Garfield Town Board Meeting & Budget Hearing
November 12, 2019
Present: Chairman: Ed Gullickson
Supervisor: Don Mork
Supervisor: George Stroebel
Clerk: Sue Knutson
Treasurer: JoAnn Erickson
Residents/Citizens: 12
Budget Meeting called to order by Chairman, Ed Gullickson, at 7:07 pm.
Gullickson explained the draft budget for 2020.
Jeremiah Smith commented on the harvesters/farmers that are not residents that come into the Town to harvest on land in the Town. Smith suggested that they should have an impact fee assessed to them. Gullickson stated that the State does not allow the Town to charge an impact fee but the Town can charge for the damages to roads. Gullickson also stated what it costs to rebuild and improve roads.
Motion made by Dave Nelson/Vi Nelson to approve the 2020 Budget. Carried-unanimously.
Adjourn: Motion made by Dave Nelson/Vi Nelson to adjourn Budget meeting at 7:39 pm. Carried-unanimously.
Levy Meeting called to order by Chairman, Ed Gullickson, at 7:40 pm.
Gullickson explained and reviewed the new levy amount of $519,934 with the budget of $738,237.
Motion made by Dave Nelson/Don Mork to approve the levy amount of $519,934. Carried-unanimously.
Adjourn: Motion made by Jeremiah Smith/Dave Nelson to adjourn Levy meeting at 7:45 pm. Carried-unanimously.
Regular Board Meeting called to order by Chairman, Ed Gullickson, at 7:45 pm.
Public Comments: None.
Board Approval of 2020 Budget & Levy: Motion made by George Stroebel/Don Mork to approve the levy amount. Carried-unanimously.
Renewal of Loans - Discussion: Gullickson discussed the issues regarding the Town loans with Bremer and stated that Bremer is in agreement to lower the interest rates on the loans almost by half. Payments will remain the same with more of the payment going towards the principal. Motion made by Gullickson/Mork to approve the refinancing of the maintenance shop loan, Mack truck loan and the park loan to get the lower interest rate on them. Carried-unanimously.
Road Issues: Two major road issues are: First is 143rd with water over the road and the water is not draining to the southeast. Maintenance has met with the DNR about the situation and they will get back to the Town about the water drainage on Monday. The DNR is going to permit the Town to build up the road but will notify them if there are any issues prior to giving the permit. Second is on the end of Sunrise Beach Drive with a drainage issue. The landowner will have the Town install a submersible pond and give the Town a portion of the land.
Road patching is still being done. Ditch mowing has started. Kennedy Mill and 143rd will not be blacktopped until next year due to weather and scheduling with Monarch. Loren Johnson inquired about putting more gravel on 65th Avenue. Gullickson stated that they will look into it and discuss it at the next board meeting. Gullickson stated that more work will be done on 150th Street between County Road K and 70th Avenue. Gullickson asked Josh Roos about the weight of their farm equipment. Roos stated they their equipment is under the weight limits. Gullickson stated that there are other sections of roads that need some attention.
Other Business That May Come Before the Board: None.
Clerk’s Report: Submitted and reviewed.
Approval of Vouchers: Submitted, signed and approved. Motion made by Stroebel/Mork to approve submitted vouchers. Carried-unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report: Submitted and reviewed.
Approval of Monthly Board Minutes: Motion made by Stroebel/Mork to approve the November 12, 2019, Budget/Levy and Board minutes as submitted. Carried-unanimously.
Adjourn: Motion made by Mork/Stroebel to adjourn meeting, 8:20 pm. Carried-unanimously.
Submitted by: Sue Knutson, Clerk