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

Agenda

Motion to approve the agenda by Branden Mell, seconded by Betsy Rising.  Approved.

Board Meeting Minutes

Motion to approve the November 12th, 2024 regular board meeting minutes as amended by Betsy Rising, seconded by Branden Mell.  Approved.

Treasurer’s Report

Motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report by Betsy Rising, seconded by Stan Iskierka.  Approved.

Bills

Motion to approval paying the bills in the amount of $11,618.89 by Branden Mell, seconded by Stan Iskierka.  Approved.

Variance/Plat/Interim Use Permit Requests

There were none presented.

Open Forum

(Moved from new business) Nick Hammond, Frandsen Bank, spoke and requested the boards willingness to consider Frandsen Bank when they are looking at making decisions for their banking needs.  Frandsen Bank supports the local area.  It was suggested that Nick attend the annual meeting where township residents vote and approve a bank for the upcoming year.  The board requested that Nick bring the board information about what Frandsen offers.

Road Maintenance Report

  • Muddy Gap Hollow spent time grading this month, dependent on the weather. There was less work to do in November.
  • There is still brushing to do.
  • There are street signs to be replaced (Falcon Ave N).

Committee Reports

  1. Road Committee
  • No report/no issues.
  1. Budget Committee
  • The budget committee met on November 29th.  The proposed 2026 budget was reviewed.
  • Discussion was had to purchase QuickBooks for the daily accounting needs, with an upload to CTAS.  We will revisit this topic when Angela is at the January meeting.
  • An update was given to the board about the BFD fire truck purchase. They are looking to purchase a truck in 2026, by financing a 20-year, 4.75% loan for approx. $750,000.00.  Our percentage would be approx. 13.79%.  We estimated $10,000.00 annually for that payment in our proposed budget.
  • Branden Mell requested that we add review salaries to January’s agenda.
  • Proposed levy is $909,355.30 for 2026, a 2.658% levy increase from 2025.
  1. Contract Committee
  • In January we owe our contractor our intent for 2025-2026 season.  We have done our 2nd extension, so we will have to go out for bid in 2025 for our road maintenance contract.
  • Branden will put a timeline together for January’s meeting.
  1. Policy Committee
  • See old business for driveway permit/policy discussion.
  1. Clerk’s Township Update
  • The Clerk presented monthly report of the township happenings.

Old Business

  1. Driveway Construction Permit & Administration Policy: Heather talked with Diane from Chisago County.  She provided a list of open permits and deposits, some of which were prior to 2021 which are believed to be abandoned projects and the township can absorb the deposit.   The deposit funds will be transferred to us to assume the responsibilities of driveway permitting going forward for 2025.  Chisago County is still working on the logistics about ensuring new building permits have approved driveway permits.   Stan has drafted a preliminary policy and application.   Branden will work on updating it and combining existing resolutions 4-2018, 8-04, 3-03, 2-03 and 1-03 into one Nessel Township Driveway permit policy and procedure.

New Business

  1. Nick Hammond – Frandsen Bank & Trust: See open forum.
  1. Swearing in of re-elected seats C, D, and E: At this time, Stan Iskierka, Supervisor – Seat C, Betsy Rising, Supervisor – Seat D, and Michelle Meis, Supervisor – Seat E took the oath of office for their re-elected Nessel Township Supervisor seats.

Motion to adjourn at 7:59 pm by Branden Mell, seconded by Stan Iskierka. Approved.