Minutes: September 9, 2025, Regular Board Meeting
Presented for approval at the October 14, 2025, 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 Branden Mell, Doug Johnson and Betsy Rising. Clerk, Heather Sward and Treasurer, Angela Krejchik were also present.  Joe Heidelberger, appointee to the vacant Seat “C” was also present.

Agenda

Motion to approve the agenda by Doug Johnson, seconded by Betsy Rising. Approved.

Vacant Supervisor Seat “C”

At this time, Joe Heidelberger accepted the appointment to the vacant Supervisor Seat “C” position and took the oath of office.

Board Meeting Minutes

Motion to approve the August 12th, 2025 regular board meeting minutes by Betsy Rising, seconded by Doug Johnson.  Approved.

Motion to approve the September 4th, 2025 special board meeting minutes by Branden Mell, seconded by Betsy Rising.  Approved.

Treasurer’s Report

Motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report by Betsy Rising, seconded by Doug Johnson.  Approved.

Bills

Motion to approve paying the bills in the amount of $62,317.99, by Betsy Rising, seconded by Doug Johnson.  Approved.

Angela presented that we have a CD held at Unity that is coming to maturity on September 17, 2025, in the amount of $28,702.66, this was an 18-month CD.  Rates have been obtained from Unity Bank, Frandsen Bank and Security Bank.  The highest rate came from Unity with 4.5% for 5 months.  Motion to approve a Unity Bank CD for 5 months at a 4.5% interest rate with the funds that are maturing on September 17, 2025, by Betsy Rising, seconded by Doug Johnson.  Approved.


Variance/Plat/Interim Use Permit Requests

Tamara Johnson/Heather Phelps – After-the-Fact IUP: Motion to approve the After-the-Fact Interim Use Permit for a residential kennel by Branden Mell, seconded by Betsy Rising.  Approved.

Open Forum

Ken Ausmus, Acacia Way: Addressed the board regarding dust control on Acacia Way.  After our last meeting, Ken contacted the Chisago County Department of Environmental Services to discuss the provisions in the CUP.  The CUP outlines that dust control is the responsibility as the township and the Grumpy Minnow on an as-needed basis.  Heather will reach out to Chisago County to obtain a copy of the CUP.

Mike Anderson, 49830 Bayside Ave: Addressed the elevation of the road in front of his house. After inspection, it was determined that Nessel Township will restore the road back to proper road specifications.  Any drainage will be the responsibility of the homeowner.

JoAnn Gerken, 507th St W: Notified the township that the culvert apron has washed off the culvert into her pasture and would like to work with the township to gain access to retrieve the apron downstream to repair it.

Road Maintenance Report

Muddy Gap Hollow spent time brushing, hauled gravel on 498th Court to correct elevation, and graveled Belle Isle turn arounds.  They are currently working in Belle Isle and mowing ditches.  There is more gravel to spread, they will continue to work on that. 

Committee Reports

  1. Road Committee
  • There were resident complaints about the contractor use of Arbor Avenue for the County Road 6 project with no dust control.  The County was notified and it was determined that they should be using Basswood. The road has been inspected and no damage has been determined to be had.
  • Doug Johnson gave a report on driveway permit statuses.
  1. Budget Committee
  • None at this time.

  1. Contract Committee
  • Muddy Gap Contract: Reviewed fuel escalator rate.
  1. Policy Committee
  • Discussed the Driveway Permit process for refunding escrow payments.  It was determined that the Road Chair could provide the recommendation to the board of a refund of escrow payment prior to the completion of the building project on a case-by-case basis. It was further discussed that the road chair will provide notice to the Treasurer/Clerk of the recommendation of the refund to be processed, subject to board approval; this will allow the Treasurer to include the refund on the disbursements to be presented to the board for payment approval.
  1. Clerk’s Township Update
  • The Clerk presented monthly report of the township happenings.

Old Business

  1. Polling Place Accessibility Grant Opportunity: The application was presented to the board.  It was reviewed and determined that at this time, we will not pursue the grant due to the time frame and pre-application costs associated with the application process.
  1. CCATO District Meeting Update:  Michelle Meis reviewed the meeting.  They discussed the noxious weed treatment (wild parsnip) within Chisago County.  In 2025, they put 200 miles of retardant down, mainly in Nessel Township (Cty Rd 1, 2, 4, 7).

New Business

  1. 2025 LRIP Grant Solicitation Discussion:  The state has not released the application as of the meeting.   We will table until October’s meeting.


Motion to adjourn at 8:38 pm by Branden Mell, seconded by Doug Johnson. Approved.