November 15, 2016

Board Meeting Minutes
Maine Prairie Township
November 15, 2016

Attendees: Chair Wicker, Supervisor Kuechle, Supervisor Loewen,  Clerk/Treasurer Hunt, Deputy Clerk Robinson, Zoning Administrator Froehling, Joe and Eric Hendricks, Gene Merten, Lawrence Kunkel, Greg Medvek, Erin Gutwasser, Judy and Sherman Minter.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Wicker with the pledge to the flag.

Planning and Zoning meeting opened at 7:00 p.m.

Board meeting reconvened at 7:15 p.m.

Motion by Supervisor Loewen/Supervisor Kuechle to approve the October 11, 2016 Board Meeting Minutes. All in favor, motion carried.

The Treasurer’s report was reviewed.
Twenty-eight (28) claims were presented for approval and payment for the month of October in the amount of $14,791.39 (see claims list attached). Included in this amount is election judge expense of $2,663.54 for judges’ training/certification and working both the primary and general elections. Receipts for October totaled $10,047.28.  Motion by Supervisor Loewen/Chair Wicker to approve the Treasurer’s report subject to Audit and pay claims as presented. All in favor, motion carried.

New Business:
Kimball Friends of the Library (Library Concerns):  Erin Gutwasser was present on behalf of Kimball Area Friends of the Library to share information with the Board about library concerns. A library assessment was taken in July of 2016 of the building structure (Kimball branch) by Great River Regional Library and was deemed insufficient in the following areas:

  • Space
  • Handicap Accessibility
  • Air Quality
  • Sound and Noise Control
  • Hard Shelving

Gutwasser explained that a timeline showing improvements needs to be established.  A suggestion by the Town Board was made that a representative(s) from Friends of the Library should ask to be put on the County Board of Commissioners agenda to discuss their concerns.   Gutwasser asked if the Kimball Area Friends of the Library could “piggyback” with the Maine Prairie Township Annual Newsletter in order to get the word out that donations are needed to help finance these improvements. Clerk Hunt to send a copy of the most recent Newsletter to the Board. Gutwasser to email Clerk Hunt a written policy saying what all needs to be updated. This matter will be placed on the December agenda for further discussion.

Open and Review Snow Plowing Quotes:  One snowplowing quote opened at 8:00 p.m. was received from Hendricks Sand and Gravel, Inc. This quote contained two options of payment. After Board review, Motion by Supervisors Loewen/Kuechle to accept option number two (2) with December 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017 monthly mobilization fee of $2,500.00. This quote was received from Hendricks Sand and Gravel, Inc. for snow removal work for the 2016-2017 winter season. All in favor, motion passed. In addition, a contract for snow removal work between Maine Prairie Township and Hendricks Sand and Gravel, Inc. was signed. Work will be performed in accordance with the Township’s Snow Removal Policy.        

Score Grant:  A request for reimbursement in the amount of $260.00 has been sent to Mr. Frehammer, Stearns County Environmental Services, for clean-up work performed in the Township during 2016.

County Weed Inspection Report:The weed inspection report received from the County was completed and will be returned to Mr. Dunning, County Weed Inspector.    

Multiple 911 Signs Edom Road/202nd Street:  Dan Plantenberg called the Township with concerns about the location of the 911 signs on 202nd Street. The 911 address signs are as follows: 12800, 12801, 12806 and 12576, all on 202nd Street. At present these four (4) 911 signs are located on one pole at the intersection of Edom Road and 202nd Street. This is approximately ¾ of a mile distance from the furthest property address being 12806.

Clerk Hunt consulted with the County regarding this issue. According to the “Primary Address Ordinance” which includes address signage in section 3, Signs need to be placed near the address points. Supervisor Kuechle to relocate the four (4) 911 signs before the ground freezes.

Clerk Hunt to order 911 sign for Sherman and Judy Minter, 7721 Lakeside Court.

2015 Resurface Project – Final Billing Amount:  The final billing for the 2015 Resurface project was received. The amount due is the retainage that was withheld from the contractor pending approval of projects and final paperwork. The final amount due is $4,642.59. The Board instructed Clerk/Treasurer Hunt not to pay this bill. Finishing work is not yet complete. Hunt to contact Tracey Worzala from Stearns County Highway Department and let her know we will not pay until all the necessary finishing work is complete.

Old Business:

2017 Road Projects/83rd Avenue:  The road counts have been forwarded to Randy Sabart (SEH) per his request and the Township is awaiting a response. Supervisor Loewen to follow up with an email or phone call.

Lakeside Court – Plowing and Grading: Sherman and Judy Minter were present regarding Lakeside Court and the Township taking over the plowing and grading on this road. The Board informed the Minter’s that in order for the Township to accept Lakeside Court as a Township road, the road will need to meet Township specifications. The Township Engineer, Randy Sabart has viewed the road and is concerned about the rocks and the rocky areas of the road. Supervisor Loewen to speak with Richard Eckman about paying the cost to do two borings on Lakeside Court. The Township will pick up the boring costs for the road in between Lakeside Court and the tar. Two Borings will be needed for this area. Once the boring results are received the Township will assess what needs to be done going forward.

Roads Standards Ordinance/Policy: Deputy Clerk Robinson will prepare a revised draft document for Board review prior to the December meeting.

There being no further business, motion by Supervisors Kuechle/Loewen to adjourn the Board meeting at 9:30 p.m. All in favor, motion carried.

Respectively submitted,

Lori Hunt
Clerk/Treasurer