ANNUAL TOWNSHIP MEETING (March 8, 2005)

 

Clerk Colleen Thompson called the meeting to order at 8:10 p.m.  Eighteen persons signed the attendance roster.

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

 

Mark Dubbels made a motion to nominate Joe Vandenheuvel as moderator.  Paul Schluter seconded the motion.  Being no further nominations, a unanimous vote was cast for Joe Vandenheuvel to act as moderator.

 

Colleen read the minutes of the March 9, 2004 Annual Township Meeting.  Charles Rademacher stated his comment in paragraph #9 should read snow plowing is left to be desired.  Joe Vandenheuvel stated a remark he made on the last page should also be changed to “our record keeping is left to be desired.”  Bob Benson made a motion to approve the minutes with corrections.  Mark Dubbels seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

 

In Ken Ebert’s absence, Colleen read the 2004 Treasurer’s Report which covered fund types, account information and investment information. As of January 1, 2004 the township is conducting its finances on the state sanctioned software package called CTAS.  This is a fund based system and the Board determined to use the following beginning balances:  $160k in the building fund, $20k in the fire fund, $150k in the road and bridge fund and the rest in the general fund.  We had receipts for the year of $159,415.20 and disbursements for the year of $159,529.97. 

 

Bob Benson made a motion, seconded by Mark Dubbels to accept the report as read.  Motion carried.

 

Sharon Ebert stated Ken was unable to attend due to sickness.

 

Colleen read the 2005 Proposed Budget Report. 

 

                        Building Fund                           $160.000.00

                        Fire Fund                                     25,000.00

                        Road and Bridge Fund      85,000.00

                        General Fund                                50,000.00

 

No formal road report was given, Dave Garner stated not as much gravel would be spread this year. 

 

Charles Rademacher made a motion to accept the proposed budget.  Mark Anderson seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

 

Dave Garner made a motion to maintain the current levy at $135k.  Mark Dubbels seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

ANNUAL TOWNSHIP MEETING (March 8, 2005 cont.)

 

Bob Benson made a motion to continue with the Cannon Falls Beacon as the official township newspaper.  Mark Dubbels seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

 

Mark Dubbels made a motion to make the bulletin board outside the town hall building the official posting place.  Bob Benson seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

 

Mark Dubbels made a motion to set the date, site and time of next years Annual Meeting for March 14, 2006 at the Stanton Town Hall to start at 8:10 p.m.  Paul Schluter seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

 

Dave Garner stated the maintenance man had been replaced by the Board with Tom Kurtz as a part time maintenance person.

 

Bud Gustafson, representing the Randolph Historical Society spoke about the maintenance needs of their building.  He stated they have not yet replaced the roof and it is scheduled for replacement next year.  They did insulate the building.  He stated they are open the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month from 1-3 p.m. and by appointment.  The basement is free for meetings and there is a kitchen available.  The building is not handicap accessible.  He thanked the township for the $400.00 donation they received last year.  He stated he was here to request a donation for the Randolph Historical Society and they would appreciate any donation amount.

 

Mark Dubbels made a motion to make a one time donation of $500.00 to the Randolph Historical Society and to invite Bud Gustafson to return next year.  Heather Sharp seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

 

Kate Johanningsmeier, representing Cannon Pet Adoption spoke about the work they do with strayed and lost animals and services they provide. Kate handed out a PACV Annual Update showing they provided services for 10 animals in Stanton Township in 2004.  Ms. Johanningsmeier stated they are a no kill shelter. Once again feral cats and host farms were a topic of discussion.  Kate asked for an increased donation of the $200.00 donated last year.  Alan Johanningsmeier made a motion to donate $300.00 to Cannon Pet Adoption.  Heather Sharp seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

 

Charles Rademacher asked about the status of building a new township hall. 

 

Bob Benson stated the road in front of the hall is ours and currently the Board is considering tearing down the old town hall and replacing it with a 30` x 50` building.  An above ground septic would be utilized.

 

 The need to centralize records, the need of an office and the need to hold meetings in a healthy environment and the need to meet Federal Mandates in the HAVA Act requiring us to be handicap accessible to continue to be a polling place were discussed.

 

ANNUAL TOWNSHIP MEETING (March 8, 2005 cont.)

 

Heather Sharp asked if there was a building schedule.

 

Rosie Schluter asked if the public needed to vote on building a new hall. 

 

Dave Garner stated that a Public Hearing would be required.

 

It was asked if an equipment garage was to be built also.  Bob Benson stated we do need a heated shop but at this time a town hall is needed more.

 

Joe Vandenheuvel stated at issue is that the State can remove our voting place.

 

Rosie Schluter asked if a new building would be open for others to use.

 

Dave Garner stated yes.

 

It was asked if a kitchen would be included in the plans.

 

Dave Garner responded that a kitchen in a public building required stainless meaning big bucks.

 

Charles Rademacher asked if there would be room to put up a shop at a later date.

 

Bob stated the Board hasn’t talked to the Nelson’s lately.

 

Heather Sharp asked about the current status of the furnace and stated she understood the current town hall has mold problems. 

 

Colleen stated a furnace man has been here at least four times in the last two months. 

 

Joe Vandenheuvel stated that ideally an agreement could be made with the Nelson’s to buy approximately one (1) acre to give us parking and ample room for expansion five to ten years down the road.

 

Paul Schluter stated he liked the location of Bob Benson’s land.

 

Heather Sharp asked if at a later date could the current maintenance shed location be an area for parking and possibly purchase property in another area for a maintenance shed location.

 

Kate Johanningsmeier asked about building a two story building.  It was pointed out this would not be handicap accessible.

 

Charles Rademacher stated there are a number of Waste Management dumpsters located on property belonging Donald Thompson on the Oxford Mill Road.

ANNUAL TOWNSHIP MEETING (March 8, 2005 cont.)

 

Joe stated this is an issue for the Supervisors.

 

The Nelson property and the desire to have it cleaned up were discussed. 

 

Colleen stated she has been in contact with the County concerning the issue.  The County is working on getting the property cleaned up and asked Colleen not to reveal their conversation at this time.

 

Joe stated a former Board tried to address the issue but due to a disagreement between Board members nothing got done.

 

Heather Sharp suggested signing an informal petition.

 

Bud Gustafson stated a petition was submitted 15 years ago with no results.

 

Joe reported the election results as follows:

 

Supervisor                                                                  Treasurer

 

   Heather Schlichting Sharp - 28                                      Kenneth E. Ebert - 30             

   Mark Dubbels -   8                                                       Sherrie L Vandenheuvel - 13

   David McKeag – 5

   John Miller - 1

  

Dave Garner made a motion to adjourn.  Mark Dubbels seconded the motion.  Motion carried.