During their May meeting, Palmer Twp. Chairman Mike Ganz informed the board he had met with members of the Clear Lake Lions at Palmer Park and came up with an area by the shuffle board courts to build a shelter for the beer wagon on Palmer Day.
A motion carried approving the shelter.
Road Report
John Herbst reported pot holes are being filled and the 13th Ave. repair has been completed. Replacement of the 109th culvert is on schedule.
Char Langowski approached the board to inquire about 114th Ave. Due to new construction on the road heavy trucks have been using it to bring in construction materials and she’s concerned about possible damage. She inquired as to who will be paying for any needed road repair.
The board recommended Progressive Builders be contacted to restrict overweight trucks from traveling 114th Ave. Captain Stangler indicated he will contact Deputy Cole Petroske regarding monitoring the area for weight restriction violations.
Park Report
Mitch Hoefer informed the board the backflow preventer at the fire hall needs to be serviced once a year, he’s received two bids of $150 and $170.
He asked the board what can be done when people disregard the sign at the park stating no dogs, golf carts or 4-wheelers allowed. After a brief discussion, the board recommended the violators be reminded of the park rules and asked to leave.
Hoefer also inquired if there was a policy on bringing in personal grills when renting the park. The board recommended a statement be added to the application packet reminding renters to keep grills at least 15 feet away from the pavilion.
A list of park equipment that will need to be replaced was presented to the board.
Palmer Ball will begin in June.
New Business
Ron Koren requested variance requests for a five-foot side property line septic upgrade and a 16” setback from OHWL of Rush Lake for septic upgrade. A failed septic needs to be upgraded, the drain field won’t be moved.
A motion carried to send favorable comments to Sherburne Co. for both requests based on possible health and water quality issues.
Utility companies working in the area have requested to buy water from the fire hall well pump. The township has allowed the purchase in the past but is concerned about overuse of the well pump.
Twp. Attorney David Meyers informed the board they can decide the issue on a case by case basis, the township isn’t obligated to provide the service.
A motion carried to write a letter to the utility companies stating the township will no longer be providing water service or parking privileges at the township/fire hall.
A motion carried to approve the cost share for the Co. Road 6 repair with Sherburne Co. for $14,000. There is currently a drainage issue which requires drain sewers, curb and gutter and a concrete valley to alleviate.
Other Business
Earth Day was held on May 4; 202 participants brought in two and a half tons of electronics and 52 appliances.
The Lake Assoc. reported the weed surveys have been done; curly leaf pond weed is slow in growing due to the time of ice out this spring.
A motion carried approving the purchase of a new town hall projector for under $1,000, the old projector is no longer working.
The sheriff reported 60 calls for service for April, including 12 traffic, one crash with property damage and one property damage in the bar bathroom.
Fire Chief Ron Koren reported nine calls for Palmer Twp. in April, including six medical, two gas leaks and one arching pole.
The next Palmer Twp. meeting will be June 10 at 7 p.m.
