Minutes: March 11, 2026, Regular Board Meeting Presented for approval at the April 14, 2026, Board Meeting

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chair Michelle Meis, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Supervisors present included Joe Heidelberger, Branden Mell (remote), Doug Johnson and Betsy Rising. Clerk, Heather Sward was also present. Treasurer, Angela Krejchik and was absent.

Agenda

Motion to approve the agenda by Joe Heidelberger, seconded by Betsy Rising. Approved.

Board Meeting Minutes

Motion to approve the February 10th, 2026 regular board meeting minutes by Betsy Rising, seconded by Joe Heidelberger. Approved.

Treasurer’s Report

Motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report by Joe Heidelberger, seconded by Betsy Rising. Approved.

Motion to approve paying the bills as presented with the addition of ECE, in the amount of $12,533.62 by Joe Heidelberger, seconded by Doug Johnson. Approved.

Variance/Plat/Interim Use Permit Requests

Calvary Lutheran Church (Lee Olson) – Preliminary Plat: Motion to approve the preliminary plat of Rush Pointe by Betsy Rising, seconded by Joe Heidelberger. Approved.

Calvary Lutheran Church (Lee Olson) – Conditional Use Permit: Motion to approve the Conditional Use Permit for Place of Assembly and Cemeteries as presented by Betsy Rising, seconded by Joe Heidelberger. Approved.

Tamara Johnson – Interim Use Permit: Motion to approve the Interim Use Permit for a residential kennel (up to 8 dogs) by Joe Heidelberger, seconded by Betsy Rising. Approved.

Open Forum

Sonny Lee: Request vacation of platted drainage and utility easement between his two (2) lots in Conrad Plat Estates 2. The clerk shared the information received from Bob Ruppe in regards to the process required. It was agreed to collect $1,500.00 from Mr. Lee as a retainer in an escrow account to cover the legal fees incurred to the township. Any funds remaining will be reimbursed to Mr. Lee.

Road Maintenance Report

Muddy Gap Hollow spent time ice chipping, drift cleanup, and cutting ice, and starting brush cutting.

Committee Reports

  1. A. Road Committee
  2. • It was determined that we cannot sell culverts to individual residents per policy 3.1.1, they are for township and driveway use only.
  3. • Doug will check the current price of swingarm mail box posts for resale.
  4. • We will need to take our 50 ton of 2025-2026 salt order – Clerk will call for date confirmation
  5. • We will not pre-order for the 2026-2027 season due to current stockpile. We will need chip and sand.
  1. B. Budget Committee
  2. • See new business.
  3. C. Contract Committee
  4. • None at this time.
  1. D. Policy Committee
  2. • None at this time.
  1. E. Clerk’s Township Update
  2. • The clerk provided an update.

Old Business – (none)

New Business

  1. A. Approval of the 2027 Budget: Motion to approve the 2027 Nessel Township budget in the amount of $1,022,102.00 as approved at the Annual Township meeting by residents by Betsy Rising, seconded by Joe Heidelberger. Approved.
  1. B. Approval of the 2027 Levy: Motion to approve the 2027 Nessel Township levy in the amount of $909,354.00 as approved at the Annual Township meeting by residents by Joe Heidelberger, seconded by Betsy Rising. Approved.
  1. C. Approval of 2026 Official Public Notice Newspaper: Motion to approve the Chisago County Press and County News Review as the Township’s official newspapers for public notices by Joe Heidelberger, seconded by Doug Johnson. Approved.
  1. D. 2026 Supervisor Assignments: Motion to approve the slate of: Chair: Michelle Meis, Vice-Chair: Doug Johnson, Budget Committee: Michelle Meis, Betsy Rising and Joe Heidelberger (alternate), Road Committee: Doug Johnson, Michelle Meis and Joe Heidelberger (alternate), Contract and Policy Committee: Branden Mell by Joe Heidelberger, seconded by Betsy Rising. Approved.
  1. E. Gravel, Chip and/or Crack Sealing Discussion: Motion to approve a public notice request for quotes for 7,000 CU of gravel to be opened at the April meeting, by Betsy Rising, seconded by Joe Heidelberger. Approved.

  2. Following the road tour, we will determine 2027 chip and/or crack sealing projects.

    1. F. 2026 Chloride Treatment/Dust Control: We will obtain the 2026 pricing from Central Applicators with a June 1st treatment goal. Gravel will be delivered in May to ensure that roads are ready.
    1. G. Set Annual Road Tour Date: Wednesday, April 8th at 8:00 am. Clerk will post due to potential quorum. We will begin work on the asphalt project plan at the April meeting.
    1. H. Other: The Township received donation requests from the Coalition on Aging and the Seven County Senior Federation – per policy, we do not provide donations on behalf of the township.

    Motion to adjourn at 8:31 pm by Joe Heidelberger, seconded by Betsy Rising. Approved.