The Palmer Board met Monday evening and discussed several agenda items relating to the lakes in the township.

Walt Munsterman appeared before the board and shared the results of last year’s water quality testing from Elk, Briggs, Julia and Rush Lakes.  He informed them that he will again be coordinating the testing in the summer of 2021 and that the Briggs Lake Chain Association (BLCA) is looking for a few more volunteers to help with sample collection.

The report was comprehensive, listing sample dates and trend data, as well as information on Secchi Disk readings, which help to measure water clarity.

“We must remember that it has taken many years for the lakes to deteriorate to the point of being placed on the impaired waters list and it will take many years to get it off of this list,” reads a portion of Munsterman’s written report that was distributed to the supervisors.  “But with property owners and interested persons such as you, the Town Board Members, working together will make the task easier.”

The testing has been conducted by volunteers since 2006 and shows slight, but steady improvements to several of the categories.  Total Phosphorous, water clarity and Chlorophyll-a are some of the areas tested, and Munsterman also explained the relationships between some of the categories.

For example, if the Total Phosphorous levels increase in a lake, the clarity becomes less and there will also be a higher level of Chlorophyll-a because of the resulting algae blooms.

“By continuing to do different types of conservation projects such as shoreline re-vegetation, rain gardens, upgrading septic systems, non-use of fertilizers on the lawns and other practices, we will slowly improve the quality of the lakes,” states the report.

Munsterman mentioned several conditions that can have an impact on the quality of water in the lakes, including spring flooding and use of Wake Boats on the waterways.  An ongoing study at the University of Minnesota is looking at the shoreline and lake bottom degradation that are occurring on lakes as a result of the use of these specialized boats. 

The supervisors thanked him for the report, as well as all of the volunteers involved in the ongoing project.

Lakes

In other lake related news, Supervisor Steve Demeules reported that he will be attending an invitation only meeting soon with the SWCD to explore the Golden Clam infestation on Briggs Lake.  Because this is a relatively new invasive species to the lake, the consequences of the infestation are not well known.  

In addition, Demeules announced that there will be nearly 600 hours of boat inspections dedicated to the four lakes this summer.  The BLCA awarded some funds to help in the effort and some grant funding was also secured.  The effort will be staffed by DNR certified inspectors from Water Guards and will be focused on high boat traffic times on the lakes.

Finally, the BLCA has been united in its efforts in being recognized as a key stakeholder in the ongoing discussions relating to a Sherburne County proposal to establish a regional park along the shores of Elk Lake.

Pothole Season

Chariman Mike Ganz initiated discussion on getting ready for pothole season by suggesting the township build a “tar box” on an existing township owned trailer to store the materials necessary for the road repairs.  The general consensus was to start preparing now rather than wait until the warmer temperatures come forth and lead to the car wrecking craters.

Demeules offered to get together with Ganz and look at designs for a structure and then order the necessary materials needed to fabricate the apparatus.

Parks

Ganz has been working with legal counsel on the issue of creating an ordinance to codify the rules at Palmer Park, as well as other rules that the township might have on the books. Basically, the idea is that if the rules are adopted under the umbrella of an ordinance, there are enforcement options for the Sheriff’s Office to pursue when people violate those rules.  The board unanimously approved a motion to establish the ordinance, as it will envelop all of the current rules that have been adopted by the board in the past.  

In other park news, the cross country ski trails in the park have been groomed, as well as the trails on Briggs and Julia lakes.  Judging by the amount of ski tracks visible, the supervisors surmised that they were getting decent use by citizens.  In a lighthearted moment, Ganz even informed the board that he had given the sport a try and he reported a “controlled fall” as being the result of his first trip down a hill.  He humorously suggested that other beginners stick to the flat parts of the trails rather than trying the inclines on the first time out.

Sheriff/Fire

Commander Bob Stangler of the Sheriff’s Office was on hand to recount the 67 calls for service in January within the township, compared to 60 calls during the same period a year ago.

Most of the contacts were traffic stops, as there were no burglaries or other serious crimes reported. 

Chief Ron Koren of the Clear Lake Fire Department reported on his department’s 18 calls for service, including 5 within the township. 

The board will meet next at its annual meeting on March 9th, immediately following the township election.