Minutes: May 12, 2026, Regular Board Meeting
Presented for approval at the June 9, 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, and Doug Johnson. Clerk, Heather Sward was present.  Supervisor, Betsy Rising and Treasurer, Angela Krejchik were absent.

Public Hearing

At this time, a Public Hearing was held for the Sonny Lee Drainage & Utility Easement Vacation.  The Public Hearing was opened at 7:01 pm.  Mr. Lee presented the Affidavit of Personal Service and the Clerk, Heather Sward, presented the Affidavit of Posting. There were no public comments. The Public Hearing was closed at 7:03 pm.

Motion to approve resolution 03-2026 approving the vacation of the drainage and utility easement by Branden Mell, seconded by Joe Heidelberger.  Approved.

Motion to award no damages for the vacation by Branden Mell, seconded by Joe Heidelberger.  Approved.

Agenda

Motion to approve the agenda by Joe Heidelberger, seconded by Doug Johnson. Approved.

Board Meeting Minutes

Motion to approve the April 14th, 2026 regular board meeting minutes by Branden Mell, seconded by Joe Heidelberger.  Approved.

Motion to approve the April 22nd, 2026 Local Board of Appeal & Equalization meeting minutes by Joe Heidelberger, seconded by Doug Johnson.  Approved.

Treasurer’s Report

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

Motion to approve paying the bills as presented, in the amount of $36,978.40 by Joe Heidelberger, seconded by Branden Mell.  Approved.

The Treasurer is requesting approval to renew QuickBooks in the amount of $2,210.00. Motion to approve by Michelle Meis, seconded by Joe Heidelberger.  Approved.

Variance/Plat/Interim Use Permit Requests

Interim Use Permit: Peach-Jennings, 50570 Shorewood Circle: Request for a IUP for a singular accessory structure (pole barn) without the presence of a principal use structure.  Motion to approve by Branden Mell, seconded by Joe Heidelberger.  Approved.

Open Forum

Jodi Splittstoser: requested a driveway permit on an easement to their property on Balsam/520th.  It was determined that Doug Johnson will review the site and work with the resident for the permit.

Road Maintenance Report

Muddy Gap Hollow spent time working on shaping up roads, intersections and shoulders.  It is dry, spreading gravel as conditions permit.  The gravel from Rydberg’s has been good, we have received two (2) tests so far.

Committee Reports

  1. Road Committee
  • Gravel testing results have been good.
  • Chloride program is up and running, payments are coming in and the projected spray date is June 4th.
  • 911 signs are ordered and being installed as they come in.
  • We have received a few resident concerns and have addressed them (Amble, Clover and Alder) along with a culvert on Elmcrest S.
  1. Budget Committee
  • None at this time.  
  1. Contract Committee
  • None at this time.
  1. Policy Committee
  • None at this time.
  1. Clerk’s Township Update
  • The clerk provided an update.
  • Doug O’Brien from R.L.I.A. and inquired if the township would be willing to accept a donation of 3-8’ tables and chairs as they always are short for their annual meeting/picnic.  The board is willing to accept this donation.

Old Business

  1. Chisago County Critical Incident Facility Use: Kevin Schmidt, Chisago County was present to review the County’s request to use the township facilities in the event of critical instances.  It was determined that we will not provide a key, but rather contact information for Michelle, Doug and Heather to allow access to the townhall if needed.
  2. AT&T Tower: At this time, they are planning on using the existing township.

New Business

  1. Crack & Chip Sealing: The packets and maps were reviewed.

    Motion     to approve the 2026 Crack Sealing program on various roads and the township parking lot and public notice by Branden Mell, seconded by Joe Heidelberger. Approved.

Motion to approve the 2026 Chip Sealing program on part 2 of Belle Isle and the paved portion of Berry Ave and public notice by Branden Mell, seconded by Doug Johnson. Approved.

  1. Mailbox Sales: Discussion was had regarding updating the cost of mailboxes.  Currently the rate with install is $220.00.  We recently had two (2) sales that did not request install.  Doug Johnson is requesting a refund to those two (2) residents for the cost over and above the mailbox cost of $130.00.  Motion to approve a refund of $90.00 to Joe Heidelberger and Greg Leierwood for the overcharge by Doug Johnson, seconded by Branden Mell. Joe Heidelberger abstained from voting due to a potential conflict of interest, as he was one of the individuals who made the original payment and will be receiving a refund.  Approved.

Motion to adjourn at 8:40 pm by Joe Heidelberger, seconded by Branden Mell. Approved.