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TOWNSHIP OF CLAY
CLAY TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING
January 24, 2018, 7:00 PM
MANTRAP VALLEY CONSERVATION CLUB
PARK RAPIDS, MN

• 1. CALL TO ORDER: The January 24th, 2018, Meeting of the Clay Township Board was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Andy Kietzman, and those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
• 2. ROLL CALL: Present: Supervisors Andy Kietzman and Jeff Haukebo, Treasurer Del Holz, and Clerk Margie Vik. Absent: Norm Leistikow. Others Present: Robin Honzay, George Honzay, Al Honzay, Dustin Lof, Jeff Hatlewick, Winton Hagen, Chad Case, and Kristina Case.
• 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: A motion was made by Kietzman, seconded by Haukebo, and unanimously carried to approve the agenda as presented.
• 4. APPOINT CHAIR FOR 2018: A motion was made by Haukebo, seconded by Kietzman, and unanimously carried to appoint Andy Kietzman as Clay Township Chair for 2018.
• 5. PUBLIC HEARING: Continued from November 22, 2017
• A. Conditional Use Permit to Allow Gravel Pit Operations at PID #04.33.00500: Many residents were present to express their concerns over the township granting a conditional use permit for a gravel pit. The township received a petition to deny the permit request which was signed by thirteen people. The concerns expressed included: water quality, source and water table levels, water contaminates, size of hole left after mining operations cease, decreased property values, safety concerns for small children, noise when operating, incompatible use to Emmaville Store, the mine pit not being properly restored, and the business operations of Emmaville Store will be affected by a loss of revenue. Jeff Hatlewick, representing Mark’s Sand and Gravel provided documentation citing an increase in value of the property directly across from the existing gravel pit on County Road 4. He suggested placing some conditions on the permit, such as limited hours of operation so as not to effect Emmaville’s customers and operating hours. Kietzman remarked that the owners of that referenced property moved a cabin onto it which directly increased the market value of that parcel, and the piece is not adjacent to the gravel pit operation. Further discussion focused on the water table and how mining operations could affect the ground water table and the flow of the underground water table. Dustin Lof commented that if done properly and the layer of clay that protects the water table is not disturbed it should be fine. He added he also has an ownership in a gravel pit in Lake Emma Township which doesn’t have zoning regulations. He asked when does reclamation begin. A gravel pit’s resources could be exhausted after fifty years. The regulations should be clarified. Haukebo stated he conferred with the township’s assessor regarding property values, and was told that in the assessor’s experience he’s never seen a gravel pit operation cause a reduction in property values. He thought property values would go up because a vein of gravel could run through neighboring properties. Mr. Honzay suggested hiring an outside consultant to do a comprehensive study instead of relying on a local assessor. I could find someone to do that, but it would be the township’s responsibility to pay for it. Kietzman stated the board would not pay for a comprehensive study because of a lack of financial resources. Hatlewick stated the existing gravel pit has been in operation for twenty years. It is not in daily operation. It’s only used when they have work in the area. It started out under a lease from Potlach, but was purchased by Mark’s Sand and Gravel in 1997. Kietzman stated this request can only be weighted against the existing regulations. We can’t ask the petitioner to wait while we clarify definitions and requirements because we don’t like something. Mr. Honzay stated the operations there will create hazardous conditions for people and wildlife. It may or may not kill Emmaville, which is a community hub. Kietzman stated we don’t want Emmaville to leave. We can discuss ways to satisfy everyone. Haukebo stated there can be middle ground. The board can place conditions on this. Hatlewick stated we are now past the statutory sixty-day rule. We have allowed these extensions, but the bidding season is soon upon us. I need a timeline. Kietzman stated both sides have presented evidence. The township does not have the budget to order a comprehensive study. That is not an option, unless the property owners want to fund it. Either the two opposing parties come to a compromise and discuss conditions or the board will make a decision. It’s in the best interest of both parties to sit down and have a discussion. Hatlewick stated he could wait another month for a decision. Honzay requested a mediator be appointed. Kietzman stated he would sit down with both parties and take notes, and would bring back the results to the board in one month. A motion was made by Haukebo, seconded by Kietzman, and unanimously carried to continue the discussion for the Conditional Use Permit request to Allow Gravel Pit Operations at PID #04.33.00500, at the February 28th, 2018, township’s regular meeting.

6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

• A. Clay Township Regular Meeting Minutes-November 22, 2017: A motion was made by Haukebo, seconded by Kietzman, and unanimously carried to approve the Clay Township Regular Meeting Minutes for November 22nd, 2017, as presented.

7. NEW BUSINESS:

• A. Proposed Property Tax: Kietzman stated the proposed property tax for the township’s land is going from $132.00 to $134.00 annually.
• B. Gambling Permit: A motion was made by Kietzman, seconded by Haukebo, and unanimously carried to approve a Minnesota Lawful Gambling Permit LG240B for the Mantrap Valley Conservation Club for four bingo events in 2018.

8. OLD BUSINESS:

• A. Contributions for Boat Inspections on Mantrap Lake: A motion was made by Haukebo, seconded by Kietzman, and unanimously carried to increase the contribution to $2,200.00 in 2018 for Mantrap Lake Boat Inspections.

9. APPROVAL OF TREASURERS REPORT: Holz stated $123.40 was received from the money market account interest, $25,640.64 for the November tax settlement, and $774.37 for township aid. The checking account balance is $850.00, and the money market balance is $264,412.05. The total funds are $265,262.05. There’s $103,457.42 in the building fund. The operating balance as of January 24th, 2018, is $158,649.22. The outstanding invoices for this month are $2,260.00 for Cumber Construction, $140.88 for the Enterprise, $46.00 for the Hubbard County Recorder, $184.53 for the Hubbard County Ag Inspector, $351.65 for Hubbard County Association Dues, $223.00 for worker’s comp premium, and $775.00 for MATIT commercial insurance premium. Total payables are $3,981.06. A motion was made by Kietzman, seconded by Haukebo, and unanimously carried to approve the treasurer’s report and to pay the outstanding invoices.

10. ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Kietzman, seconded by Haukebo, and unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:21 p.m.

_______________________________ ATTEST: Chair Andy Kietzman
______________________________ Margie M. Vik Township Clerk