Minutes: April 14, 2026, Regular Board Meeting
Presented for approval at the May 12, 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, Doug Johnson and Betsy Rising. Clerk, Heather Sward and Treasurer, Angela Krejchik were also present.

Agenda

Motion to approve the agenda with the addition of the AT&T tower discussion and Chisago County building access to new business by Joe Heidelberger, seconded by Betsy Rising. Approved.

Board Meeting Minutes

Motion to approve the March 11th, 2026 regular board meeting minutes by Branden Mell, seconded by Betsy Rising, Approved.

Treasurer’s Report

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

Motion to approve paying the bills as presented, in the amount of $57,154.82 by Branden Mell, seconded by Betsy Rising.  Approved.

Nessel Township has a CD at Unity Bank in the amount of $34,614.65 that will mature on April 25th.  The Treasurer reviewed our renewal options and rates.  Motion to renew at Unity Bank for 9 months at 3.85% by Betsy Rising, seconded by Joe Heidelberger.  Approved.

Gravel Bids

Discussion was had regarding a late bid that was received. No bids have been opened at this time.  We received 2 bids by the published deadline, and a third was received at tonight’s meeting. Motion to accept the late bid by Branden Mell, seconded by Doug Johnson.  Approved 4-1.

At this time, the sealed bids were opened.  We received bids from:
Keith Hass Construction: $16.20/cu yard
Rydberg & Sons: $15.23/cu yard
Bjorklund & Companies: $16.77/cu yard

Motion to accept the bid from Ryberg & Sons in the amount of $15.23 per cubic yard by Betsy Rising, seconded by Joe Heidelberger.  Approved.

Variance/Plat/Interim Use Permit Requests

None at this time.   

Open Forum

None at this time.

Road Maintenance Report

Muddy Gap Hollow spent time plowing the late snowfall, grading and doing a culvert replacement on Elmcrest Ave.  The road tour was held April 8th.   

Committee Reports

  1. Road Committee
  • We have a few letters to send to residents
  • We will be starting to contact residents for chloride once the policy is approved tonight.
  • The road tour was held. Gravel will be needed on 500th and part of Basswood prior to chloride treatment.
  • A resident on Crestway called regarding a tree limb that is on a tree in the ROW, questioning whose responsibility it was.
  • The shared roads were discussed and the clerk will send reminder letters to both Royalton and the City of Harris.
  1. Budget Committee
  • See new business. 
  1. Contract Committee
  • The Rush City fire invoice was received and reviewed. Motion to accept the Rush City Fire invoice as presented by Branden Mell, seconded by Joe Heidelberger.  Approved.
  1. Policy Committee
  • None at this time.
  1. Clerk’s Township Update
  • The clerk provided an update.
  • When establishing service with LaPage & Sons for waste removal, they presented an option for three-year contract with a rate lock of $28.30 per month.  Motion to sign the three-year contract with LaPage & Sons by Joe Heidelberger, seconded by Betsy Rising.

Old Business

  1. Sonny Lee Easement Vacation: Mr. Lee presented the petition for the drainage & utility easement vacation.  The next step is to set a public hearing by resolution.  The public hearing will be set for May 12th, 2026 at 7:00.  Motion to approve resolution 01-2026 formally setting the public hearing for the vacation on drainage & utility easement by Branden Mell, seconded by Joe Heidelberger.  Approved.
  2. Gravel Quotes: See above, after Treasurer’s report.
  1. LRIP Update: Nessel Township was not awarded a LRIP grant for 2026.

New Business

  1. Liquor Licenses: Discussed after gravel bids: The Rush Point Store (off-sale), Flickabirds (on-sale, on/off combo and Sunday Sales) and the Grumpy Minnow (on-sale, on/off combo and Sunday sales) are requesting township approval for their 2026-2027 liquor licenses. Resolution approving liquor license renewal, 02-2026 was presented. Motion by Branden Mell to approve resolution 02-2026, seconded by Joe Heidelberger. Approved.
  1. Chip and/or Crack Sealing: Discussion was had about a long-term plan.  Doug will arrange a meeting for the Road Committee to meet with Knife River to review Bayview & Autumn Court to determine pricing and needs.  The clerk will reach out to MAT for procurement guidance.  For 2026: chip sealing on section 2 of Belle Isle and parking lot and crack seal the other township roads.  Clerk will prepare the map and public notice for approval at the May meeting.
  1. 2026 Chloride Treatment/Dust Control: The 2026 pricing was reviewed from Central MN Dust Control.  Motion to approve the 2026 policy with the updated pricing of .80/foot, and that spraying is anticipated to be completed by June 12, 2026 by Branden Mell, seconded by Betsy Rising.  Approved.
  1. 2026 Lawn Care Contract: The 2026 cost is $80.00 per mowing (no price increase). It was also requested to do a spring cleanup of the front overgrowth, he anticipates it to be $75.00.
  1. Rush City Fire Contract:  See contract committee.
  1. Judicial Ditch 6 Redetermination of Benefits: The township received notice that they will be doing a redetermination of benefits on this multi-county ditch.  At this point, this is informational, they will be having an April 30th landowner meeting at the Braham Event Center.  Nessel Township is a benefitting landowner to the ditch, our road and ROW and would be assessed for 10.44 acres if work is done.
  1. Local Board of Appeal & Equalization: Wednesday, April 22nd at 9:30 am.  Doug, Michelle and Betsy are certified and will attend.
  1. CCATO at Nessel Township: Wednesday, April 29th at 7:00 pm.
  2. AT&T Tower: They are looking at the Nessel Township land to build a tower (the current tower is not an option).  They wanted to check with the township if we were interested before they pursue a private land owner.  They are looking at a 25-year contract, $700 per month lease payment with a 3% annual escalation.   It was determined that we are interested but would like to discuss monthly payments to be more in line with the current lease payments we receive from Verizon.  The clerk will reach back out to the representative for discussion.
  3. Chisago County Building Access Request: They have reached out requesting access to the townhall to be used during critical access times as a staging area.  They would like looking at obtaining a key to access the hall for the use of bathrooms and township facilities. After discussion, the clerk will invite them to our May meeting for further discussion.
  4. Other: Chisago County Senior Center Donation Request:  Per policy, we do not do provide donations.

Motion to adjourn at 8:50 pm by Betsy Rising, seconded by Michelle Meis. Approved.