NORTHERN TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS – Monday, May 23, 2022. 6:00 p.m. Northern Town Hall, 445 Town Hall Road NW, Bemidji, MN.
PRESENT: Chairman Jess Frenzel, and Supervisors Chris Lahn, Curt Blumhagen, Mike Kelly and Gary Barnard. Road Supervisor Tim Vigen, and Clerk Mary Israelson. See sign-in sheet for guests.
MINUTES: A motion was offered by Kelly, and seconded by Blumhagen, to approve the minutes of the May 9, 2022, meeting as presented. The motion carried unanimously.
VISTORS:
Terry Mattson, with Let’s Go Fishing, was present asking the Board to consider their group again for a donation. They have added a phone service this year. Last summer they took about 150-180 people out on the pontoon, but ended the season short due to the low water. They usually serve as many as 450 people a summer. The Board asked that Contributions be put on the Agenda for the next meeting.
Al Snider, 7016 Birchmont Court, would like the Board to consider the vacation of an old platted road area adjacent to his property, and has a Petition for it. It is not in use as a road, but the Board would like to take a look at it in case it might be needed for potential sewer/water extension use. They agreed to let Snider know their thoughts regarding this within 30 days, and he agreed to hold presentation of the Petition until that time.
Karrie Nelson, owner of Ruttger’s Resort, was present to discuss the status of her need to bring her wastewater treatment system into compliance for the resort. Frenzel updated her on the township’s requests for funding through the state and federal legislature for the sewer/water infrastructure that would provide the service, contingent on a suitable agreement with the City of Bemidji. Nelson reported that she has until November to provide the MPCA with a plan, and is using holding tanks for the time being. All agreed that a proper solution to this matter is important to Lake Bemidji and the entire area.
ROAD REPORT:
Crack Filling – Vigen reported that this would should be done soon.
S. Movil Lake Road – There are a couple areas cracking that are in need of repair. One near the centerline drain pipe repaired last year, now on the other side of the road.
Gravel – Raspberry Court is in need of re-gravel. It has also been requested for the road connecting Whitetail Road to Lavinia Road (Beach and Wild Plum).
Tree Removal – There were quite a few trees blown down in a recent wind storm, that Vigen took care of.
Elliot Road – A chip seal application will be discussed at the joint LGU meeting, that would be a shared expense with the City of Bemidji.
Mark Fuller, was present to give updates on a few matters:
North Lake Bemidji Utilities – Fuller indicated that the Topo Survey for Phase I of the potential project would be $16,400.00, with the next call in line being for survey services.
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Fairgrounds Road/Northdale Oil – Fuller provided some plans for potential ideas for re-configuring some of the roadway areas around the Northdale properties. Another meeting with the owners will need to be held to go over these ideas.
Tavistock/S. Movil Lake Road – Fuller reported that he has talked with property owner Kath Molitor and they have come to an agreement regarding removal of trees along her property that are in the road ROW, and also the storage of reclaim materials on her property that will save money on the project. There are approximately 29 trees that need to come down and there will be 150’ of curb/gutter where the proper ditching is not possible. The plans will be available for contractors on June 2nd, and the bid opening on Thursday, June 23rd. Final completion of this construction phase of the project is November 1, 2022.
Centerpoint Court – The approach will be blacktopped, as requested by the road maintenance contractor, and the Northern Rides property owner will pay to have the blacktop extend to his businesses entrances. Fuller wanted it noted that a crack will form where the gravel transitions – it is not preventable. Vigen will work with Johnson Construction to prepare for the blacktop, with the prep work being a township expense.
JOINT PLANNING BOARD (JPB) REPORT:
The cases reviewed at the recent meeting were easy. There was a report given by the Enforcement Officer, and Frenzel indicated that he will be meeting with Jamin, the GBAJPB Planning Director, to talk a bit about the enforcement position as it relates to Northern Township. The joint LGU meeting is scheduled for June 15th, and the Agenda is being developed. It was suggested that the Planning Director be asked to attend one of our board meetings on some kind of routine basis.
TOWNSHIP PROPERTY:
Garage – The existing storage building was cleaned out last week, and a storage unit was rented. There were 1.5 loads taken to storage, and a couple loads to the solid waste facility. The existing building is scheduled to be moved June 1st. Johnson Construction will be clearing and prepping the site, that will include removal of some trees and old snow fence. A land use permit will be needed.
CORRESPONDENCE:
1) Bemidji Regional Airport Zoning Board, 2) notice from DNR that burning restrictions are ending today and permits can be issued, 3) invite to the Landowner Appreciation Dinner hosted by the North Country Snowmobile Club on June 11th, 4) Membership Cards for each Supervisor from the Minnesota Association of Townships (MAT), 5) request for Stop Sign at intersection of North Country Land and North Country Circle, 6) request to coordinate crack fill work with Ten Lake Township and Eckles Township, 7) storage unit documents from Blue Ox Storage, 8) Master Shield Vehicle Protection information.
Airport Board – There are still several Northern Township parcels in the Airport Zoning area. Lahn would like to know a bit more about this request, like how often and what time of day this group would be meeting, before making a commitment to it.
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Stop Sign – This will be looked at during the Road Tour next Monday.
OTHER:
Pickup Truck – The new truck is here. Master Shield Vehicle Protection is being offered for $799.00, to protect against rust and provide other surface protections. A motion was offered by Barnard, and seconded by Blumhagen, to approve the protection application. The motion carried unanimously. A check for the new pickup, with the trade-in of the old pickup, totals $45,168.21.
Sewer/water Extension – There has been no word from the legislature, whose session has now ended. It appears that a special session would be needed in order to finish some of their business that includes our request for this project.
Lake Movil Access – Joel Johnson reported that the ice had buckled the blacktop a bit at this access, so it needed to be dug out and rock was put back down.
With no further business forthcoming, the meeting was adjourned at 8:36 p.m.