There were several variance requests on the agenda August 10 when the Palmer Township Board held its monthly meeting. After reviewing each request, the board approved sending favorable comment to Sherburne County where the final decision will be made.
Richard Vosika was requesting a five foot Right of Way setback to upgrade his septic system, while Kent Jorgensen wants to place a portable shed on a concrete slab that has been on his lot since be purchased it eleven years ago. Also receiving a favorable comment was a setback variance for Mark Neimann, who would like to install a larger holding tank on his property.
The board also voiced its approval to James and Charlene Langowski who are requesting a CUP to build a personal storage structure on the property they recently purchased across the street from their residence.
Sheriff, Fire Report
Captain Bob Stangler presented the statistic report for July, which showed 83 calls for service, approximately half the call load of 2019. Included in the calls were 14 boating complaints and 15 traffic stops.
Chairman Mike Ganz asked Stangler if extra enforcement could he directed to speeding complaints in the early morning on 42nd street, as well as the new tar that has been placed on 54th street.
Fire Chief Ron Koren provided an update from the Clear Lake Fire Department, which noted 18 total calls during the last service period, including eight in Palmer Township.
Clean Up Day
Palmer will hold its annual clean up day on August 29th with a few covid modifications for this year. A standard fee of $20 will be charged per load, along with having residents unloading their own vehicle and trailers. Volunteers will still be on hand to direct traffic. It was noted that appliances, electronics and hazardous waste will not be accepted at this year’s event.
Trailer Purchase
The board moved ahead with the purchase of a dump trailer that can be used for tar patching, as well as for picking up brush and miscellaneous items that are discarded on township right of way property. The 14 foot trailer from Crawford Equipment will be purchased for $7,778.61.
CARES Act Funding
Supervisor Steve Demeules reported to the board that he attended an informational meeting at the county regarding funding for townships related to the CARES Act. Palmer is eligible to receive $62,000 based on the township’s population and the application has been submitted for the money. Funds must be used by November 15th or they will revert to the county. Treasurer Roger Johnson noted that he has created a new claim form specifically for covid related expenses to help the township track these dollars.
In other news, the board:
• Learned that the second pickle ball court has been striped;
• Heard from Demeules that the new officers were elected at the recent Lake Association meeting;
• Clarified that the supervisor salary increase will apply to any meeting that is advertised, has a quorum and requires minutes;
• Heard an update on the boiler replacement needs, as additional quotes are being sought;
• Listened to Ganz, who read a thank you from library volunteer Donna Schmidt. The board decided to personally acknowledge Schmidt for her dedication in keeping the library up to date and highly organized on a weekly basis.
