July 2022 Board Meeting Minutes

TOWN OF NORTH STAR

Date- 7/19/2022

ATTENDING – Supervisors: Richard Dillon, Jan Keough, Gary Mantay, Treasurer: Donna Elsbury, Deputy Treasurer Ray Barnes, Clerk: Mary Hellman, Fire Chief Rory Blazevik

Guests: Bruce Olsen

CALL TO ORDER- Dick

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – All Present recited to Pledge to the Flag

JUNE 2022 MINUTES REVIEW AND APPROVAL – Gary made a motion to accept the June 2022 Board Meeting Minutes as read; Dick seconded.  All ayes.

REVIEW AND APPROVE PAYROLL AND CLAIMS – Jan made a motion to accept the payroll and claims. Gary seconded the motion. Vote: Jan – aye, Gary -aye, Dick – aye.

TRANSFER – Donna reported the ARPA Transfer amount of $10,600.37

for checks #8407-8418.   EFTs / PERA – $56.76, IRS -$896.86.

FINANCIAL REPORT

July 2022 Financial Report

TREASURER COMMENTS –

  • MATIT- Donna reported communication from MATIT stated that they will be using an “in-house server” with changes in software for efficiency in submitting claim changes. 
  • Mileage Increase- the amount for government travel costs has been increased to 62.5 cents per mile.  Dick made a motion for the township to accept the new amount recommended by the state.  Jan seconded. Vote: Dick – aye, Jan – aye, Gary -aye.
  • Junk left on the Corner of Barrs/Briar Lk/Hwy 44 – this seems to be an on-going problem.  It looks terrible and is not being thrown away by the people who leave it there.  The board discussed placing a sign there stating Do Not Leave Garbage or Junk Here.  Dick made a motion to have this done and Gary seconded.  Vote: All ayes. Clerk to follow through.

CLERK COMMENTS-

PRIMARY ELECTION UPDATE:  Mary and Sue to attend continued Clerk/Head Judge Training on Wednesday, 7/20/22. Email Communication from St. Louis County included an Election Judge Video and Ballot Machine Instructional Video which were forwarded to all Judges.  There will be a training at North Star Hall on July 28th at 1:00 pm to review the SLC video info and also get ready for the Public Accuracy Test on Monday, Aug. 1st at 1:00 pm.  This Test Info has been published in the DNT as required. Judges are asked to be present to have a hands-on learning session for the real Primary.

CORRESPONDENCE – The Spring Lake Association has requested to use the Hall on Sept. 3 for a meeting.  Pam Stocco will let us know what time.  No other requests have been made to use the hall at that time. Clerk to record on calendar and arrange to have door open.

FIRE DEPARTMENT – Rory reported that it has been an unusually quiet year for the NSFD.  They were declined for the CLP grant.  Rory stated that they will still be using ARPA funds to purchase firefighting equipment, such as outfitting the firefighters with SCBAs and radios. This fall the FD will check the fire hydrant in our township.

MAINTENANCE – Dick reported that he and Gary will check the generator as it has been malfunctioning.  They do not know what the problem is yet.  The women’s bathroom door stopper is not holding the door and may need to be replaced.   

RECYCLING The recycling grant check has arrived. Jan reported there was a surplus of cardboard after the 4th of July.  The sign on Hwy 44 needs to have the recycling time corrected to “9 – 12” instead of “9 – 2”.  Dick will correct.

ROADS – Gary stated that the township road will be graded this fall.  Rory added that he could do one more light grading before the main on in the fall to help maintain it.

WEBPAGE/COMMUNICATIONS REPORT – Jan completed write-ups for the Enewsletter and Carrie put it online right after the 4th of July.  Jan and Donna worked together to get the financial report posted on the website with each month’s board minutes.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS –

Citizens from Barrs Lake expressed concern about the use of lake properties for vacation rentals, Air B&B, etc. and Aquatic Invasive Species being brought in from these rental units’ boats, etc.  How can this be controlled?

The best place to start is the St. Louis County Planning and Zoning webpage and look under the Maps tab to see how areas are Zoned.

Then the clerk followed up on this by calling St. Louis County Planning and Zoning and talked with Donald Rigney, staff member.  He stated that a complaint form can be submitted to that office regarding problems.  He also said that the Rental Owners must have a “guest booklet” with information regarding local AI Species and how to avoid spreading them.

2 maps were provided regarding the Barrs Lake area and it shows 1) that on Barrs Lake, there are both Shoreland Mixed Use 7, and Residential 5, both of which can have rentals on them. 2) and that the Town of North Star Area is Administered by St. Louis County.

Donald welcomed questions from any residents and gave his email:

rigney@saintlouiscountymn.gov

WEED INSPECTOR – Ray brought a report to pass on to Tim regarding Ground Truthing for weed reports from our area and others.  It would be helpful to have clearer pictures.

WELL WATER TESTING – Bruce Olsen came to the board meeting to answer any questions about the Free Well Water Testing to be done at NS Hall on Sept 1, 2022.  He said that he would expect about 30-40 people to come from our Township.  He has testers lined up for that date.

NEW BUSINESS –

REVIEW OF DUTIES – This information that needs to be put in eNewsletter:  Zoning and Land Use, Air B&B’s;Invasive Aquatic Species control and St. Louis County Contact: Donald Rigney. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Public Accuracy Test for DS200 Ballot Machine, Auto-mark Machine at North Star Hall – Aug. 1st at 1pm

Primary Election – August 9, 2022.  Poll open at Town of North Star Hall from 7 am – 8 pm.  

Free Well Water Testing Clinic for NS Property Owners – Thursday, Sept. 1st from 1 – 6 pm

NEXT TOWN BOARD MEETING – August16, 2022 at 6:30 p.m., NS Hall

ADJOURNMENT – at 7:30 pm.

Motion to Adjourn by Gary, seconded by Dick. All ayes.

Respectfully Submitted,

Mary Hellman, clerk

June 2022 Board Meeting Minutes

TOWN OF NORTH STAR

Date- June 21, 2022

CALL TO ORDER- Dick Dillon called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE- All in attendance recited the Pledge

ATTENDING – Supervisors Dick Dillon and Gary Mantay. Treasurer Donna Elsbury, Clerk Mary Hellman, Fire Chief Rory Blazevic, Ray Barnes, visitors Bruce Olsen, Katherine Mongan-Rallis, Denise Anderson.  Absent: Supervisor Jan Keough/vacation.

MAY 2022 MINUTES REVIEW AND APPROVAL – Gary motioned to accept the May 2022 minutes with correction. Dick seconded. All ayes.

REVIEW AND APPROVE PAYROLL AND CLAIMS – Gary motioned to accept the payroll and claims.  Dick seconded. Gary – aye. Dick -aye.

TRANSFER

No transfer needed for checks, due to other deposits from WLSSD grant and fire department donations per Donna, treasurer.  All were covered.

The  EFT #060122 amount for  PERA was _$108.00_.

FINANCIAL REPORT

June 2022 Financial Report

CLERK/TREASURER COMMENTS –

Clerk – Mary

  • Jan Keough is on vacation and will be absent from this meeting.
  • Election Update – Mary H. and Sue F. attended Clerk and Administration Training on June 9th

Current Judges and 3 new Judges to be trained on new SLC Election Judge and Ballot Machine Operation videos on-line as available. Cost is $11/person to access videos. Mary requested board to allow the Election Judges to have access to these videos.  Dick made a motion to allow election judges to have access to training videos at this cost.  Gary seconded.  Vote: Dick -aye, Gary – aye.

Treasurer – Donna

  • ARPA

Donna addressed the ARPA request for all recipients to provide reports on funds. The system was delayed and difficult to access. Donna got access to the site through MATT and was able to sign for: 1) NEU award report, 2) Title 5 Insurance, and 3) 2019 Budget.

  • Donna completed the State of MN Census questionnaire and provided them with the current info for the time frame requested.

CORRESPONDENCE

The Propane from Superior Fuel was discussed. The offer was $1.849/gal for fixed price up to 6000 gal. Starting date: 7/1/2022. Ending date: 6/30/2025.

Dick motioned to accept this contract and rates.  Gary seconded. Vote: Dick – aye, Gary – aye. Vote:  All ayes.

This offer was discussed by the board, and they were not interested in it this year.

FIRE DEPARTMENT – Rory Blazevic, Chief

  • Pancake Breakfast = The Pancake Breakfast was a great success!  Rory wanted to thank all those who helped and those who came to enjoy the food and support the Fire Department.
  • 195 people ate breakfast (adults and children), +donations.

Total monies brought in minus expenses = $1382.00

MAINTENANCE – Dick

  • Furnace not working well. General Heating came and found faulty ignitor.
  • Indoor flag pole in poor shape. Topper broken, clerk to find replacement topper.
  • Town is in need of a person to mow the lawn.  Gary reported that Ken Rovenko was interested.  Dick made a motion that Ken R. do the job at the rate of $18.00/hr.

Gary seconded. Vote: Gary – aye, Dick – aye. Gary will follow up with Ken.

RECYCLING – reported by Mary for Jan

  • WLSSD Grant Funds check received for amount of $4885.78.
  • a young bear (caught on the cameras) broke into the back of one of the recycling dumpsters by pulling off a heavy plastic access door and pulled out a mess of stuff.  Bill Taft was able to put the access door back on.  WLSSD and Waste Management has been informed.  Someone dumped a couple of cardboard boxes between the dumpsters, with a new grass catcher for a mower in a box, but Ray hasn’t yet been able to get a good picture of the culprit.

ROADS – Gary Mantay

  • Township Rd was graded by Rory. It looks good.
  • Gary will be measuring for a new culvert that needs replacing on the East side of Briar Lake.
  • The re-sealing of the town hall/FD parking lot discussed. It will be done next year – 2023.

WEBPAGE/COMMUNICATIONS REPORT reported by Mary for Jan

  • Helen Mongan-Rallis has offered to set up a Facebook group page (closed to anyone outside North Star) as a way to help communicate among residents and seasonals.

Item tabled until next meeting.  Discussion followed. Tabled.

  • E-news email to go out after July 4th.  Any ideas for topics such as: Pancake breakfast participants, money brought in, etc.  Also, Primary Election information – judges, training. 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS –

Discussion of this by board proved it to be a good date as the hall was not reserved. Advertising for this will include posting it in the Enewsletter and the Website.  This will be only open to North Star Township residents.

  • Board reviewed updated Weed Inspector Contract.  Dick motioned to accept the updated Weed Inspector Contract, Gary seconded. Vote – All ayes.  Tim Walters to review and also sign if in agreement. Clerk to follow up.

NEW BUSINESS –

  • Citizens concerned about Barrs Lake properties used for vacation rentals, and Invasive Species brought in from boats launched from those properties.  Clerk to follow-up.

REVIEW OF DUTIES –

  • Gary to get gas for lawn mowing at the hall and follow up with Ken.
  • Dick to check into generator maintenance
  • Mary to follow up with Tim on Weed inspector contract, other info for plant identification from DP

UPCOMING EVENTS

NEXT TOWN BOARD MEETING – July 19, 2022 at 6:30 pm at North Star Town Hall

ADJOURNMENT – Gary motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 pm. Dick seconded. All ayes.

Minutes respectfully submitted,

Mary Hellman, Clerk

May 2022 North Star Board Meeting

May 2022 Board Meeting Minutes

TOWN OF NORTH STAR

Date- 5/17/22

CALL TO ORDER- Dick Dillon

ATTENDING – Supervisors: Dick Dillon, Jan Keough, Gary Mantay, Clerk Mary Hellman, FD Chief Rory Blazevic, Bruce Olsen

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – All attending recited the Pledge

APRIL 2022 MINUTES REVIEW AND APPROVAL –

Thank you, Carrie Landman/ Deputy Clerk for standing in for Mary in her absence and completing the April minutes. Dick made a motion to accept the April board meeting minutes, Gary seconded. Vote: All ayes.

TRANSFER – Donna reported via phone call (as both she and Deputy Ray Barnes could not be at the meeting) reported the Transfer amount of $3136.39 was for checks #8380-8392 and EFT/PERA #050122 /$27.00.

FINANCIAL REPORT

May 2022 Financial Report

CLERK/TREASURER COMMENTS –

Clerk – Voting Machines (Watermark and DS200) were dropped off at the SLC Court House for updating in April by Gary and Jan.  Dick, Gary and Mary picked them up when they were finished.

Election clerk training will be held in Duluth on June 9th per Jon Blevins, Elections Information Specialist in SLC.

LBAE Meeting follow up. Meeting was held May 10 at 5 – 6 pm at the North Star Town Hall. Two assessors came from St. Louis County to hold the meeting. One person came to ask questions but did not make an appeal.  One couple had talked with the SLC Assessor’s Office and made an appeal over the phone which was brought to our board at this meeting by the attending assessors.  The Board voted to accept the appeal request. A letter will be sent by the clerk to this party.

CORRESPONDENCE

Email from Dewey Johnson, Emergency Operations Manager in SLC regarding reporting any flooding issues with damage to road(s) in the township. Gary, Road Supervisor stated North Star Township did not have any issues to report. Clerk passed this on to Dewey.

EMAILLinda Britton sent an email to say she thought North Star was doing a “great job”

with their Enewsletter. Carrie Landman and Jan have been getting this communication out to the community.

EMAIL regarding “Help with Pollinator-friendly Yards”. Native plant and seed mix orders are being taken now until June 3rd at  https://carltonswcd.org/.  This is available to all interested parties.  Curbside pickup is scheduled for June 16th and June 17th.  Contact is Lori Seele, 218-393-9581 with other questions. This should go into our e-newsletter next year so residents can have more time to plan for their gardens.

EMAIL regarding Abstract for T-70307 Germain to Maxim 7590 Barrs Lake Road.  See Levied and Pending Assessment Report available. Supervisors stated that North Star does not receive these records and that the clerk shall refer this to St. Louis County Planning Department or Assessors.

EMAIL from Ray Barnes regarding new updated information on Weed Inspector from MN State.

A contract for the Weed Inspector is being drawn up by the board and will be reviewed for township use per Jan.

FIRE DEPARTMENT/EMS – Rory Blazevic, Fire Chief

It is getting very dry out there! There were no calls for FD/EMS last month. There will be a training on Wednesday evening at the Hall and another in TH to train for securing electric cars that are in accidents. Rory stated that the equipment numbers and vehicle vin #’s have been updated with the DNR so they can be recorded if those are used on runs. The Pancake Breakfast is coming soon on the 29th of May. Supplies have been arranged for. There is a meeting to set up the hall on Saturday at 5pm. More help is needed to wait tables, cook, and cleanup.  

Lastly, Rory brought a statement that needed payment of $1050.00 for EMR. Dick made a motion that this claim is covered next month, Jan seconded. Vote: all ayes. It will go into the June’s monthly payments and expenses. 

MAINTENANCE – Dick Dillon reported that a new board for posting Township Business was hung on the recycling shed by Gary and Dick

RECYCLING Jan Keough The WLSSD Grant for the North Star Township Recycling Site Operations in 2022 has been approved in the amount of $5125.22, but due to deduction of heater in recycling building and adding available surplus amount, it will be $4885.78.) After signed letter is returned to their office, they will send a check to North Star.

ROADSGary Mantay – The high winds have knocked down some trees on the road which were cleared. Rory Blazevic graded the gravel roads once, and plans to do more. Frost is still heaving roads in some areas. Gravel and ditching may be needed in some areas.

WEBPAGE/COMMUNICATIONS REPORT Jan reminded clerk to post minutes from last month on Website as she was not at meeting due to travel.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – North Star Township “Contacts Sign” for bulletin board needs updating. Clerk to make new signs with Board Member’s phone numbers and the NS Town Website address so that community members can find the access to leave a written message.

NEW BUSINESS – Bruce Olsen came to give a presentation/proposal to the Board regarding Private Well Water Testing Clinic at North Star Hall.  Well received and the Board feels it would be a benefit to our community. The date will probably be around Labor Day. Bruce will get back to us with more information.  We can advertise in the E-newsletter, Website, and Signs on boards. For more info on wells, go to: https://www.health.state.mn Minnesota Well Index.

REVIEW OF DUTIES – A contract for the Weed Inspector is being drawn up by the board and will be reviewed for township use, per Jan.  

UPCOMING EVENTS – Pancake Breakfast at North Star Hall on Sunday, May 29th, 2022, from 8 am to noon.  ***Also, books will be given away from our library to thin it out.

NEXT TOWN BOARD MEETING – June 21st, 2022 at North Star Town Hall.

Jan stated she will be out of town for the June meeting.       

ADJOURNMENT – Jan Keough made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Gary seconded this. Vote: all ayes.

Respectively submitted,

Mary Hellman, Clerk

April 2022 Board Mtg

TOWN OF NORTH STAR

Date-4/19/2022

CALL TO ORDER- Carrie Landman

ATTENDING – Gary Mantay, Jan Keough, Donne Elsbury, Carrie Landman (acting clerk)

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – All present recited the pledge

MARCH 2022 MINUTES REVIEW AND APPROVAL – Gary makes a motion to approve the minutes, Jan seconds the motion.  Vote: All ayes.

MARCH RE-ORG MINUTES REVIEW AND APPROVAL – Correction made to Donna Elsbury’s name under banking/credit union. Gary makes a motion to approve, Jan seconds the motion.  All aye.

REVIEW AND APPROVE PAYROLL AND CLAIMS – Richard makes a motion to approve the payroll and claims. All ayes.

TRANSFER – Gary makes a motion to approve, Jan seconds.  All ayes.

 Donna will transfer $5566.00 into the checking account to cover the approved payroll and claims for April 2022.

Additional transfers of $551.71 on 3/7/22 and $500.00 on 3/29/22 were made to cover claims submitted after the March board meeting and adjusted claims list will be submitted to the board at the May board meeting.  The electronic fund transfers have been made but the claims will be in the May claims or March claims will be adjusted.

FINANCIAL REPORT

April 2022 Financial Report

CLERK/TREASURER COMMENTS – Carrie/Donna

  • SLFRF/ARPA Fund Reporting – Donna reports she has information from the Treasury on the use of the ARPA funds.  The Township hasn’t used the funds but Donna has to sign up for the portal for future reporting and confirm the Township’s role. Donna will check with the MAT group about the resolution the  Board approved to see if it should be submitted.  To be completed by 4/30/2022.
  • DUNS number change to UEI – Unique Entity Identifier.  No action required for entities that have a registered DUNS number through sams.gov.  Retain DUNS number for historical reference. Carrie/Mary
  • Donna asked if anyone has spoken to Susan Forbragd about reduced cleaning hours.  Mary to contact her.

CORRESPONDENCE New Variance application request from community member for a garage on W. Briar Lake Dr. This will be addressed at the St. Louis County Board of Adjustment on May 12.  North Star Board please review available copies of application and send comments, if any, with a Resolution to bourbonaisj@stlouiscountymn.gov.   Neither Jan or Gary have any comments.  Jan, as Deputy Chair will email St Louis County to find out if anything formal needs to be submitted when there are no comments.

FIRE DEPARTMENT – Gary reported it has been quiet.  There was training the week of 4/11 with a few attending.  There is training for responding to issues with electric cars in Two Harbors the week of 4/25.  It is sponsored by Cooperative Light & Power.

MAINTENANCE –     The bulletin board on the wall of the recycling shed is deteriorating and needs to be replaced.  Greg Medis who is a resident and a wood worker met with Jan about the cost to build one, which would be $500 – $600. This would require  alot of maintenance such as staining.  He recommended an aluminum option on Amazon which would be less maintenance.  One has glass doors/one acrylic. Greg will do additional research.  Gary makes a motion, pending further investigation, to order one within $500.  Jan seconds the motion.  All ayes.

RECYCLING Jan has nothing new to report.  The grant has not arrived yet.

ROADS – Gary reports the roads are wet.  Saint Louis County will grade when the conditions are appropriate.  Donna reported the 2nd invoice from the County for snowplowing was received and paid.

WEBPAGE/COMMUNICATIONS REPORT –  The April 2022 e-newsletter was sent out the first week in April.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS –  Jan said at the previous meeting a simple contract for the Weed Inspector is needed.  Mary to work on that for June.

NEW BUSINESS – All DS200 and AutoMark machines MUST undergo maintenance this year. The vendor for the equipment will be updating the software and potentially the hardware in the machines.  Maintenance is required for the machine to work.

St Louis County is waiting for confirmation from our vendor on the specific dates for maintenance but anticipate the last week of April or the first week of May. Machine drop-off will be prior to the maintenance date.  Mary checking with Phil Chapman at St Louis County to see if maintenance and training can take place at the Town Hall.

Donna reports a reminder from the US Department of Commerce census bureau that they mailed the 2022 Census of Governments, Survey of Public Employment & Payroll to be completed.  Donna will try to login to the site to see what information is required.  Mary to complete upon return.

REVIEW OF DUTIES – Mary to contact Sue regarding reduced cleaning schedule, Jan to contact St Louis County regarding the resolution and whether or not there is any action required if no comments/objectives.  Mary to create a contract for the Weed Inspector.  Donna to login to the US Department of Commerce to check on the survey.

UPCOMING EVENTS – North Star Fire FD/EMS Pancake Breakfast, Sunday, May 29th at the North Star Town Hall from 8 a.m. to noon.

Board of Appeal and Equalization Meeting will be held on May 10, 2022 at the North Star Town Hall from 5 – 6 pm.

NEXT TOWN BOARD MEETING – May 17th, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT – Jan makes a motion to adjourn and Gary seconds it.  All ayes.

Minutes respectfully submitted,

Carrie Landman/Mary Hellman

 March 2022 Board Meeting

TOWN OF NORTH STAR

03/15/2022

CALL TO ORDER – Dick Dillon called the meeting to order as the new Chairman of the Board.

ATTENDING – Supervisor Gary Mantay, Supervisor Jan Keough, Supervisor Dick Dillon, Treasurer Donna Elsbury, Clerk Mary Hellman, Ray Barnes, Deb Pomroy, Rory Blazevic, Tim Walters.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – All present recited the pledge at the beginning of the evening,

FEBRUARY 2022 MINUTES REVIEW AND APPROVAL – Motion by Gary Mantay, 2nd by Jan Keough to approve February 2022 Minutes with no corrections. All ayes.

REVIEW AND APPROVE PAYROLL AND CLAIMS – Discussion to include payment in full to Generac for a 5-year warranty. Motion to approve Payroll and claims, including to pay the Generac bill was made by Jan Keough, second by Dick Dillon. Vote: Jan- aye, Dick- aye, Gary- aye.

TREASURER REPORT –

March 2022 Financial Report

Transfer – Donna reported the Transfer amount of $4334.14 was for checks # 8352 – 8366 and ___EFT PERA_____.

• ARPA update – Donna said that the transfer of general funds to the ARPA fund is complete.

CLERK/TREASURER COMMENTS –

• Mary needs to get a Notary Registration and Stamp. Minnesota State charges $120/year and the stamp is a single cost of approximately $40. She agreed to have it available for both the township business and community requests. A motion was made to accept this yearly cost of $120 and a one-time stamp cost of approximately $40 by Jan Keough, 2nd by Dick Dillon. Vote: Jan – aye, Dick – Aye, Gary – aye.

• Carrie Landman, deputy clerk will be stepping in to cover as town clerk while Mary is on vacation next month. Details to be worked out with her soon. Thank you, Carrie!

CORRESPONDENCE

The St. Louis County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at 9:00 am, at the Government Services Center, 201 South 3rd Avenue West, Virginia, MN. The Commission will consider comments on proposed amendments to the St. Louis County Subdivision Ordinance 60. – Copy of current Ordinance Number 60 is included for review. Discussion followed. No one was available to attend this meeting.

FIRE DEPARTMENT – Rory Blazevic, Chief, requested signatures for the CAPF form; which is regarding DNR rates if we get called out for wild fires (trucks, hoses, manpower, etc.). Also, would have claims from charges which he’ll submit. The department completed the 16-hour refresher, but would still like to see more people sign up as the membership is low. They have a mass casualty practice coming up to get hands on practice. No calls in the last month, except for a mutual aid call from Pequaywan FD which was cancelled.

Pancake Breakfast update: Sunday May 29th, all volunteers appreciated! Donations to Fire and EMS Department for additional equipment and training.

Rory requested authorization from the board to sell an old fire truck, which cannot be used any more. Motion by Dick Dillon to sell the truck, 2nd by Jan Keough, discussion followed. Vote: all ayes. Motion carried.

MAINTENANCE – Dick Dillon reported that there is a worsening leak around the vent in the ceiling of the women’s bathroom, wrecking more tiles. It needs to be fixed after the snow and ice is off of the roof.

Dick also stated there was an extended warranty offer from Generac, were the township purchased their generator. Generac will provide an extended 5-year warranty for $515.00. Discussion followed and a motion was made by Gary to purchase this coverage and was Seconded by Dick. Vote: Gary – Aye, Dick – aye, Jan – aye. Motion accepted. The check will be made tonight to pay this in a timely manner.

RECYCLING – Jan Keough reported all is going well.

ROADS – Gary Mantay reported St. Louis County HD came to grind up the ice on the road. They did a good job which will made the road safer.

WEBPAGE/COMMUNICATIONS REPORT – Jan Keough reported a “Hand-out” was created for the township website which will helpful for both new and longstanding township members. It includes information about all the services available here in North Star, from the 911 Fire/EMS, recycling, burning permits, book exchange, leash law ordinance, etc., etc. This was reviewed by the Communication Committee and additions were made and entered.

The eNewsletter continues to be distributed is a good resource for Township updates also. Jan would like to see another one sent out around the beginning of May.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Weed Report – Tim Walters provided additional information on the 2021 Township Weed Report, including how the report is being updated to become available for public viewing. Deb Pomroy provided some background on the on-line reporting software. Tim thanked Deb for her help.

NEW BUSINESS –

Announcement from St. Louis County, Phil Chapman

Minnesota Statute 204B.14 requires that we [North Star Township] pass a resolution to reestablish our precinct boundaries and reestablish our polling place after the congressional and legislative redistricting plans have been released. Even if there are no changes, a resolution must be made and passed by the town board: See Attachment 1.

REVIEW OF DUTIES – none

UPCOMING EVENTS – Pancake Breakfast at North Star Town Hall on Sunday, May29, 2022 from 8 a.m. to noon.

NEXT TOWN BOARD MEETING – Tuesday, April 19, 2022

ADJOURNMENT – A motion was made by Jan Keough to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. Gary seconded it. All ayes.

Respectively submitted,

Mary Hellman

Clerk

ATTACHMENT 1

Announcement from St. Louis County, Phil Chapman

Minnesota Statute 204B.14 requires that we [North Star Township] pass a resolution to reestablish our precinct boundaries and reestablish our polling place after the congressional and legislative redistricting plans have been released. Even if there are no changes, a resolution must be made and passed by the town board:

Resolution Reestablishing Precincts and Polling Places

St. Louis County, State of MN

WHEREAS, the legislature of the State of Minnesota has been redistricted; and

WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute section 204B.14, subd. 3(d) requires that precinct boundaries be reestablished within 60 days of when the legislature has been redistricted or at least 19 weeks before the state primary election, whichever comes first;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Board of North Star Township, County of St. Louis, State of Minnesota, hereby reestablishes the boundaries of the voting precincts and polling places as follows:

Precinct 1: The entire township of North Star.

The entire precinct shall be included in Precinct 1.

The Polling Site: North Star Town Hall at 7700 Pequaywan Lk Rd, Duluth, MN 55803

Dick Dillon Made a motion to accept Precinct and Polling Place as listed. Jan Keough second. Vote: All Ayes.

Adopted by the Town Board this 15th day of March, 2022.

Signed,

Richard Dillon, Township Board Chairperson

Signed,

Mary Hellman, Township Clerk

Addendum – A map of this precinct was sent with resolution to St. Louis County. Polling Place is posted at North Star Town Hall.

2021 Annual Town Meeting Minutes

Town of North Star

Annual Town Meeting

March 9, 2021

Call to Order and Welcome  – Town Clerk, Carrie Landman, greets and thanks the residents for attending the meeting. She expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to work with them as the Town Clerk and support the communication initiative. 

Pledge of Allegiance

Nominate and Elect a Moderator

Gary Mantay nominated Dick Dillon and Sue Forbragd second the motion.

2021 Election Results – Election Judge/Gary Mantay reported the results of the election was 18 votes for Dick Dillon and no other write-ins votes.

Moderator Dick Dillon announces the Clerk is going to make a statement.

Statement by the Carrie Landman:  As you know from both the letter you received in the mail and the posting on the message boards, this meeting is being held by phone due to the Minnesota Emergency Executive Order preventing large gatherings due to COVID-19. 

However, it will be very difficult to have discussions and vote over the phone, particularly on the 2022 proposed budget levy.  The Annual Meeting does not need to be completed tonight, instead you can vote to recess, basically pause the meeting until a later date when the meeting can be held in person, either outdoors or inside with better ventilation.   That will enable us to have more through discussions before voting.

Carrie asked if there were any questions? There were no questions, would someone like to make a motion/second the motion approving the continuation of the 2021 Annual Meeting until June 8, 2021 at 7 pm?

Annual Meeting (Continued)

06/08/2021

North Star Town Hall

Call to Order – Town Clerk, Carrie Landman  *Welcome to the Town of North Star Annual Meeting recessed on March 9th to tonight.  Thank you for coming tonight!  Our Moderator Dick Dillon is unable to join us tonight so we will need to nominate and elect another moderator. 

Nominate and Elect a Moderator  Linda Britton nominates Gary Mantay and Jan Keough seconds.  All aye.  Gary reminds everyone that due to COVID-19 the meeting was recessed until now.

Read and Approve the 2021 Annual Meeting Agenda

Review and Vote to Approve Minutes from March 10, 2020.  Linda Britton makes a motion to approve the mintues.  Jan seconds the motion.  All in favor, aye all.  No opposed. 

Reading of Board of Audit Report as posted prior to the meeting (Clerk)

  • Financial Report
    • Receipts and Disbursements for 2020  
      • Receipts – $53,564.10 (does not include Fire Donations, one-time payments or Recycling)
      • Disbursements – $155,899.96 (does not include Fire Donations or Recycling)
      • December ending balance checkbook $97,652.94
  • 2022 Proposed Budget / Levy 

Jan makes a motion to approve the 2022 budget, Rory second.  All in favor – unanimous.  No opposed.

General fund $ 23,543.00 Salary increase Clerk/Treasurer/Communication
Road & Bridge $ 7,500.00 2022 Includes gravel
Fire $ 25,265.00 Additional fire turnout gear
Building $ 7,685.00
Total $ 63,993.00

Jan makes a motion to approve the 2022 budget, Rory second.  All in favor – unanimous.  No opposed.

  • Election Results – Dick Dillon was elected for another three-year term as supervisor. 
  • Road Report –  Gary Mantay, Supervisor reported they have done grading and will be hauling in some gravel over the summer and spread over some bad spots.  Gary asked for issues to let him know. 
  • Communication Strategy – Carrie Landman, Clerk
    • Email list of residents 59 people who have signed up on the website
    • First Town of North Star e-newsletter was sent to 54 residents in May 2021 and 31 people opened!  It is not to late to sign up!   Another planned for August 2021
    • Message posting boards being updated

Linda Britton raised the issue about the website and minutes not being posted.  Carrie reported that Mike is still graciously updating the website and we are working on getting them posted sooner.   

  • Fire/EMS Department Report – Rory Blazevic, Fire Chief
    • New Fire Truck
    • Three sets of additional turnout gear Additional Turnout Gear with more grants in progress.
    • 19 calls in 2020
    • Training update.  2 year refresher on CPR.  Additional inhouse training with Air Guard fire for air craft incidents because the township is in the fly zone.
    • Rory received a phone call fro the company who sold NS the truck.  Want to showcase the truck at a 2 day event at the DECC in October.   Want to take it the night before, clean, polish.  Was a unique truck build for them and they are using some of them in their new designs.  Great way to showcase the Town of North Star.  This will be discussed/voted on at the next board meeting.  Gary raised the issue of stripping the gear off the truck will take a full crew two nights to do.
    • Pancake breakfast in discussion for Labor Day Sunday but there is a shortage of people to work it.  More information to come. 
    • Gary reports there may be a couple of new members in the future.
  • Broadband – Janet Keough Supervisor

Jan reports that the Township has been trying to get better Internet for 11 years.  The density/population is low.  Frontier won’t come because the Township is in Century Link territory    Century Link won’t come because of low density population.  CLP

Via Sat –

Hughes Net – Satellite

AT&T hotspots

Elon Musk – several people in the Township are beta testing it. 

Elgin reports that some of the families in his troop 9 are reporting good data speed.  The plan is $99 per month with $500 for the equipment. 

The FCC is providing a huge grant LTV to bring fiber to the home throughout MN and other states.  They have six years to build it, start with the high density.  Town of North is probably year seven or eight. 

General Discussion of Items of Concern  – Gary says the Township is seeking a Treasurer as person who accepted the position is unable to continue and asks for interest in the Township.  Ray Barnes is retiring on November 1, 2021.  Carrie says there will need to be

Old Business

New Business:  Township position:  The Town of North star is seeking a Treasurer. 

Determine Date, Time, Place for 2022 Annual Meeting – March 8, 2022, at 6:30pm at North Star Town Hall

Motion and Vote to Adjourn the Meeting.  Linda makes a motion to adjourn, Jan seconds.  All in favor – unanimous. 

Gary Mantay made a motion to recess the meeting until June 8, 2021 at 7 pm and Sue Forbragd second the motion.

Dick asked if there were any Nay votes – none.  Yay votes:  Jan, Gary, Sue, Dick, Jeff

The motion passes and the meeting is recessed until June 8, 2021 at 7 pm.

2022 February Board Meeting Minutes

2022 February Minutes

TOWN OF NORTH STAR Board Meeting

02/15/2022          

ATTENDING – Supervisor Gary Mantay, Supervisor Jan Keough, Supervisor Dick Dillon, Treasurer Donna Elsbury, Clerk Mary Hellman. Guests Marv Forbragd, Sue Forbragd, Ray Barnes, Deb Pomroy  

CALL TO ORDER – Gary Mantay

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Recited by all present.

MINUTES APPROVAL – Motion to accept January 2022 Minutes after corrections was made by Dick, seconded by Jan. All ayes.

REVIEW AND APPROVE PAYROLL AND CLAIMS – Motion to accept Payroll and Claims made by Dick, second by Gary. Vote: Dick – aye, Gary – aye, Jan – aye.

TRANSFER – Donna reported the Transfer amount of $8,915.37 was for checks #8337-8350 and 020122 – 020211. Jan made a motion to accept the transfer amount, Gary seconds. Vote: Jan – aye, Gary – aye, Dick -aye.

COMMENTS FROM CLERK OR TREASURER

February 2022 Financial Report

 Donna and Mary attended the MAT Clerk/Treasurer Class in St. Michael, MN on Jan 25th  

The Audit Meeting was held on Friday, January 28th, at 1:00 pm at the NS Hall. Minutes available.

The Budget Meeting was held on Tuesday, February 8th, at 6:30 pm at the NS Hall. Minutes available.

Credit Card updates done.  Online banking is intact and all accounts are linked. Got a second bill from CLP so gave card information again to Sherri F. in the CLP office.   

Annual Town Meeting and Election Signs are hung, thanks to Dick and Gary, and to Bob A. for plowing out the Barrs Lake Community Events board.  Absentee Ballot Info is posted on the Hall, Alden, and Briar Lk Boards.

Board of Appeal and Equalization Review, Tentative Date: May 10, 2022 at 3-4 pm

CORRESPONDENCE – Clerk/others

St. Louis County Association of Townships, next membership meeting is in-person in Cotton

Duluth Area Townships – any interest in re-joining this group? ($100/yr) Next meeting 3-17-22 at Rice Lake City Hall.

Boundary and Annexation Survey (BAS)

All correspondence was reviewed, no motions made at this time.

FIRE/EMS – Gary reported the FD had a training meeting during the last department meeting. 

An EMS First Responder Refresher Course is scheduled for February 19-20, 2022 at the hall for 20 hours.

MAINTENANCE – Dick reported that the bulbs have been replaced in the furnace room.  One of the tiles in the women’s bathroom was also fixed.

RECYCLING – Jan

ROADS – Gary said the roads continue to be white and slippery.  

WEBPAGE REPORT Jan stated that Lee Kaplan from the Website will need a CC to bill for regular expenses.  Mary had received an email regarding this also and has called Lee and provided the CC number for this use. 

E NEWSLETTER – Current letter was sent out January 30th.  It included news such as the township election, FD information and recycling updates.

COMMUNICATION –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS –

Weed Report – Jan.  Dick had talked with Tim Walters to see if he had followed up on the noxious weed reporting.  He was communicating with EDDMapS and the DNR. 

Deb Pomroy said at the meeting that there was still only one report on the web site.    

NEW BUSINESS –

ARPA Funds Treasurer Donna has spoken with MATT lawyer regarding the process of handling ARPA funds. A resolution was created:

Now therefore be it resolved, that the Town will use ARPA funds to pay for the provision of government services in 2022 as part of lost revenue replacement. Project #2022. Jan made a motion to accept the resolution, Dick, seconds. Discussion followed. Vote: Jan – aye, Dick- aye, Gary – aye.

Donna created a ARPA Fund totransfer the amount of $10,600.38 from where it was held in the General Fund.  A motion was made by Dick, second by Jan to make this transfer of funds. Vote: Dick – aye, Jan – aye, Gary – aye.

REVIEW OF DUTIES

UPCOMINGEVENTS

Annual Town Election March 8th from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. at the North Star Hall

Annual Town Meeting March 8th to follow election at 8:15 pm, same location.

Re-Organizational Town Meeting March 15 (to precede the Board Meeting at 6:30 pm)

NEXT BOARD MEETING – March 15, 2022, to follow right after the Re-organizational Meeting

ADJOURNMENT – Motion by Gary to adjourn the meeting at 7:25 pm, seconded by Dick. All ayes.

Minutes respectfully submitted,

Mary Hellman, Clerk

2022 Reorganization Meeting

2022 Re-organizational Meeting

03/15/2022

CALL TO ORDER  –  Gary Mantay

ATTENDING – Gary Mantay, Jan Keough, Richard Dillon, Donna Elsbury, Mary Hellman,  Ray Barnes

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – All present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

BOARD ASSIGNMENTS-

            Supervisor Positions

                        Chair – Dick Dillon

                        Vice-Chair – Jan Keough

                        Maintenance –Dick Dillon

                        Recycling –Jan Keough

                        Road – Gary Mantay

            Deputy Clerk – Carrie Landman

            Deputy Treasurer – Ray Barnes

Recommendations were discussed.  A motion was made by Dick Dillon and seconded by Jan Keough to accept these Town Board assignments as listed. Vote: all ayes.

THE BOARD CONGRATULATED Jan Keough on being voted in for another 3 year term as Supervisor, this time serving as Vice-Chair! Dick Dillon will be taking his turn at being Chairman.

WAGES FOR BOARD MEMBERS –

A recommendation was made to raise the Board Members (Supervisors, Clerk, Treasurer) wages by 20%. A discussion followed. A motion was made by Dick Dillon and seconded by Jan Keough to approve this wage increase for the Board Members.  Vote: Jan – Aye, Gary – Aye, Dick – aye.

WAGES FOR TOWNSHIP EMPLOYEES

A recommendation was made to raise the wages of the Township Employees (Recycling, Cleaning, Mowing, and Election Judges) by 20%.  A discussion followed. A motion was made by Jan Keough and seconded by Dick Dillon to approve this wage increase. Vote: Jan – aye, Dick, Aye, Gary – aye.

Mileage – the State of MN has raised the suggested amount to $0.585 per mile for government travel. A motion was made to approve this amount for mileage by Dick Dillon, second by Jan Keough. Vote: Jan – aye, Gary – aye, Dick – aye.

Monthly Board Meetings have been on the third Tuesday of every month at the North Star Town Hall with all meetings starting at 6:30 pm.  Dates may change due to inclement weather or other reasons and notice will be given.  Clerk to post yearly schedule and any changes as needed.

A motion was made by Jan Keough to accept regular Board Meeting schedule and postings, Dick Dillon seconded. Vote: All ayes.

The Township posting places will be at the Town Hall, Alden Lake Road, Briar/Bars Lake Road, and Northwoods Lane.

A motion was made by Dick Dillon to accept the Township Posting as listed, with a second by Jan Keough. Vote: All ayes.

The township bank will continue to be Superior Choice Credit Union.

Discussion followed. Jan Keough asked Donna Elsbury, Treasurer, if this banking establishment was satisfactory. She stated it was.

A motion was made by Jan Keough to accept retaining the SCCU as the township bank, with a second by Dick, Vote: Jan – aye, Gary – aye, Dick – aye.

Weed Inspector Appointment:  Jan said she would like to make a motion to have a weed inspector hired and in place. Jan Keough made a motion to hire Tim Walters to be the Township Weed Inspector, with a second by Dick.  Vote: all ayes.

A motion to adjourn was made by Dick Dillon, followed by a second by Gary Mantay. Vote: All ayes.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Hellman, Clerk

2023 Budget Meeting Minutes

Town of North Star

Budget Meeting

February 8, 2022

In attendance – Supervisor Gary Mantay, Supervisor Jan Keough, Supervisor Dick Dillon, Treasurer Donna Elsbury, Clerk Mary Hellman, Ray Barnes, Rod Saline

Supervisor Gary Mantay called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm at the North Star Town Hall.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited to the flag by all in attendance.

The board reviewed the 2022 Budget and reviewed the monies received and expenditures.

The board discussed each levy and agreed to the following levy totals to be presented at the annual meeting on 3/8/2022.  The totals are:

General – $23,213.00

Road & Bridge – $7500.00

Fire – $25,265.00

Building – $9715.00

Total:  $65,693.00 an increase of $1700.00 from the 2022 Budget.

 Increase in expenses found to be related to yearly North Star Website costs(new), and need for “HotSpot” at hall for internet access for town and fire business. There were also expected increases for property insurance, propane and Inland Marine Insurance costs.

Motion by Jan Keough, second by Dick Dillon to approve the proposed 2023 budget.  Discussion followed.  Vote: Jan- aye, Dick- aye, Gary- aye. 

Motion to adjourn was made by Gary, second by Dick. Vote: all ayes.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted,


Mary Hellman Town Clerk

2021 Audit Meeting Minutes

Town of North Star

Audit Meeting

January 28, 2022

In Attendance – Supervisor Gary Mantay, Supervisor Jan Keough, Supervisor Dick Dillon, Treasurer Donna Elsbury, Clerk Mary Hellman, Ray Barnes

Supervisor Gary Mantay called the meeting to order at 1:00 pm.

All present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

The attending supervisors received the 2021 Financial Books from the Treasurer and the Clerk.  4 sets of Disbursements, Receipts and Bank Statement were compared from each set of books.

The supervisors completed and the audit of the treasurer and clerk books for 2021 and the end of year figures were as follows:

FundTotal ReceiptsTotal DisbursedEnding Balance
General Fund$ 38,154.01$ 28,488.91$ 61,852.73
Road & Bridge$   6,347.49$   3,467.00$ 10,895.19
Fire EMS$ 23,357.64$ 17,760.38$ 16,760.10
Building$   7,440.83$ 10,381.30$   8,326.89

2021 LEVY TOTALS:  December 31, 2021                $53,982.00 

Fire Donations$     250.00$     210.24$   2,677.63
Recycling$  4,081.19$  5,499.81$   1,698.79

CHECKBOOK TOTAL December 31, 2021                                 $104,200.00

Dick Dillon made a motion to approve the 2021 books.  Gary Mantay second the motion, vote to approve the audit of the township books. Vote – Dick aye, Gary aye, Jan Keough aye.  Motion carried.

Jan made a motion to adjourn, Gary second the motion.  Vote- Jan aye, Dick aye, Gary aye.  Meeting adjourned at 1:51 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Hellman

Town Clerk