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KABETOGAMA TOWNSHIP REGULAR MEETING December 6, 2005
Chairman Edward Town opened the board meeting at 7:10 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members present were Chairman Edward Town, Supervisors Robert Nevalainen, Richard McGregor, Clerk Mary Manninen, Deputy Clerk Marlene Tomczak and Treasurer Jean Reichow along with 4 residents and 1 guest, Andy Hubley (ARDC).
The Agenda for this meeting was approved with one addition to the new business, Larry Warrington and one addition to old business, Community Club, on a motion by Supervisor Richard McGregor. Seconded by Supervisor Robert Nevalainen, motion carried.
The board read the minutes from the November meeting. They were approved on a motion by Supervisor Robert Nevalainen, seconded by Supervisor Richard McGregor. Motion carried.
The Treasurer’s report was read by Jean Reichow and approved on a motion by Chairman Edward Town, seconded by Supervisor Richard McGregor. Motion carried.
Kabetogama Township Checking Account,
Lodging Tax Account,
Speaker Andy Hubley:
Mr. Hubley with the ARDC spoke to the board about his proposal for the services of the ARDC to help create the Comprehensive Plan with the Township Planning Commission. The ARDC has a new planning program for State Fiscal Year 2006 (July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006). The Community Planning Assistance In-Kind Grant Program offers up to $5,000.00 worth of planning assistance from staff at ARDC’s Regional Planning Department. The funding source for the program is a Federal Economic Development Authority grant. The In-Kind Grant must be cash matched at lease one-to-one by the recipient. The proposal brought to the meeting covers tasks 1-3. One is to create a Planning Commission which has already been done. Task two is to create the comprehensive plan.
The primary focus of the comprehensive plan would be land use but would also address transportation, wastewater, recreation, and other quality of life issues such as housing and economic development. The plan will be citizen oriented with extensive opportunity for public input. Task three is implementation and monitoring. After the development of the Comprehensive Plan, ARDC will assist the Town with its implementation.
Supervisor Robert Nevalainen moved to accept the contract with the ARDC and match funds with a minimum of $5,000.00, seconded by Supervisor Richard McGregor. Motion carried.
Old Business:
Roads – State Point road was cleaned up by Greg House who also was contracted to push the piles of debris up at the canister site for burning. Clerk Mary Manninen sent the letter to St. Louis County stating that they should plow the township roads with the exception of Puck’s Point road which the township will have plowed by Jay Tomczak.
911 road signs – Russ Kingery has all the information regarding costs ect. He was unable to make the meeting. This issue has been tabled to another meeting so there is time to get all the details.
Kabetogama Community Club – A letter was drafted and sent out to all the community club members asking their permission to give the building and newly acquired land to the Kabetogama Township who will in turn develop the land for a new community building. Chairman Edward Town moved to allow Sande Moyer to contact the township attorney and have him draft the resolution for the transfer of this parcel of land. Seconded by Supervisor Robert Nevalainen, motion carried.
New Business:
Compensation for missed work – Supervisor Robert Nevalainen spoke with the township attorney regarding this matter. He was told that a set rate would have to be decided upon and that rate would be the same for all officers. MATIT has an on-line document that can be researched and may be of some help. This will be tabled to the next meeting and a decision will be made at that time.
Water Rights VNP – The board discussed this matter because it was brought to their attention by some concerned citizens. The board decided they would like to invite the current Park Superintendent to one of our board meetings and discuss some of the concerns.
Elections – St. Louis County sent an updated draft of the County Election Equipment Plan. They have now chosen the assistive voting machine (Automark) which all polling places in St. Louis County will receive at no charge to the municipality. Townships are not mandated to use these machines until the year 2008. It is estimated that the costs of programming each machine per election cycle will be $200.00. There may be some funding available to defray the costs of programming.
The Kabetogama Annual election is in March. Positions up for election are 1 supervisor 3 year term and the clerk for a two year term. Candidate filing opens on 1/3/06 and closes on 1/17/06 at 5:00 pm. Interested persons can file with the clerk during this time and a $2.00 filing fee is charged.
The township has discussed the possibility of changing our annual election from March to November to coincide with Federal and State elections. Clerk Mary Manninen will find all the information as to how this would be accomplished and bring her findings to the next township meeting.
Kabetogama Fire Department – the department has acquired some new but used equipment. A 1996 Polaris 6-wheeler ATV, a 1967 Kaiser Jeep with full time 6 wheel drive, and a 1983 Boston Whaler boat. Many of these pieces of equipment need refurbishing and any donations will be greatly appreciated. The department is also pursuing a grant for a Super ATV from VNP. Any questions regarding these items may be made to any member of the Kabetogama Fire department and EMS.
Fire Chief Larry Warrington received a signed contract from St. Louis County for fire protection of the seven unorganized townships surrounding our area. The Kabetogama Fire Department will now respond to these areas.
Three residents from Ash River Trail are now training to become First Responders with the Kabetogama EMS.
Claims for approval – There was a motion to approve these claims by Chairman Edward Town, Seconded by Supervisor Robert Nevalainen. Motion carried
The meeting was adjourned on a motion by Supervisor Richard McGregor, seconded by Supervisor Robert Nevalainen, motion carried.
Respectfully submitted, Mary Manninen, Clerk, Kabetogama Township |