Meeting Minutes May 25, 2022
Download the .pdf copy of the meeting minutes here.
TOWNSHIP OF CLAY
CLAY TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING
MAY 25, 2022, 6:00 PM
18650-290th STREET
PARK RAPIDS, MN
- 1. CALL TO ORDER: The May 25th, 2022, Meeting of the Clay Township Board was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Andy Kietzman, and those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
- 2. ROLL CALL: Present: Chair Andy Kietzman, Supervisors Jeff Haukebo and Mike Lichter, Treasurer Del Holz, and Clerk Margie Vik. Absent: None. Others Present: Stuart Larson and Dave Traxler.
- 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: A motion was made by Kietzman, seconded by Lichter, and unanimously carried to approve the agenda as presented.
- 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
A. Clay Township Regular Meeting Minutes-April 27, 2022: A motion was made by Haukebo, seconded by Kietzman, and unanimously carried to approve the Clay Township Regular Meeting Minutes for April 27th, 2022, as presented. - 5. NEW BUSINESS:
- A. Gambling Permit: A motion was made by Kietzman, seconded by Haukebo, and unanimously carried to approve the Minnesota Lawful Gambling LG240B Application to Conduct Excluded Bingo for Let’s Go Fishing-Headwaters Area Chapter to Conduct Bingo Games on 8-2, 8-9, 8-16, and 8-23-22, at the Mantrap Valley Conservation Club.
- B. Gravel Pit Discussion: Dave Traxler expressed to the board his concerns regarding the property, now currently owned by Cumbers Construction, and its proposed expansion of their gravel pit operation, into the vicinity of his property and the other neighboring properties. They are all opposed to the expansion. Haukebo stated according to the township’s zoning ordinance gravel pits are allowed in both of our districts, with considerations. A site plan must be filed with the board that includes an erosion plan and how the land would be reclaimed if use discontinues. Things to be considered include public safety and welfare and adjacent land uses should be compatible. We recently did such a review when Mark’s Sand and Gravel expanded their gravel pit towards the Emmaville Store. Their expansion was approved after consensus with the adjacent landowners was achieved. We allowed limited hours of use to mitigate the concerns of the affected property owners. Kietzman stated Cumbers is aware of the fact that they have to present their plan to the board for this proposed expansion. Traxler stated I understand the need for gravel, but this expansion will devalue our properties. I am strongly against it. I don’t want gravel trucks running alongside my property 24/7. I hope you consider not allowing it. Haukebo stated there will be a public hearing if Cumbers apply for a permit. If you have evidence, from an appraiser, of that devaluation, we would consider that when the permit for the gravel pit is presented to the board, along with other criteria. The board took no action at this time.
- C. Hubbard County Solid and Water Conservation District: Kietzman presented information he received from Heidi Anderson-Thomas, District 3 Supervisor, for the Hubbard County Soil and Water Conservation District, that represents our area. She has provided her contact information. Reach out to her if you have any concerns or questions.
- D. Road Issues: Haukebo stated there is a damaged Jack Pine tree on the border road south of Emmaville Store. It was cracked during a recent wind storm. It’s hung up on the Emmaville side on the minimum maintenance road. Lichter stated he would contact Lake Emma Township about it. The board continued their discussion regarding the township road maintenance schedule and problem areas, including the past history of erosion issues on Jigsaw Road.
- E. Thank You Notes: Vik stated she received a thank you note from Headwaters Animal Shelter for the monetary support received from the township. Holz added he also received notes from the Hubbard County Food Shelf, the Park Rapids Library, Kinship of Park Rapids, and Hubbard First Responders.
- F. American Rescue Plan Act Funds: Holz stated the board needs to adopt this presented resolution that will authorize the use of the ARPA funds that we have received in the amount of $4,098.09. I worked directly with the Minnesota Association of Townships to understand the application process. Kietzman also helped by filling out all of the forms and then submitting them electronically. A motion was made by Kietzman, seconded by Lichter, and unanimously carried to approve the Resolution to Spend ARPA Funds on Lost Revenue Replacement Category.
- 6. OLD BUSINESS:
- Town Hall Issues: Kietzman stated he spoke to Yliniemi regarding the unfinished items for the town hall. Yliniemi said he’d have them all done before the next meeting in July. Also, the draft permit for use of the town hall has been forwarded to the attorney for his review. The board will have the final review before it’s approved.
- 7. APPROVAL OF TREASURERS REPORT: Holz stated it works better for him to have the paperwork done for the board’s stipend payments prior to the meeting, so four hours and thirty miles is still owed to Lichter and will be paid to him in the next quarter. Holz presented his written treasurer’s report to the board (see attached).
A motion was made by Kietzman, seconded by Lichter, and unanimously carried to approve the treasurer’s report and to pay the outstanding invoices. - 8. ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Kietzman, seconded by Haukebo, and unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at 6:51 p.m.