2-18-97 tbFebruary 18, 1997
The regular monthly meeting of New Scandia Town Board, was called
to order by Chairman, Charles Nordin. The following Board
Members were present: Charles Nordin., Chairman, Kevin Nickelson
and Paul Rasmussen. Absent were: Edith Hadlich and Duane
Thompson, Vice Chairman.
Consent Agenda
Paul Rasmussen made a motion to accept the following consent
agenda•
A. Call to order
B. Clerk's minutes have been presented for 1/21/97, 2/4/97,
and 2/11/97 Town Board and 2/4/97 Planning Commission..
C. Approval of Treasurer's report
Balance January 1, 1997 $1,286,685.36
Receipts 41,795.78
Expenditures 303,949.38
Balance January 31, 1997 $1,024,531.76
D. Adjournment
Kevin Nickelson seconded the motion and motion adopted
unanimously.
Auditors Report
Ms Tina Peterson representing Eide Helmeke Certified Public
Accountants and Consultants presented the Financial Report for
the year ended, December 31, 1996.
Ms Peterson made the following suggestions:
The town has over $1,300,000.00 in cash and investments.
Therefore, it is very important that cash and investments
be reviewed regularly to make sure the Town is receiving
a good return on its money.
The Town take a physical inventory of fixed assets and then
maintain fixed asset records. This would help safeguard
the assets and analyze insurance coverage.
page 2
Employee policies need to be more specific. During our
audit we noted that limitations were put on accrued
vacation, but they are not being enforced. We also
noted employees receive sick time, but the policies
do not state if the employee would be paid for
accrued sick time in the case of termination by
the Town or the employee. This should be clarified.
These items will be placed on the March 18, 1997 agenda.
Board of Audit
The clerk reported the total revenues for the fiscal year of 1996
were $1,325,921.00 and total expenditures for the fiscal year of
1996 were $1,375,388.00. All accounts were in balance with the
Auditors Report and have been reviewed by the auditor and a
computer report is also available for the supervisors to review.
Paul Rasmussen made a motion to accept the report for the fiscal
year of 1996 as were reviewed by the auditor and clerk. Kevin
Nickelson seconded the motion and motion adopted unanimously.
Parks and Recreation Committee/Mike White
Ms Shirley Sova reported the need for a easement off of County 52
to connect to the Wm O'Brien State Park access on 199th Street
for a Multi Purpose Trail.
Kevin Nickelson made a motion to approve to acquire a
easement from 52 to the Wm O'Brien State Park access on 199th
Street for a Non Motorized Multi Purpose Trail. Paul Rasmussen
seconded the motion and motion adopted unanimously.
Kevin Nickelson made a motion to appoint the following to the
Rink Commission for the Skating Facility: Jack Loughrey, Paul
Rasmussen, Mike White. Charles Nordin seconded the motion and
motion adopted unanimously.
The clerk informed the board that the township office had
received two more applications for the position of Rink
Supervisor for the Skating Facility. It was agreed the Rink
Commission would meet with the two applicants and also with Scott
Nickelson, attendant for the rink at and prepare a schedule for
hours of the Skating Facility.
Mr Mike White informed the Township Board the Park and Recreation
Committee are recommending that the township investigate the
possibly of acquiring a large amount of land for Parks, for Long
Range Planning.
The Township Board informed Mr
Committee could investigate the
amount of land, but as of this
funding for the land purchase.
Township Attorney/David Hebert
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White the Park and Recreation
possibility of acquiring a large
date the township does not have
Mr Hebert informed the Township Board there is no proof that
Outlot D, in Goose Lake Woods, was dedicated as a road easement
and it is not documented on the deed. The parcel is less then
1/2 acre in size. The Township Board requested the Clerk acquire
two informal appraisals on Outlot D, Goose Lake Woods.
Ms Carolyn Peper has requested the possibility of becoming a
township employee, due to the self employment tax. it was agreed
not to add the cleaning person to the township employees and this
position should be a independent contractor. Ms Peterson would
speak to Ms Peper regarding a new contract for the position.
Road Committee/Kevin Nickelson
Paul Rasmussen made a motion to install the radio system at
Kevin Nickelson's residence. Charles Nordin seconded the motion.
Paul Rasmussen and Charles Nordin voted yes. Kevin Nickelson
abstained.
Mr Nickelson stated the Road Committee would like to have an
addition built on the Maintenance Garage. Mr Nickelson stated
the contract has lapsed with the State Purchasing Association and
he questioned if the board wanted to renew the contract. The
board agreed there are no plans for large purchases this year, so
therefore it would not be necessary to renew the contract. Mr
Nickelson would receive two quotes for a ditch mow.
Treasurer Salary
Paul Rasmussen made a motion the pay scale for Ms Colleen Firkus,
Treasurer shall be $10.50 per hour. Kevin Nickelson seconded the
motion and motion adopted unanimously.
Proposal From Peggy Reichert/Consultant
A discussion was held regarding the new policy by the Washington
County Board of Commissioners for General Planning and
Development Reviews by the County. The Township Board would
invite Mr Dennis Hegberg, County Commissioner to the March 4,
1997, Town Board meeting and ask if the County would reconsider
their decision. The Planning Commission will also be in
attendance at this meeting.
page 4
Terrance Dreyer/Water Ski Slalom Course
Kevin Nickelson made a motion to sign the Surface Use
Application for a Water Ski Slalom Course on Bone Lake.
Paul Rasmussen seconded the motion and motion adopted
unanimously.
Review of Energy Audit For Community Center and Garage
The Board reviewed the Energy Audit for the Community Center and
Garage. It was agreed to install (1) motion detector, fan relay
and damper actuator and install (1) indoor air quality sensor,
(2)fan relays and (2) damper actuators. The air conditioners and
furnacesshallbe serviced by a maintenance program.
Township Engineer/Tom Prew
Well For Community Center/Skating Facility
Mr Prew reviewed the costs of the Community Center/Skating
Facility well. He reported the well is complete except for
disconnecting the Community Center from the old well. The total
estimated cost for construction $83,111.50 and the estimated cost
for engineering $20,259.43, for a total of $103,371.00. The
largest cost over -run for the project was drilling the well,
because the geology was different than anticipated, the well is
480-feet deep with 2 casings. He stated the TKDA would like to
discuss with the Fire Department additions to the system that
would make it possible for them to use. Mr Prew recommend
final payment to Keys Well Drilling in the amount of $1,000.00.
Paul Rasmussen made a motion to approve final payment to Keys
Well Drilling in the amount of $1,000.00. Kevin Nickelson
seconded the motion and motion unanimously.
Road Improvement Project 1997
Kevin Nickelson made a motion to adopt the Resolution Approving
Plans and Specifications and Ordering Advertisement for Bids for
the 1997 Road Improvements. The bidding shall be as follows:
(1) Bid all 5 together. (2) Bid 1,2,3, with option 4. (3)
Bid 1,2,3, with option 5. Paul Rasmussen seconded the motion and
motion adopted unanimously.
Forestry Assistance Matching Grant
Paul Rasmussen made a motion to sign the Forestry Assistance
Matching Grant for $1,000.00 towards radios and pagers. Kevin
Nickelson seconded the motion and motion adopted unanimously.
Dolores Peterson, New Scandia Township Clerk