Homer Township Board Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 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. F. Fitch made a motion to accept the minutes as read. G. Nagle seconded. Vote taken, 3 in favor. Motion carried.
Meeting agenda was reviewed. G. Nagle made a motion to accept the meeting agenda. F. Fitch seconded. Vote taken, 3 in favor. Motion carried.
Public comments started. Michael Busch and Amy Cordry made public comments.
C. Roraff stated Winona County is seeking feedback on the Winona County Hazard Mitigation Plan. A copy of the press release has been posted on the Homer Township website and Facebook page. Hard copies available at the township meeting today. B. Bruno let the board know that Pickwick Fire Department would like to submit to have dry hydrants added to the mitigation plan to help get state or federal funding for the dry hydrants.
C. Roraff read a short debrief received from Aiden Haas on Midwest Hillfest. Haas indicated there were minor injuries, good participation and good feedback from riders and local residents. Appreciation was expressed for the local EMS presence and for the ability to host the event.
G. Nagle gave a brief update on gutter and downspout installation. Recent rain delayed installation and it is now scheduled for Wednesday or Thursday this week. Bid received from Joe Neumann to install ice breaks and bid is under $1000. G. Nagle made a motion to accept the bid from Joe Neumann. F. Fitch seconded. Vote taken, 3 in favor. Motion carried. G. Nagle will continue to coordinate installation.
C. Roraff indicated the new door is installed however, one of the latches is not working. Handyman John will need to return to fix. C. Roraff will coordinate his return.
H. Larsen indicated there is not a set date yet for paving on Sebo Hill.
H. Larsen had the following to report regarding Homer Township Roads:
Regrading was done
Washouts repaired
Site visit to Homer Valley Road culvert; still need ditch work, but culvert is clear
Road projects still pending include:
Cedar Ridge Road cattle pass to be replaced with culvert.
Ditch cleaning below Suffrins.
Homer Valley Road ditch.
Still a few washouts to work on from recent rains.
H. Larsen indicated Plunkett’s Pest Control will stop sometime at the end of the month to spray outside of Townhall building for asian beetles and box elders.
F. Fitch indicated the township should give support to Pickwick Fire’s request regarding the inclusion of dry hydrant use in the Winona County Hazard Mitigation plan. If the dry hydrants get included in the county’s hazard mitigation plan, state and federal funding can be sought at the county level instead of just the local fire department level. Brief discussion was had. B. Bruno will draft a letter of support to present to the board for approval and submission.
F. Fitch made a motion to adjourn the meeting. G. Nagle seconded. Vote taken, 3 in favor. Meeting adjourned at 6:04pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Charlotte Roraff
Homer Township Clerk