Homer Township Board Regular Meeting Minutes

November 11, 2024 at 5:30 pm

Location: Homer Town Hall


Board Members in Attendance: Chairman Harlan Larsen, Supervisor Franklin Fitch, Jr., Supervisor Gordy Nagle, Treasurer Kim Skappel, Clerk Charlotte Roraff

Absent: None


Meeting was called to order by H. Larsen at 5:30pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.


Prior meeting minutes were read by C. Roraff. G. Nagle made a motion to accept the minutes as read. F. Fitch seconded. Vote taken, 3 in favor. Motion carried.


Meeting agenda was reviewed. F. Fitch made a motion to accept the meeting agenda. G. Nagle seconded. Vote taken, 3 in favor. Motion carried.


Public comments started. No residents signed up for public comments.


Rebecca Church gave a brief overview of the plans she and her husband, Jeremy, have for the proposed use of their property in Pickwick. They are seeking a Conditional Use Permit from Winona County to build a residence on the property and requested the Board indicate support for the proposed use. Discussion was had. F. Fitch made a motion to support the building of a residence on the property as the proposed use. G. Nagle seconded. Vote taken, 3 in favor. Motion carried. Winona County Township Acknowledgement Form was signed by H. Larsen indicating Board support.


G. Nagle gave a brief update on gutter and downspout installation. Last gutter was installed and the project is completed, but the invoice has not been received yet.


H. Larsen indicated paving on Sebo Hill has been completed. Appreciative comments have been received from Township residents regarding the project.


H. Larsen had the following to report regarding Homer Township Roads:


Road projects still pending include:


K. Skappel presented the Resolution Delegating Cannabis Retail Registration to the County prepared by Winona County. Resolution delegates Township’s cannabis regulation authority to the County. F. Fitch made a motion to accept the Resolution Delegating Cannabis Retail Registration to the County. H. Larsen seconded. Vote taken; 2 in favor, G. Nagle opposed. Motion passed. (Copy of resolution attached to meeting minutes).


K. Skappel suggested the Board adopt a Data Request Policy. The Township receives requests for data and over the past year, there have been some large requests which require more time and resources. Since the Township has limited resources, it is allowed to charge for the time and resources involved to fulfill requests. The suggested policy would provide for the first half hour for free and the first 5 printed pages for free since that should cover most requests. After that, every hour would be a charge of $25.00 per hour and $0.25 per page up to 100 pages. G. Nagle made a motion to implement the suggested fee structure. F. Fitch seconded. Vote taken, 3 in favor. Motion passed.


K. Skappel gave a brief summary of general election turnout. Between election day and absentee voting, Homer Township had an 88% voter turnout.


Pickwick Fire Department Chief Zimmerman expressed concerns regarding power lines running down Old Homer Road. Location of the lines on the hillside has caused trees to fall on lines quite frequently during windstorms. G. Nagle indicated he would be willing to call Xcel regarding this if he could get some specific dates to reference. Additionally, the fire department wanted to bring awareness to safety concerns if residents are walking after dark in dark clothing. A safety reminder to wear high visibility clothing or carry a flashlight. 


F. Fitch made a motion to adjourn the meeting. G. Nagle seconded. Vote taken, 3 in favor. Meeting adjourned at 5:48pm.


Respectfully Submitted,

Charlotte Roraff

Homer Township Clerk