Regular Meeting January 5, 2023. Present: Supervisors; John Shockman, Jim Lee, Donald Fix Treasurer Kirstin Schmitz, Clerk Val Anderson, Steve Hass, 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: A few townships met to compare current road ordinances to work towards a goal of getting them consistent throughout the county. We hope to have an idea what this will look like prior to the County redoing their Comprehensive Plan.
NEW BUSINESS: Federal Mileage rate for 2023 is $.655 which we will adopt.
Because of all the snow, many residents are pushing the snow across the roadway which is a misdemeanor MN Statues 160.2715. Notice will be given to the landowners who continually clear their driveway snow across our township roads.
Checks 7359-7366, ACH 554-556 were approved, Receipts: 520-523
Meeting adjourned at 8: 40 p.m with motion by Lee, seconded and carried.
Regular Meeting February 2, 2023. Present: Supervisors; John Shockman, Jim Lee, Donald Fix Treasurer Kirstin Schmitz, Clerk Val Anderson, Steve Hass Don Hansen 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
The 2022 Board of Audit was held: After reviewing the books, a Motion by Shockman, seconded by Fix and carried to approve and sign the 2022 Receipts and Disbursements Audit Report. Year End Reports completed: Township Road Mileage Certification; Road Work Report, PERA Exclusion; Noxious Weed Report; State Report of Outstanding Indebtedness; MATIT Workers’ Compensation Audit Report (no certificate of Liability for contractors was required this year); W-2/1099; Office of the State Auditor Annual Financial Reporting Form, Census Boundary Annexation Form.
OLD BUSINESS: Still pursuing funding but will not try to apply for the Federal Grant.
Additional Dwelling Unit Address will be the A/B until the County Ordinance Changes
Tammy Carlson was elected District 7 Director in place of Mike Miller.
NEW BUSINESS: Reviewed quotes for 2023-24 road work. Motion by Shockman, seconded by lee to accept Hass Construction quotes and will be receiving information from Dale Becklin for other road work.
The board will recommend to the Annual Meeting the same budget as we have had the last 6 years of $214,920
The Board of Equalization for 2023 will continue to be at the township hall.
Don Hansen was present to submit the plat of Trollin Wildlife Estates in Section 25. This is on a county road and there are no new Township roads Motion by Lee, seconded by fix and carried to approve this request to follow the Isanti county zoning ordinance and add that the lot payment on county roads for the 911 signs must be paid prior to signing off of the plat.
Checks 7367-7373, ACH 557-559 were approved, Receipts:524– 527
Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m with motion by Lee, seconded and carried.
Regular Meeting March 2, 2023. Present: Supervisors; John Shockman, Jim Lee, Donald Fix Treasurer Kirstin Schmitz, Clerk Val Anderson, Steve Hass, Mac Perry, Vincent Charles, Bill Becklin and 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: A letter was received from MAT regarding the discussion of missing funds from the association. It was found that the payment to Alliant was sent to Alilant in error for a reinsurance payment of $834,197. At this time no recoveries have been made.
Received the 2022 expenditures for the fire department. They spent $34,820.69 over the amount received from the townships & Grasston which would be the City of Braham share of the fire expenditures. At this time, the city will not create a separate fund for the fire department.
Reviewed the fee charged for purchasing, locating and installing the 911 address signs. Motion by Lee, seconded by Fix and carried to raise the amount charged to $150 per lot for plats and new driveways on County and State roads to cover the costs incurred. The township fee will remain at $250 which includes the mailbox post.
Vincent Charles was present to make payment for the 2 lots on Jeremy Ridge and have Chairman, John Shockman sign the plat (in sec 36 on CR 36).
NEW BUSINESS: Mac Perry presented a plat of Deer Run Second addition in section 23 off of 389th Ave, County Road 3. This is the 3rd division of this plat and he is asking to split this 54.51 acres into two lots. The portion inside the Rural Service Center as Lot 1 with 21.84 acres and has 150’ of access on CR 3, and lot 2 is 32.67 acres in the Agriculture/Residential district and has access to the county road on the SE side of the plat. Mr. Perry mentioned that Lot 1 may have additional lots in the future as it is in the Rural Service center with a greater density. Motion by Lee, seconded by Shockman to approve the preliminary plat as presented with the requirement of $150 per lot fee for 911 signs to be paid prior to signing of the final plat. This plat is not on or have any new township roads so no other comments were made regarding the design of the plat other than it follows the Isanti County Subdivision ordinance, wetland and water drainage rules. If there is future development on Lot 1 and the 911 sign has not been purchased and installed, the $150 fee will be attached to one of the future lots subdivided within lot 1.
Bill Becklin updated us on the High Bridge stating because of increase in costs it is now around 1.5 million to replace the bridge. He asked us to send a letter to BNSF railroad letting them know we are still investigating funding and hope to continue to work with the railroad to replace the bridge.
Checks 7374-7382, ACH 560-563 were approved, Receipts: 528-531
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m with motion by Lee, seconded and carried.
For your information Not Approved: Annual Meeting Held March 14, 2023 Clerk, Val Anderson, Called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. There were 8 residents in attendance and 2 visitors. Don Fix nominated Jim Lee to be moderator, with no other nominations, Jim was elected moderator. No changes were made in the Agenda. The printed 2022 Clerk’s report was read by Val Anderson. Motion by Loran Davis, Seconded by Don Fix and carried to approve the 2022 minutes.
Officer, Brandon Oliver was present to give the update on Safety and Rescue. Other fund requests were mailed to the board and they will look over those requests at a regular board meeting. Discussion was made to increase the amount in road and bridge fund for extra snow removal, Craig Sundermeyer motioned, Loran Davis seconded and carried to keep the 2024 levy the same as last year as follows:
Levy Other Total
Revenue: $34,830 $1,070 $ 35,900
Road & Bridge $136,900 $25,100 $162,000
Fire $17,020 $17,020
Total $188,750 $26,170 $214,920
Next years meeting will be held at 7:00 pm on March 12, 2024. Meeting was adjourned at 8 pm with motion by Loran Davis, seconded by Craig Sundermeyer and carried.
Regular Meeting April 13, 2023. Present: Supervisors; Jim Lee, Donald Fix Treasurer Kirstin Schmitz, Clerk Val Anderson, Steve Hass. Martin Johnson, community members. Jim 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 Fix, seconded and carried. Treasurer’s reports received
OLD BUSINESS: No Cleanup Day for 2023 Information on Evergreen and the EC Solid waste Isanti County will be put on the website.
ARPA reports were submitted through the Department of Treasury with $0 remaining.
The Isanti County Ordinance Survey is available to complete online or in person.
NEW BUSINESS: Martin Johnson was present to request approval of his On Sale and Sunday Liquor license. Motion by Lee, Seconded by Fix and Carried to approve the J&J Inc of Stanchfield Outback Saloon and Grill Liquor License.
Road Check Set for April 29 meeting at the Townhall at 8 am.
Resolution 2023-1 Designating A Polling Place
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute section 204B.16 requires the governing body of each municipality to designate by ordinance or resolution a polling place for each election precinct; and
WHEREAS, Stanchfield Township consists of a single election precinct; and WHEREAS, the Stanchfield Township Board designates the Stanchfield Town Hall at 3441 389th Ave NE, Stanchfield, MN 55080 as the polling place for the precinct in accordance with all state statutes;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Stanchfield Township Board of the Township of Stanchfield, County of Isanti, State of Minnesota does formally approve Stanchfield Township Hall 3441 389th Ave NE, Stanchfield, MN 55080 as the designated polling place for the precinct.
Voting Affirmatively: 2 Voting Negatively: 0 Not Present: 1 Adopted by the Stanchfield Township Board this 13th day of April, 2023
Resolution 2023-2 IN SUPPORT OF AMENDMENTS TO THE ISANT COUNTY SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE
WHEREAS, Isanti County is currently working on updating its Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, it is anticipated that Isanti County will also be updating its current land use ordinances including, but not limited to, its Subdivision Ordinance to give effect to the updated Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Township, as the statutory road and stormwater authority, has concerns regarding the current Subdivision Ordinance’s treatment of roads and stormwater systems within new subdivisions; and
WHEREAS, a committee of the Isanti County Township Officer Association has been working to update the County’s Subdivision Ordinance to address the Township’s concerns and has prepared draft text amendments to the Subdivision Ordinance for the County’s consideration; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board has reviewed the proposed draft text amendments to the County’s Subdivision Ordinance and believes that such amendments should be adopted as they benefit the Township’s residents.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board strongly supports the adoption of the proposed draft text amendments to the County’s Subdivision Ordinance by the Isanti County Board of Commissioners.
Voting Affirmatively: 2 Voting Negatively: 0 Not Present: 1 Adopted by the Stanchfield Township Board this 13th day of April, 2023
Checks 7383-7391, ACH 564-566 were approved, Receipts: 532-534
Meeting adjourned at 8: 25 p.m with motion by Lee, seconded and carried.
Board of Equalization: April 17, 2023 7 pm. Present: Supervisors; Jim Lee, Donald Fix Clerk Val Anderson, Appraisers Jim Warden and Peter Blomquist, Residents/Land Owners: Joel Pennington, Vincent Charles, Chris Beach, Richand Beach, Cory Snabb, Cody Weizel . Mr Warden gave information regarding the high sale prices in the county over previous value so our township values went up dramatically. Five people requested reviews of their property and 3 were reduced with the other two unchanged as follows:
1) Thea Pennington 11.056.0050 Valued at 315,200 reduced 29,500 to 285,700 Adjusted flooring and Interior
2) Ann Beach 11.021.0404 Valued at 688,900 No change
3) Chris Beach 110700010 Valued at 748,300 No Change
4) Ann Mavity 11.009.0900 Value 123,500 reduced 5,000 to 118,500 road 5) Vince Charles 11.035.1700 Valued at 454,000 reduced 34,400 to 419,600 Adjusted quality and flooring.
After view of the requests a motion was made by Lee, seconded and carried to accept recommendation of the assessor for all properties. Motion to adjourn at 8:04 pm by Fix seconded and carried.
Regular Meeting May 4, 2023. Present: Supervisors; John Shockman, Jim Lee, Donald Fix Treasurer Kirstin Schmitz, Clerk Val Anderson, Steve Hass, Davie Shockman, Bill Becklin, Craig Sundermeyer. 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: Road check report was received, We will get 397th ready with gravel, then put chloride on the road to see if it will save us money.
Received the quote from Dale Becklin for road work.
NEW BUSINESS: We will contact Attorney Ruppe to start the process to get an orderly annexation agreement set up with the City of Braham.
David Shockman was present to request funds to lime the ballfield. They use the field every night Monday through Thursday as their home filed. We have $2,800 in the county park fund account and will access that to purchase the lime and the ball club members will spread it. It will take about 25 tons to spread at 3/4 inch.
Checks 7392-7397, ACH 567-569 were approved, Receipts: 535-539
Meeting adjourned at 8: 40 p.m with motion by Lee, seconded and carried.
Regular Meeting June 1, 2023. Present: Supervisors; John Shockman, Jim Lee, Donald Fix Treasurer Kirstin Schmitz, 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: We received the County Park funds for adding lime and other expenses for the ballfield and park of $2,800.
Jim and Val went to the NLX rail meeting and presented the request for funding of the highbridge.
Isanti County Zoning and Attorney are reviewing the requested changes in the Subdivision Ordinance to include the township in the subdivision process in regards to drainage and engineering.
NEW BUSINESS: Centerpoint Energy Permit request on Naples/389th Ave. Val will look into charging for permits and exemption waivers for cut lines. Noxious weed inspection on Polk St. Jim will contact landowners.
Checks 7398-7405, ACH 570-573 were approved, Receipts: 540-
Meeting adjourned at 8:40p.m with motion by Lee, seconded and carried.
Regular Meeting July 6, 2023. Present: Supervisors; John Shockman, Jim Lee, Donald Fix Treasurer Kirstin Schmitz, Clerk Val Anderson, Steve Hass. 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: NLX send us a letter stating our request to replace the Highbridge is recognized and will be looked at within the long term replacements or closures.
The field of Canadian thistle on Polk street has been mowed.
Paid the 2023 Fire Contract
Kirsten will look at getting a debit card account at Frandsen Bank.
$300 payment made for 2 lots in Trollin Wildlife Estates.
$300 payment made for 2 lots in Deer Run 2nd Addition, John has signed the plat.
NEW BUSINESS: Insurance premium for 2023 went up 23.3% for the same coverage
2022 Population 1,214 with 454 Households
Motion by Shockman, seconded by Lee and carried to approve the ROW requests of ECE fiber
Our well has not been pulling up water and Craig Sundermeyer has been working to fix it. Motion by Shockman, seconded by Lee and carried to continue to try to repair it, but if it can not be repaired, then dig a new well.
Checks 7406-7415, ACH 574-576 were approved, Receipts: 545-549
Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m with motion by Lee, seconded and carried.
Regular Meeting August 6, 2023. Present: Supervisors; John Shockman, Jim Lee, Donald Fix Treasurer Kirstin Schmitz, Clerk Val Anderson, Steve Hass, Don Hansen 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: Don Hansen was present for John to sign the plat of Trollin Wildlife Estates, Plat fee has already been paid.
East Central Fiber has been working on the internet connections in Stanchfield Township. We had promised $8,000 towards funding for the grant application. They are requesting that payment now and a check is scheduled for payment with this month’s bills. They also have had all their wetland applications for laying fiber approved from the DNR.
NEW BUSINESS: First half of LGA has been paid for $1,308.50 with $2176 granted for 2024.
The grandfathered in pit on 381st and Hastings has been quite active. A letter regarding our hauling policy will be mailed to the owner.
Jason and Scott Johnson were present to request a driveway permit for a home. They will work with Jim to secure that permit.
A new field approach has been completed without a permit on Hupp Street. Val will mail a permit application requesting $200 with the application to the owners of the property – 11.013.1504.
Checks 7416-7422, ACH 577-579 were approved, Receipts: 550-553
Meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m with motion by Lee, seconded and carried.
Regular Meeting September 7, 2023. Present: Supervisors; John Shockman, Jim Lee, Donald Fix Treasurer Kirstin Schmitz, Clerk Val Anderson, Steve Hass, 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: Our hauling policy has been mailed to the owners of the grandfathered pit on Hastings. The Field approach permit has been filed and paid for.
A questioner was sent for us to fill out regarding the 2/40 vs 4/40 rules in the new comprehensive plan. Our board responded to go back to the 2/40 rules.
NEW BUSINESS: The State of MN has created a new law/rule (under MN Statutes 5.305) that gives Isanti county $10,427.25 annually for expenses related to election administration. Our share is $74.58 of which we signed the agreement to receive those funds to offset our election administration expenses.
Information regarding LRIP funding will be passed on the Bill Becklin and a updated request will be made for 397th Ave asphalt.
The well is not pulling water. Ace Pump and Well submitted a bid for $9,575 to go up to 100 feet. This will include all permits, a new pump and pressure tank 3/4 HP with an additional $25 per foot if over 100 feet, sealing old well.
New 3 year fire contracts were mailed to us. There will be a meeting next Wednesday at the Fire Hall to explain the changes. We paid $15,918.68 year with the new contract of $27,314.42 plus equipment charge of $12.315.49 to equal $39,629.91 a $23,711.23 increase. We have levied for equipment in the past, so we do have the funds available for 2024, but will need to increase the levy the general fire contract. The totals for 2025-2026 are: $40,305.25 and $42,544.43 with the increase going to the general fire budget.
Checks 7423-7430, ACH 580-583 were approved, Receipts: 554-557
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m with motion by Shockman, seconded and carried.
Regular Meeting October 5, 2023. Present: Supervisors; Jim Lee, Donald Fix Treasurer Kirstin Schmitz, Clerk Val Anderson, Steve Hass, residents. Jim 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: Craig Sundermeyer has put in the shelf for the new water tank to get it off of the floor to make more room in the utility closet. The well should be put in next week.
A new fire contract has been received, but we have a few more questions. We will wait until Shockman is back next month to discuss it.
The Imagine 45 steering committee has completed their work and is sending their report to the planning commission’s next meeting on October 12.
NEW BUSINESS: Mike Dennis was present to request approval of Stello Addition. This is on a county road and only one additional lot is being created. Motion/Second by Lee/Fix and carried to approve this preliminary plat and require the $150 911 lot fee to be paid prior to signing off on the plat.
Bluehost, our website provider, is limiting storage on the site. Val will look into what we are using and if we need to increase our storage amount.
Checks 7431-7436, ACH 584-586 were approved, Receipts: 558-561
Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m with motion by Fix, seconded and carried.
Regular Meeting November 2, 2023. Present: Supervisors; John Shockman, Jim Lee, Donald Fix Clerk Val Anderson, Steve Hass., 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.
OLD BUSINESS: Met at the High Bridge with Senator Mark Koran, BNSF Railway representative Alex Fiorini, County Highway Engineer Justin Bergerson, Bill Becklin and Devonte Johnson from Becklin & Whitney Engineers, Township Supervisors, John Shockman, Jim Lee, Don Fix, Clerk Val Anderson, County Commissioner Steven Westerberg and a number of local residents. Discussion was made regarding where funding could come from, the township and railroad responsibilities and the need for the grade separated crossing in this area especially with the NLX train using this rail system. We will continue to meet to look into funding sources and revise the plans for the bridge. Bill Becklin will contact attorney Jake Peterson to see if there is some legal direction we can go to help us in getting the railroad to replace the bridge. Well has been installed but there is some final finish work to be done. Information regarding the web site. We have used 286 Mgb since the beginning in 2008 and they allow 10 GB for free. We are good for a while.
Signed Fire Contract for 3 years with the changes that we pay in July and taking out the extra amount due if over budget.
Mike Dennis presented the Stello Addition plat in section 23. This is on County Rd 36 and only one additional lot is being created. Motion/Second by Lee/Fix and carried to approve this preliminary plat and require the $150 911 lot fee to be paid prior to signing off on the plat.
NEW BUSINESS: Highway certification was mailed in at the same as last year of 40.277
The MN legislators created a new policy called Sick and Safe Leave starting January 2, 2024. We are waiting to see if elected officials are required to participate, but are currently planning that we are.
2024 calendar we will postpone the July 4th meeting to July 11.
Checks 7437-7445, ACH 587-589 were approved, Receipts: 562-566
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m with motion by Fix, seconded and carried.
Regular Meeting December 7, 2023. Present: Supervisors; John Shockman, Jim Lee, Donald Fix Treasurer Kirstin Schmitz, Clerk Val Anderson, Steve Hass, residents , from the city of Braham, Fire Chief Ross Benzen, Administrator Tyler Treichel, Mayor Nate George. 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: Members from the City of Braham were present to discuss our change in the contract. We had made the payment date of July 15 each year and took out the 15 month payment period if the fire department went over budget and they were not in agreement with that. After discussion Motion/Second by Lee/Fix and carried to keep the July 15 due date but remove the strikes through the 15 month payment of over budget billing. Over the next few years we will try to accumulate a buffer to use for this over budget billing.
Bill Becklin gave the findings of the contact with the attorney. They stated we can petition Mn Department of Transportation to investigate through a hearing the importance of the bridge and the costs distribution which may increase the amount the railroad has to pay but will increase what we will pay. We will continue to research funding sources. We will try to get a meeting with City of Cambridge administrator Evan Vogel, Bill Becklin, County Engeneer Jason Bergerson and us.
Reports on two meetings: Imagine 45 will proceed with the 4 lots per 40 and is going into the final draft stage. Our township officers will continue to work with Attorney Bob Ruppe and Engineers from Hawkensen Anderson to get an updated engineering manual and road ordinance that all Isanti County townships can adopt if they want.
NEW BUSINESS: Another board member should be trained for the Board of Equalization.
Correspondence: We received notice of a Petroleum Storage Tank Release at 2987 389th Ave NE. No response from us is needed.
Checks 7446-7454, ACH 590-593 were approved, Receipts:C567-5
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m with motion by Lee, seconded and carried.