MP08-43                                                        
Maine Prairie Township Board Meeting
October 14, 2008

Chair Loewen opened the board meeting with the pledge to the flag.  He recessed to Planning & Zoning at 7:05 p.m. 

Board members present: Supervisors Dennis Loewen John Wicker, & Jim Unterberger, Clerk/Treasurer Terre Harff, Deputy Clerk Beverly Adolph.  Others present Chuck Froehling, Ron Albers, Lonnie Hendricks, Chris Hommerding, Richard Jansky, Bob Jansky, Brad Donnay, Merle Anderson, and Fuzzy Hinz.

Chair Loewen recessed the Planning and Zoning meeting so Merle Anderson from the Watershed District could present information on the Clean Water Act.  He explained that the tax referendum to add 3/8’s cent sales tax will fund part of the issues of Phosphorous/ low oxygen (decomposition of plants), upgrade septic systems, Ag Feedlots, tillage and working with cities for rain barrows.  It would be paid by state and federal funds.  He handed out brochures for reviewing.

Chair Loewen asked for any changes or additions for the Sept minutes.  Loewen asked the word “temporary” be added to easements on 145th Street section; Page MP08-34.  With no other additions Supervisors Wicker/Loewen made a motion to accept the minutes.  Motion carried.  

 Treasurer’s report was reviewed.  Supervisors Wicker/Loewen made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report.  Motion carried.

Chair Loewen called for old business:

Website:  Clerk Harff explained that Mary Mueller added pictures and changed the way the website works.  Clerk Harff asked about each person having their own township email address and Mary explained that would cost an additional $10.00 a month to the telephone company. The board didn’t think that was something they would be interested in.

Edom Rd:  Supervisor Wicker explained he did not receive information about TEP or the statute that addressed the issue on Edom Rd.  Wicker explained Vince Schaefer was suppose to get back to him with the information.  Supervisor Loewen said he would check into it.

145th St – Chair Loewen stated it was under construction.  Wicker explained that additional funding was going to be applied for.  Jodi Tiech is going to check into it for the township.  The base coat on the road was good so that saved some cost.  Unterberger asked if some of the extra dirt could be hauled onto Powder Ridge Road on the shoulder that is washing away.  Lonnie thought that an erosion blanket should be put down.  Wicker felt that was addressed in the contract that the company would haul away the excess dirt. 

Comprehensive Growth Plan:  Committee meeting is on October 28th at 7:00 p.m.  Clerk Harff was asked to make copies of Lynden and Brockway townships comprehensive plan for the committee. 

Irrigation problems:  Clerk Harff explained there is costs to have the sheriff deliver the certified letter to Hurrle’s because it is from Benton County.  It was first suggested the clerk send it regular mail but after discussion, Supervisor Loewen will hand deliver it to them. 

Chair Loewen called for New Business:

Holy Cross Catholic Church of Pearl Lake requested a gambling permit for their October 24th fish fry.  Supervisors Unterberger/Loewen made a motion to approve both gambling permits.  Motion carried.

Clerk Harff brought up the MN Township Association meeting on Friday, October 24, 2008.   Supervisors Unterberger, Loewen and Clerk Harff will attend.

Clerk Harff explained the Primary Election went very well.  She ordered two double standing voting booths for the general election.  She feels that will give 4 more privacy booths and they will be able to run more people through faster.  It is expected to be a very large election.  She has 15 trained judges and Deputy Clerk Adolph as a head judge. 

Penalties, fines and fees will be discussed further this winter.  Things will stay the same until it can be reviewed and will not be put onto the website until discussed. 

Clerk Harff received the contract with KDV.  She reviewed it, the price did not change but she would like it put in writing that the company be required to submit the information to the state since their way of figuring it is different than the CTAS way.  Supervisor Loewen would like to check it out further.  Tabled for next meeting.

Green acres were discussed but because the meetings were so well attended not everyone could get the information.  Additional meetings are going to be set up.

Letter from Lawyer Thede concerning the City of Rockville’s closing memorandum was received.

Complaint about Sieben’s:  Chair Loewen explained the process begins in 2009 and finalizes in Nov of 2010 for tax forfeiture of Sieben’s property.  It was suggested that the board request Stearns County (Hank Schreifels) issue a restraining order to stop bringing refuge onto his property.  One concern is the vehicles are sitting in the right of way.  One suggestion was to attend the next commissioners meeting, Unterberger will call to get on the agenda.  Supervisor Loewen will take pictures of the property. 

Clerk Harff received complaints about the washout on Pope’s land.  Supervisor Unterberger reviewed the washout and thought it was about 8 feet deep and could be a safety issue.  Chair Loewen will check it out since it appears to be state property. 

Kimball Rod & Gun Club requested a Gambling permit for a gun raffle and a 2009 calendar raffle.  Supervisors Unterberger/Wicker made a motion to accept both gambling permits.  Motion carried. 

County 5 Year Road Plan:  Meeting is October 15th at 7:00 p.m. at Waite Park Garage.  Chair Loewen thought he could attend.

 Clerk Harff asked if she should put a snow plow notice into the paper.  Board felt it was important to put it in the paper even if it is in the newsletter.  Harff also explained she will be having the general election Public Accuracy Test on October 29th and the notice will be in the paper. 

Supervisors Unterberger/Wicker made a motion to accept the permits presented by the planning and zoning board.  Motion carried.

Bills were presented:

Supervisors Wicker/Loewen made a motion to pay the bills presented including the bill presented at the meeting for Lawyer Thede and the extra permit #MP08-23 received before the meeting from Tim & Andrea Holtz for $950.00 to Ron Albers.  Motion carried.

Supervisors Loewen/Wicker made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Motion carried. 

Terre Harff,
Clerk/Treasurer