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

Agenda

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

Board Meeting Minutes

Motion to approve the May 12th, 2026 regular board meeting minutes by Branden Mell, seconded by Joe Heidelberger.  Approved.

Treasurer’s Report

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

Motion to approve paying the bills as presented, in the amount of $123,178.26 by Branden Mell, seconded by Betsy Rising.  Approved.

Nessel Township has a CD at Unity Bank in the amount of $17,676.25 that will mature on July 2, 2026.  Motion to authorize Angela Krejchik, Nessel Township Treasurer, to renew the CD for a term of up to 12 months at the best available rate offered by either Unity Bank or Frandsen Bank, consistent with past practice and in the best interest of the Township, by Michelle Meis, seconded by Branden Mell. Approved.

Variance/Plat/Interim Use Permit Requests

Variance: Michael McKenzie, 1850 509th Street: Request for a variance to enclose an existing attached deck area into a multi-season use. Motion to approve by Branden Mell, seconded by Betsy Rising.  Approved.

Open Forum

The Chair called for public comment. No comments were offered at this time.

Road Maintenance Report

Muddy Gap Hollow spent time working on shaping and grading the roads and pulling up shoulders.  Approximately 25% of the gravel has been spread.  Rydberg & Sons gravel has tested well and has provided good service.

Committee Reports

  1. Road Committee
  • Royalton Township has requested to apply gravel to the west side of 540th Ave.  They are estimating a need of 450 CU yards at a cost of $13.23/yard. Nessel Township’s share would be approximately $2,976.75. Motion to approve by Joe Heidelberger, seconded by Doug Johnson. Approved.
  • Autumn Court Overlay: Quotes were reviewed from Knife River ($76,300.00) and Bituminous Roadways ($86,750.00). Motion to proceed with the Autumn Court Overlay project and accept the quote with Knife River in the amount of $76,300.00 by Branden Mell, seconded by Betsy Rising.  Approved.
  • Chloride Program: Fifty feet on Boxwood was missed during application. Doug Johnson will coordinate with Central MN Dust Control to correct.
  1. Budget Committee
  • None at this time.  
  1. Contract Committee
  • None at this time.
  1. Policy Committee

Proposed amendment to Nessel Township Policy Manual indicating resale price:

3.4.3 Mailboxes:

This section, in addition to reference in any Resolutions, shall define a Township “Compliant” mailbox installation

  • New Driveway Mailboxes.  Nessel Township requires the installation of a swing-arm mailbox post with all new driveway mailbox applications.  A swing-arm and 6” channel post can be purchased through the Township at the prevailing rate.
    All mailboxes and support posts must comply with Federal Highway Administration and Postal Service guidelines, this would include swing arm mailbox style posts which are available from the township.

    • Swing-arm Mailboxes may be purchased from the Township at the current market price.  The Township takes no mark-up on the transaction.
    • The Township will install swing-arm mailboxes for the current market price plus two hours of the current maintenance contract rate for laborer with service vehicle and hand tools.
  • For driveways in a development all mailboxes must be placed on one side of the road only, and  meet with the U.S. Post Office placement directions and any applicable specifications.

Motion to approve the revision of 3.4.3 Mailboxes as presented by Branden Mell, seconded by Betsy Rising.  Approved.

  1. Clerk’s Township Update
  • The Clerk provided an update.

Old Business

  1. Crack & Chip Sealing Bids: Bids were reviewed at this time.

Crack Sealing: Fahrner (Alpine only) $5,676.00, SealPros $19,950.00, SealTek $9,512.50. 
Motion to award the crack sealing project to SealTek by Branden Mell, seconded by Betsy Rising.  Approved.

Chip Sealing: Fahrner $53,884.00, Pearson $59,075.25, Allied Blacktop $39,841.10.
Motion to award the chip sealing project to Fahrner by Branden Mell, seconded by Betsy Rising. Approved.  Although not the low bidder, Fahrner but provides the best value as the proposal includes pothole repair, striping, and infrared patching of holes.

New Business

  1. Calvary Lutheran Church – Alpine Ave SSD Payment: Calvary Lutheran is requesting to pay in full the remaining balance of their Alpine Avenue SSD (including future interest).  Motion to approve by Betsy Rising, seconded by Branden Mell.  Approved.
  2. Election Filing Notice: Motion to approve the filing notice as presented and publish as required by statute by Branden Mell, seconded by Joe Heidelberger.  Approved.
  1. Election Judge Wages: Motion to set the 2026 Election Judge hourly rate at $22.50/hour and the Head Judge rate at $32.00/hour by Branden Mell, seconded by Joe Heidelberger. Approved.
  1. Nessel Township Demographics: The 2025 population estimate is 1,918, the household estimate is 760.
  1. Ready Watt Electric Siren Maintenance Contract: Motion to approve the 2027-2030 contract by Betsy Rising, seconded by Branden Mell.  Approved.
  1. Rush Lake Improvement Assn Donation: The board acknowledged receipt of a donation from the Rush Lake Improvement Association consisting of three 8-foot tables and twenty-four folding chairs for township use.

Motion to adjourn at 8:11 pm by Joe Heidelberger, seconded by Betsy Rising. Approved.