Garfield Town Board Meeting
March 14, 2023
Present: Chairman: Ed Gullickson
Supervisor: George Stroebel
Clerk: Sue Knutson
Treasurer: JoAnn Erickson
Absent: Supervisor: Don Mork
Residents/Citizens: 6
Meeting called to order by Chairman, Ed Gullickson, at 7:10pm.
Public Comments: Donna Martinson asked about the people running for board positions in the upcoming election and stated that she looked back on prior minutes and inquired about an issue regarding the impact fee issue with Jason Kjeseth. Board explained the impact fee to Martinson and stated that Jason Kjeseth refused to pay and said that he contested the impact fee to the Town on his property that he bought a few years prior. Board stated that the Town filed a lawsuit against Jason Kjeseth for not paying the impact fee. The Town won lawsuit and Jason Kjeseth had to pay the impact fee plus court costs. The Town could not recover the Town’s legal fees of approximately $10,300.
Road Construction Projects – Lone Pine and Walleye Court: 143rd by Shock residence, small project. Scott Ward, B32 Engineering, discussed the Sunrise Beach Boat Landing improvements and estimated costs. Board stated that they agreed to put up a fence by the Hendrickson property. Ward stated that there is approximately $124,000 in grant money available. Mark Knutson stated he would like a list of materials that will be needed; Ward stated that he would get that to Knutson. Ward stated he will double check on permits and that everything is in order before starting the project.
Lone Pine Lane has a drainage issue. Mark Knutson explained the drainage issue to the Board and Scott Ward. Board explained that the drainage pipes were put in approximately 30 years ago and that Ted Cook filed paper work with the County. Ward will talk with the DNR.
Board explained the drainage issue on Walleye Court to Scott Ward. Mark Knutson explained that the drainage has changed throughout the years somehow and now there is a 12 inch pipe coming down into a 6 inch pipe that goes into the lake. Knutson explained that the 12 inch pipe rusted and collapsed and was replaced with a 15 inch poly pipe and blocked it at the 6 inch pipe. Ward will talk with the DNR regarding this issue.
Walking bridge at the Wapogasset Lake Park will be put on hold and the income from the park will be held and used towards the new bridge.
Set Annual Meeting Date: Meeting to be set for the annual meeting on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at 7:00 pm and that the regular Town Board meeting will be moved from the 11th to the 18th after the annual meeting.
Land Lease and Office Rent for Allied Fire: Board explained the 99 year lease that the Town has with Allied Fire. Lease needs to be updated and renewed. Board will have attorney draw up a new lease covering the new issues with the well and office space in Town Hall. Motion made and seconded to approve a new lease agreement. Carried-unanimously.
Planning Committee Update – Business Permit: Dave Nelson, Planning Committee Chair, stated that a resident wants to assemble firearms at his residence in the Town. Nelson explained the issues and concerns. The resident is considering a Federal 07 license (selling of firearms) and an 02, 03, 08 licenses down the road. Resident also stated he wants to apply for a Special Occupational Tax (SOT) status. Nelson stated that this matter will be talked about at the next Planning Committee meeting this coming Monday. Nelson stated that there is a boundary issue that the resident needs to apply for a variance and a conditional use permit. Comment was made about whether the business plan has changed from what was originally presented at last board meeting. Letters were sent to the adjacent land owners and letter was read out aloud to attendees.
Mobile Home Issue on 112th Avenue: Board will send a letter to property owner to attend the next board meeting to discuss this matter.
Other Business That May Come Before the Board: None.
Clerk’s Report: Submitted and reviewed.
Approval of Vouchers: Submitted, signed and approved. Motion made and seconded to approve submitted vouchers. Carried-unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report: Submitted and reviewed.
Approval of Monthly Board Minutes: Motion made and seconded to approve the March 14, 2023, Board minutes as submitted. Carried-unanimously.
Adjourn: Motion made and seconded to adjourn meeting, 8:50 pm. Carried-unanimously.
Submitted by: Sue Knutson, Clerk