Sand Creek Township

Monthly Meeting Minutes

December 1st, 2022

DRAFT

Officers Present

Chairman Chad Sandey, Supervisor Bruce Hunstad (via Zoom), Treasurer Myron Pauly, Deputy Treasurer Kevin Nordick, Clerk Maggie Gallentine, and Deputy Clerk Emily Nordick.

 

Others Present

Matt Stordahl – Stantec, Det. Muelken – Sheriff’s Department, Todd Dvorak – Dvorak Excavating, Tom Bedeaux, Amy Bedeaux, Meghan Darley – Scott SWCD, Lee Kes, and Deb Pauly.

 

Called to Order

The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 7:05pm by Chairman Chad Sandey. The Pledge of Allegiance was said.

Due to COVID-19 we are practicing safe social distancing.

 

Minutes

Minutes for the November meeting were presented to the Board. Motion to accept the November Meeting Minutes by Bruce, second by Chad, Unanimous at 7:06pm. Motion to delete the November recording of minutes by Chad, second by Bruce, Unanimous at 7:06pm.

 

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer’s Report for December was submitted by Myron. Bruce commented that the semi-colon should be removed from the Certificate of Deposit – Road and Bridge Account Balance. Motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report by Bruce, second by Chad, Unanimous at 7:08pm.

 

Monthly Claims

 

                        Emily Nordick (Head Election Judge & training)          $       390.00

                        Houston Niesche (Head Election Judge & training)     $       390.00

                        Lance Schmitt (Head Election Judge & training)          $       360.00

                        Diane Hesslund (Election Judge & training)                 $       140.00

                        Heidi Edwards (Election Judge & training)                   $       122.50

                        Janice Lennox (Election Judge & training)                   $       140.00

                        Kristy Johnson (Election Judge & training)                  $       122.50

                        Robert Johnson (Election Judge, training, mileage)     $       156.94

                        Catherine Rogers (Election Judge & training)              $       131.25

                        Teena Medick (Election Judge & training)                   $       280.00

                        Barbara Simonson (Election Judge & training)            $       175.00

                        Maggie Gallentine (election meals,setup&takedown)  $       402.29

                        Steve Gallentine(prep food,setup&takedown,storage)$       340.00

Dvorak Excavating (grading roads,sand&salt,snow)    $  14,967.77

                        Bryan Rock Products (gravel & rock)                           $    2,073.16

                        Stantec Consulting Services (planning & zoning)         $       509.00

                        Couri & Ruppe (general legal fees)                              $       517.50

                        MATIT (worker’s compensation)                                  $       866.00

                        Dem-Con Companies (various road waste)                   $       222.67

                        New Prague Mini Storage (December rent)                 $       116.00

                        Maggie Gallentine (cell phone)                                    $         47.88

                        Kevin Nordick(training mileage, road waste disposal) $         93.13

                        Myron Pauly (3 books of stamps)                                $         36.00

Payroll                                                                         $       975.00

Payroll                                                                         $       225.00

Payroll                                                                         $       555.00

Payroll                                                                         $       440.00

Payroll                                                                         $       555.00

Payroll                                                                         $       510.00

 

 

                                                            Total                                         $  25,859.59

 

Motion by Chad to accept the monthly charges as read, second by Bruce, Unanimous at 7:15pm.

 

 

Appoint and Swear in Supervisor A:  Chad explained that Supervisor Bill Schneider passed away in September. Motion by Chad to appoint Lee Kes in the Supervisor A position, second by Bruce, Unanimous at 7:17pm. Lee Kes was sworn in by Maggie and they signed the State of Minnesota Official Oath of Office and Certificate of Appointment to Fill Township Supervisor Vacancy.

 

Public Comment:  Chad thanked Maggie, Steve and the election judges for their work in the November election. Tom Bedeaux asked about a 35mph speed limit sign added to Bluff Drive near the railroad tracks. Scott County installs the signs on our behalf and we will check as to when the sign was installed. Once we check with legal, we will add a 35mph sign if law and code allow on Jordan Avenue.

 

BUSINESS/DISCUSSION:

Sheriff’s Department: Det. Muelken reported 55 calls, down from 66 calls last month: 10 accidents, 11 medical calls, 14 traffic stops, 1 hazard, 2 alarms, 1 rescue (Louisville trail), 1 assault (JAF staff member), and 2 fires (outside).

 

Prior Lake Spring Lake Watershed District:  Christian Morkeberg did not attend. Chad spoke about the November 16th meeting with Sutton Lake land owners. DNR plans on future cat tail elimination on 10 acres via test plot using chemical treatment.

 

Stantec: Matt Stordahl provided updates on the following Projects/Topics: Unofficial detours caused by TH 282 road project: Still no response from MNDOT. Bob Ruppe to work on a plan to let them know we want to get this resolved. Berkshire Extension Project: The project is now complete. Will see if the sod takes root over the winter. TH 169 Overpass Project: Design is at the 60% complete stage and will be sent out for review possible next week. Power lines need to be moved to accommodate the bridge but have a 12-month lead time. The Project may be advertised in June, with open bidding towards the end of July 2023 and construction starting at the end if the year. Soil borings are complete and are awaiting the report. Business discussions about truck turn-arounds. MNDOT Ownership and Maintenance Agreement for long-term cost sharing of the project for budgeting needs. Work with Bob Ruppe on utility access – township road or paved road or driveway. 2023 JPA Road Maintenance Project: We need to consider what areas we want to crack fill, seal coat, and stripe.

 

Cooperative Weed & Brush Program: Meghan Darley discussed the pilot program and all they have learned. They are looking to hire our own contractor and get better pricing vs the contractor Scott County had on retainer. There will be a workshop in the Spring. Sand Creek Township report  found 10.3 total acres of noxious weed infestation, 3.8 total acres of invasive species infestation and 2.3 total acres of woody vegetation infestation. Many of the noxious weeds and invasive species are found along TH 169 (as expected). MNDOT needs reminders to spray along TH 169. Spotted Knapweed was found on Bluff Drive and has been eradicated. Wild Parsnip has been found in the Township and should be sprayed (high priority). Suggested target treatment via broadleaf herbicide applications in mid-late June and in August of 2023. In February they should have pricing (per mile, per acre) and Contractor locked down. Need to decide what actions are wanted by April 1st, 2023. Some townships have provided a cap on the amount they want to spend on spraying. Encourage residents to mow their ditches to help keep low infestations of brush and weeds.

 

Comprehensive Plan Amendment Proposal: Chad explained that Camping World has submitted a plan amendment to re-guide approximately 2.85 acres from I-1 Rural Industrial to C-1 General Commercial zoning district for their lot to the south (inventory display). Amy Bedeaux is concerned about light pollution, the wildlife refuge and that they stay compliant with current ordinances. Tom Bedeaux commented about after business hours lighting. Motion by Chad be it advised that Sand Creek Township has received notice from Scott County of a proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment to re-guide approximately 2.85 acres of property from Industrial to Commercial, and I would recommend the Comprehensive Plan Amendments are not anticipated to impact this Township and we don’t have any other comments for this application. Unanimous at 8:25pm.

 

CIP discussion: Bruce briefed Lee on the CIP (Road and Bridge) budget process that was started in 2019. He acknowledged our top priority projects for 2023 are Sand Creek Drive and Twin Oak Circle which need mil and overlay. We want Bob Ruppe working on the legality part of a Subordinate Service District (SSD). Need to start getting updated estimates for budgeting.

 

Website Update and Task List: Emily said there were no website updates. Task List: She noted what items have been completed from the list and added items under Sand Creek Township Projects and Road Inspection Actions. She moved the items marked as complete off the spreadsheet. New items added are JPA Road Maintenance Project (define what areas are affected), and Weed and Brush Management Program for 2023 (decide to join and what actions are needed for weed management).

 

Road Report: Todd mentioned the roads are in pretty good condition. He sheared ice off of main blacktops in the golf course, Sawmill Road and Valley View. There was a dead end off of 10 that totally plugged again along with a spot on the golf course, and there is a drifting problem in some areas. There is a pile of trees near the golf course down by the cul-de-sac. Chad asked Todd to put up a snow fence on Golfview Drive, near Paul Hentges and the quonset building on Zumbro. Snow fence supplies are at Chad’s.

 

REPORTS/DISCUSSIONS:   

 

Bruce Hunstad: Bruce attended the 169 Corridor Coalition Executive Board meeting where they discussed the Legislative Event on January 25th and a Spring Annual Meeting on April 18th at Canterbury Ballroom. He also mentioned Transportation Alliance fly-in meeting (Washington DC) and attended the Master Trail Planning Summary meeting. There will be an Open House to discuss trails in early 2023.

 

Chad Sandey:  Chad attended the Sutton Lake Management Meeting and the SCALE meeting where they discussed 2023 legislative priorities.

 

Motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:11pm by Bruce, second by Lee, Unanimous.

 

Submitted By: _____________________________________________________

Emily Nordick, Deputy Clerk

 

Approved by ______________________________________________________

Chairman, Chad Sandey