Members of Palmer Twp. met last week to discuss a plat approval, variances, a road vacation, tree trimming and a cable TV request, amongst the regular monthly agenda items.

 

Judy Wipper requested to separate five acres from her 40-acre parcel to sell to her daughter.

 

Wipper is planning on putting a modular home on the 35 acres separated from the 40-acre parcel. In reviewing the plans, the supervisors did not forsee any issues.  

 

Supervisor Steve Demeules made a motion to send positive comment to the Sherburne County Board.  Supervisor Larson seconded and motion carried. 

 

Variance Request/Road/Lot Set Back

In reviewing the plans for the addition of a detached garage for Harold Anderson at 11277 42nd St SE, there were no issues noted. In reviewing the plans for the addition of a detached garage at the same property, there were no issues noted. Supervisor Demeules made a motion to send positive comment to the Sherburne County Board.  Chairman Ganz seconded and motion carried.

 

Lonnie Suckert lives in Brookside Park on the curve of 42nd Street.  He said 42nd Street was changed to a curve and the initial road was vacated in 1987.  

 

Suckert appeared before the board to request a license agreement for lots 0130 - 0160 to provide access to their own land with the agreement that there will be no parking vehicles on the access. He also requested the access road be closed to the public.  

 

Attorney David Meyer  said he will contact lot owners by letter informing them of the license agreement recommendation.

 

The board reviewed a letter from Robert Clifford Jr., who is requesting that Midco provide him with cable TV.  

 

Clifford was told Midco was a provider in Palmer Twp. but was unable to provide service to his residence because of the fact he is more than 1,000 feet from a Midco hookup.  

 

Clifford is asking Palmer Twp. to get involved as the governing body.

 

After discussion, the attorney advised Palmer Twp. to decline involvement as this is a conflict between the home owner and a business.

 

Tree Trimming/Brushing

The board received a letter requesting tree trimming and brushing along the road right of ways in the Cedar Point neighborhood.

 

Supervisor Richard Larson drove through Cedar Point and noted what needed to be done.  Larson will get a bid from All Four Season's Tree Service for brushing in Cedar Point.  A letter will be sent to the Cedar Point residents informing them when the trimming will be done.

 

Mitch Hoefer reported he will replace stolen/damaged signs.  

 

Hoefer said he trimmed all 911 signs along the lake and around the Cedar Point sign.  It was recommended to put a reminder note on the website for residents to keep their 911 signs clear of brush in case of emergency. Supervisor Larson requested the brushing be done before school buses start their routes in September.

 

Connexus Energy requested a utility permit to put an electrical wire under the road right of way around Lake Julia. Larson requested a tree stump — which is in the path of the proposed wire — be removed prior to placing the new electrical wire.  

 

Demeules reported that a new contract has been drafted for the Clear Lake Fire Dept.  

 

There continues to be discussion about the tax base.  Attorney Meyer will review the proposed contract.

 

Captain Colleen Knafla reported that there were 10 calls in Palmer Twp. from July 1 to Aug. 14.  Nine were  medical and one was an automobile accident.

 

Roger Johnson turned in the paperwork for the Earth Day reimbursement but has not yet received the funds.  

 

Hoefer reported the roof on the candy shack will need to be replaced next spring.  He is estimating around $2,000 for asphalt shingles.  Hoefer also reported that the tennis court posts have been freezing and lifting up each year which will also need to be addressed in the near future.

 

Harry Ernzer provided a picture of the proposed playground equipment. It is currently on sale through the end of 2017 for $35,000.  Ernzer will bring this up for discussion with the Clear Lake Lions.  

 

Ernzer reported he has had positive feedback from residents on the new sidewalk around the playground.

 

There was a question on when the township removes the porta-pottys at the park for the winter.  It was noted the township goes down to one unit after Palmer Day. For cost savings, it was recommended that township crews remove the handicapped porta-potty and leave the regular porta-potty in place. 

 

Demeules reported that the milfoil on Rush Lake has been picked and treated but is still spreading.

 

Treasurer Johnson read the balances from the treasurer's report. Larson made a motion to approve the report.  Demeules seconded the motion.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Captain Bob Stangler reported there were 114 calls for service for the month of June in 2017 compared to 142 in 2016 and 138 in 2015.  Of those 114 calls, 48 were traffic stops and 15 offenses charged by citation.  There were no burglaries, no thefts, one crash with injury and no crashes with property damage.

 

Over the 4th of July holiday there were 17 warnings for lake compliance.  There was one complaint for shooting noise, one parking violation and no DUI.

 

Captain Stangler reported the public be aware of a scam from Publisher’s Clearing House.  He warns that you should never accept a prize for a fee.

 

Hoefer reported to the sheriff that last week, three township signs were purposely damaged and removed from their location.  

 

The next Palmer Twp. Board meeting is Sept. 11 at 7 p.m.