MP09-34
Joint Special Meeting
Maine Prairie Township/City of Kimball
August 6, 2009
 
Meeting was called to order by Mayor, Tammy Konz, 7:00 p.m. at the Kimball Area Fire and Rescue Hall.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  Present were: Mayor Konz, Eric Loewen, Joe Krippner from the City of Kimball; Supervisors Dennis Loewen, John Wicker, Jim Unterberger, Clerk Terre Harff from the township; Leo Wirth from the Chamber of Commerce, School Superintendent, John Tritabaugh, School Bd members, Tim Zipoy, Kurt Helgeson, Margarete Laabs, and Doug Stenger.  Others present were Jean Matua from Tri Co News, and Bob Pike. 
Discussion on extending Elm Street North for safety reasons and ease for emergency vehicles going north into the township without having to go onto Hwy 15.  Wicker will check to see what it will take to make it a County road.
 
Mayor Konz presented the plan for the Heritage House extension, adding a clinic, pharmacy and single assisted living housing.  Hutchinson Clinic showed an interest with referrals going to Abbott. 
 
Mayor Konz explained the Cities road plan with a matching grant to work on Elm St, Spruce St, Cherry St,  Oak St and alley.  It is in the preliminary study stage.
 
Mayor Konz called on Superintendent Tritrabaugh to speak on what the school system is looking at in the future and how the city and township can become involved.  He explained they will be doing a school operating levy to increase the levy from $275 per pupil to $550 per pupil.   Discussion was to get the teachers involved in community and know what the community can offer the students.   Willow Creek Park, Community Playhouse, Kimball Days, Christmas Train, Kimball Sports boosters, and Night out in the Park were all a part of the community involvement mentioned.   It was a consensus that communication is vital between all entities.
 
Discussion was directed to availability of grant writers to receive all the money available to help fund projects. 
 
Eric Loewen felt a lighted sign by the intersection between Hwy 15 & Hwy 55 would be beneficial to get information out to the public.  A concern for pedestrian’s crossing over Hwy 15, by the library, was discussed.  The speed of the traffic from the north coming over the hill is very dangerous.  The city has tried to get political support to put in pedestrian lights.
 
Jean Matua from Tri Co News explained they have updated the paper and they have a community calendar, blog and twitter.  The township and city are welcome to use it anytime. 
 
Review of a maintenance agreement for 135th Street east of Hwy 15 and 83rd Ave going south to Co Rd 44.  A couple of corrections were noted.  Supervisor Dennis Loewen/Councilman Eric Loewen made a motion to accept the agreement with the corrections noted.   Motion carried. 
 
Discussion as to why the township and city are not getting their share of the gas tax revenue.  The poor formulas and poor political representative representation needs to be looked into further.   Matua from the paper, suggested they use the paper in the form of a “letter to the editor” to get the people on board with the issue.
 
Next meeting will be scheduled for Feb.  On the agenda is getting the proper share of gas tax revenue and an Orderly Annexation Agreement between the city and the township. 
 
Councilman Krippner/Loewen made a motion to adjourn.  Motion carried. 
 
 
 
 
 
MP09-35
Maine Prairie Township Posted Emergency Meeting
9:05 p.m.
 
Chair Loewen opened the meeting. 
 
The emergency was to address the issues that have come up with 163rd Street road project.  The footage for excavation does not match the footage for putting the tar back on.  With the footage changed, the quote from Mid MN seemed to be too high compared with the bid received and approved for Carnelian Lake road.  A second quote was requested from the other companies that bid on Carnelian Lake Rd and the only one responding was Hard Drives.  Their quote was $9,000 less than Mid MN’s quote for 163rd St.   The quote from Hard Drives did not include the apron onto Carnelian Lake Road.  The bid for Carnelian Lake road was for 2,575 feet.  The question was does that cover the three parcels (two residents) on north east end.   Wicker will go out and measure the road to see where the lines are.  Mid MN has a white line as to the ending point.  A decision will be finalized at the next board meeting.
 
The other issue was on Danzig road.  The township attorney had reviewed the survey between Walter Tadych and Rohe’s line, it shows the fence posts are in the road right of way and are a safety hazard.  Loewen was trying to call Tadych but he has not responded to his messages.  It was suggested to send a certified letter to Tadych and give him 21 days to remove the posts or they will be removed by the township.  Clerk Harff was directed to get that letter out right away.
 
Supervisor Loewen/Wicker made a motion to adjourn.  Motion carried.