The Palmer Twp. Board met last week and as is usually the case, they reviewed several roadway issues within the township.

Supervisor Steve Demeules reported a possible road hazard in the Cedar Point development, as well as a sign post that is leaning over between 115th and 49th Streets.  Chairman Mike Ganz volunteered to take a look at both of the concerns and arrange possible fixes as needed.  

Ganz also noted that a resident on Lake Julia had called with a question about a large tree that lies close to a property line, power lines and the roadway right of way.  The power company has taken a look at the tree and is not concerned with it interfering with the lines so they will not be dealing with the issue.  Because the tree is not within the actual right of way, Palmer Township is also not responsible for the tree.  The homeowner will be contacted and advised of the current status of the issue.

Another citizen concern was reviewed, this one concerning a parcel on 54th St. and property access questions that have come up since the road was reconstructed.  Because the road was built according to state specifications, the township cannot add an additional access to the property.  

While looking to next year’s roadway maintenance schedule, the crack filling and seal coating of the town hall parking lot will be a top priority.  Ganz already received one quote and will seek another in the spring.

The board spent time reviewing the contract with Herbst Excavating for snowplowing township roads for the upcoming winter season.  The board agreed it was reasonable and within the budget so the contract was unanimously approved.

Next, Fire Chief Ron Koren presented the fire department report covering Oct. 12 through Nov. 9.  Twenty calls were made in total, including eight in Palmer Twp. with five being medical, and one each for a roll over accident, arcing power line and missing person.  Koren also reported on a training exercise featuring a house burn in Palmer Twp.

Treasurer Roger Johnson reported that they received over $8,000 from a Sherburne County SCORE grant, leaving the township responsible for less than $4,000 for clean up day.

In the discussion about Palmer Park, Ganz reported that all winterizations have been done and the park is ready for the winter season.  Johnson recommended researching the replacement of the tennis courts over the winter so this can be addressed promptly in the spring.

Demeules next reported on the Lake Association and it was determined that the Lighted Train on the Chain is scheduled for Dec. 5 and the Ice Day is scheduled for Feb. 6.

In CARES act final action, the board issued the $11,500 check to the fire department for turnout gear and the final approximately $19,000 in funds were donated to Sherburne County.

In zoning business, the board reviewed the plans presented by Morris Matthews for the addition of a second story to his garage on 42nd St.  The board approved several comments to be forwarded to the county, including recommendations regarding the setback variances and the impervious surface percentages for the project.

Finally, Clerk Kelly McCan reported some information about this year’s election.  Pre-registered voters numbered 1,772 individuals, while there were 107 new registrants on election day.  1,263 ballots were cast at the Palmer Twp. precinct on election day.