Local Municipality Minutes

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Swanville City • June 6, 2023

Minutes of the Swanville City Council meeting held in the Swanville Center on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. The meeting called to order 7:00 p.m. with the following members present: Sandy Lange, John Dragseth, Norm Carlson, Jim Molitor, and Tony Maciej. Also present: Reporter Terry Lerhke, Holly Wilson.

Minutes of the Swanville City Council meeting Tuesday, May 2, 2023 was reviewed. A motion was made by Tony Maciej to approve the minutes. Jim Molitor seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.

The treasures report was given. A motion was made by Tony Maciej and seconded by Jim Molitor to approve the treasurer’s report. All members voted in favor, motion carried.

Holly Wilson, city engineer, gave a progress report on the water system improvements. Traut Companies will be onsite to drill the production well the week of June 19, 2023. It is expected the work will consist of 2 days drilling and 2 days for pump testing. PFAS samples can then be taken.

The paper work will start now that the State of MN has approved the city for a direct appropriation of $3,052,000.00 through the MN bonding bill. This is a direct appropriation that will be handled by the MN PFA. A funding obligation letter (letter of conditions) should be received by the City this month. The City of Swanville and Moore Engineering will be working with Jeff Scholten from Rural Development on the review of the water project. If everything falls into place, Wilson anticipates to bid by late fall.

The North Berkey 1st Addition will be bid at the same time the water system improvements is bid. There is a grant out for infrastructure in new housing development. The mayor will check with the League of MN Cities to see what it all entails.

City wide clean-up day went well. With the grant from Morrison County the city took in $1,134.72 and paid out $1,965.24 for removal of items brought in. Council discussed a possible fee increase and charge next year for mattresses as well.

Central MN Housing will be having a Kickoff Meeting on Wednesday, June 28th, 2023 starting at 6:30 pm for Owner-Occupied, 7:30 pm for Rental, and 8:30 pm for Commercial in the Swanville Center/City Hall. Mayor Lange presented Resolution #23-0606 which states: A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE SMALL CITIES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM POLICIES & PROCEDURES PREPARED BY CENTRAL MINNESOTA HOUSING PARTERSHIP, INC FOR OWNER-OCCUPIED, SINGLE-FAMILY RENTAL AND COMMERCIAL REHABILITAITON ACTIVITY TYPES.

After discussion, Tony Maciej made a motion to adopt Resolution #23-0606. Jim Molitor seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried City codes and policies and procedures are not back from the attorney as of yet.

Hanging flowers are on main street. The flower pots will be added this week.

Letters went out to all residents with noncurrent tabs/inoperable vehicles. All vehicles were taken care of.

The Swanville Lions are asking for a 3-day temporary on-sale liquor license for the Swanville Carnival July 7-8-9, 2023. Jim Molitor made a motion to give the Swanville Lions the 3-day temporary license with the same fee as last year $80.00. Norm Carlson seconded the motion. all members voted in favor, motion carried.

Mayor Lange read a proclamation stating June is National Small Cities Month. John Dragseth made a motion to be in support of the proclamation. Jim Molitor seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.

The Swanville Lions are planning to dedicate and name the walking trail to the south of Swanville the “John Gessell Gallopin’ Goose” trail. Council had no problem with that.

The following claims were presented for payment. Members of the council were furnished with a listing. Jim Molitor made a motion to approve the claims. John Dragseth seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.

The next regular monthly meeting will be held because of the 4th of July, Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at 7:00 pm in the Swanville Center.

There being no further business, a motion was made by Norm Carlson and seconded by Tony Maciej to adjourn. All members voted in favor, motion carried. Meeting adjourned 8:10 pm.

Julie Hollermann, City Clerk/Treasurer

Burnhamville Township • May 30, 2023

The regular meeting of the Town Board of Burnhamville was held May 30, 2023 at the Burtrum Community Center. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Mike Berscheit. Members present include Supervisors Bruce John- son, Joe Muellner and Mike Berscheit; Clerk Shirley Hulinsky and Treasurer Pam Throener. Also present were Erv Herdering, Vernon Kroll, Jenae & Adam Ulbricht, Deja Anton, Gary & Jordyce Opatz, Ron Strassburg, and Mark Throener.

The minutes from the regular meeting of April 25, 2023 were approved on a motion by Sup. Johnson and second by Sup. Berscheit. Motion passed.

For correspondence the township received notice of county planning and zoning meeting, mileage certification, information about upgrading election equipment, Todd Co Broadband Coalition, and Thank you from several dust control recipients.

Upon discussion Sup. Berscheit made a motion to approve the Municipal Agreement of Participation and Funding of the Electron Roster Upgrade Purchase for Todd County precincts. Motion was seconded by Sup. Muellner. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Sup. Berscheit to pay all bills numbered 6449 through 6462 totaling $26,992.16. Sup. Muellner seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Vernon Kroll presented his plat development for Flicker Road and 341st Ave area. This will have two lots and both will be buildable. The board approved the plat, chair signed and now Mr. Kroll will present to county.

Ron Strassburg presented his access permit which supervisor approved.

Mark Throener requested township to replace culvert on 331st Ave. and he requested an access permit for new approach.

Gary and Jordyce Opatz were present to request the township look into costs of tarring Dunlin Road. They had signatures of agreement from most of the residents. The township will look into prices and cost sharing possibilities, especially since Todd Co. is doing projects in this area next year.

Road inspection list from May 2 was reviewed. Contractor has completed many issues.

Clean-up day on was very busy. Discussion was held on different location next year.

In the road report the contractor has completed much of the dust control and more requests are coming in. He will review roads going out of town with supervisor and city mayor. There was discussion of a holding pond on Dunlin Road filled in.

Deja Anton presented ideas to plant brush and plants to control run-off on Dunlin Road/Enchanted Loop area ditches. She will put a plan together and check into grants for 75% of costs. Along Emerald Trail the land owner is willing to do a 20 foot buffer next year and soil borings are ordered. She informed board of a local Soil & Water improvement tour June 13.

Treasurer’s report shows balance of $83,990.75. May taxes and dust control checks have been deposited. Reported approved on a motion by Sup. Berscheit and second by Sup. Muellner.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:13 p.m. on a motion by Sup. Berscheit and a second by Sup. Johnson. Next regular meeting will be on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 7 pm in the Burtrum Community Center.

Shirley Hulinsky

Grey Eagle Township • July 3, 2023

Call to Order: Mike Rohe called the meeting to order at 8:00 pm. The pledge of allegiance was recited.

Members Present: Mary Ann Primus, Mike Rohe, Alan Roering and John Young. Erv Herdering, Joe Kemper and Gene Waldvogel.

Agenda Approval: A preliminary agenda was presented. Mike asked if there were additions to the agenda. Remove BBL discussion until August. Discussion on the THC sales. Request for information for driveway for Bob Waldvogel. John made the motion to accept the agenda as amended, Alan made the second. All in favor. Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes: John made the motion to accept the June 5, 2023 Township minutes. Alan made the second. All in favor. Motion passed.

Discussion on new driveway on Ascot Rd., Township will provide one load gravel – class 5. Site visit was done by Mike, he approved the site location, measurement and allowed Bob to clean the ditch and maintain at his own cost.

Work done to update new resolution for culverts and approaches- to include all of the new considerations.

Town Clerk’s Report: Clerk presented the claims list for June. Claims list included claims 3832-3842 for a total of $29,870.44. Alan made the motion to pay the claims. John made the second. All in favor. Motion carried. Mail included LTAP newsletter and advertising.

The financial report was presented, John made the motion to approve, Alan made the second. All in favor, motion carried.

Road and Bridge Report: John shared a couple of maps from the engineer showing which Township roads would need attention first. The engineer will be at the August meeting to share ideas with the board members. Joe Riley will do the tar repair on 335th. John did present some ideas for possible signs for BBL access. Brushing- some spots may need to have a second cut after mowing to get at some of the small brush. Arden and Ascot have some bad spots. John will check on finding someone to handle the brush.

John will look into options for the fishing dock request. DNR may be interested in putting it on their property.

Crack filling – will let them know which roads after the engineer presents at August meeting. Tree trimming will wait till later this fall.

Township Clerk received a letter from a township resident that he asked to have read at the meeting, No comments.

The tree on swimming beach needs to be taken down, John suggested Hoffman Tree Service as they are less expensive than Carr’s. Mike made the motion to hire Hoffman Tree Service, Alan made the second. All in favor. Motion carried.

Additional agenda item: Discussion on the insurance coverage for the Township building, and the new replacement value. John made the motion to insure the building for the replacement cost and stay with the lower deductible. Alan made the second. All in favor. Motion carried. THC information was shared with the board members. More to come.

Cozy Cove – will check into cost share options for tar at next meeting.

Public Comments: None

Adjourn: Motion to adjourn by Alan, second by John. All in favor. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm

Minutes not approved.

Mary Ann Primus, Clerk/Treasurer

From the Desk of Pastor Bruce

Have you ever watched a movie, and someone said a word that you had to look up to see what it meant? This happens to me with John Wayne movies (my favorite actor). Lori and I were watching “Blue Bloods” last night and they said a word that I had to look up. It was in reference to the attitude or action of Frank Reagan. The word, obdurate was used. After looking it up I knew I was going to use it in this article. The meaning is: “stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion or course of action.”

The Pharisees of Jesus day were “obdurate." They knew the law to a tee, in fact, they used the law for their own benefit. They walked around piously, making sure everyone saw how “holy” they were. They ignored the needs of others and used their own prejudices against anyone who was different. So, when Jesus came into the picture and challenged their attitudes, He called them whitewashed tombs. They were “clean” on the outside, but inside they were filthy and dead.

Mark 12:13-14 “Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth…” The Pharisees had hard hearts and were without God. Their obdurateness was very evident to all who were around them.

John 8:3-6 “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him…” How does Jesus respond to this? He forgave the woman and told her to sin no more!

Friends, I would like to encourage you to seek God with all your heart. He is the only way, if there is any offensive way in you, confess it to the Lord. If you are to be obdurate, please let it be that you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus is your Lord and Savior, and nothing can change your mind.

-Pastor Bruce Miller from Swanville Bible Church, 320-547-2916

Pulse on People

The following students graduated after the spring 2023 semester at South Dakota State University. More than 1,400 students completed all requirements for a degree and/ or certificate program, and those requirements have been verified by the appropriate college.

Overall, students from 27 states and 20 nations graduated following the spring 2023 semester.

More than 50 students received two or more degrees or certificates from a college.

Amanda Kokett of Albany graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science from SDSU's College of Education and Human Sciences.

Elexis Vogel of Albany graduated with a Bachelor of Science from SDSU's College of Education and Human Sciences.

Madeiline Osborn of Melrose graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science from SDSU's College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions.

Explorer Program Information

The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting applications from youth between the ages of 15 to 21 who are interested in exploring careers within public safety such as law enforcement, dispatch, and corrections.

The Explorer Program has been in existence since 1976 and has been a very successful program providing training and guiding youth towards a career in public safety. Explorers learn procedures from everyday law enforcement scenarios, report writing, defensive tactics, and arrest protocol. Explorers are also taught CPR and Basic First Aid. They learn how to dispatch and what it is like to work in a jail setting.

Members volunteer at community events by providing security, first aid, and traffic control. Explorers are allowed to participate in ride-alongs with officers and sit-alongs with dispatchers. The group meets on a weekly basis during the school year and periodically throughout the summer months.

Interested youth should email Advisor Eric Schultz at Eric.Schultz@stearnscountymn.gov for more information.

Todays Thought

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