January 8, 2024, Homer Township Minutes
The meeting was called to order by Harlen Larson at 5:30 PM,
Jennifer Al-Saeed read the minutes.
Frank Fitch made a motion to accept the minutes for December 11, 2023, Harlan Larsen
seconded the motion.
Motion carried.
Jean (Larson) questioned if the number should be rounded, the total was rounded to $395,000.
New Business:
Harlan Larsen announced the Resolution # 2023-33 Outdoor Trespass Law, the county changed
an existing resolution. Discussion ensued regarding the changes to the resolution. Some of the changes are regarding signage.
Will ask Rita to put the Resolution on the Website
- Will table until February.
-Amy Courdry, she is bringing forth a 3rd party issue. Some people recall that there was a vote to keep
the Town Hall in 2016. She also mentioned that there is an archive for townships, and she wondered if
there was any archiving done. Kim Skappel said there were no digital record. Amy asked if there was
older documents stored in the cupboard in the town hall. Kim says that anything in the cupboard was
older than 1998. She is suggesting that any documents from before 2017 might have information about
a past vote. Frank Fitch asked why it was important. Kim says we are looking forward, not looking
backwards. Amy would like to look back in the record to access previous minutes.
Micheal asked how to be recognized in the meeting, Harlan said you could stand up or raise your hand to be raised.
Micheal asked about the amount added to the bids, discussion ensued about what that add on entailed. normal cushion added to the bid.
Priority List of road maintenance for 2024 requested by Anna Driscoll
There is one road we are hoping to blacktop out of Sebo Hill (?) – Just over a mile.
- Discussion ensued regarding where it is. Micheal asked the question about the cost of Blacktop vs Gravel. It’s the last hill that needs to be blacktop. Question asked regarding the cost, probably over $200,000.
- Also, will gravel the roads.
Talked about equipment, 1 truck 4 yrs. old, 1 grater 8 years old, Road mower.
- Much of the equipment is owned by the board members. Anna asked why the township doesn’t buy saws. Discussion ensued.
- Question about when the board gets bids, Kim said it’s a big number about $175,000.
- Jeanne – how much is the yearly maintenance cost, Harlen said there isn’t an average.
- Micheal – Can the resident hire the township to grate a private driveway – Frank and Harlen said no.
There are some trees that need work to be done and plowing the snow.
Budget for 2024 requested by Anna Driscoll
- The budget will be done at the Annual meeting – Anna asks can we put together a budget for the upcoming March meeting, so the budget drives the Levy that is requested. Discussion ensued regarding the ability of the board to override the Levy. Discussion continued regarding the Levy and how it is set.
- Jim discussed that there should be more detail in the budget, Anna says she sent templates
from other townships for Kim and Rita to look at.
- White hair Grey puffy coat - asked if you build in those expenses such as having to buy chainsaws.
- Kim says its hard to get so specific because it is so dependent on the weather.
- Bea Salsbury There is more flexibility with the budget because it is not so specific.
- Anna gave Harlan a more detailed budget from Stillwater.
- Jim said what they are looking for more transparency where the items are more specific.
- Discussion ensues regarding budget and the need for specifics, or the problems it can cause.
- Discussion ensued regarding the work of the board in getting the money for disasters, and grants.
- PJ Thompson maybe a map of when things are repaired / replaced on road construction.
- Someone said – the board is doing a good job.
- Guy in the hat asked if you have looked at hiring an outside maintenance personnel. He says
eventually you will need a replacement.
- Jeanne said you are hiring someone because you’re paying yourself for $18 an hour.
- Micheal – would it helped the confusion if people could see what has happened the last few year,
- President Nomination Primary election – March 5th, Township elections March 12th , State, Primary August 13th , General Election November 5th
- Will need to do training prior to March 5th
Old Business
- Received money from the Emergency Management
- Done receiving money until Spring.
Frank Fitch made a motion to adjourn.
Kim Skappel seconded the motion.
Meeting adjourned at 6:25 pm