Garfield Town Board Meeting
March 9, 2021
Present: Chairman: Ed Gullickson
Supervisor: Don Mork
Supervisor: George Stroebel
Clerk: Sue Knutson
Treasurer: JoAnn Erickson
Residents/Citizens:8
Meeting called to orderby Chairman, Ed Gullickson, at 7:00 pm.
Public Comments: None.
Appeal of Impact Fee – Lilly Medina: David and Lilly Medina submitted their appeal form. Medinas questioned the fee amount and what it gets applied to and wanted clarification. Gullickson explained the Impact Fee Ordinance to the Medinas. Lilly Medina stated that they thought the fee was in regards to specific expenditures related to the structure and appreciated the explanation.
Approval of Bartender License: Two bartending licenses were submitted to the Board for approval. Background checks came back with no records. Motion made by Stroebel/Mork to approve the bartender licenses that were submitted. Carried-unanimously.
Parks & Trails Coordinator Ben Elfelt: Ben Elfelt, Polk County Parks Administrator, explained that they are looking at extending the ski trails from D.D. Kennedy Park into the Ahlgren Wildlife Area. Gullickson asked Elfelt what they wanted from the Town. Elfelt stated they would like to put up trail signs on the roads. Craig Johnson commented on the trail and trail grooming and stated that Ahlgren would be better for snow shoeing trails. Gullickson asked about shoulder work. Elfelt stated that there would not be any. Norby stated that if any culverts or anything else needed should be done right away. Gullickson inquired about the siting.
Issues at Garfield Recreation Site:Gullickson stated that he had the Town’s attorney look over the County’s Land Use Agreement. Gullickson stated that the Town signed in the Agreement in 2009 in order to receive a grant for lighting. Craig Johnson, Balsam Branch Ski Club, thanked the Town for the use of the Garfield Recreation Area. Johnson commented on how and why the club was formed. Johnson stated that the ski club does all the mowing, trimming, and grooming of the trails and that the County plows the parking area. Gullickson asked if the ski club takes care of the trails in the Lake Wapo Camp area. Johnson stated that they do. The Wapo Camp and the Town both maintain the electric lighting. Barry Tulkki stated that there has been a lot more horse use on the trails which leaves the trails unleveled and asked if signs could be put up that states that no horses on trails until it freezes. Norby stated that the Polk County Trails are open to non-motorized use. Norby stated that the owners and user groups need to get together to revise the land use agreement between the four areas. Elfelt stated that a meeting in April or May would be good. Elfelt will coordinate the meeting. Gullickson suggested putting a notice in the paper.
Road Posting: Gullickson stated that he is concerned about the new blacktop and the farm machinery is very heavy. Gullickson would like to post weight limits during the spring thaw:
155th from County C north to Kennedy Mill Avenue;
Kennedy Mill Ave from Highway 65 to 120th Avenue; and
120th Avenue from 170th Street to 150th Street.
Moe Norby from Polk County Highway stated that the County has posted Highway 65 and other roads. Norby stated that roads are very soft right now. Motion made by Gullickson/Stroebel to approve the posting of the above roads.
Set Annual Meeting Date and Time: Statute states that the Annual Meeting is to be held on the third Tuesday. Motion made by Gullickson/Stroebel to hold the Annual Meeting on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at 7:00 pm and the regular board meeting to follow.
Other Business That May Come Before the Board:
Clerk’s Report: Submitted and reviewed.
Approval of Vouchers: Submitted, signed and approved. Motion made by Stroebel/Gullickson 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 March 9, 2021, Board minutes as submitted. Carried-unanimously.
Adjourn: Motion made by Mork/Stroebel to adjourn meeting, 8:23 pm. Carried-unanimously.
Submitted by: Sue Knutson, Clerk