Tuesday night marked the annual expression of grassroots politics as townships across Minnesota held their annual meetings.  These gatherings reflect perhaps the most direct form of democracy, as citizens are able to voice their opinions and cast their votes on items such as setting budgets, line item levies and even establishing the bounty for the trapping of pocket gophers.

It’s also the meeting where one lucky resident is asked to serve as moderator for the meeting, and the winners are announced from the township elections.

Here is a smattering of news from the local units of government.

Clear Lake

Larry Seeley again volunteered to serve as moderator for the Clear Lake township meeting and before the business started, he thanked the current town board for getting the new Town Hall built.  From there, Seeley guided the residents through 14 items on the agenda.

The three current supervisors were on hand for the meeting, along with engineer Terrance Vander Eyk, Deputy Clerk Gary Anderson, Treasurer Paul Goenner and three residents.

Reports and statistics were shared, including that the township maintains 31.45 miles of roadways and had total funds on hand at the end of 2020 of $595,392.

Goenner presented the 2020 annual report, as well as the 2022 proposed budget.  Each resident was able to follow along in the packet and see an accounting of every fund distribution, as well as an overview of all revenue and disbursement summaries. 

The Town Hall was built in 2020 and because of favorable bids and other cost saving measures, the township will be able to transfer $100,000 that was earmarked for the building into its road fund to help with construction costs towards the Sherwood Shores project slated for this spring.

The results of the election were announced and a pair of incumbents held their seats, with Bud Stimmler garnering 26 votes and Ross Imholte receiving 24.

Becker

Held at the Becker Legion Hall, Becker Township’s meeting was moderated by current board chair Brian Kolbinger.

Becker Schools Superintendent Jeremy Schmidt presented information regarding the district’s upcoming bond referendum to be held on Tuesday, May 11.

Kolbinger guided residents through the process the board has used to set its budget and detailed efforts that have been made to update the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).  With this document, the board has made significant progress in outlining its long range budgetary planning to address roads and bridges within the township.

He also detailed each of the township’s funds and spoke about revenues and expenditures, including a graph showing the sample taxes paid by a homeowner with a $307,200 home in the township.  The graph showed the taxes collected by Becker Township, Sherburne County and Becker Schools.

Results of the township election were reported, with Joe Danielson winning re-election to seat #4 with 67 votes, while Mark Swanson received 16 votes.  John Vekved received one write-in vote.

Kolbinger won re-election to seat #5 with 78 votes, while John Riebel and Craig Johnson each received one write in vote.

Santiago

In Santiago, current board chair Stuart Nelson acted as moderator and reported approximately 10 residents in attendance at the meeting.

Current Supervisor Jeff Pappenfus retained his seat at this year’s election, while Treasurer Patty Simonsmeier was also re-elected.

Township residents approved the annual budget, which saw a modest increase in the Road and Bridge Fund.

In the past several years, Nelson reports that the township has made investments in a variety of the roadways in the township and residents appear pleased with those efforts.

Palmer

Steve Demeules was re-elected for another 3 year term as Supervisor during the Palmer election.

For the annual meeting, Keith Bragelman served as the moderator and township officials provided information on roads, parks and the proposed budget.

A total of nine township residents were in attendance and they voted 8-1 in favor of a 4% increase in the local tax levy for 2022.