Homer Township Board Regular Meeting Minutes
April 8, 2024 at 5:30 pm
Location: Homer Town Hall
Board Members in Attendance: Chairman Harlan Larsen, Supervisor Gordy Nagle, Treasurer Kim Skappel, Clerk Charlotte Roraff
Absent: Supervisor Franklin Fitch, Jr.
Meeting was called to order by H. Larsen at 5:32pm.
Meeting agenda was reviewed. G. Nagle made a motion to accept the proposed meeting agenda, H. Larsen seconded. Motion carried.
Prior meeting minutes were read by C. Roraff. Minutes from March 11, 2024 amended to include “Board of Audit occurred at the start of the meeting.” G. Nagle made a motion to accept the minutes as amended. H. Larsen seconded. Motion carried.
Public comments started. Discussion was had surrounding setting a time limit per person. G. Nagle made a motion to set a time limit of 2 minutes per person. No second. Motion did not carry. Hank Calteaux comments were expressed in his letter to board supervisors. Larry Kendrick comments on township road 19. Amy Cordry comments about starting meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance. Steve Bachler comments about the Annual Meeting. Skip Ellings comments about dead trees on the end of Homer Way. Adam Zimmerman, Pickwick Fire Department Chief comments about Pickwick Fire Department information, current and future needs. Chief Zimmerman answered a few questions from those in attendance.
There has been a request to add the Homer Township website address to the sign in the front of town hall. G. Nagle made a motion to add the website to the sign. No Second. Motion did not carry.
Finley Engineering is contracted through HBC to run two line extensions for HBC fiber to two homes located in Homer Township. They have the necessary permits from the County and DNR, but are wondering if Homer requires a permit. H. Larsen indicated they don’t need a permit and a letter can just be drafted giving the approval. C. Roraff will draft the letter.
Letter was received from Winona County Planning & Environmental Services. Richard and Wendy Sandell variance was approved by the Board of Adjustment.
K. Skappel has been working on the PNP reimbursement request to the Secretary of State, but there were changes so she will need to redo the reimbursement request.
Hank Calteaux letter to Supervisors. Hank summarized his letter for the board and those present regarding next steps for town hall renovations.
K. Skappel clarified the most recent revised rules of what the ARPA funds may be used for. Since 2020, the Federal government rules have loosened on what ARPA funds can be used towards. They now can be allocated to pay for most government functions. In order to secure the ARPA funding, prevent the Township from losing the money, eliminate the need to rush to spend the funds and reduce the reporting burden associated with these funds, G. Nagle made a motion to allocate the ARPA funds to the roads fund. H. Larsen seconded. Motion carried.
Discussion had about establishing some ground rules for regular board meetings. Suggestions made.
Two rock bids were received. Rock bids were opened. Heintz bid was delivered and spread for $17.50 per ton, Milestone bid was delivered and spread for $12.22 per ton; if Township picks up it $9.75 per ton. G. Nagle made a motion to accept the bids from Milestone for delivery and pick up options. H. Larsen agreed and signed the bid acceptance. Motion carried. K. Skappel will send signed acceptance to Milestone.
Request received from Steven and Janice Friend regarding Township Road 9 (now known as Stone Roller Road). C. Roraff will review and prepare what is needed for the board to review at the next regular meeting.
G. Nagle made a motion to adjourn. H. Larsen seconded. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 6:31pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Charlotte Roraff
Homer Township Clerk