March Minutes 2025
ERIE TOWNSHIP
Regular Board Meeting Minutes
March 4, 2025
Board members present: Chairman Sundet (via Teams), Supervisor Kyle Vareberg, Supervisor Brett Friesen
Officers present: Clerk Karen Eifealdt, Treasurer Becky Renner
Others present: Dan Gustner, Chris Kennedy, Phil Hansen, Matt Arola
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Supervisor Sundet
After reviewing the agenda, a motion was made by Supervisor Vareberg and seconded by Supervisor Friesen to approve the agenda with one addition of Fire Contracts to new business. Motion carried.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
After reviewing the minutes of the February 4, 2025 regular meeting minutes, a motion was made by Supervisor Sundet and seconded by Supervisor Vareberg to approve the minutes with no corrections or additions. Motion carried.
Treasurer Renner gave the treasurer’s report ending February 28, 2025 with the checking account having an ending balance of $145,310.93; the Money Market account having an ending balance of $516,814.96; and the CD having an ending balance of $141,807.55 making total funds as of February 28, 2025 $803,933.44. A motion was made by Supervisor Vareberg and seconded by Supervisor Sundet to approve the treasurer’s report as presented. Motion carried
The Board reviewed the expense and payroll claims as presented, a motion was made by Supervisor Vareberg and seconded by Supervisor Sundet to approve the payment of all claims – payroll claims in the amount of $2,247.44 and the following expense claims in the amount of $8,962.63 totalling $11,210.07. Motion carried.
Arvig
$ 96.45
Column Software
$ 30.59
Gustner Construction LLC
$7980.00
Mosher, Amos
$ 50.00
Renner, Becker
$ 69.95
Stenerson-Eifealdt, Karen
$ 86.95
Zachariason, Debra
$ 55.00
Bremer Bank
$ 593.69
Citizen’s Comments:
Clerk Eifealdt read a note from resident Better Bigger thanking the road crew for continuing to plow her driveway.
Road Report:
After driving the roads, Dan Gustner reported that some roads were developing some potholes and would the Board want him to start grading some of them. The Board agreed to allow Dan to grade at his discretion.
Old Business:
Supervisor Sundet and Supervisor Vareberg gave some updates on the NW Pickerel Lake minimum maintenance road. Supervisor Sundet reported that all residents involved had approved of the project. Supervisor Vareberg had delivered all the legal descriptions and deeds to Troy Gilchrest so he can proceed with the paperwork. When that is ready, the residents will need to sign an easement before work is started. It will be a Class C road and Supervisor Vareberg has the road specs.
An update on Tower Road was given by Supervisors Friesen and Vareberg. Supervisor Friesen attended the meeting at Lakeview Township on February 13th when bids were opened. Mark Sand & Gravel had the lowest bid of $255,383.20 which would make Erie Township’s share $82.827. Prices have dropped so bids came in a little lower than expected. Erie will be brokering the project and then will bill Burlington and Lakeview townships. With no further discussion, a motion was made by Supervisor Friesen and seconded by Supervisor Sundet to move forward with the Tower Road project as proposed. Motion carried. Treasurer Renner suggested using a separate code in the CTAS accounting system for this project. All agreed.
There was some discussion regarding the road projects on W Pickerel Lake Road and Sunset View Road. The board agreed that the township should move forward with both projects and to have John Okeson manage the bidding process. A motion was made by Supervisor Vareberg and seconded by Supervisor Sundet to authorize John Okeson to put W Pickerel Lake Road project and Sunset View Road projects out for bids. Motion carried.
New Business:
Supervisor Vareberg is working on a presentation for the annual meeting outlining the plans for road improvements now and in the near future.
Clerk Eifealdt gave a reminder of the short courses coming up for training for supervisor’s and officers. It will be in Mahnomen on March 31st.
After a brief discussion, the reorganizational meeting was set for Tuesday, March 18th at 6:30 p.m.
Supervisor Vareberg presented some information regarding our fire contract with the Detroit Lakes Fire Department and the high cost of it. He also discussed the challenges and changes that may be facing the DL Fire Department that might affect the cost, making it go even higher. He also had contacted the Frazee Fire Department to see if a conversation could be had to discuss contracting with Frazee instead. Phil Hansen made the point that people should contact their individual insurance providers to see if their insurance would go up if contracting with the Frazee Fire Department instead of Detroit Lakes. After more discussion, it was decided that it would be worth more discussion after gathering more information and it will be placed on the April agenda.
Other:
The Board of Audit was convened as the last agenda item and the Annual Financial Audit was conducted. The report will be written up separately and added to the Annual Financial Report to be posted at the Annual Meeting on March 11th.
There being no further business, a motion was made by Supervisor Vareberg and seconded by Supervisor Sundet to adjourn the meeting and the meeting was adjourned at 7:43 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by
Karen Eifealdt, Clerk