Maine Prairie Annual Meeting, March 11, 2008
The Annual Town Meeting and Election was held on March 11, 2008 at the
Kimball Area Fire and Rescue Hall. The Polls opened at 12:00 noon and
closed at 8:00 p.m. with the business meeting following the counting of the
ballots at 8:30 p.m.
Clerk Terre Harff opened the Maine Prairie Township Annual Meeting with the
Pledge to the American Flag. Clerk Harff, called for nominations to
elect a moderator to run the meeting. A motion was made and seconded
to nominate Gary Woods as moderator. Motion carried
Moderator Woods presented the results of the election for a three (3) year
term Supervisor:
Total Ballot
count was 28
John Wicker received 28 votes
No Write in Votes
John Wicker
was re-elected to a three year term.
Moderator Gary Woods called for Clerk Harff to read the minutes of the March
13, 2007 annual meeting. John Wicker/Tom Weber made a motion to accept
the minutes as read. Motion carried
Moderator Woods called for the Treasurers report. Clerk Harff gave the
treasurers report. A motion made by Chuck Froehling/John Gohlman to
approve the Treasurer’s report. Motion carried.
Old Business was called for:
Spraying was done, post cards sent out, no complaints. For the year of
2008, not the whole township will need spraying, only the Southern portion.
Farming the road right-a-way is still a problem within the township.
There is concern for newly repaired right of way areas. The township
does have an ordinance concerning farming the right of ways. It was
suggested to contact the people in the problem areas and deal with each
individually instead of fining them. Keith Donnay was questioning
where the road right of way is.
Road Projects in 2007: It was explained that 73rd & 83rd Street was
tarred and Edom Road ditch was seeded and completed. The road project
for 145th St was not completed because we are waiting for state funding of
about $150,000.00. It is on schedule for the year of 2008.
Projected Road Projects: It is hopeful to get 145th by School Section
Access road done. Clearwater Watershed will pay $15,000.00 towards the
engineering. Another road the township is looking at tarring is 103rd
from 150th St to the township line on the South side of Kimball. It
was rebuilt 6 years ago. Estimated cost is $259,000 for a 9 ton road
and $200,000 for a 7 ton road. The township will also allow the
residents on 127th St a chance to pay to have their 1/3rd mile road done at
their cost.
Roland Donnay felt the township should crown the gravel roads so the water
runs away. John Wicker agreed.
Dust Guarding: John Wicker explained that the township experimented
and dust guarded the full 3 miles of 120th and 103rd to save on gravel.
The results were good at first but lack of rain, it wore off too fast. It is
not feasible to dust guard all the 40 miles of township gravel road but it
was felt it was good to do certain roads to protect the gravel. The
township is looking at doing a long range road plan by looking at the roads
that are costing the most to maintain.
Moderator Woods called for New Business:
Fire Contracts: Jim Unterberger congratulated John Gohlman for
becoming the new fire chief and thanked Tom Ehlinger, the retired fire
chief, for the great job he had done. John Gohlman explained the
future plans for the Kimball Fire Department. Total of 2008 fire
contracts is $59,430.94. The projected fire contracts were estimated
to be approximately $62,200.00. The discussion was about Rockville
Fire Services becoming so high because of the new fire hall. With that
discussion, a motion was made by Tom Ehlinger/John Gohlman to increase the
projected fire contract for 2009 to be $70,000.00. Motion carried.
City of Rockville: John Wicker explained that residents in the City of
Rockville are requesting to move their property lines into Maine Prairie
Township. The land in question is approximately 6 square miles, 3800
acres, 50 households and roughly 80 residents. With some residents
present, they were asked why – the residents felt they have mostly
agricultural land, need no city services, no water & sewer are needed, and
they don’t feel they should have to pay extra for those services.
Since the petition has been turned into the state, the state is requiring
meetings between the two government entities and the requesting detachment
residents. With no meeting before this annual meeting it was hard to
make a decision. Tom Weber made a motion to recess the township
meeting until more information can be attained, 2nd by Bob Stein.
Motion carried
Town Hall: Jim Unterberger checked into land that might work for a
town hall. Dennis Kuseske offered to sell about 5 acres of land on Hwy
15 and Dellwoood Road at $3,000.00 an acre. No rezoning will be
required because it is a governmental building. An estimated cost of
building at this time is approximately $225,000.00. A rough draft was shown.
Alice Robinson was asking if residents can offer their services in helping
with the building. Tom Weber made a motion to go ahead and put
$10,000.00 away for the town hall. Alice Robinson said we have a
location established; we should be looking at a motion to proceed to
purchase. Tom Weber rescinded his motion. With more discussion,
Lonnie Hendricks made a motion to purchase the land with looking at building
in 2 years. After discussion, he restated his motion to read that
$10,000.00 be set aside in the township fund and to go forward with a
purchase agreement with Dennis Kuseske to purchase the land available for
$3,000.00 an acre, Bob Stein 2nd. Motion carried
Web Site Design: John Wicker would like to see the township have a
website. In there could be legal notifications, minutes from the
meetings, permit information and policies. It was suggested that Diane
Kueckle would be a good contact.
Donations: Watkins Ambulance: Don Gruenes gave a report and
thanked the township for the past donation of $1500.00. He handed out
a graft on what the Watkins Ambulance does for the township. They will
be looking at replacing the ambulance; it is a 2006 with 57,000 miles on.
Jim Unterberger explained that there is a need with the Watkins Ambulance
because they are running very low on funds. People are not able to pay
for their services and Medicare will only pay a small portion. Cost of
taking classes to update their certificates has increased up to
$4,000-$5,000. The only income they have is through donations and
paying for the services. The EMT’s get paid $12.00 a call with a call
averaging 3 hours. It was decided we don’t want to lose this service.
Roland Donnay/Jim Unterberger made a motion to donate $2,500.00 to Watkins
Ambulance. Motion carried.
Community Education: Chris Obrien gave a handout to review.
After discussion, Tom Ehlinger made a motion to donate $1,500.00, Robin
Dockery 2nd. Motion carried
Community Playhouse: Robin Dockery reported on how successful “Grease”
was. She said they are in need of a sound system. That was one
of the main complaints some of the microphones did not work properly.
The play coming up is “The Odd Couple” and this summer will be the “Ugly
Duckling”. Jim Unterberger made a motion to give the Kimball Community
Playhouse $1,000.00 John Gohlman 2nd. Motion carried with one nay
vote.
Beef Barn for Stearns Co Fair: a letter was read by Clerk Harff
requesting a donation of $500.00 for a new Beef Barn at the Stearns County
Fair Ground. Discussion was that we might be donating to too many
different things. Some felt this was not appropriate. After
discussion John Gohlman/Chuck Froehling made a motion to donate the $500.00
as asked for. With a hand vote of 11 in favor and 8 opposed, motion
carried.
Budget for 2008: Jim Unterberger would like to see a 2% increase
after having no increase from last year. With discussion as to the
large amount on record as of the meeting, it was hard for some to do an
increase. Clerk Harff did explain that $271,000.00 was just received
in December and we did not pay for one of the road projects planned for.
With that Jim Unterberger made a motion to increase the tax levy by 2%,
motion died for lack of second. Tom Weber made a motion to leave it at
$575,000.00, John Wicker 2nd. Motion carried with one nay vote.
Jim Unterberger/Alice Robinson made a motion to hold the next annual meeting
on March 10, 2009. Motion carried.
John Gohlman/John Wicker made a motion to recess the 2008 annual meeting
until further information is brought forth for discussion concerning the
City of Rockville residents request to come into the township. Motion
carried.
Recessed Annual Meeting
April 15th, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
Clerk Harff reconvened the annual meeting with a pledge to the flag.
Harff called on Gary Woods, the elected moderator from the annual meeting to
carry on with the meeting. Township lawyer, Peter Theide, was present.
Gary Woods explained the annual meeting was recessed until further
information could be gathered concerning the request from the City of
Rockville residents. He stated that John Wicker could not attend
because of other family commitments so he put his thoughts down on paper for
hand outs.
Bob Nies asked what the process was and what the statute states.
Dennis Loewen, township board chair, explained the process, reviewed the
handouts concerning the gain and loss to the township, explained about the
meetings held already with the final meeting on April 16th, 2008.
Tom Ehlinger asked about the fire contract and who would pay the cost of the
fire hall. It was explained the residents would have to pay for the
new fire hall with their taxes as a special fire district. Jim
Pflepsen from the City of Rockville council and yet in the area of
detachment, explained the residents would have to pay for the city hall and
fire hall and it would not be passed on to Maine Prairie residents.
Chuck Kraft asked why the township would want to take the area over.
Supervisor Loewen said it was a good fit, our roads would go straight
through instead of having to turn around, it would be a financial gain in a
long run and the land fits better into a township rather than a city.
Jim Unterberger, township board, had a concern about the roads. Being
it was a dry year the last three years, what will happen if we would get
into rainy or snowy years. The boundaries should be shared roads.
The roads in question are in pretty good shape but nothing would need to be
done for some years.
Larry Kunkle asked how many road miles are in question. There are 8.2
miles with 3.74 tarred and 4.28 graveled. It was explained that Tower
Road would be a shared road.
Bob Nies asked what the potential liability would be. Loewen explained
it would be the same liability we have now. Nies asked about lawyer’s
costs, Loewen explained for the townships protection, it is wise to have a
lawyer involved so there will be some lawyer’s costs. Lawyer Peter
Thede said if there is any suing, the township carries errors and omission
liability insurance. The cost will be engaging in the process, mediation and
the cost of the law judge.
Moderator Woods explained that if there is a vote here; it is not a binding
vote; it is just to give guidance to the township board. So any vote
taken does not mean the township will go through with it.
Tom Weber asked if the board would increase to a 5 member board. It
was explained the number of supervisors would not change but the township is
looking at having a Planning Committee.
Unterberger explained the detachment residents still have a right to proceed
in the process with the City of Rockville, with little cost to the township.
Charlie Serbus asked what condition the roads were in or were we going to
have to do a lot of work right away. It was explained the roads were
in fair shape, just normal maintenance.
Dave Lochen asked what fees the township will endure. Lawyer Thede
explained the township can get involved as much as they want. It
really is between the City of Rockville and its residents. The cost
will depend on the town board. He also explained it was up to the law
judge who will pay the bill for his service.
Larry Kunkle wanted to know how the process for mediation works.
Lawyer Thede explained that each entity would go into separate rooms and a
mediator would go from room to room with different options offered or
rejected. Thede did not feel the process will go over a year; he felt
once it is in mediation, the process will go rather fast.
Gene Merten, a petitioning resident, thought it could carry out for a long
time. Thede explained since the state gave a 3 month time limit on the
meetings to happen, that will force things to proceed rather quickly after
that. Each entity will answer to the Office of Administrative Hearings
once the time has expired as to where they stand on the issue.
Lonnie Hendricks asked if we know where the City of Rockville stands, it
they want to settle and work something out. Thede explained that if
the city and township can’t work something out; it will be decided by the
judge. There is no benefit for the city to fight it or the town to go
after it. It would be to the benefit of all to come to a consensus
between all parties rather than for a judge to make the decision.
Bob Nies asked if the town can be liable, can the township be protected, can
the risk be passed onto the residents. Lawyer Thede explained that a
legal document can be drawn up to protect the board to set up an escrow
account.
Chuck Kraft, City of Rockville, asked Thede where the judge would usually
rule. Thede explained that most times in the case of annexation, the
city would win, but this is entirely different. You can’t really
predict the outcome. But there is no sewer and water plans and is more
urban.
Roland Donnay asked if the detachment is accepted, what would happen if
those residents united and it created a whole new board down the line for
the township.
The city residents present were asked why they want to be ruled by township
government over city government. Phlepsen stated they use to be
Rockville Township, they had a say and they liked the way township
government rules. The Rockville Township was not annexed into the City
of Rockville; they consolidated with Pleasant Lake residents so they would
not be annexed into the City of St Cloud. The 3 entities under one
government would save money, Pleasant Lake people got city sewer and the
vote was very close. The Rockville Township people were out number and
the vote passed by 53%.
Gene Merten stated he would like the support of Maine Prairie Township.
Lonnie Hendricks felt it was important to let the board know where the
township residents stand before the meeting tomorrow night.
A Rockville City council member stated that the residents were not in favor
of this move. They would lose tax base and that would cause their
taxes to go up. Gordy Massman stated that he has attended most of the
Rockville City meetings and no city resident spoke against it.
Bob Pike said they would save some taxes, be run by township government,
have a voice, be involved where as city government is different.
Mike Loesch has a home in Maine Prairie Township and other land in city.
The residents that signed the petition are willing to take the risk and
expense because they like the township form of government. Unterberger
could not figure out why they don’t have a say in the city. Elmer Haus
said you need to be on their agenda and if you get to speak, they cut the
open forum off so that you cannot discuss issues. You say what you
want and they close discussion and talk within themselves.
Hoffmer Royd said that St Augusta and the City of St Cloud voted with 216
people voting no and 2 developers and the City won out.
Vern Allis, Rockville, said they chose consolidation because the Pleasant
Lake people were looking at being annexed into the City of St Cloud.
Lonnie Hendricks stated that when the City of Rockville gained Pleasant
Lake, the population more than doubled. So it became 2 cities and one
township consolidated. With that, their fire department and city
meeting places became too small. The board for the City of Rockville
has 6 council members and one mayor.
Chuck Kraft, Rockville, questioned why Maine Prairie is so large and why it
has part of Fair Haven Township. Unterberger explained that happened a
long time ago when the fort was out by the four corners and the residents
could choose who they wanted to be ruled by. Maine Prairie is the
largest township in the state as far as area.
Charlie Serbus questioned what the big deal was losing only 6% of their tax
base. The south end of the City of Rockville is mostly urban but going
East you have St Cloud, going west you have Cold Spring and going North you
have St Joseph. He was feeling that the south side was the only non
fitting area. The concern from the City of Rockville is that if one
area gets to detach, then it will happen in another area. The
discussion was with the Hwy 23 corridor and other land surrounded by city it
would not be possible to have any further detachment.
Phlepson, City of Rockville councilmember thought it should not affect the
city much, it is only 6% of tax base, 16% of land and 17% of road, the city
should actually profit.
Gene Merten explained what they had to go through to make it this far.
They first petitioned the city but found out they needed to petition the
state. The feeling is the lay of the land is more suitable for
township government.
Tom Ehlinger felt with a separate taxing district for the fire department,
it would make more sense since the township should not have to pay for their
fire hall. With both Kimball and Rockville losing St Augusta fire, it
will cause both fire departments to increase the fire contracts for Maine
Prairie. Right now Rockville figures their fire coverage on a
percentage basis.
Unterberger explained he spoke with past township board members and their
comments were: do we need them and can Rockville afford to lose them.
Unterberger stated that he feels for the residents but does not know if
Maine Prairie should take on the burden. Elmer Haus asked what he
would do if he were in their shoes!!!
Dennis Loewen stated we are being annexed from the City of Kimball and it
was even mentioned at the Board of Appeals about annexing more land.
The city does not have to answer to the county like the township does so the
city does have more power.
Tom Weber stated he was in favor, take the risk, they use to live in a
township and should be allowed to continue to be under township government.
Jerry Langer also stated he felt the same way. Lloyd Kunkel said bigger is
better.
Moderator Woods felt it was time to call for a vote for Maine Prairie
residents only and he again explained this is not a binding vote, just
guidance for the township board to make the decision. The vote was 17
in favor, 9 against and 4 undecided. It was also explained that the
City of Rockville meeting tomorrow night is open to the public to begin at
7:30 p.m.
Unterberger asked if the residents want the township to participate fully
with fees included.
Weber suggested to let it run its course to allow them to become part of the
township but let the residents pursue it further.
Tax loss dollars for the detachment will be another obstacle. Gene
Merten stated it is not annexation and that is usually where they expect
payment over years. Weather that is expected with detachment is
unknown. The consensus was to leave it up to the board and for the
board to use their best judgment.
Charlie Mueller made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Tom Weber.
Motion carried.
Terre Harff Clerk/Treasurer