Category: Uncategorized

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.

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 25^th  

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

The Budget Meeting was held on Tuesday, February 8^th, 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 30^th.  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 8^th from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. at the North Star Hall

Annual Town Meeting March 8^th 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 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

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

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:

Fund	Total Receipts	Total Disbursed	Ending 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

January 2022 Board Meeting

TOWN OF NORTH STAR

01/18/2022          

CALL TO ORDER – Gary Mantay

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

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE –All Present recited the Pledge of Allegiance

MINUTES APPROVAL – Motion to accept December 2021 Minutes with discussed corrections by Dick, second by Jan, all ayes.

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

TRANSFER – Total amount of checks – $4628.88. Transfer of Funds amount is $3552.38 for checks 8321-8329, and auto payments 010122-010222.

COMMENTS FROM CLERK OR TREASURER –

January 2022 Financial Summary

• A motion was made to set the Audit Meeting Date on Friday, January 28^th, at 1:00 pm at the NS Hall by Dick, second by Jan, all ayes.
• A motion was made to set the Budget Meeting Date was on February 8^th, at 6:30 pm at the NS Hall by Jan, second by Gary, All ayes.
• Annual Meeting – March 8, 2022 at 8:15 pm at the NS Hall, with Township Election voting to precede the meeting from 5:00-8:00pm. This date is predetermined by the state.
• Mary presented a list of Election Judges available for the Annual Meeting Election; Sue Forbragd, Linda Britton, and Bill Taft. A motion to accept named election judges was made by Dick, second by Gary, all ayes.
• Jan completed the Board of Equalization and Appeal Training.
• Credit Card updates done.  CLP and Superior Fuel have been notified of new card #.   
• St. Louis County March Election candidate filing deadline was December 28, 2021. Two people applied for candidacy for the Supervisor Position.
• Carrie L., retiring clerk, passed the NS computer, files and supplies on to new clerk, Mary H.
• Donna and Mary are registered to attend the Clerk/Treasurer Class provided by MAT in St. Michael, MN on January 25^th.

CORRESPONDENCE – None

FIRE DEPARTMENT – Gary reported the FD had annual department elections. Rory was voted in again as Fire Chief and Gary will be Assistant Chief. NSFD/EMS had 2 calls in December.

Fire Fighter Don McCormick passed away in December. Arrangements by FD made for Memorial Gift of $250 and a plaque. Gary to pick up the plaque from Stewart Wheel Goods and provide to Don’s wife Julie.  Funeral is January 22^nd. Let Gary know if attending with the group.   

MAINTENANCE – Dick

Town Hall Heater was cleaned and checked/tested by General Heating of Duluth with Dick and Gary present.   

RECYCLING – Jan completed the 2022 WLSSD grant for Designated Recycling Drop-off Center Operations for North Star Township.  The application identifies $5125.22 requested for operations of our Center.  The 2021 annual report defines a successful recycling program with growing participation by the community.

ROADS – Gary reported that the roads are white and slippery.

WEBPAGE REPORT – Jan reported the Website is online.  Information is being added, and more to follow, such as election info and monthly Meeting Minutes. Mary is learning the process. 

COMMUNICATION REPORT – Carrie will be asked to bring the Enewsletter up to date with more township election information. Gary stated that the Fire Department is looking for a Grant Writer. The applicant(s) would not need to be active fire fighters or EMS per Rory, FD Chief.  Jan offered to make a draft of this for the Enewsletter.  Dick suggested that job benefits are included, and Linda suggested the requirements of belonging to the FD are listed.

New email addresses have been made for Township contacts for Donna/Treasurer and Mary/Clerk and will be used for online sites.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS –

Lee Kaplan will need a replacement card for Website costs.

NEW BUSINESS – Deb Pomroy brought a packet of Weed Report information which should be helpful to Tim Walters, the new reporter. He still needs to finish the required reporting for 2021 to the website.  It appears that Tim may need to ensure that the 2021 Weed Report is complete in EDDMaps. Dick will contact him regarding this.   

REVIEW OF DUTIES – Gary will pick up Don’s plaque during the week before the funeral.

UPCOMING EVENTS – Audit Meeting is January 28^th at 1:00 pm, Budget Meeting is February 8^th at 6:30 pm. All meetings at North Star Town Hall.

NEXT BOARD MEETING – February 15, 2022

ADJOURNMENT – Jan made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:32 pm. Dick seconds, all ayes.

Respectively submitted,

Mary Hellman, Town Clerk

TOWN OF NORTH STAR

December 2021 Meeting Minutes                 

12/21/2022

CALL TO ORDER  –  Gary called the meeting to order at 6:30.  Attending:  Gary Mantay, Rory Blazevic, Donna Ellsbury, Ray Barnes, Marv and Sue Forbragd, Jan Keough, Dick Dillon, Tim Walters, Carrie Landman and Mary Hellman.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – All present recited the Pledge of Allegiance

MINUTES APPROVAL – Jan makes a motion to approve the November 2021 minutes with corrections, Dick second, any discussion, all in favor aye.

REVIEW AND APPROVE PAYROLL AND CLAIMS – Dick make a motion to approve, Gary second, any discussion, all in favor aye.

TRANSFER – Total amount of checks $6,072.07.  Transfer amount is $5,735.94.  Dick makes a motion, Jan second, any discussion, all in favor aye. 

December 2021 Financial Summary

COMMENTS FROM CLERK OR TREASURER  –

• Tax apportionment $23,493.67 – See attached.
• SLC 2021 Year End Advance – $382.44
• ARP additional funds of $336.13 were deposited into our account on Nov. 23.
• St. Louis County March Election deadline Dec.28, 2021
• Carrie will pass on the clerk laptop /printer/files by end of December to Mary

• New Credit Card from SCCU has been put in Mary’s name as new clerk and received.
• Dick completed Board of Equalization and Appeal Training
• Donna reported that Mary has signed all forms to be added to the SCCU accounts and Carrie has signed the form to be removed.
• Mary reported that a resident is interested in becoming an election judge and she will work with the resident on training

CORRESPONDENCE = MAT Insurance annual paperwork and invoice reviewed. Dick noted that all three trucks are insured and wondered if the 1995 Isuzu truck needs full coverage. The amount for the 1995 truck insurance is $287 annual. Jan suggests selling the 1995 truck in 2022.

FIRE DEPARTMENT – Fire Chief Rory reported one medical call and volunteers are working on training.  Gary reports that the State of Minnesota has created insurance for volunteers that is offered to fire department members at no charge.  Gary provided the paperwork to Rory for review. 

MAINTENANCE – Dick reported that the light ballast is not worth replacing so the new lights are LED with no ballast.  Dick and Gary suggest that future light ballasts be replaced with LED bulbs.  Gary asks if the ARPA funds can be used to replace the ballast with LED.  Donna said some of the funds can be used for building things but she is unsure yet.  There are four or five resolutions that the State has provided and Donna will review the resolutions to determine if the light replacements qualify as ARPA spend. 

Dick reported that he is still waiting for General Heating to call back regarding the heat in the Hall.  The battery in the thermostat in the Fire Hall was dead and has been replaced. 

A plowing contract has been given to Jim Taft, as he has agreed to plow again this year for the township /recycling lot. 

RECYCLING – Jan reported that she attended the annual WLSSD meeting regarding the 2022 Grant.  The data for the report will be due in January and the grant request turned in at the end of February.  The good news is that bubble wrap can be recycled in 2022.  The furnace in the recycle building has been replaced.

ROADS – Gary reports that the roads are white and slippery.  Use caution and slow down.

WEBPAGE REPORT – The new North Star Township Website has been designed and the content has been uploaded.  Jan, Carrie, and Mary met with Lee Kaplan and he created a user manual.  Jan reported that she requested Mike delete the @northstartownship.org domain which resulted in the email being deleted.  Jan is coordinating with Mike on creating new emails for the clerk, treasurer and supervisor correspondence. 

Lee will need a replacement credit card for costs because Lee used Carrie’s card to pay for the new website domain.  

COMMUNICATION REPORT –  The November North Star Township eNewsletter was sent out. Of 61 recipients, 43 opened the newletter.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – 2019 Federal Filing update; Linda B. sent out copies of the 2019 W2 and W3 on 12/1/2020. 

NEW BUSINESS –

VEGA 3 Grant – DS200.  Dick would like the Clerk to be trained fully on the DS200 before the mid-term election.  Jan would like the Clerk to have the representative come and make sure the equipment works before training.  Jan would like to add an item to the next enewsletter to ask residents to volunteer for election judges.  Carrie reported that Mary has the paperwork and the contact for training.

Tim Walters prepared and distributed the 2021 Annual Weed Report.  See attached.  Tim reported that the online form (eddmaps) is impressive and he submitted the report and the pictures on 12/21/2021.   Jan asked if Tim is interested in continuing in 2022.  Jan makes a motion to accept the 2021 Weed Inspection, Dick second, any discussion, all in favor aye.

2021 Weed Report

Jan reports that she is filing for the 2022 Supervisor position and has completed the application and will submit her filing fee.

Dick makes a motion for both the Treasurer and the Clerk to attend the MAT training on 1/25/2022 which covers the topics below.  All in favor, aye. 

• Clerk/Treasurer Duties/Statutes
• W-2’s, 1099’s, PERA
• Board of Audit
• PERA Exclusion
• Annual Meeting
• Financial Report
• Reorganizational Meeting
• CTAS/Accounting Procedures

REVIEW OF DUTIES:  Dick will call General Heating again about the Hall furnace. 

UPCOMING EVENTS – None at this time

NEXT MEETING – January 18, 2022   

ADJOURNMENT – Gary makes a motion to adjourn, Dick seconds the motion, all in favor aye.  Meeting adjourned at 7:25 pm.

Respectively submitted,

Mary Hellman – Town Clerk

TOWN OF NORTH STAR               

2021 November Town Board Meeting Minutes

CALL TO ORDER  –  Gary Mantay called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.  Attending:  Gary Mantay, Rory Blazevic, Ray Barnes, Donna Elsbury, Sue Forbragd, Linda Britton, Marv Forbragd, Jan Keough, Dick Dillon, Mary Hellman and Carrie Landman

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE –

MINUTES APPROVAL – Dick makes a motion to approve the October minutes with corrections, Jan seconds, all in favor aye.

REVIEW AND APPROVE PAYROLL AND CLAIMS – Jan makes a motion to approve  the payroll and claims, all in favor aye.

November 2021 Financial Report

TRANSFER – Total amount of checks 8286 – 8303, 110121 and 110221 in the amount of $10,071.03.  Jan makes a motion to transfer from money market to savings, Dick seconds.  All in favor aye.

COMMENTS FROM CLERK OR TREASURER  –

• Donna has been signed up at Superior Choice Credit Union.  Ray has a form for Carrie to sign in December.  Donna will take over as Treasurer at the next meeting.  She put all the reports together for the November meeting. 
• 2019 W2/W3 discrepancies pending – will check the former Clerks laptop.  Carrie/Mary to check.  Check the IRS website.   
• Transition Training for new Clerk Mary: Carrie and Mary are working together on the various clerk responsibilities, including monthly meetings, posting responsibilities, financial/CTAS, elections. Mary reported that she attend the MAT clerk training with Lori Stalker which was extremely helpful and informative. MATR has a plethora of resources and will help Mary with future questions.

CORRESPONDENCE –

FIRE DEPARTMENT –  Gary reported that the volunteers have done some additional training, one call in November and Stacy is retiring. 

MAINTENANCE – Dick reports that one of the light ballasts in the Hall needs to be looked at Knight Electric and ceiling tiles to be replaced in the restroom.  Dick suggests the furnace in the Hall be checked the furnace runs when the thermostat is shut off.  Dick will contact General Heating & Mechanical.

RECYCLING – Jan reports the furnace in the recycle building needs to be replaced.  Quotes from DJ Solem.  The quotes are believed to include installation.

$720 to replace the “smart valve”

$1625 to replace the heater

Bill Taft was trying to get another bid but the vendor has not responded.  Jan makes a motion hire DJ Solem to replace the heater and ensure it is up to code. Dick seconds, all in favor aye.

ROADS – It is winter, roads are icy and slippery.

WEBPAGE REPORT  – Jan contacted Lee Kaplan to build and transition the North Star website.  There will be a calendar, contact form, various sections for minutes, elections, fire department.  Ultimately the Clerk will post the content to the website.  Jan has committed to assembling the content for the new website launch. Lee suggests budgeting for additional dollars for Greenpress support.   There is $1820 in the 2022 communication budget.  1 year – $544 – $802 1-year cost:  $221.39 – $479 2 year +– proposal attached

• Jan makes a motion to accept the proposal, Dick seconds.  No other discussion, all in favor aye. 

Type of support			Year 1 cost/year		Year 2 and beyond/year
Establish website (Kaplan)			$400		0
DreamPress Account			$144		$221.39
Tech Support (as needed In township budget  $258/y			Up to $258		Up to  $258
Total Estimate			$544 –  $802		$221.39 – $479

COMMUNICATION REPORT  –  

• November Enewsletter to be sent to residents on 11/18/2021

UNFINISHED BUSINESS –

• Credit card change from former clerk Linda Britton pending appointment of new clerk.  The credit card transition will happen after Mary has a Township credit card.
• 2021 Annual Weed report and Invoice from Tim Walters  – status? 
• Mary Hellman – recorder for monthly meetings.  Mary received the recorder at tonight’s meeting. 

NEW BUSINESS

• ARPA Project Expenditure Report due 4/30/2022 – no info yet, watch MAT
• The Board presents Ray Barnes with a plaque and card acknowledging his years of service. 

REVIEW OF DUTIES – Dick to call General Heating and Mechanical, Jan will get signature line added to Lee Kaplan’s proposal and get it signed. 

UPCOMING EVENTS –

NEXT MEETING    December 14, 2021

ADJOURNMENT  – Jan makes a motion to adjourn, Gary second.  All in favor aye.

Respectively submitted, Carrie Landman – Town Clerk

TOWN OF NORTH STAR               

October 19, 2021

CALL TO ORDER  –  Gary Mantay called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.  Attending:  Gary Mantay, Rory Blazevic, Ray Barnes, Donna Elsbury, Sue Forbragd, Marv Forbragd, Jan Keough, Dick Dillon, Mary Hellman and Carrie Landman.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – all present recited the pledge.

MINUTES APPROVAL – Dick motion, Jan seconds, all in favor aye.

REVIEW AND APPROVE PAYROLL AND CLAIMS – Jan makes a motion to approve the payroll and claims, Dick seconds, no discussion.  All in favor: aye.

October 2021 Accounts Summary

TRANSFER – Total amount of checks 8270 – 8285 excluding check 8277 which was voided, but including 100121, 010221, 100221* and 100321 is $4,543.70.  The ARPA payment of $10,264.25 was deposited into the SCCU checking account in early October.  As a result, it is not necessary to transfer funds at this time although the ARPA funds will need to be accounted for, likely by using specific account codes in CTAS.

COMMENTS FROM CLERK OR TREASURER  –

• ARPA funds deposited $10,264.25
  • Funds will be distributed ½ this year and ½ in the summer of 2022
  • Funds have to be spent by 2023 or returned
  • There is uncertainty about what qualifies as an ARPA expenses
  • From September meeting, Ray suggests doing a claim to cover the new Wilson router once the funds arrive
  • Lost Township revenue?  Revenue should increase by 4.5% since 2019.  Ray, Donna, Carrie to research by the November meeting.
• Q3 Federal 941 and MN Unemployment Insurance filings are ready to be filed by deadline of 10/31/2021
• 2019 W2/W3 discrepancies pending.  Calling the SS office this month to obtain the 2019 W3 and find alternatives to receiving via fax.
• Carrie requests Board approval for November 2021 Duluth Public School election judges:  Dick Dillon, Gary Mantay and Sue Forbragd.  Jan makes a motion to approve, Gary seconds, no discuss all in favor aye. 
• Reminder Duluth Public Schools election on 11/2/2021 – Hall will be open for voting from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm.
  • Absentee voting:  Handled by the Duluth Public School
• Ray reports that the CD has turned over and the interest is less than half of what it was previously. 
• Ray reports that Donna has had several days of training and will continue post October meeting.

CORRESPONDENCE –

FIRE DEPARTMENT – Rory reports that the new fire truck is leaving on 10/20/2021 to be on display at a trade show at the DECC.  Rory has received several calls from individuals interested in the blueprint for the truck.  There have not been any calls.  Training at Spring Lake – had an issue getting a prime and water to the hydrant.  Rory is still working to get the volunteers into a EMT refresher program.  The volunteers are doing radio training with Pequaywan on 11/3/2021.

MAINTENANCE – The Hall needs a light bulb replaced.  Dick will take care of it.

RECYCLING – Jan has nothing to report. Everything is going well.

ROADS – Rory has completed the grading of the Barrs/Briar Lake Rd.  Dick would like to know if Rory is interested in cutting brush back 4 to 5 feet on the township road.  Rory can do it but it will be in 2022.  Rory also brought up a culvert on the East side that needs replacement it causes issues with grading and snow plowing.  Brushing and culvert replacement will be tabled until Spring 2022.

WEBPAGE REPORT  –  

• Report from Jan regarding contracting with Lee Kaplan, Town of Pequaywan.
  • Pequaywan has a website that is simple but effective.  Carrie and Jan had met with Lee a couple months ago.  Jan approached Lee about what it would take to duplicate it for North Star.  Lee felt he could create and migrate the information but Monthly Meeting would need to manually be moved.  Lee to provide a quote by the November meeting. 
• Faster Solutions:  $3200 to build the website, migrate the information from the current website, setup and train on Word Press.  Additional $570 annually for Cloud hosting, support and maintenance

COMMUNICATION REPORT  –  

UNFINISHED BUSINESS –

• Clerk position.  Mary Hellman has applied to be the Clerk and Jan and Gary interviewed her a week ago.  She has the background to do it and is qualified.  She is interested in serving the Township.  Jan makes a motion to appoint the position of clerk to Mary Hellman and add her as a signer to all accounts at Superior Choice Credit Union, Gary seconds the motion.  All in favor, aye.  Dick abstains.   
• Credit card change from former clerk Linda Britton pending appointment of new clerk.  The credit card transition will happen after Mary has a Township credit card. The access to the Card Member Services account is using the previous Clerk’s.
• 2021 Annual Weed report – status?    Dick spoke to Tim Walters tonight and the report is forthcoming. 

NEW BUSINESS

• Mary Hellman would like to purchase a ‘recorder’ for the monthly meetings.  Jan found one at Best Buy for $100.  Dick makes a motion for Gary to purchase the recorder at Best Buy for the Clerk.  Jan seconds, all in favor:  aye.

REVIEW OF DUTIES – Ray, Donna, Carrie to lost revenue, Jan to get a quote from Lee Kaplan, Dick replace lights, Gary to purchase a recorder, Ray to schedule an appointment at SCCU to get Donna added as a signer on the accounts.

UPCOMING EVENTS – Duluth Public School Board Election 11/2/2021 – 7am – 8pm

NEXT MEETING    November 16, 2021

ADJOURNMENT  – Dick makes a motion to adjourn, Jan seconds, no discussion, all in favor:  aye.

Respectively submitted,

Carrie Landman – Town Clerk