After nearly a year of legal wrangling, numerous meetings and several revisions, the Palmer Twp. supervisors adopted a high water ordinance Monday evening that aims to protect the shorelines of lakes that lie entirely within the township’s borders.
“It took almost a year and we were asked to re-write portions of the ordinance, but we have something now that’s enforceable in court,” Chairman Mike Ganz said. “This water surface use ordinance will be enforced by the Sheriff’s Office and will include Lake Julia, Briggs and Rush lakes.”
The current ordinance had been in place for approximately 25 years, but there were concerns voiced by county personnel regarding the legality of the enforcement actions that could be taken and ultimately prosecuted by the County Attorney’s Office. The new revisions, which have been reviewed by the township’s legal representation as well as officials at Sherburne County, should remove any ambiguity and will allow for better protection of the lakes’ shorelines during high water events.
A gauge will be located on Briggs Lake and Sherburne County Public Works staff will calibrate it each year. Each time the high water mark is eclipsed, it will trigger the “no wake” declaration, which will be noticed with postings on social media, as well as at Town Hall and all the public water accesses.
Ganz noted that the ordinance does not apply to Elk Lake, as that lake is not entirely within the Township’s borders.
Several residents in attendance noted that for the ordinance to function properly, enforcement actions will need to be taken on offenders.
“I fully expect that there will be enforcement,” responded Supervisor Steve Demeules.
ARPA
ARPA funding was another topic on the agenda, with Demeules sharing the news that the expenditure guidelines have been loosened on these funds. He joked that the Federal government actually came up with an easy alternative for the accounting of the funds and will allow for a transfer of the money to the general fund to be used on areas such as the paving or maintenance of roads.
The rule allows for a transfer of ARPA funds to the “lost revenue replacement” category and the board unanimously approved a motion to such effect. However, they decided to keep a separate accounting of the money just in case the Federal government changes its tune in the future.
Ganz detailed the security camera estimate he received from Security and Sound Co., while noting he will be obtaining another quote in the near future. He is also working on a quote that would bolster the security capabilities at Palmer Park.
In Other Business, the Board:
• Heard from Sgt. Andy Ochs regarding the January 2022 SCSO calls for service, which totaled 79, including 19 traffic stops. Several residents attending the meeting discussed parking issues with Ochs, including on 114th and 115th Streets, as well as 42nd near a new home being constructed;
• Again discussed issues with residents plowing snow across township roads and the resulting damage and danger it can cause on the roadway. Residents could be given an informational sheet outlining the statute, otherwise citations could also be issued with the offenders being financially responsible for any damage that occurs as a result of their unlawful actions;
• Directed Treasurer Roger Johnson to explore May 7 as a possible date for Palmer Clean-Up Day;
• Heard an update on the cross country ski trails at Palmer Park and discussed the possibility of DNR grant funding for future park improvements;
• Heard from Fire Chief Ron Koren about his department’s 18 calls for service last month, which included five medicals and one fire in Palmer;
• Listened to an update from Demeules on the BLCA’s and TLID’s efforts on the lakes, including a DNR grant received for weed spraying. PLM, of Brainerd, is the new contractor being used for weed control and they have a plan to reduce the amount of spraying needed within three to five years. Demeules also shared a reminder that shoreline work needs a permit from the county, while application of chemicals or removal of live vegetation needs a DNR permit;
• Held a discussion with residents about the amount of litter and feces that is being left on the ice by people (and pets) who are “ice camping” on the lakes. Discussion was had about what can be done about the issue, and enforcement actions that need to happen to stop this grotesque practice that highlights the complete lack of humanity exhibited by these offenders and their nasty behavior;
• Listened to an update from Demeules, who detailed the phase one environmental assessment that will be completed soon on the “Wipper Pit”. Once this is complete, the board is planning to convene a public hearing to gather input regarding the possible acquisition of the parcel for the establishment of a yard waster transfer station.
• Approved election judges for this year’s township election, which will be held at Town Hall March 8 from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., with the Annual Meeting to follow at 8:05 p.m.
