Chairman Glen Williamson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Also present: Supervisors Mike McCullen and Alden Shute, Treasurer Patrice Winfield, Clerk Paul Raymond, Road Manager Alden, Stan and Tracy Riley, Doug Witta, Rod Sodergaard, Stefanie Williamson, Angie Anderson, Jale Kirchberg, Jim Bredesen, and Scott Trentholm.

Clerk’s Report of July 6 Board Meeting. Paul read the record of the July 6 meeting; Mike moved to approve; Alden seconded; passed. Glen wanted it noted that Stefanie is only able to get township dental insurance because she is on the board as Deputy Clerk. She hasn’t applied for it yet.

ROAD REPORT: Alden said many roads had 2”-minus pit run gravel spread: N. Duncan (3 loads); Little Tamarack Lake (2 loads); Vink Road (2 loads); Mayfield (4 loads); Eaglehead (1 load). All gravel leveled and bladed.

Tamarack Pine Drive: Alden gave a report on Tamarack Pine Drive project. A constituent contacted Glen with concerns about Tamarack Pine Drive being graded so it is several feet narrower than it was. Alden said that project is still on-going, and he cannot yet complete it with red-rock gravel because the gravel supplier won’t be back until after Labor Day.

Jerry’s Roadside Mowing: He completed the job and billed us for $1,175.00. Alden said Danforth had already mowed both sides of Crooked Lake Road, so he had Jerry go over it again but we will not charge Danforth. A citizen on Lost River Road said the mower took out all the berry bushes just as they are ripening. She asked if we can wait next year until the berries are done. Alden said the end of August may be too late, but we will decide next year. Mike said to tell her there are many, many patches of berries on the Markville road that are not mowed or sprayed.

Wind Damage August 2^nd: Alden and Mike inspected tree damage from last night’s big storm. Trees down on Tamarack Pine Drive, Little Tamarack Lake Road, Lost River Road, Fust Lane, S. Duncan Road, Langstrom Road, Schmedeke Lane, Pete Anderson Road and Mayfield Road. He cleared trees on all roads and bladed debris and logs to the side of the road. Mike and Kim Felton also cleared trees until late last night on the Little Tamarack Lake Road.

Kenny Peterson Road: Terry Koscielniak bought the 80 acres from Joe Vink on the north Kenny Peterson Road far beyond the .26 mile of road we maintain and claim for gas tax. The road is under water there and we do not claim it as a township road for gas-tax purposes. It was established in 1920 as a 1 ½ rod cartway, ½ mile. Terry said he still wants to build up the road and asked if the town could work with him, either to help build up the road to give him access to his land or to abandon that part of the road to allow him to gate off the road if he builds it up. He wants to investigate the abandonment of the road for no maintenance. Mike said the people retain access rights to all former township roads and rights-of-way that have not been vacated, and Terry could only gate his own land, not before. Alden will give him the number for our attorneys, Couri and Roupe, but he will have to pay them.

OLD BUSINESS:Public Hearing on Land Sales in Wilma Township: Mike attended the hearing yesterday, August 2 at the courthouse in Pine City. “Purpose of hearing to solicit testimony about reclassification and sale of 200-acres of tax forfeited property in Sections 10 and 11 on North Duncan Road.” Mike told the Commissioners that the Board’s position has always been to oppose any selling of public land in Pine County, since these are hunting and recreational lands used freely by the people and our board passed a resolution in 2020 to the county to state such. He said the sales will go through no matter what, and they have a ten-year plan of other parcels in our township they plan to sell, including on N. Duncan Road.

NEW BUSINESS: Omniballot Counter Test: Paul and Patrice have set the date to test Omniballot Marker. Sunday, August 7, 1 p.m.

Primary Election: Will be Tuesday, August 9, polls open at 10 a.m., close at 8 p.m. Judges from 9:30 to 8:30. Paul, Patrice and Tracy will judge.

Appointed Election Judges: For primary August 9 and General Election November 8. The Board appointed Patrice Winfield, Stefanie Williamson, and Tracy Riley as judges. Patrice, Paul and Tracy attended in-person judge training and Stefanie can take the online training. To take it online, email name, email address, and telephone (preferably cell phone) number to elections@co.pine.mn.us.

Wilma Fallfest: Stefanie asked people to mark the date for the annual Fallfest celebration, Saturday, October 22. We will have karaoke this year.

Annual Legal Seminar: Couri & Ruppe have scheduled another free legal seminar for Saturday, September 17, 2022, 9 am to 4 pm. Reserve at kathy@couriruppe.com.

District 7 Meeting: Will be Thursday, August 11, 7 p.m. at Chisago Lake Township at 12400 316 Street in Lindstrom. No online participation. Glen said he cannot attend.

MAT Annual Conference: Will be October 14 and 15 at River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud. Glen said he cannot attend, but Paul said he has registered to attend. Two days instead of three as in previous years.

Public concerns about No Parking Signs: A number of citizens wanted to speak in support of Stan Riley and his business, Country Store and More, and that the county is preparing to post No Parking signs in front of his property and business, which Stan said would adversely affect his business. He said he has been dealing with issues with board members Gary Vink and Mike McCullen since he started his business, first over obtaining liquor and 3.2 and cigarette license and then issues over parking on Tamarack River Road. Gary and Mike refused to issue the cigarette license and blocked the liquor license until Stan remedied the parking situation. Stan made a parking lot and has asked people not to park on the road. Jim Bredesen said he has attended every fire department raffle and cars have always parked on both sides of the Duxbury Road and up Tamarack River Road and this was never an issue before.

Angie said she felt one of the Supervisors was unprofessional and at the April board meeting told someone in the parking lot that he’d like to run someone over, which she believes was her (when asked, she said that he said, “You know who I mean”) and also claimed that Mike made an inappropriate racial slur about the Chairman. Angie said on township property that Supervisors must be professional and she demanded his resignation. Mike denied saying this or making any racial comment.

Stan said that Mike has been telling and showing people his past criminal record, for which he has paid all his time and has had his rights restored and he said he has completely turned his life around. Paul asked if Mike shared this information as DVFD Fire Chief or as a Supervisor? If it was only as Chief, this meeting is not the proper forum to discuss it. Glen said it doesn’t matter, Supervisors are always on duty. Mike said yes, he has told the fire department board of directors about the record because they have to carefully vet people who apply to be on the department, including past records. Stan said this controversy has cost him business, and now the county is prepared to erect No Parking signs in front of his property. Even though he has made a parking lot, at times a truck with a trailer has to park on Tamarack River Road, and this will take away and discourage business. Due to this the Rileys are asking Mike to step down and have made a deadline line of 60 days.

Mike said he has had several anonymous complaints about people parking on the road and his only concern is for public safety because as Chief he would have to respond to any serious accidents caused by cars coming over the hill and slamming into parked cars and he is responsible for the safety of our citizens. Glen said we cannot make policy based on anonymous complaints and that people need to come to meetings like tonight and express concerns on the record. Mike said he did go to the county to express his concerns about the danger of cars parked on the road. Glen asked Paul to research how many accidents have happened in front of Stan and Tracy’s home and how many were caused by hitting parked cars and not just icy roads.

Glen said we all have a past, and people should be credited for trying to remedy their past and live as good, productive citizens. Glen said he has known Mike for many years and Mike has always been firmly against government interference in the lives of private citizens and has been against regulations and rules to control people who are just trying to live and do business and succeed, and he believes Mike has strayed from his past Republican/Libertarian convictions.

Alden said he doesn’t like the idea of No Parking signs in front of Stan’s business, and he wants everyone who is trying to make an honest living to have the opportunity to do so without unnecessary interference. He moved that the Board of Supervisors ask the county to not put up any No Parking signs on Tamarack River Road because of the anger and pain this issue has raised in our township and because Stan has remedied the parking situation. Glen seconded the motion. Mike abstained. Passed. Paul will contact Greg Beck and the Pine County Highway Department, Mark LeBrun.

Treasurer’s Report: (Attached) Patrice said total bills for August are $3,829.26, and she needs to transfer $3,800.00. Mike moved to approve her report and to transfer the funds. Glen seconded; passed. Alden moved to adjourn the meeting; Mike seconded; passed. Meeting adjourned at 9:15.

Chairman Glen Williamson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Also present: Supervisors Mike McCullen and Alden Shute, Treasurer Patrice Winfield, Clerk Paul Raymond, Road Manager Alden, and Stan and Tracy Riley.

Clerk’s Report of June 1 Board Meeting. Paul read the record of the June 1 meeting; two corrections: Mike was not paid for two meetings last month; Two Pines paid the DVFD $2595. As corrected, Mike moved to approve; Alden seconded; passed.

Road Report: Alden.

Escrow: We received $500 from Jeffrey Douglas for hauling on Little Tamarack Lake Road. Alden said he is done and there is no damage and to return the escrow. Mike moved to return escrow; Alden seconded; passed.

Alden bladed Little Tamarack Lake, Mayfield Rd., Crooked Lake Rd. (and new gravel); Mink Farm, Vink Roads. He cleared a tree on Lost River Road; put barricades on Crooked Lake Road when culvert installed (Alden said there was no culvert left when they dug it up.) He cleared beaver debris on Eagle Head Rd. culvert; Four or five trips to recheck beaver damage; removed trees from Fust, S. Duncan and Mayfield road from June 25 storm. Additional pit run: 2 loads on Little Tamarack Lake; 2 loads on N. Duncan Rd.

South Duncan Road Straightening Project: Diane Raasch refuses to give permission to take a small part of her land on the NE corner of the South Duncan Road. “I’m sorry to inform you I decline the permission to change or cut into my property. I’m dealing with people south and east of my property trying to cut into my land. As soon as I have the finances I will pursue the matter with Pine County.” Alden said he can do it without cutting into her land by using our right-of-way.

Tree Down on Lost River Road: Pat Story notified us on June 1 that there was a tree down on Lost River Road and Paul forwarded this to Alden and Glen and Mike. Paul wrote Pat on July 2: “The road manager and Supervisors were notified as soon as you notified me, and they will take care of the tree as quickly and expeditiously as possible, if they haven’t already. Do not take it on yourself, unless you are donating your services.” Pat wrote on June 6 that he was donating his tractor use and time. But he had questions for future incidents: Pat Story Concerns: “1. Who has the responsibility to keep Township roads open and accessible? What is a reasonable time frame to clear road obstructions and what is an alternate response to clear?”

Alden said to post on the website that any time a citizen sees road damage or trees down they need to call him at either 320-267-4108 or 320-245-2718 and not to attempt remediation on their own. Both numbers have answering machines. He needs at least a 24-hour response time.

	“2. Who is responsible to control Beavers and Beaver Dams?
Beaver damage to properties that cause flooding and nuisance to road and access blockage.  What can the Township do to obtain revenue and/or assistance for Beaver Dam removal and reduce the Beaver population?” Mike said we have no resources for beaver dam remediation except when it damages or covers a township road.  We don't know who will take care of beavers.  Pat did hire someone to remove two beavers and Mike and Kim took them out of his pond at the end of River Cabin Road.

Public Hearing on Land Sales in Wilma Township: Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at 10 a.m. At courthouse in Pine City. “Purpose of hearing to solicit testimony about reclassification and sale of 200-acres of tax forfeited property in Sections 10 and 11 on North Duncan Road.” They want Mike at least to attend. Mike again told the board why he is opposed to selling public land. Paul said we are already converted, he needs to give the speech to the county commissioners.

NEW BUSINESS: Appoint Election Judges: Primary August 9 and General Election November 8. Contingent on their training, Mike moved to appoint Patrice Winfield, Stefanie Williamson, and Tracy Riley. Two will serve at each election with the Clerk. Alden seconded. Mike said Kim does not want to judge after her qualifications were challenged to the Pine County Sheriff after the March election.

Election Judge Training: All judges must attend one session of Regular Election Judge Training. We need to learn how to use the new Automark and printers and you can’t do that online. Dates:
July 26, 2022, 9AM-11AM, North Pine Government Center
July 27, 2022, 6PM-8PM, North Pine Government Center
July 28, 2022, 2PM-4PM, North Pine Government Center
• There is an online version of this training. If people want to take online, just have them email their name, email address, and telephone (preferably cell phone) number to
elections@co.pine.mn.us.

Annual Legal Seminar: Couri & Ruppe have scheduled another free legal seminar for Saturday, September 17, 2022, 9 am to 4 pm. Reserve at kathy@couriruppe.com.

Wilma Population Estimate: As of April 1, our 2021 population estimate is 72 souls in 37 households.

Pressure Wash Hall: The hall siding is covered in cobwebs. Mike moved to have Paul pressure-wash it; Alden seconded. It does not need painting this year. Paul will wait until the mud swallows have gone.

Treasurer’s Report: (Attached) Patrice said total bills for June are $4,508.96, and she needs to transfer $4,500.00. Mike moved to approve her report and to transfer the funds. Glen seconded; passed. Glen moved to adjourn the meeting; Mike seconded; passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:15.

WILMA TWP. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING JUNE 1, 2022

Chairman Glen Williamson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Also present: Supervisor Mike McCullen, Treasurer Patrice Winfield, Clerk Paul Raymond, Road Manager Alden Shute, Stan and Tracy Riley, Angie Anderson, Stefanie Williamson, and Jim Bredesen.

Committee of two Supervisors and the Clerk to nominate and appoint a Supervisor to fill the remainder of Gary Vink’s term: Maureen Rioux resigned as Supervisor and asked not to be reappointed. Glen opened the floor for anyone who is interested in taking Gary’s seat on the board until next March election. No one responded. Mike nominated Alden Shute to serve the term; Glen seconded, all aye. Paul administered the oath of office to Alden and he took his seat.

Supervisor Pay Schedule: Supervisors have always been paid for the past month’s meetings. Mike asked if there is any reason for this since the clerk and treasurer are paid for the same meeting. Mike moved that Supervisors also submit claims and be paid for the same night’s meeting; Alden seconded. Passed. Glen and Mike were paid for two meetings, Alden for tonight’s meeting, and Maureen will be paid for the May meeting.

Clerk’s Report of May 4 Board Meeting. Paul read the record of the May 4, meeting; Mike moved to approve; Alden seconded; passed.

Road Report: S. Duncan Road Entrance: Alden said he got an application and approval from the county to straighten out the entrance of the South Duncan Road where it enters Duxbury Road. We have contacted Diane Raash to get permission to use a tiny part of her land. Alden estimates it will take 100 yards (15- 20 loads) of pit run gravel. (Alden’s Road Report Attached)

Cutting Edges: With steel shortages they are expensive and hard to get. He ordered two sets and will pick them up in the cities.

Road Inspection: We set the date for the road inspection as Monday, May 23, at the Town Hall. Alden and Jason Palme of Danforth joined the inspection. (Report given to Supervisors). Discussion on road work or proposed projects that require a vote of the Supervisors, e.g. Tamarack Pine Drive. Alden suggested that we break the Tamarack Pine Drive project into three parts, and do the last third of the road with red rock gravel this year, and the rest in future years.

Roadside Mowing: We need to tell Jerry’s Roadside Mowing tomorrow if we want our roads mowed this year. Alden said he believes we should do it, and if we do it to have it done every year. He will talk with Jerry about any concerns about last years’ mowing. He said mowing keeps the roads drier. He wants it done at the end of July. Glen moved to hire Jerry’s mowing for another year and to pay him up to 10% over his estimate, if his estimate has increased.

2022 Road Projects: Mike said our budget we levied for road and bridge for 2022 is $16,000 and he thinks we should use $15,000 of it to improve our roads this summer. We still have a big balance in the R&B fund, and would leave $1,000 for snowplowing. Mike moved that we try to use $15,000 to improve Wilma roads this year; Glen seconded. Passed.

Kenny Peterson Road: Terry Koscielniak bought the 80 acres from Joe Vink on the north Kenny Peterson Road. The Board asked Paul to research when this road was established and recorded and how wide the road was. He said it was built in 1920 as a 1 ½ rod road, but was never recorded. It was and is a cartway.

Barricades on Tamarack Pine Drive: One barricade had fallen and broke, but Alden put up another barricade closer to the road.

Diesel for Fire Trucks: Mike filled the DVFD trucks and used 35.6 gallons of diesel. Patrice will pay the town from the fire department at the rate we were just charged by Deep Rock, $3.58 gallon.

OLD BUSINESS: OLD BUSINESS: Dumpster: Due to abuse in public dumping, the board passed a resolution restricting the use of the dumpster to the Town of Wilma and the Duxbury Volunteer Fire Department. Signs were posted and the dumpster was moved to the back of the town hall to keep it out of sight. Due to cars in the lot for the road inspection, the garbage truck did not do a pick up on Monday, May 23, but did come on Tuesday. Glen said the board of the Tri-Township Disposal District at the meeting last night said the dumpster is fine where it is now, and Angie will inform Doug.

NEW BUSINESS: Term for Tri-Township Wilma Representative: Glen said the board of the district said one year terms are not enough for board members to fully understand the job and they want us to make it a three-year term. Alden moved to change Glen’s term to three years; Mike seconded. Glen abstained. Passed. Mike will take over in 2025 for three years.

Garbage District Board Meetings: They want to use the Wilma Town Hall for their meetings every other month, the last Tuesdays. Mike moved that they pay for the three meetings that are in winter and need us to heat the hall, $50 per meeting like they paid Gary, and no payment for the summer months. Alden seconded; passed. Paul will notify Cheryl Wickham to pay $150.

Mowing Town Hall: At the August, 2021 board meeting, Stan Riley said he would be willing to take the mowing job for the hall, including weed whipping. Glen moved to hire him as a contractor at the rate of $20/hour, two hours max per job. Gary seconded. Passed. Before Stan could do it this year, Bryan Vink mowed it with no charge. Stan did have to come and do some week-whipping.

Life and Dental Insurance: Patrice is applying for dental through the MATIT Ameritas program; Stefanie said she would also like to get it. Patrice will give her the details. The board had voted that the town will pay half for board members. Alden is already enrolled in the MAT Life Insurance program.

Town Hall Refrigerator: Paul said the hall refrigerator completely broke down, and we were able to get a good big used one from Kim Felton. He suggested we pay her $100 from the township and $100 from the fire department. He priced new ones and they are well over $1,000. Alden moved to pay $100 from the town; Glen seconded; Mike abstained; passed.

Duxbury VFD Pancake Breakfast: The fire department had our most successful Memorial Day Sunday breakfast ever. Glen said that Two Creeks raised$2,590 for the department, plus paying for many tickets for campers. Mike said we had an almost all new team, and everyone worked together very well.

Treasurer’s Report: (Attached) Patrice said total bills for June are $2,843.55, and she needs to transfer $2,800. Mike moved to approve her report and to transfer the funds. Glen seconded; passed. Glen moved to adjourn the meeting; Mike seconded; passed. Meeting adjourned at 9:10.