February 2021 Minutes
FEBRUARY 2, 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 Dale & Becky Renner and the Board of Supervisors and Clerk from Burlington Township.
The proposed agenda was reviewed by the board and a motion was made by Gerry Schram and seconded by Joann Splonskowski to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Clerk Karen Eifealdt read the minutes of the January 5, 2021 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 Joann and seconded by Gerry to approve the report as prepared with the checking account having a balance of $101,405.97; the money market having a balance of $168,823.95; the CD having a balance of $128,706.69, making total funds as of January 31, 2021 $398,936.51. Motion carried.
Burlington Township was given the floor and Rick Billet, chair of Burlington Township Board of Supervisors opened the discussion regarding the condition of Tower Road and the need of repairs. The road which is shared by Burlington and Erie townships is part gravel and part tarred. The most recent agreement between the two townships from 2010 was discussed which divided the maintenance of the road between the tarred and the gravel. Reportedly, Burlington was given the choice after which they elected to choose the tarred section. The board members and Jen Beck, clerk suggested that the current agreement possibly needs to be re-evaluated, that the needed repairs are in the best interest of residents from both townships. The Burlington board members wanted this discussion to open the lines of communication and as a starting point to move forward with a plan and to determine where the board from Erie stands and the willingness to be a part of the project which will possibly take place in 2023. Various options and steps forward were discussed at length. The board from Burlington asked if Erie would be willing to cost share 50-50 to gather quotes or get a cost estimate. Following additional discussion, a motion was made by Joann to cost share 50-50 the cost of getting a cost estimate for the project. The suggestion was made that each township board write down what expectations etc. for the road. Joann withdrew the motion. The two boards agreed to wait until spring and the road tour at which time they will go to look at the road and the condition of it together. No specific date was discussed, just when the snow is gone and the road is dry.
Road Report:
Chuck will be calling Mark Palm advising him of snow piled up on the side of the road on 170th St and to watch out for it.
Gerry brought up the possibility of placing signs on Otto Zeck Rd warning of the condition of the road but at this point it’s probably not warranted.
Old Business:
On February 9th there will be meeting with the county commissioners regarding the 2 mile extra territorial.
After reviewing the zoning request for a storage unit facility, a motion was made by Chuck and seconded by Gerry to reject the request and not support it. Motion carried. Gerry or Chuck will attend the meeting to offer the objection.
Karen gave an election update and provided a list of election judges for the March 9th election.
Karen updated the board with the clerk/deputy clerk positon. Karen will write up a proposal for the board to consider for the deputy clerk position.
After some discussion and review of the reports regarding the snowmobile incident, a motion was made by Gerry and seconded by Chuck to deny any payment of any kind to the party involved. Motion carried with a vote of 2 with Joann abstaining. At present, the rock will not be removed unless there is a contract to have it removed.
The fire contract was signed.
New Business:
An ad for quotes will be placed in two newspapers, on the website, and at the town hall.
The board reviewed the comparison between our current insurance and the insurance quote from MATIT for similar coverage. A motion was made by Gerry and seconded by Joann to switch our insurance policy to MATIT. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Joann and seconded by Gerry to approve the resolution needed to join MATIT and switch the insurance coverage. Motion carried.
After discussing the need to replace the computers for the clerk and the treasurer, a motion was made by Joann and seconded by Gerry to authorize the purchase of two new computers at a cost of under $500 each. Motion carried.
Board of Audit will be held on Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. at the Erie Town Hall.
The meeting of Appeals and Equalization will be held on April 14, 2021 at 1:00 at the Erie Town Hall.
Payment of bills:
A motion was made by Joann and seconded by Chuck to approve payment of the following bills in the amount of $4928.75. Motion carried.
Karen Eifealdt $ 48.72
Grant Graham $ 2426.25
Wild Rice Electric $ 50.94
Becker Co Hwy Dept $ 320.52
Community Co-Op $ 445.40
Mary Schermerhorn $ 34.88
Simmons Tax & Accounting $ 255.00
Tom Graham $ 320.00
Mark Palm $ 1027.04
There being no further business, a motion was made by Joann to adjourn the meeting and the meeting was adjourned at 9:09 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Eifealdt, Clerk