January 2021 Minutes
JANUARY 5, 2021 ERIE TOWNSHIP
Regular Meeting Minutes
Chairman Chuck Chadbourne called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. with all board members present. Also in attendance were Phil Hansen, Dale & Becky Renner, Luke & Caleb Splonskowski, and Matt Arola
The agenda was reviewed by the board and a motion was made by Joann Splonskowski and seconded by Gerry Schram to approve the agenda with two additions as noted on the final agenda. Motion carried.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Phil Hansen was given the opportunity to speak giving an update on the two mile extraterritorial zoning issue and discussing options moving forward. After a brief discussion he answered questions.
Clerk Karen Eifealdt read the minutes of the December 1st, 2020 regular meeting minutes. A motion was made by Joann and seconded by Gerry to approve the minutes as read. Motion carried.
After reviewing the treasurer’s report as prepared by Treasurer Mary Schermerhorn, a motion was made by Gerry and seconded by Joann to approve the report as prepared with the checking account having a balance of $123,907.16; the money market account having a balance of $168,820.99; the CD having a balance of $128,706.69, making total funds as of December 31st, 2020 $421,434.84. Motion carried.
Road Report:
Chuck discussed the general condition of the roads. A barrel of sand will be placed on Cherry Creek Drive. Ice issues were discussed and sanding will continue.
Contracts for alternate snowplow drivers were discussed. In addition to the documents requested from applicants by the board, they would also like a copy of their driving record. Contracts will be given as drivers are approved.
Nothing new to report on the search for a new snowplow. We will keep looking.
Burlington Township has requested a meeting to discuss Tower Road. A tentative date of Monday, January 11th has been set. Chuck and Gerry will attend.
Chuck requested a copy of what specifications are for township roads. After some discussion, Dale Renner offered to get a copy. He will get it to Gerry.
Joann offered a handout on the Road Improvement Program. Supervisors will take a look at it and it will be discussed at a future meeting.
Old Business:
Karen gave a brief update on the township election and annual meeting in March. Joann provided a handout with guidelines on the method of holding the annual meeting during the pandemic.
New Business:
The snowmobile accident that happened on 170th St was discussed. Luke Splonskowski gave the specifics of what took place, where the accident took place and the reporting of it and handed out a written account of the incident. He also indicated that he had put cones around the rock and had piled snow around it. Karen had contacted the MAT attorney and read the response regarding the townships liability. She had also called the insurance agent to gather information regarding filing a claim if needed. Since not all reports had been received, Joann made a motion to table any decision until all information was considered. Chuck seconded the motion. There was more discussion and motion passed with a vote of 2 to 1. Joann & Chuck for. Gerry against. Joann asked to abstain from a future decision citing conflict of interest.
There was discussion regarding removing the rock so there could be no more incidents. It was recommended that it should be left until it had been resolved.
Citizen Comments:
The corner of 305th Ave and 170th St. was discussed as a particularly bad spot for ice but also because the hill there makes it easy to slide into the ditch. Several recent incidents were cited. Luke Splonskowski has been clearing the corner on his own to try to help the issue and will continue to do so.
Payment of bills:
A motion was made by Chuck and seconded by Joann to approve payment of bills in the amount of $29,579.53. Motion carried.
Mark Palm $ 1538.22
Ewanika Repair $ 4998.60
Becker Co Assoc. of Townships $1364.10
Mary Schermerhorn $21.92
Grant Graham $ 4025.00
Wild Rice $ 47.21
Wes Hegna $17,500.00
Forum Communications $ 84.98
There being no further business, a motion was made by Joann to adjourn the meeting and the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted.
Karen Eifealdt, Clerk