October 20, 2009

The October 20, 2009 Board of Supervisors’ Meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairman Jim Janssen at 7:00PM at the Crane Lake Chapel Fellowship Hall with the Pledge of Allegiance recited by those in attendance including: Supervisors Jim Janssen and Butch Eggen, Treasurer Terrie Hoff, Clerk Jo Ann Pohlman, a reporter from the Voyageur Sentinel, ten members of the community and seven visitors. Supervisor Jerry Pohlman was absent.

Vice-Chairman Jim Janssen advised those present that there would be an informational presentation about the ISD 2142 Referendum and turned the meeting over to St. Louis County School Superintendent Charles Rick who introduced Board Members Darrell Bjerklie and Gary Rantala. The group explained the need for change because of declining enrollment, finances and deteriorating school buildings. Their goals were presented as providing quality education for the students, financial sustainability and saving the District. Property taxes were discussed. Reorganization of bus routes would keep student travel time close to what it is now. New vans would be purchased to transport smaller groups to the schools from the far reaching areas. The presenters answered questions from the audience.

Following a short break, Jim introduced Julie Kennedy, Civil Engineer with SEH, Inc who was present to provide information on the Namakan Basin Sanitary Sewer Initiative. The Initiative’s goal is to provide a comprehensive sanitary sewage treatment system for the areas surrounding Voyageurs National Park to address increasingly critical water quality issues effecting the ecology of the nation’s only water based national park. She explained that the Board’s purpose was for planning, including the raising of funds. The area they encompass is the Crane Lake Water & Sanitary District, Kabetogama Township and Ash River. The Board is comprised of a representative from each area plus Commissioners Mike Forsman and Keith Nelson. SEH, Inc provides engineering services to the Board. Ms. Kennedy, working with the St. Louis County Environmental Services Department, is compiling data base information to complete surveys to be mailed to individuals in those areas in October. The survey letters are to determine what is needed in each area to facilitate the planning process. Ms. Kennedy answered questions from the audience.

BUSINESS MEETING – 9:30PM

Additions to the Agenda: There were none.

Minutes – A motion was made by Butch, supported by Jim, to approve the minutes of the 9/8/09 Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. Butch and Jim voted in favor and the motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report – Terrie read the September Cash Balances and presented the bills as follows: Robert Scott - $109.10; St. Louis County Auditor - $57.00; Voyagaire Lodge & Houseboats - $400.00; Betty Corcoran - $576.00; CLVFD Relief Association - $3,104.00; CLVTB - $18,830.08; IRS - $276.89 and Payroll - $384.51. A motion was made by Butch, supported by Jim, to approve the Treasurer’s Report as read and the payment of bills. Butch and Jim voted in favor and the motion carried.

The Clerk presented the correspondence. The correspondence was received as read and will be placed on file and acted upon as required.

OLD BUSINESS

Land Exchange/Community Property Project: Ruth L. Carlson was not present to report. Butch advised that the Sustainable Land Corporation had received the draft Feasibility Analysis compiled by Consultant David Schmidt for review. After review it will be filed with the USFS.

CLWSD Report: CLWSD Chairman Rob Scott reviewed the status of the CLWSD with the Board and others present. He explained that the Namakan Basin JPB will need to factor in old as well as new systems in their planning. He also stated that each area will remain independent. The District is currently completing corrective action related to the freezing of last winter and will next address infiltration at individual tanks.

Culvert: There has been no news on the culvert.

Speed Hump Review: A letter was received by the Township from Victor Lund with a review of the speed humps placed on Gold Coast Road. Mr. Lund stated the County’s summary that the St. Louis County Public Works Department would not allow the installation of additional speed humps nor allow the spacing to change.

Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Minutes – October 20, 2009

OLD BUSINESS (Cont.)

School Board Referendum: Jim made a correction to the 9/8/09 minutes: New Business, School Board Referendum, motion should read: A motion was made by Jerry, supported by Jim to adopt a resolution in support of the referendum but opposing the site selection. A motion was made by Jim, supported by Butch to support the ISD 2142 School Board Referendum. Jim and Butch voted in favor and the motion carried.

Namakan Hydroelectric Project: Letters will be sent to State Representative Dill, State Senator Bakk, U.S. Representative Oberstar and U.S. Senators Klobuchar and Franken advising them of the Project on the Namakan River, its effect on this area, and referring them to the opeg.ca website with a simulation of the proposed construction on the river for further information.

NEW BUSINESS

Local Board of Appeal & Equalization Training: Jim will register for the training to be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 from 5:30PM to 8:30PM at the Cotton Town Hall.

CLWSD Board Appointments: A notice will be placed in the Voyageur Sentinel and will be posted for the vacancy on the CLWSD Board of Managers. The Town Board of Supervisors will vote on any applications received at their November Board of Supervisors’ meeting.

Other New Business: There was none.

Comments from Officers: Butch commented on the two great informational presentations. He then asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of the loss of three very influential members of our community – Goldie Pohlman, Mike White and Bill Arthur.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Rob Scott stated that the CLWSD would welcome any positive or negative comments on the current issues facing that Board.

Next Meeting: Board of Supervisors’ Meeting, November 10, 2009 – 7:30PM, Fellowship Hall

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30PM.

Jo Ann Pohlman, Clerk Jim Janssen, Vice-Chairman

This draft of the Crane Lake Township minutes has been posted solely for preliminary informational purposes. Minutes are unofficial and subject to change until they have been approved by the Crane Lake Board of Supervisors.