Regular Meeting January 8, 2026 (One week late due to holiday). Present: Supervisors; John Shockman, Donald Fix, Dean Bondeson, Treasurer Craig Betsinger, Clerk Val Anderson, Steve Hass, other residents. John called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Minutes of the last meeting were approved as printed, Motion by Shockman, seconded and carried. Treasurer’s reports received
OLD BUSINESS: Bill Becklin updated us on the Highbridge closure. A letter with where we are at in the process with questions on how to proceed will be sent to our attorney for review and recommendations. Our current concern is the placement of the cul-de-sac on the east side of the bridge. We would like to place it on our current road easement with gaining an additional easement on the property south of our road on the Kenneth Becklin property. The easement on the west side has already been granted to us though the WLH Pines Addition by James Pankan. Once the location of the East cul-de-sac is established we can proceed with the cul-de-sac designs.
Most year end reports have been completed with the weed report being completed at this meeting.
NEW BUSINESS: Federal mileage rate is now 72.5 cents per mile. Ballfield rent remains at $300 per year.
ECE Fiber utility permits were approved for 389449 Polk St and Fjeldheim Road.
Steve Beckman has a shared driveway request. Currently he owns both properties and is needing an access to the north property (parcels Pleasant Meadows 2 Lot 2 Bk 1 going to Lot 1 Bk 1). Our Sharded driveway ordinance was given to him with the information needed for this request. Motion by Bondeson, seconded by Fix and carried to accept this shared driveway once all the correct paperwork is completed and returned to us.
Checks7678-7682, ACH 677-680 were approved, Receipts: 678-680
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m with motion by Shockman, seconded and carried.
Regular Meeting February 5, 2026. Present: Supervisors; John Shockman, Donald Fix, Treasurer Craig Betsinger, Clerk Val Anderson, Steve Hass, other residents Absent: Dean Bondeson, John called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Minutes of the last meeting were approved as printed, Motion by Shockman, seconded and carried. Treasurer’s reports received
The 2025 Board of audit was held: After reviewing the books, a Motion by Shockman, seconded by Fix and carried to approve and sign the 2025 Receipts and Disbursements Audit Report. Year End Reports completed: Township Road Mileage Certification; PERA Exclusion; Noxious Weed Report; State Report of Outstanding Indebtedness; MATIT Workers’ Compensation Audit Report; W-2/1099; Census Boundary Annexation Form, 2024 Road Work Report. The Office of the State Auditor Annual Financial Reporting Form has not yet been released from the state auditor but the Clerks form to upload to the state has been completed.
OLD BUSINESS: We are in communication with Mark Allseits at Couri & Ruppe Law to confirm we can place our cul-se-sacs in the location as shown on the survey within the supposed BNSF additional 100 foot easement. On site review of our 66 foot right of way has been confirmed which would place the cul-de-sac within our right of way and the additional easement that needs to be acquired from Kenneth Becklin. None of the cul-de-sac would be on just the BNSF easement outside of our right of way.
NEW BUSINESS: At 7:30 road Quotes were opened. Hass construction was the only quote. Motion by Shockman, seconded by Fix and carried to accept the 2026-27 road quote from Hass Construction.
Checks 7683-7690, ACH 681-684 were approved, Receipts: 681-687 Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m with motion by Shockman, seconded and carried.
Regular Meeting March 5, 2026. Present: Supervisors; John Shockman, Donald Fix, Dean Bondeson, Treasurer Craig Betsinger, Clerk Val Anderson, Steve Hass, other residents John called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Minutes of the last meeting were approved as printed, Motion by Shockman, seconded and carried. Treasurer’s reports received
OLD BUSINESS: Reviewed options from our attorney for moving forward with placing the cul-de-sacs within our right of way. Attorney Mark Allseits gave us options to proceed in his email dated 3/5/26. Motion by Bondeson, seconded by Fix and carried to have Mr Allseits inform BNSF that the Township already holds a valid road easement at the location and that the BNSF easement is subordinate to ours by preparing a formal letter to BNSF outlining the Township’s easement rights, the priority of those rights and the relevant case law supporting the Township’s position. Then once the easement issue is resolved, to help us proceed with the road vacation between the cul-de-sacs and the revisions needed to the BNSF closure agreement.
Made the recommendation of increasing the Fire Contract Budget 10% by the recommendation of Fire Chief Ross Bensen and leaving the remaining budget amounts the same as 2026 for a total of $272,348.
Concerning the detour route on the road to Braham (Packard/415th) we will place a counter to check current traffic flow on this road.
NEW BUSINESS: Craig has been checking into using the 4M company for earning a higher interest on our savings accounts. A resolution will be drafted for next months meeting to approve the use of this company and who will have access. Road Check is scheduled for April 11 to meet at 8am at the town hall.
Checks 7691-7698, ACH 685-690 were approved, Receipts:688 – 691
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m with motion by Fix, seconded and carried.
(unapproved) ANNUAL MEETING March 10, 2026
Clerk, Val Anderson, Called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm with 5 residents in attendance. Don Fix nominated Dean Bondeson to be moderator, with no other nominations, Dean was elected. No changes were made in the Agenda. The printed 2025 Clerk’s report was read by Val Anderson. Dean read the 2025 minutes. Motion by Jim Lee seconded by John Shockman, carried to approve the 2025 Annual Meeting Minutes.
John Shockman motioned, Jim Lee seconded and carried to approve the 2027 budget/levy of 272,348 as follows:
Levy Other Total
Revenue: $ 50,000 $ 2,780 $ 52,780
Road & Bridge $143,900 $28,100 $172,000
Fire $ 47,568 $ 47,568 Total $241,468 $30,880 $272,348
Safety and Rescue Operation Chief Matt Kohout presented the 2025 summery of volunteer activity of 1931.75 hours and stated the need for more volunteers. They have purchased a jaws of life to help when needed, and new radios and vests for new volunteers.
Next year’s meeting will be held at 7:00 pm on March 9, 2027. Meeting was adjourned at 8:20 pm with motion by Jim Lee, seconded by Don Fix and carried.
Regular Meeting April 2, 2026. Present: Supervisors; John Shockman, Donald Fix, Dean Bondeson, Treasurer Craig Betsinger, Clerk Val Anderson, Steve Hass, other residents John called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Minutes of the last meeting were approved as printed, Motion by Shockman, seconded and carried. Treasurer’s reports received
OLD BUSINESS: Isanti County is taking over the Detour route and we will still put out a counter to keep track of traffic before and after on the Packard/415th back road to Braham
We will go forward with the letter from attorney Mark Allseits to BNSF regarding their overlapping easement
NEW BUSINESS: None
Checks 7700-7708 , ACH 691-694 were approved, Receipts:692-697
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m with motion by Bondeson, seconded and carried.
Board of Equalization: April 13, 2026 7 pm. Present: Supervisors; John Shockman, Donald Fix, Dean Bondeson, Clerk Val Anderson, County Peter Blomquist.
Peter explained the changes in value for Stanchfield Township. The building site went up to 40,000 and the first 10 acres wet up $2000 per acre for first a 10 acre assessment of $160,000 for land only. The tillable and non tillable each went up $500 per acre to $4,400 and 4,100 respectively with waste land staying the same. This increase was throughout the township. Peter reviewed the handout with the sales from 10/1/2024 through 9/30/2025 and explained the township is about half done with the in-person review rotation. A colored graph of the percent changes showed a majority of the township up 10% or more with the northern half of the county going up more than land south of 95.
No Residents/Land Owners had concerns so no adjustments were needed. A motion was made by Shockman, seconded by Bondeson and carried to adjourn at 8:00 pm.
Regular Meeting May 7, 2026. Present: Supervisors; John Shockman, Donald Fix, Dean Bondeson, Treasurer Craig Betsinger, Clerk Val Anderson, Steve Hass, other residents John called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Minutes of the last meeting were approved as printed, Motion by Bpndeson, seconded and carried. Treasurer’s reports received
OLD BUSINESS: Review of FMLA and at this time the township will continue to pay the full amount.
Resolution Authorizing Membership in the 4M Fund 2026-1
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes (the Joint Powers Act) provides that governmental units may jointly exercise any power common to the contracting parties; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund (the 4M Fund) was formed in 1987, pursuant to the Joint Powers Act and in accordance with Minnesota Investment Statutes, by the adoption of a joint powers agreement in the form of a Declaration of Trust; and
WHEREAS, the Declaration of Trust, which has been presented to this Board, authorizes municipalities of the State of Minnesota to become Participants of the Fund and make use from time to time including the 4M Liquid Asset Class, the 4M Plus Class, the Term Series, the 4M Limited Term Duration Fund, the Fixed Rate Programs, and other Fund services offered by the Fund; and
WHEREAS, this Board deems it to be in the best interest for the municipality to make use of, from time to time, the approved services provided by the 4M Fund’s service providers including the Investment Advisor (PMA Asset Management, LLC), the Administrator (PMA Financial Network, LLC) the Distributor (PMA Securities, LLC) or the Fixed Rate Program Providers, PMA Financial Network, LLC and PMA Securities, LLC and the Custodian, U.S. Bank National Association, (“Service Providers”) and/or their successors. become a Participant of the Fund for the purpose of joint investment with other municipalities so as to enhance the investment earnings accruing to each; now, therefore BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. This municipality shall become a Participant of the Fund and adopt and enter into the Declaration of Trust, a copy of which shall be filed in the minutes of this meeting. The appropriate officials are hereby authorized to execute those documents necessary to effectuate entry into the Declaration of Trust and the participation of all Fund programs.
Section 2. This municipality is authorized to invest monies from time to time and to withdraw such monies from time to time in accordance with the provisions of the Declaration of Trust. The following officers of the municipality or their successors are designated as “Authorized Officials” with authority to effectuate investments and withdrawals in accordance with the Declaration of Trust:
Name: Craig Betsinger Title: Treasurer
Name: John Shockman Title: Chairman
Name: Valerie Anderson Title: Clerk
Section 3. The Trustees of the Fund are designated as having official custody of those monies invested in accordance with the Declaration of Trust.
Section 4. That the municipality may open depository and other accounts, enter into wire transfer agreements, safekeeping agreements, third party surety agreements securing deposits, collateral agreements, letters of credit, lockbox agreements, or other applicable or related documents with institutions participating in Fund programs including U.S. Bank National Association, or its successor, or programs of PMA Financial Network, LLC or PMA Securities, LLC for the purpose of transaction clearing and safekeeping, or the purchase of certificates of deposit (“CDs”) or other deposit products and that these institutions shall be deemed eligible depositories for the municipality. PMA Financial Network, LLC and PMA Securities, LLC and their successors are authorized to act on behalf of this municipality as its agent with respect to such accounts and agreements. Monies of this entity may be deposited in such depositories, from time to time in the discretion of the Authorized Officials, pursuant to the Fund’s Programs available through its Services Providers.
It is hereby certified that the Board of Stanchfield Township adopted this Resolution at a duly convened meeting of the Board held on the 7th day of May, 2026, and that such Resolution is in full force and effect on this date, and that such Resolution has not been modified, amended, or rescinded since its adoption.
Motion by Bondeson, seconded by Shockman and carried:
Voting: YES 3, NO Dated May 7, 2026
NEW BUSINESS: Approved and signed the liquor license for the Outback Saloon and Grill.
We were sent the Redetermination letters regarding both Judicial Ditch #1 and #6. Their next meeting is on our regular board meeting of June 4, 2026.
2026 Road check has been completed and is on file. The road counter was placed on Packard going into Braham to get an estimate of traffic prior to Braham’s road construction to see if our road is being used more during that construction. Current count: 245 on the south entry going north into town. 328 on the north entry going south out of town.
Update: SAM registration with CAGE Code updated through April 27, 2027
Checks 6709-6717, ACH 695-698 were approved, Receipts: 698 -701
Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m with motion by Fix, seconded and carried.
Regular Meeting June 4, 2026. Present: Supervisors; John Shockman, Donald Fix, Dean Bondeson, Treasurer Craig Betsinger, Clerk Val Anderson, Steve Hass, other residents John called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Minutes of the last meeting were approved as printed, Motion by Shockman, seconded and carried. Treasurer’s reports received
OLD BUSINESS: Because deposits into PERA/Medicare already made, the 2026 FMLA split will be 50/50.
Still waiting on BNSF regarding the easement.
Judicial ditches 1 and 6 meeting tonight at the Braham Event Center so the township was unable to attend. Next meeting is July 16
Traffic county on Rendova was 574
NEW BUSINESS: A number of residents asked about a township 4th of July celebration for the 250th anniversary and were asked to attend tonight’s meeting if they were further interested. Only a couple people from the Calvary Baptist Church showed up so since they will be using the townhall for their services, they offered to help if there is any interest. They can use the township hall, but the township is not otherwise involved.
Checks 7718-7725, ACH 699-704 were approved, Receipts:702-
Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m with motion by Fix, seconded and carried.
Regular Meeting July 2, 2026. Present: Supervisors; John Shockman, Donald Fix, Treasurer Craig Betsinger, Clerk Val Anderson, Steve Hass, other residents John called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Minutes of the last meeting were approved as printed, Motion by Shockman, seconded and carried. Treasurer’s reports received
OLD BUSINESS: Received the closing documents for ARPA funds pending them finding any errors.
August Meeting date was changed to the 13th because of the District 7 meeting on the 6th.
Craig attended the Ditch 1 & 6 meeting. They did not receive Val’s corrected road acres and she will work with them to get those fixed.
Update: Braham Compost Site: IC Planning commission meeting on July 8th to review the plat.
NEW BUSINESS: Census report 4/1/2025: Population 1,235; Households 462
IC Soil and Water received a grant for $165,493 to put a wetland holding pond on Judicial Ditch 1.
Motion/Second, Shockman/Fix and carried to approve Resolution 2026-2 Governing Write-In Vote Counting
WHEREAS ̧ Minnesota Statutes 204B.09, subd. 3(c), allows townships to establish a resolution governing the counting of write-in votes for township offices;
WHEREAS ̧ the statute provides that townships may choose to record the write-in votes for individual candidates only if the total number of write-in votes for that office is equal to or greater than the fewest number of non-write-in votes for a ballot candidate;
WHEREAS, opting not to record the write-in votes for an individual ballot office when the total number of write-in votes for that office is unlikely to result in an error in the administration of the election;
WHEREAS, the administration of the township election requires significant investment of human and financial resources;
WHEREAS, a reduction in the time and resources necessary to administer the election provides a benefit to the township and is in the best interests of township;
WHEREAS, the orderly and efficient administration of elections increases confidence in the election process;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, votes for write-in candidates for township office will be individually recorded only if the total number of write-in votes for an office is equal to or greater than the fewest number of non-write-in votes for the same office.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this resolution will remain in effect until a resolution on the same subject is adopted by the Township Board.
Voting Yes: 2 No: 0 Bondeson not present
Checks 7726-7723, ACH 705-708 were approved, Receipts: 706-710
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. with motion by Fix, seconded and carried.