Garfield Town Board Meeting
August 17, 2009
Present: Chairman: Ed Gullickson
Supervisor: George Stroebel
Supervisor: Donald Mork
Treasurer: Valerie Anderson
Clerk: Sue Knutson
Meeting called to order by Chairman, Ed Gullickson, at 7:00 pm.
Minutes of last meeting: Motion made by Stroebel/Mork to approve Board minutes as
submitted. Carried-unanimously.
Public Comments: Dave Nelson wanted to thank Ed Gullickson for speaking at the Lake
Association meeting.
Marlys Nelson wanted a correction to April 20, 2009, in regards to the removal of leaves.
Marlys was not present. Dave Nelson volunteered that it was he that made the comment
about the leaf removal. Marlin Baillargeon is will to take the leaves (drop off or pick up) for a
charge. He will be listed in the Wapogasset Beartrap Lake Assoc.
Marlys Nelson suggested a sign in sheet for people who attended meeting and possibly tape
recorded.
Diane Stoneking spoke about the County’s finances. Discussion.
Ed Moersfelder/Kevin Christenson wants to comment on the AVT on roads when it is brought
up. Both oppose.
Marilyn Buckingham would like to see the agenda, even a tentative one, be posted at an
earlier time than the Sunday before the meeting.
Tim Stelter from Osceola Ambulance commented on their bill. Haven’t received invoice.
When we receive invoice we will pay it.
Road Work Update: Mark Knutson commented on the chip sealing on 155th Street.
Discussion.
Motion made by Gullickson/Mork that the Town goes up to a specified amount on the Roadway
Surfacing auction for a loader backhoe. Carried-unanimously.
New truck is now at Universal getting the box put on.
Mark Knutson would like to get a radio for the trucks. Cost would be $375 for licensing
agreement for 10 years, $375-470 per radio (Vertex-Motorola). Discussion. Tabled for a
month.
ATV’s on Roads: Discussion. Mork presented Board with Farmington’s ordinance.
Tim Stelter from Farmington commented on how Farmington did its ordinance and how it is
working without problems. Tim also presented a document from Long Lake Recreation.
Enforcement was discussed. Orval Johnson stated that the Polk County Information Center
has requests for ATV trails and also commented that Polk County only has three trails.
Ed Moersfelder stated his concerns and read a portion from a newsletter regarding insurance
claims. Submitted the first two pages from a Polaris handbook. Referred to the survey that
was completed by Steven’s Engineers.
Board has two options: one bring it to a vote and see where it goes and have the Planning
Committee go through the ordinance(s), and two ending it.
Motion made by Stroebel/Mork to give no further consideration until a larger group comes
forward and requests it. Carried-unanimously.
Zoning Ordinance: Orval Johnson stated the Planning Commission stated that they
recommended the Board start process of a Town Zoning Ordinance.
Motion made by Gullickson/Mork to announce the development of the Town of Garfield Zoning
Ordinance with a special meeting regarding said ordinance. Carried-unanimously.
Motion made by Gullickson/Stroebel to approve advertising dates of August 25 and September
1 and meeting date of September 15 at 7:00 pm. Carried-unanimously
Park: Joyce Gullickson stated that we received the grant for $7,500 from the Bremer
Foundation to be used on playground equipment (slide, merry-go-round, and more swings).
Polk County Information Request for Funds: Their funds from the County have been cut.
Discussion. Marlys Nelson suggested that they put in a donation box. Board is not
considering a donation of $1,400 at this time.
Dairyland Power Cooperative: DPC has power lines in town. Concerns on County Road Y
and Kennedy Mill Road lines need to be updated using taller poles made of steel. Construction
is tentatively scheduled to start Spring 2010. Discussion. DPC is working with the
homeowners.
New State Budget: Gullickson commented on meeting with Greg, a person from Bowmar
Appraisal. Town will send a letter indicating a tax increase out with Bowmar’s reassessment
letter with no cost to us.
Entryway to Town Hall: Two bids were submitted for labor only from Karpenske Builders for
$2,550 and Rod Elbaor Construction for $3,800. Material quotes should be in Thursday.
Motion made by Stroebel/Gullickson to approve the Karpenske Builders’ bid. Carriedunanimously.
Statement of Accounts: Profit & Loss statement was submitted. Motion made by
Gullickson/Mork to approve Profit & Loss statement. Carried-unanimously.
Approval of Vouchers: Submitted, signed and approved. Motion made by Mork/Stroebel
approve submitted vouchers. Carried-unanimously.
Treasurer’s report: Submitted. Motion made by Mork/Gullickson approve treasurer’s report.
Carried-unanimously.
Adjourn: Motion made by Gullickson/Mork to adjourn meeting, 9:02 pm. Carriedunanimously.
Submitted by: Sue Knutson, Clerk