NORTHERN TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING – Monday, August 24th, 2026. Northern Town Hall, 445 Town Hall Road NW, Bemidji, MN.
PRESENT: Supervisors Jess Frenzel, Gary Barnard, Mike Kelly, Curt Blumhagen, and Rhonda Dockendorf. Administrator Chris Lahn, Road Supervisor Tim Vigen, Treasurer Crystal Peterson, and Clerk Isabelle Schmetzer. See guest book for visitors.
MINUTES – 6:00
Board Member Barnard moved to approve the minutes of the August 10th, 2026, meeting as presented. Board Member Kelly seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
VISTORS:
Attendees expressed concern for lack of action from Northerns attorneys regarding the trailer park clean up. Administrator Lahn has been trying to reach Northerns attorney to resolve these issues but has had no contact.
NEW BUSINESS – 6:07
- Planning Case (Northdale IUPs) – The Planning Commission reviewed Interim Use Permit applications from Mathew Goede and Bryan Norten to operate boat repair and service businesses in Units 1 and 4, respectively, at Northtown Storage, 710 Louise Lane NW, PIN 31.02144.01. The Planning Commission approved the permits with conditions requiring any repair work that occurs outdoors to not drain into natural areas; boats to be parked and stored only in approved areas; the parking agreement to remain in effect; and compliance with zoning, environmental, fire, and other applicable requirements. The Board agreed with the Planning Commission’s recommendations and emphasized protecting green spaces. The Board approved both permits, with motions by Board Member Dockendorf and seconds by Board Members Blumhagen and Barnard.
2) Administrator Contract Update – Administrator Lahn’s contract was reviewed in a special board meeting at 1 pm earlier that day. See previous minutes for details of the meeting. Board decided that Board Member Kelly, along with either Board Member Blumhagen or Chairman Frenzel, would sit down with Administrator Lahn to review his contract on September 18th or 19th.
3) LMCIT Insurance Agent – As Northern Township transitions to the City of Northern, the League of Minnesota Cities invited Northern to join for an annual fee of approximately $5,000. The Board unanimously agreed that joining the LMC would serve Northern’s best interests by providing general resources and insurance support. The Board directed staff to look for a local insurance liaison to work with Northern and the LMC.
4) Clerk Schmetzer was also approved to attend Clerk Academy in Staples, MN, from September 10th through 11th, at a registration cost of $250.
4) After-the-Fact Land Use Permit Fee Discussion – Northern Township currently charges triple the standard fee when a required land use permit is obtained after work or land use has begun. Staff felt this penalty was too severe for violations resulting from honest mistakes and recommended using Hubbard County’s requirements as a model. The Board decided to revise the fee policy. If a land use permit requirement is violated, the offending party will receive a one-time $50 fee and a warning to submit a permit application. If the application is submitted within five business days, no additional penalties will apply. If no application is submitted within five business days, the party will be charged triple the permit fee. The Board unanimously approved the change, with a motion by Board Member Kelly and a second by Board Member Blumhagen.
ADMINISTRATORS REPORT:
ROAD REPORT:
Road Supervisor Vigen reported that Catch Basin needs to be cleaned. The project is estimated to take 8 hours with a bill of $3,600 for all 7 to be cleaned. Board unanimously approved.
Road Supervisor Vigen reported that four loads of gravel need to be hauled and bladed on Larch Lane to Old Highway 71. He hoped to haul the loads from Fitzgerald with a cost of $1,700 plus blading. Chairman Frenzel planned to investigate if Fitzgerald has any gravel to haul.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Jean Floura-Chambers sent a letter thanking Northern for the beautiful flowers sent to former Board Member Clark’s celebration of a life well lived ceremony.
OTHER:
Board Member Dockendorf brought up a discussion about reverting to the old state flag.
Board Member Kelly brought concerns for the CUP for Bemidji Iron. He wants to ensure that the permit application includes the businesses plan for retail.
Board Member Kelly further inquired about the County purchases of land with concerns of rezoning.
Board Member Kelly also brought up Waville Sewer System rate direction. These rates will be presented at the September 14th meeting.
Next Meeting – The next regular meeting will be held Monday, September 14th.
With no further business forthcoming, the regular meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. with a motion from Board Member Dockendorf and a second from Board Member Barnard.
Respectfully submitted: Approve:
__________________________ _____________________________
Isabelle Schmetzer, Clerk Jess Frenzel, Chairman