The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chair Michelle Meis, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  Supervisors present included Stan Iskierka, Branden Mell and Doug Johnson  Absent: Betsy Rising. Clerk, Heather Sward and Treasurer, Angela Krejchik were also present.

Agenda

Motion to approve the agenda by Branden Mell, seconded by Stan Iskierka.  Approved.

Board Meeting Minutes

Motion to approve the January 14th, 2025 regular board meeting minutes by Branden Mell, seconded by Doug Johnson.  Approved.

Motion to approve the February 11th, 2025 Board of Audit meeting minutes by Branden Mell, seconded by Stan Iskierka.  Approved.

Treasurer’s Report

Motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report by Branden Mell, seconded by Stan Iskierka.  Approved.

Bills

Motion to approval paying the bills in the amount of $15,203.20 by Branden Mell, seconded by Stan Iskierka.  Approved.

Variance/Plat/Interim Use Permit Requests

None at this time.

Open Forum

None at this meeting.

Road Maintenance Report

  • Muddy Gap Hollow spent time doing plowing and salting this month and burned the brush pile at the townhall.

Committee Reports

  1. Road Committee
  • Stan addressed a resident that had a mailbox hit during a snow event.
  • Stan met with a resident who requested to add a second driveway on Arbor Ave.  Motion to allow resident at 5057 arbor Ave to be allowed a field approach through the new driveway permitting process by Branden Mell, seconded by Michelle Meis.  Approved.
  1. Budget Committee
  • The draft budget which includes a $909,355.30 levy, a 2.658% increase to 2025’s levy was reviewed.  Motion to approve the recommended budget and levy by Branden Mell, seconded by Stan Iskierka.  Approved.

  1. Contract Committee
  • See New Business for the township road maintenance contract bidding discussion.
  1. Policy Committee
  • See old business for driveway permit/policy discussion.
  1. Clerk’s Township Update
  • The Clerk presented monthly report of the township happenings.

Old Business

  1. Driveway Construction Permit & Administration Policy: We reviewed the proposed resolution and permit application.  Motion to approved resolution 01-2025 by Branden Mell, seconded by Stan Iskierka. Approved.
  2. Township Road Maintenance Contract Bidding:

New Business

  1. Review Board & Appointed Position Salaries: Motion by Branden Mell that salaries and payrates be raised by 5% and rounded to the nearest dollar as noted in the table below, effective March 1, 2025 and that the Road Supervisor stipend be raised to $200.00 per month, seconded by Michelle Meis. Approved with Betsy Rising voting Nay.

Current

+ 5%

New Rate

Clerk

 $  960.00

 $    48.00

$1008.00

Treasurer

 $  700.00

 $    35.00

$735.00

Supervisor

 $  125.00

 $       6.25

$132.00

Chairman

 $  175.00

 $       8.75

$184.00

Road Committee

 $    50.00

 $       2.50

$200.00

Budget Manager

 $  100.00

 $       5.00

$105.00

Hourly Rate

 $    30.00

 $       1.50

$32.00

Meeting

 $    75.00

 $       3.75

$79.00

It was recommended to place salary review as a standing item on November’s agendas going forward.  The 2026 budget will be adjusted to reflect the approved salary increases.

  1. Set and Approve to Post the Board of Audit Meeting Notice: Motion by Betsy Rising to approve to set the Annual Board of Audit meeting at 6:30 on February 11th, 2025 seconded by Stan Iskierka.  Approved.
  1. Set and Approve to Publish the Annual Meeting Notice: Motion by Betsy Rising to set the Annual Meeting date on March 11, 2025 and to publish the Annual Meeting notice, seconded by Stan Iskierka.  Approved.
  1. Set and Approve to Publish the Annual Local Board of Appeals and Equalization (LBAE) Meeting Notice: Motion by Branden Mell to approve to set the Annual Local Board of Appeal and Equalization Meeting at 9:30 on April 23, 2025 and to publish the Annual LBAE Meeting notice, seconded by Stan Iskierka.  Approved.
  1. Purchase of QuickBooks: Angela Krejchik, Treasurer, has requested to the board permission to purchase QuickBooks for our accounting software needs.   This would not replace CTAS, but streamline the process, improve accuracy, improve payroll processing, enhance reporting capabilities, and provide for a file transfer to CTAS for State Auditor requirements.  The 1st year cost would be $1585.00 followed by an annual cost of $1200.00 per year after (current rates).   Motion by Betsy Rising to approve the purchase of QuickBooks, seconded by Michelle Meis.  Approved.
  1. Township Road Maintenance Contract Bidding: Nessel Township will be going out for bids for our 2025-2027 season contract.  The proposed timeline and materials were presented to the board for review.  We will revisit in February.
  1. ECE Request to move power pole on Bayside Ave: See Road Committee.
  1. Chisago County Historical Society Request: Nessel Township was presented with a request by the Chisago County Historical Society to place a signpost/marker in the Township as part of their Digital Memories Trail project.   The signpost would have a QR code that can be scanned by a smart device and would then display a slideshow of photos, history and stories from our township.  It was recommended that the signpost be place by our public notice board.