NORTHERN TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS – February12, 2024, Northern Town Hall, 445 Town Hall Rd NW, Bemidji, MN
PRESENT: Supervisors: Gary Barnard, Mike Kelly, Jess Frenzel, Chris Lahn, Curt Blumhagen (virtually), Road Supervisor: Tim Vigen, Treasurer: Crystal Peterson, Deputy Clerk: Dianne Dockendorf. See guest book for visitors.
VISITORS: Wayne Coombs – asked for information regarding the final disbursement from JPB. Frenzel outlined that 4th quarter dues were suspended and after the bills were paid, the remaining funds were returned to the township.
MINUTES: Kelly moved to approve the minutes for the January 22, 2024 meeting, seconded by Barnard. Motion carried unanimously. Motion was made by Kelly to approve minutes of the February 8, 2024 meeting, seconded by Lahn. Motion carried unanimously.
ROAD REPORT: Vigen reported that due to the mild winter, there has been very little road maintenance required. He will be pursuing cost projections for roads needing gravel this spring. Werner Road is the last road in the northwestern area of the township that is not currently paved. Mark Fuller, of Freeberg and Grund, will be asked to review and give a cost estimate for road compliance and improvement. Due to the activity level on Werner road at this time, it is not eligible for LRIP (Local Road Improvement Program) funding.
RURAL FIRE ASSOCIATION (RFA) REPORT: RFA held their annual meeting on January 25, 2024. Kelly reported that officers have been established with Milender as Chair, Hicks as secretary and Kelly as treasurer. The association will host a presentation at Northern Town Hall on February 22, 2024. No business will be conducted but a review of case loads and other information will be available. Open to the public to attend.
ADMINISTRATOR REPORT: A letter drafted to the DNR regarding School Trust Lands-Section 36 is scheduled to be sent by February 27, 2024.
Frenzel will be visiting with Rep Bliss on February 20, 2024 and with Rep Grossell within the week as well.
A newsletter will be mailed out to all township residents providing information and invitation to the annual meeting which will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.
TREASURER REPORT:
Bills- Peterson reported that this month’s bills are payable with check numbers 11717-11740, totaling $49,903.82. Larger expenses included: Animal Control for annual dues – $10,600, Johnson Construction for road maintenance and repair – $16,311.25, Freeberg & Grund for various projects- $7022.00 and Advanced Utility Solutions LLC for sewer district expenses – $1750.00. A motion offered by Lahn seconded by Barnard to pay bills as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Treasurer Report- Cash by fund balances as: Revenue – $220,823.99, Road & Bridge – $958,498.44,Other Federal Programs – $189,238.65, Rural Fire – $7665.03, Sewer District Waville – $12,383.55 for a total of $1,388,609.66. A motion was made by Kelly, seconded by Lahn to approve the report. Motion carried unanimously.
Certificates of Deposit- Peterson has compared certificate rates at various local banks and recommends investing in two certificates of deposit at Security Bank USA. One in the amount of $200,000 for 91 days and one in the amount of $200,000 for 30 days at a return of 5% on each. Consensus was given for approval.
Other topics considered were allocation to create a Lake Bemidji Sewer Fund and the proposed budget and levies for 2025.
CORRESPONDENCE:
1) A thank you note from Mike Granlund for the opportunity to serve the township through the JCP appointment.
2) Mike Kelly submitted an update and report on the annual Rural Fire Association meeting.
3) Remittance Advice Report from Beltrami County.
OTHER:
Wild Plum – Lahn visited with resident Tom Hanson regarding a formal request for land needs.
Septic site – Frenzel visited with John Carlson regarding size needs of property for proposed septic project.
No other forthcoming business. Barnard moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:45 pm. Seconded by Lahn. All in favor, motion carried.