING OF THE 260TH STREET BRIDGE SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE PART THE ROAD AS WELL.
A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ABOVE MENTIONED WORK, WAS MADE BY WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY, GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0.
HOLTHAUS BROUGHT UP THE ANNEXATION ISSUE AGAIN. HE HAD HEARD FROM WAYNE AND JOHN LUCKEN AND THEY ARE OPPOSED TO THE PLAN. HOLTHAUS ALSO HAD HEARD FROM ONE GAL THAT SAID THAT THEY WERE TOLD THAT THEY HAVE NO CHOICE IN THE MATTER. WILLENBRING STATED THAT THE TOWNSHIP COULD LOSE A CHUNK OF MONEY DEPENDING ON HOW MANY PROPERTIES WE WILL LOSE TO THE ANNEXATION. HOLTHAUS ASKED IF HE COULD GET APPROVAL TO GET BOB RUPPE, TOWNSHIP ATTORNEY, INVOLVED, IF NEED BE. A MOTION TO APPROVE THAT, WAS MADE BY, WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0. GERTKEN SAID “IF THE TOWNSHIP PEOPLE DON’T WANT TO BE ANNEXED, WE SHOULD BACK THEM UP”
BONI WILL GO TO THE RICHMOND CITY HALL AND GET A LIST OF MUNSON TOWNSHIP PROPOSED PROPERTY OWNERS THAT ARE BEING CONSIDERED FOR ANNEXATION.
JERRY HAUS HAD 6 BUILDING PERMITS FOR THE MONTH. WILLENBRING ASKED HAUS HOW LATE HE IS WILLING TO WORK DOING BUILDING PERMITS. HE STATED THAT HE WORKS UNTIL 9 PM.
THE TOWNSHIP HAD RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM THE STEARNS COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPT. CONCERNING A MEETING IN JUNE ABOUT DEVELOPING A FIVE YEAR CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM USING FEDERAL FUNDS, STATE AID FUNDS AND LOCAL FUNDS. IT WAS DECIDED THAT THEY WILL DISCUSS WHO WOULD BE ATTENDING THE MEETING AT THE NEXT MONTHLY MEETING.
A MOTION TO PAY BILLS WAS MADE BY WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY, GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0. BILLS WERE PAID IN THE AMOUNT OF $14,742.38 USING CHECK NUMBERS 4657-4672.
REVISED RESOLUTIONS 2015-3 AND 2015-4 GRANTING THE TWO VARIANCES THAT WERE APPROVED EARLIER, WERE SIGNED BY DAN AND BONI.
BONI ASKED TO PURCHASE A LASER PRINTER FOR CHECK PRINTING IN THE FUTURE. A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE WAS MADE BY GERTKEN, SECONDED BY WILLENBRING. CARRIED. 3-0.
A MOTION TO CLOSE THE MEETING TO DISCUSS AND APPOINT A NEW PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD MEMBER, WAS MADE BY WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0. THE BOARD HAD RECEIVED THREE LETTERS OF INTEREST FOR THE POSITION. LETTERS WERE RECEIVED FROM:
TOM SCHOENBERG
JOHN TSCHUMPERLIN
WAYNE KOEPLIN
THE SUPERVISORS VOTED BY BALLOT. JOHN TSCHUMPERLIN WAS CHOSEN. THE BOARD FELT THAT HE WOULD REPRESENT THE LAKE LAND OWNERS. THE BOARD WAS EQUALLY PLEASED WITH ALL OF THE CANDIDATES AND IT WAS A DIFFICULT CHOICE. THE OTHER TWO CANDIDATES NAMES WILL BE KEPT ON FILE FOR FUTURE OPENINGS ON THE P&Z BOARD. LETTERS WILL BE SENT TO WAYNE AND TOM. BONI WILL CALL JOHN TO SEE IF HE CAN MAKE IT TO THE LAND USE TRAINING AT ST JOHN’S.
A MOTION TO OPEN THE MEETING WAS MADE BY, WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0.
WEED INSPECTIONS NEED TO BE DONE IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS. BONI WILL CALL THE SUPERVISORS TO SEE WHO IS AVAILABLE. DAN WILL BE THE 3RD CALL.
AT 9:25, A MOTION TO ADJOURN WAS MADE BY WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY,
BONI BEHNEN, CLERK


April 20, 2015
MUNSON TOWNSHIP
BOARD MEETING
April 20, 2015

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 CHAIR, ORVILLE WILLENBRING, AND BUILDING INSPECTOR, JERRY HAUS.
MINUTES FROM THE MARCH 16, 2015 MEETING WERE READ. HOLTHAUS MADE ONE CORRECTION TO THE MINUTES. WITH THE CORRECTION MADE, GERTKEN MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES, SECONDED BY WILLENBRING. CARRIED 3-0.
TREASURER’S REPORT: INCOME $65.00 EXPENSES $44,364.45 BALANCE $201,029.40 A MOTION TO APPROVE THE TREASURER’S REPORT WAS MADE BY WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0.
TWILIGHT ACRES REQUESTED A RENEWAL OF THEIR 3.2 LIQUOR LICENSE. THE RENEWAL IS FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2015 THRU JUNE 30, 2016. A MOTION TO RENEW THE LICENSE FOR TWILIGHT ACRES WAS MADE BY, GERTKEN, SECONDED BY, WILLENBRING. CARRIED 3-0.
A MOTION TO OPEN QUOTES FOR DUST CONTROL WAS MADE BY WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0.

J & J DUST CONTROL OF NEW LONDON
THEIR QUOTE CONSISTED OF THREE 0PTIONS OF CALCIUM CHLORIDE SOLUTION. TWO OF THE OPTIONS WERE AT A 38% SOLUTION AND ONE OPTION FOR A 35% SOLUTION. ALL OPTIONS WERE FOR 20 FEET. A COPY OF THE QUOTE IS ATTACHED.

CENTRAL MINNESOTA DUST CONTROL
THEIR QUOTE CONSISTED OF TWO OPTIONS OF MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE @ 33%. ONE OPTION WAS PRICE PER FOOT @ 18 FEET WIDE AND ONE @ 20 FEET WIDE. A COPY OF THEIR QUOTE IS ALSO ATTACHED.
KURT FROM CENTRAL MN DUST CONTROL STATED THAT MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE WAS A SUPERIOR PRODUCT. HOLTHAUS SAID THAT THE SUPERVISORS HAD LEARNED THAT AT A TRAINING AS WELL.
GERTKEN STATED THAT IT WAS ALSO IMPORTANT TO KEEP TOWNSHIP WORK LOCAL.
A MOTION TO AWARD THE DUSTCOATING WORK TO CENTRAL MINNESOTA DUST CONTROL WAS MADE BY GERTKEN, SECONDED BY, WILLENBRING. CARRIED 3-0.
TONY BARTHEL SAID THAT THE LAST TWO YEARS, WHEN THE WORK WAS DONE BY CENTRAL MN DUSTCOATING, IT WAS A BETTER JOB THEN PREVIOUS YEARS. BARTHEL ASKED TO BE NOTIFIED BY MAIL OR PHONE WITH THE AMOUNT FOR DUST CONTROL ON FRUITWOOD ROAD. BARTHEL ASLO STATED THAT CLASS 5 WAS NEEDED BY FRED STRUBE’S BEFORE DUSTCOATING.
JIM AND LINDA BRUENNER WERE REQUESTING A REZONING FROM STEARNS COUNTY FROM R-1 TO R-10 SO THEY CAN HAVE A HORSE ON THEIR PROPERTY. THE COUNTY WILL BE HOLDING TWO HEARINGS ON THE ISSUE. THE BRUENNERS NEEDED A DOCUMENT OF RECOMENDATION FROM MUNSON TOWNSHIP BEFORE THE FIRST HEARING WITH THE COUNTY. THE TOWNSHIP HAD GIVEN THEM APPROVAL AT THEIR BOARD MEETING IN SEPTEMBER 2014. THE DOCUMENT WAS SIGNED BY P&Z CHAIR, ORVILLE WILLENBRING AND TOWN BOARD CHAIR, DAN HOLTHAUS.
JERRY HAUS HAD ONE PERMIT FOR THE MONTH. HAUS HAD DONE SOME CHECKING ON THE ISSUE OF JOSH LANG HAVING A DRAIN PIPE COMING OUT OF HIS GARAGE. HAUS SAID THAT IT WAS OKAY AS FAR AS CODE. IN 2009 THE PLUMBING CODE CHANGED. HAUS WILL TALK TO LANG ABOUT BURYING A 50 GALLON DRUM FOR IT TO EMPTY INTO.
BURG SAID THAT THERE WILL BE TWO VARIANCES TO CONSIDER AT THE MAY TOWN BOARD MEETING. BURG ALSO DISCUSSED A COMPLAINT THAT SHE HAD RECEIVED ABOUT JUNK ON A PROPERTY ON CEDAR ISLAND LAKE ROAD. THERE WERE A NUMBER OF CARS AND OTHER ITEMS PARKED ON THE PROPERTY. THE CARS ALL HAD CURRENT LICENSE TABS. HOLTHAUS STATED THAT THE TOWNSHIP CAN NOT FORCE THEM TO DO ANYTHING. HE SUGGESTED THAT THE PERSON MAKING THE COMPLAINT CALL THE COUNTY.
A MOTION TO STOP THE CONTRACT WITH SAFEGUARD SECURITY, AND HAVE HOLTHAUS SIGN THE TERMANTION AGREEMENT AT A LATER TIME, WAS MADE BY GERTKEN, SECONDED BY, WILLENBRING. CARRIED 3-0.
A MOTION TO OPEN THE QUOTES FOR ASPHALT ROAD REPAIR, WAS MADE BY WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY, GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0.
ALL THINGS ASPHALT, SAUK CENTRE
THEY HAD TWO SEPARATE ESTIMATES, ONE FOR THE 260TH BRIDGE AND ONE FOR THE EDGETON BRIDGE.THE QUOTES WERE FOR PATCHING, CRACK SEALING AND SWEEPING OF BRIDGES. THEIR QUOTE DID NOT INCLUDE THE REPAIR OF POTHOLES AS REQUESTED. THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD RECOMMEND A SEPARATE PAVING COMPANY FOR THAT WORK. A COPY OF THEIR ESTIMATE IS ATTACHED.
MINNESOTA BLACKTOPPING, SAUK RAPIDS
THEIR QUOTE INCLUDED ALL WORK AS REQUESTED, INCLUDING POTHOLE REPAIR AND A 1 ½” OVERLAY ON BOTH BRIDGES. THEIR QUOTE IS ALSO ATTACHED
.
BECAUSE THE ESTIMATE FROM ALL THINGS ASPHALT WAS INCOMPLETE AS FAR AS THE POTHOLE REPAIR, A MOTION TO GRANT THE ROAD REPAIR WORK TO MINNESOTA BLACKTOPPING WAS MADE BY, HOLTHAUS, SECONDED BY WILLENBRING. CARRIED 3-0. THE BOARD SET A DEADLINE OF MAY 29TH FOR THE WORK TO BE COMPLETED. THE QUOTE FOR THE REPAIRS WAS $22,946.00.
THE FLOORS AT THE TOWN HALL ARE IN NEED OF RESURFACING. BONI HAD OBTAINED AN ESTIMATE FROM DAN AT CARPET MASTERS. THE ESTIMATE INCLUDED SCRUBBING, WAXING AND ALL MATERIALS. BONI WILL CALL MIKE BEHNEN TO SEE IF HE WOULD WANT TO DO THE WORK. SHE HAD ASKED HIM IN NOVEMBER. IF NOT, A MOTION TO HAVE CARPET MASTERS DO THE JOB, WAS MADE BY, GERTKEN, SECONDED BY, WILLENBRING. CARRIED 3-0.
HOLTHAUS PRESENTED PAPERWORK FROM WAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP CONCERNING THE JOINT TARRING PROJECT OF FOREST HILL ROAD. WAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP HAD TAKEN CARE OF THE PUBLISHING OF BIDS AND AWARDED KNIFE RIVER THE CONTRACT. THE COST FOR THE PROJECT FOR MUNSON TOWNSHIP WOULD BE APPROXIMETELY $15,206.00. THE BOARD HAD GIVEN THE GO AHEAD WITH A MOTION AT THE MARCH MEETING, IF THE COST REMAINED IN THE $15,000.00 RANGE. A COPY OF THE TARRING PROJECT PAPERWORK IS ON FILE IN THE CLERK’S OFFICE.
BONI HAD RECEIVED A CALL FROM ROMAN SCHAEFER. HE WANTED TO ASK THE TOWNSHIP BOARD IF THEY WANTED TO BUY THE GRAVEL THAT HE IS REMOVING FROM 222ND STREET. SCHAEFER SAID THAT HE WOULD CHARGE LESS THAN $800.00. WILLENBRING THOUGHT THAT IT COULD BE PURCHASED AT A COST OF $450.00. A MOTION TO NOT ACCEPT THE OFFER FROM SCHAEFER, WAS MADE BY WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0.
ORVILLE ASKED IF THE P&Z BOARD WAS GOING TO BE INVOLVED IN THE INTERVIEWING AND APPOINTING OF A NEW P&Z BOARD MEMBER TO REPLACE LARRY MASSMANN. HOLTHAUS SAID THAT IT HAD BEEN DECIDED AT THE MARCH MEETING THAT THE TOWN BOARD WOULD DO THE INTERVIEWS AND APPOINT THE NEW MEMBER. ORVILLE THOUGHT THAT THE PROCEDURE SHOULD BE SIMILAR TO HOW STEARNS COUNTY HANDLES IT. HE THOUGHT THAT THE P&Z BOARD SHOULD INTERVIEW THE POTENTIAL MEMBER AND MAKE A RECOMMENDATION TO THE TOWN BOARD. IT WAS DECIDED TO LEAVE AS IS WITH THE MOTION MADE IN MARCH.
REVIEWED MAIL.
A MOTION TO PAY BILLS WAS MADE BY GERTKEN, SECONDED BY, WILLENBRING. CARRIED 3-0. BILLS WERE PAID IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,497.21 USING CHECK NUMBERS 4644-4656.
AT 9:25 PM, A MOTION TO CLOSE WAS MADE BY GERTKEN, SECONDED BY, WILLENBRING. CARRIED 3-0.

ALL QUOTES MENTIONED IN THESE MINUTES ARE ON FILE IN THE CLERKS OFFICE.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY,
BONI BEHNEN, CLERK



March 16, 2015
MUNSON TOWNSHIP
BOARD MINUTES
MARCH 16, 2015

The monthly 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 and Building Insp., Jerry Haus.
Absent: Planning and Zoning Ad., Lynn Burg and P&Z Chair Orville Willenbring.
Minutes from the February 17, 2015 board meeting were read and approved with a motion from Willenbring, seconded by Gertken. Carried 3-0.
Treasurer’s Report: Income - $29,531.24 Expenses - $6,644.94 Balance - $245,328.85. A motion to approve the treasurer’s report was made by, Gertken, seconded by, Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Jerry Haus had one siding permit for the month. He had some questions about the two variances that had been granted to the Guenthers in February.
Holthaus stated that he had had a complaint from a resident in the West Ashton development. Josh Lang has an open drain pipe from a floor drain in his garage. Holthaus had called the county and was told that the Munson Twp building inspector would need to take care of it. Haus will look into it.
Holthaus said that Wakefield Twp had approached him about a cost share to tar Forest Hill Road. It would be a 1-1/2” overlay on roughly 1400 feet. Our estimated share would be around $15,000.00. Todd Menke had done the estimate. With a motion from Gertken, second by Willenbring it was decided to go along with it if it the price range mentioned. Carried 3-0. Haus said to make sure they put a deadline on it.
Holthaus mentioned that it may be a good time to consider tarring Fellows Road since the supervisors had discussed tarring Fellow Rd last year. Dan will talk to Todd Menke to see if he would give a rough estimate on the cost of the project. Willenbring said “let’s see if we can afford it and go from there”.
There will be a vacancy on the Planning and Zoning Board because Larry Massmann will be moving out of the township on April 1. It was decided to publish for a replacement in the Paynesville Press and Cold Spring Record for 1 week. There will be an April 30th deadline. The town board will conduct interviews and hire in May. The date for interviews is not set at this time.
The litigation involving Evergreen Acres has come to an end. Munson Township has accepted the settlement agreement and all necessary papers are signed.
A motion to open bids for blading and class 5 was made by Gertken, seconded by, Willenbring. Carried 3-0.
Ralph’s Excavating 2015 Quote
Blading Roads - $95.00/hour
Class 5 Hauling and Spreading - $8.25/yard
There were no other quotes.
A motion to accept Ralph’s Quote, was made by Willenbring, seconded by, Gertken. Carried 3-0.

Reviewed mail.

A motion to pay bills was made by, Willenbring, seconded by, Gertken. Carried 3-0. Bills were paid in the amount of $44,364.45 using check numbers 4598-4643.
At 9:20 PM the meeting was extended to March 30th @4:00 PM March 30, 2015 for annual road inspections.

The extended meeting for road inspections began at 4:00 PM.
243rd Street – gravel
Hilltop Road – gravel, pull shoulders in before graveling, disk up ditch, fix corners, fill in 3 feet of class 5, move Bio Secure Area sign back, heavy coat of gravel by Schmitt’s, raise up dip at least a foot.
Hunter Road – straighten stop ahead sign
193rd Ave – straighten dead end sign, gravel by approach and woods
Cedar Island Lake Road – straighten Munson Twp Permit sign on corner, tree in front of culvert
Edgeton Road – Bridge, Patch or cover?, frost boils. Boni will call for black top pricing.
207th Street – replace culvert with larger one? Fills up with debris. Joe will talk to landowner to see if that will work for him. More water will come through his property.
228th Ave – load of gravel in dip
Greenfield Road – replace roads signs that have bullet holes
260th Street – pot holes on bridge, frost boil. Will decide after we get pricing.
Hedgewood Road – gravel (must be done before dustcoating)
At 7:00 PM, motion to approve all of the above work and close the meeting, was made by, Gertken, second by Willenbring. Carried 3-0.

Respectfully submitted by,
Boni Behnen, Clerk


February 17, 2015
MUNSON TOWNSHIP
BOARD MEETING
February 17, 2015

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 CHAIR, ORVILLE WILLENBRING, AND JERRY HAUS, BUIDING INSPECTOR,
MINUTES FROM THE JANUARY 20, 2015 MEETING WERE READ. THERE WERE TWO CORRECTIONS MADE TO THE MINUTES. WITH THOSE CORRECTIONS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES, WAS MADE BY WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY, GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0.
TREASURER’S REPORT: INCOME $16,141.04 EXPENSES $23,696.51 BALANCE $222,442.55 A MOTION TO APPROVE THE TREASURER’S REPORT WAS MADE BY, GERTKEN, SECONDED BY WILLENBRING. CARRIED 3-0.
AT 8:05 PM, A MOTION WAS MADE BY WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY, GERTKEN, TO CONTINUE THE VARIANCE MEETING FROM JANUARY 20, 2015. CARRIED 3-0. THE VARIANCE WAS TO CONSIDER ALLOWING DONALD AND ANGELA GUENTHER TO RETAIN A 26’X6’ PORCH THAT WAS CONSTRUCTED ON AN EXISTING HOME PARCEL # 23.14628.0000, 20901 EASTWAY ROAD, RICHMOND. THE SUPERVISORS HAD NO PROBLEM WITH ALLOWING IT. A MOTION FROM WILLENBRING, SECOND BY GERTKEN, CARRIED 3-0, GRANTED APPROVAL OF THE VARIANCE AND SIGNING RESOLUTION 2015-1. A MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING, WAS MADE BY GERTKEN, SECONDED BY, WILLENBRING. CARRIED 3-0.
AT 8:10 PM, A MOTION WAS MADE BY WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY GERTKEN, CARRIED 3-0, TO OPEN A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ANOTHER VARIANCE REQUEST FROM THE GUENTHERS. MINUTES FROM THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD WERE READ. THE P&Z BOARD MADE A RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE THE VARIANCE. ANGELA AND DONALD GUENTHER WERE REQUESTING TO REMOVE AN OLD HOME AND CONSTRUCT A NEW 750 SQ FT HOME LOCATED AT 20867 EASTWAY ROAD, RICHMOND. PARCEL # 23.14602.0071. HOLTHAUS HAD A CONCERN THAT IF THE ROAD GETS BUILT UP IN THE FURTURE THE HOME WOULD NOT MEET THE SETBACKS. HOLTHAUS STATED THAT IF THAT WAS SO, THE BUILDING WOULD NEED TO BE MOVED. WITH THAT SAID, IT WAS DECIDED TO APPROVE THE VARIANCE AND SIGN RESOLUTION 2015-2, WITH A MOTION FROM GERTKEN SECONDED BY WILLENBRING. CARRIED 3-0.
A MOTION TO CLOSE THE HEARING WAS MADE BY, GERTKEN, SECONDED BY WILLENBRING. CARRIED 3-0.
JERRY HAUS PRESENTED A GUIDE FOR BUILDING PERMITS FOR THE BOARD’S APPROVAL. HE ASKED IF THE BOARD WOULD LIKE TO MAKE ANY CHANGES TO THE DOCUMENT. THE BOARD DID NOT MAKE ANY CHANGES AND APPROVED THE GUIDELINES WITH A MOTION FROM WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY, GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0. HAUS WAS GIVEN COPIES OF THE RESOLUTIONS GRANTING THE TWO VARIANCES TO THE GUENTHERS.
ORVILLE WILLENBRING RAISED A QUESTION AS TO HOW LONG LARRY MASSMANN COULD STAY ON THE P&Z BOARD AFTER MOVING OUT OF THE TOWNSHIP. HOLTHAUS SAID THAT HE THOUGHT THAT HE WOULD NEED TO RESIGN THE DAY THAT HE CHANGES HIS ADDRESS OUT OF THE TOWNSHIP. BONI WILL CALL THE MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF TOWNSHIPS TO GET AN ANSWER.
BONI HAD BEEN TO A CLERK’S MEETING AT STEARNS COUNTY. AT THAT MEETING, NEW ELECTION BALLOT COUNTING EQUIPMENT WAS DISCUSSED. THE COUNTY SAID THAT NEW MACHINES WERE NEEDED BEFORE THE 2016 ELECTIONS. THE CURRENT EQUIPMENT IS OUT OF DATE AND MUST BE REPLACED. IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE NEW BALLOT COUNTER WOULD COST $5,500.00. THE TOWNSHIP NEEDS TO DECIDE IF THEY WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE OR LEASE THE EQUIPMENT. THE BOARD WILL DECIDE WHEN WE GET MORE INFORMATION ON LEASING.
AT 8:50, WITH A MOTION FROM WILLENBRING, SECOND BY GERTKEN, CARRIED 3-0, THE MEETING WENT INTO A CLOSED SESSION TO CONDUCT A REVIEW OF P&Z AD., LYNN BURG’S SALARY. IT WAS DECIDED THAT LYNN WILL KEEP TRACK OF HER HOURS AND BE PAID HOURLY, NO SALARY.
AT 9:15, A MOTION TO REOPEN THE BOARD MEETING WAS MADE BY GERTKEN, SECONDED BY, WILLENBRING, CARRIED 3-0.
A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT, AFTER ATTORNEY FINAL REVIEW, WITH EVERGREEN ACRES WAS MADE BY GERTKEN, SECONDED BY WILLENBRING. CARRIED 3-0.
MAIL WAS REVIEWED.
A MOTION TO PAY BILLS WAS MADE BY, GERTKEN, SECONDED BY, WILLENBRING. CARRIED 3-0. BILLS WERE PAID IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,644.94 USING CHECK #’S 4585-4597.
AT 9:25, A MOTION TO ADJOURN WAS MADE BY, WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY, GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Boni Behnen, Clerk




January 20, 2015
MUNSON TOWNSHIP
BOARD MINUTES
JANUARY 20, 2015

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 BUILDING INSP. JERRY HAUS.
MINUTES FROM THE DEC. 15, 2014 MEETING WERE READ AND APPROVED WITH A MOTION FROM WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0.
TREASURER’S REPORT: INCOME: $156,169.80 EXPENSES: $29,727.97 BALANCE: $229,998.02. A MOTION TO APPROVE THE TREASURER’S REPORT WAS MADE BY GERTKEN, SECONDED BY WILLENBRING. CARRIED 3-0.
AT 8:05, A PUBLIC HEARING FOR A VARIANCE REQUEST WAS OPENED, WITH A MOTION FROM WILLENBRING, SECOND BY, GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0. DONALD AND ANGELA GUENTHER, PARCEL # 23.14628.0000 BUILT AN OPEN PORCH WITHOUT A PERMIT. THE PORCH DOES NOT MEET THE SETBACKS, IT IS OFF BY 8 FEET. THE VARIANCE HEARING WAS CONTINUED UNTIL FEBRUARY 17, 2015 WITH A MOTION FROM GERTKEN, SECOND BY, WILLENBRING. CARRIED 3-0. THE HEARING WAS CONTINUED BECAUSE THE PUBLISHED HEARING NOTICE DID NOT MEET THE 10 DAY RULE SET BY STATUTE.
JERRY HAUS HAD ONLY ONE BUILDING PERMIT FOR THE MONTH. HAUS ALSO PRESENTED HIS YEAR END REPORT OF ALL BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED. HE HAD BEEN IN TOUCH WITH STEARNS COUNTY CONCERNING WHEN PINS NEEDED TO BE LOCATED. WHAT ARE THE GUIDELINES FOR SHORELAND AND AG-80? JERRY WILL WORK WITH THE COUNTY AND DRAW SOMEHTING UP FOR THE BOARD TO TAKE A LOOK AT.
HOLTHAUS HAD TALKED TO BOB RUPPE, TOWNSHIP ATTORNEY, CONCERNING THE DUTIES OF THE MUNSON TOWNSHIP PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD. RUPPE STATED THAT IT WAS ALREADY IN OUR CURRENT ORDINANCE THAT THE P & Z BOARD SHOULD HEAR VARIANCE REQUESTS FIRST AND MAKE A RECOMMENDATION TO THE TOWN BOARD, THEREFORE NO FURTHER ACTION WAS REQUIRED. A MOTION FROM GERTKEN, SECOND BY WILLENBRING GRANTED THAT THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD WILL HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS FROM NOW FORWARD. CARRIED 3-0. THE P & Z CHAIR OR ANOTHER BOARD MEMBER WILL BE APPOINTED TO DO A SITE VISIT BEFORE THE HEARING. IF IT IS UNUSUAL, OR IF NEED BE, MORE MEMBERS WILL ALSO GO.
LARRY MASSMANN STATED THAT THE CHAIN OF LAKES FIRE AND RESCUE HAD DONE A GOOD JOB WHEN THEY RESPONDED TO THE ACCIDENT CONCERNING HIS BROTHER’S SON.
THE SUPERVISORS DISCUSSED LITIGAION CONCERNING EVERGREEN ACRES.
REVIEWED MAIL.
A MOTION TO PAY BILLS WAS MADE BY, WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0. BILLS WERE PAID IN THE AMOUNT OF $23,696.51 USING CHECK NUMBERS 4568-4584.
ORVILLE WILLENBRING ASKED IF HE COULD HAVE ANOTHER SET OF VOTING CUBICLES MADE. IF WE WOULD HAVE ANOTHER SET MADE 12 PEOPLE WOULD BE ABLE TO VOTE AT ONE TIME. THE NEW SET WOULD REPLACE THE STANDING VOTING BOOTHS THAT WE NOW HAVE. A MOTION FROM WILLENBRING AND SECOND FROM GERTKEN GAVE ORVILLE THE GO AHEAD. CARRIED 3-0. BUTCH SAID WE SHOULD NOT THROW OUT THE OLD BOOTHS UNTIL THE NEW ONES WERE MADE.
HOLTHAUS WOULD LIKE BONI TO LOOK IN THE MINUTES FROM 2009 OR 2010 TO SEE IF THERE IS AN AFTER-THE-FACT FEE WHEN RESIDENTS BUILD WITHOUT A PERMIT. ALSO, SHE WILL LOOK THROUGH THE 2007 FEE SCHEDULE. BONI WILL ALSO CHECK THE MINUTES TO SEE IF THERE IS ANYTHING IN PLACE THAT REGULATES THE P & Z CHAIR. IS THERE A STIPULATION THAT LIMITS THE CHAIR TO ONE YEAR?
AT 8:50, A MOTION TO ADJOURN WAS MADE BY WILLENBRING, SECONDED BY, GERTKEN. CARRIED 3-0.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY,
BONI BEHNEN, CLERK


2015 Munson Township Board Minutes

Minutes from township board meetings are placed on the website once they have been approved, Ex: Minutes from the June board meeting would be placed on the website following their approval at the July meeting.

Munson Township