The Palmer Twp. Board met Monday evening and discussed several roadway concerns, including vehicle speeds near Palmer Park.
Chairman Mike Ganz reported that he has been working with County Administrator Bruce Messelt on a few transportation related issues within the township and as a result he was bringing forward a request for a speed study on Co. Rd. 6.
Currently, the speed limit is lowered after people pass the park and are already into town, whereas the consensus of the board is to have it lower before people arrive to the entrance to the park.
To that end, the board unanimously approved resolution 20-25 which requests a formal speed study by Sherburne County with the hope that it will meet MnDOT criteria to extend the lower speed limit in the area of 47-1/2 St. to 42nd St.
Ganz then reported that he has been working with commissioner Felix Schmiesing to propose safety enhancements for the CSAH 20 and CSAH 3 intersection, and he is hopeful for a favorable resolution in the near future that may include the installation of LED stop signs.
Next, township resident John Schnell appeared before the board, asking for some additional maintenance on 109th Street. With the construction of a new home in the area, the truck traffic has created some ruts in a low spot of the roadway. The board responded that it does plan to address the area and it will most likely include raising the roadway and installing a ditch area for the water to collect. Supervisor Steve Demeules pointed out that the township included those findings when it commented on the original permit application.
Several culvert locations in the township were discussed and Supervisor Richard Larson will work with the township contractor to ensure that these are reviewed in the spring of the year with asphalt most likely being placed over them.
Larson also joked that he has not had any complaints yet this year regarding snow plowing, an obvious reference to the lack of snowfall.
Sheriff’s/Fire Report
Ganz reviewed the activity report for the month of November, which reflected 52 calls for service, a decrease of 13 from a year ago. Traffic complaints continued to lead the pack in numbers of calls, as the report was sprinkled with suspicious activity, an ATV complaint and one report of unapproved parking. In a positive note, there were no reports of personal injuries, burglaries or thefts.
Fire Chief Ron Koren updated the board on his department’s activity which included four medical calls within the township.
In addition, four new ice rescue suits were brought into service by the department as the current ones were getting old and one had to be discarded. The board mused that despite their wishes to the contrary, the suits could soon be needed if people continue to try and use the thin ice for recreational activities.
In personnel news, Koren indicated that two new firefighters, one for each station, had been hired and will start after the first of the year.
Parks and Lakes
The board reviewed a list of the rules that govern activities at Palmer Park and discussed reviewing them at a future meeting to assess the need for potential local ordinances that could be easier to enforce. This will be an agenda item for an upcoming meeting.
Demeules explained to the board that there was no lake association meeting this month, but the privately run Train on the Chain was again a success.
Final Actions
In their final actions of 2020, the board designated members for the County’s Planning Advisory Board and also set the polling location for 2021.
Ganz nominated Demeules to continue as the planning board representative and Demeules in turn nominated Ganz to be the alternate. The motion passed unanimously.
Clerk Kelly McCann then asked the board to consider a resolution naming the town hall as the polling location for all 2021 elections. The state now requires each unit of local government to designate polling places on a yearly basis. The board concurred with McCann and passed a motion reflecting her wishes before adjourning their final meeting of 2020.
