TOWN OF GULL LAKE

TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2012

Regular Town Board Meetingwas called to order at 7:02 pm by Chair Kathy Berndt.

December 13^th, 2011minutes were reviewed; motion to approve was made by C. Johnson, second by T. Thorp, vote taken; ayes carried. 

Treasurer’s Reportwas presented by L. Olson.  Account balances:  Shell Lake State Bank Savings - $154,538.41, checking 396.17, total of $154,934.58 in bank.  Discussed paid items and receipts.  It was mentioned that the county has not yet received paperwork from the State that allows the municipalities to complete the January settlement; the Statement of Taxes pre-prints are expected to be ready this week (normally ready in mid-December); a pencil copy will be given to the County Treasurer with the final copy to be completed when the forms are available. Motion to accept the treasurer’s report as presented was made by C. Johnson, second by T. Thorp, vote taken, ayes carried.   

Public Input-  Website needs to be checked on – per Avis Rosenlund the minutes are not available; clerk will check to see what the problem is and get back to Avis at rosenlund@centurytel.net.  Discussion was also brought up concerning sale of 160 acres for $400,000 and how that might possibly reflect in our property tax rates.  It was mentioned that the state tells the assessor what our town is worth; the assessor then has to come up with the values.

Motions/Actions Taken–

Review Requirements for Assessor Software– more on this topic will be available at the upcoming WTA district meetings; L. Olson will report back at the next meeting.

Review/Approve Timeline for 2012 Projects–

• Gardner Lake Road – it was recommended that the south half should be worked on first; this is where the culvert is, which can be fixed at the same time – a wedge patch can go right over this area.  We will see if the culvert can go deeper. Information will need to be gathered so that we can get this out in the paper in the spring.
• Gravel for Haddick/Buchman – it was recommended that we have the gravel dropped and have our own grader operator spread it. The town has Bob Shellenberger’s previous recommendations for this which we will go by. The hill and west end will be done.
• Cutting Trees in the Road Right of Way – it was recommended that the town cut back a determined number of feet from the centerline. C. Johnson stated that she would look at this concerning the scope of work, anticipated costs and putting bids together; however, it is hard to determine everything right now with the snow. It was decided to wait until spring on this project.

Reports of Town Officers–

Update on Road Projects– K. Berndt commented on the condition of the roads after snow plowing was done the last few times; normally there is no issue, but with the rain we had it caused the roads to become very icy.  Kathy asked Greg to call her if he feels that the road will be slippery after plowing and she will call to get the roads sanded. Discussed when plowing should occur; it was determined to have Greg plow when the snow is at 3” from now on.

Update on Road Conditions/Maintenance/Grader/Signage – a few comments had been received that too much sand had been put on the gravel road; Kathy stated that she will make sure that doesn’t happen again; roads are in good condition currently.  A suggestion from Avis Rosenlund was that the town dump some dirt under the town posting area on Hay Lake Road/County F so that the sign is easier to access/view. C. Johnson stated that she would take a look at this in the spring; she has a scoop on her tractor and would be able to get the dirt from the interior of Rosenlund’s property out to the sign. Greg said that he would take look at the signs again.

Update on Beaver Trapping– nothing on this issue currently.

Communications–

• Lolita needs to send the check out for the WTA meeting; board members are to let her know which meeting they will be attending;
• Much going on with election issues regarding redistricting, mapping, address updates, etc.; don’t have specifics on election dates for the recall on Gov. Walker;
• Christmas card received from Arnie’s Repair thanking us for our business;
• Invitation from LarsonAllen for their Third Annual Government Training Academy March 2^ndin MPLS
• Kathy received a call from the resident with the tire issue; asking a reasonable figure per tire on reimbursement for the excess the town had to pay; estimating $1 each

Public Input – Discussed the building that burned down by Tranus Lake recently; reinforced need for roads to be wide enough for emergency vehicles. Bob Haddick mentioned that if anyone has any burning to do, they should do it now while the frost is still in the ground.

                Avis Rosenlund asked if the planning commission was going to meet again. Kathy Berndt mentioned that it will be resurrected at some point in time; however, the county is not doing much in this area.  The town board had also previously determined that the LDO was not felt to be appropriate for our town.

Closed Session Issues– No closed session.

Future Agenda Items– Assessor Software

Next Meeting Date– Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Vouchers and Checks  were signed and the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lolita Olson, Clerk/Treasurer                                                      Katherine Berndt, Chairperson

Town of Gull Lake                                                                            Town of Gull Lake

• Jan 10, 2012 January 10, 2012 Board Meeting Minutes