Planning Commission Minutes

Official records of Kabetogama Township Planning Commission meetings

Minutes from Planning Commission meetings are posted below. Click any entry to expand the full record.

Older minutes: Records prior to 2008 are available by contacting the Township Clerk at (218) 875-2082 or info@kabtownship.org.

July 1, 2018July 1, 2018

The Planning Board meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by chair, Carol Stegmeir. Members present, in addition to Carol were, Kevin Grossheim, Vickie Peterson and Betsey Warrington. Marlene Tomczak was also present as a representative to the Township Board of Supervisors.

Betsey moved to approve the agenda – Vickie seconded it. All in favor, the motion carried.

Carol moved to approve the minutes from the December, 2017 Board Meeting. Vickie seconded it. All in favor, the motion carried.

Old Business

Little Library – Marge Wigton’s family would like to donate a licensed little library in her memory to be placed at the Town Hall as soon as it is ready, it will be installed.

Outdoor Message Board – has been installed. Suggestions were made as to how residents can submit flyers to be displayed. Kevin will check into getting a standalone drop/mail box. We’ll ask Mary Manninen to approve the flyers for posting. If she’s uncomfortable with any, she can refer the decision to one of the Township Supervisors.

Flag pole – has been installed. Marlene is checking with Lee Herseth about installing a light to shine on the flag – Kevin suggested that a double light be installed so that one can shine down on the message board.

Changeable sign – Marlene has checked with the sign company to see if the sign could be slanted more toward the road. They haven’t responded. Most likely it would be cost prohibitive to have it moved.

New Business

Medical Devices available to borrow – Several Medical items have been donated, such as a walker, 2 wheelchairs, a shower chair, etc. for people to borrow. Marlene will write up an article for the July Community Newsletter letting people know about this service and to ask for donations of other equipment.

Kevin suggested that the First Responders might be able to offer the service of health checks for the public – such as blood pressure, blood glucose levels, pulse, etc. He will check to see if this is something that could be offered, possibly as training for the first responders.

Clean water initiatives informational meetings – Letters have been sent to residents who live on or near the lake. The meetings will be held July 18 & 29 to discuss the clean water plan for Kabetogama and the short & long term strategy to address the improvement of community wastewater sanitary sewer infrastructure.

Heli Pad – On going construction and fund raising for the project is taking place. Kevin suggested bringing in a helicopter from North Care Service to demonstrate how the helicopters are used to transport patients to help promote donations for the project. He suggested a visual display thermometer would be helpful to see the progress of the fund raising project.

Committee Reports

Town Hall – Kevin suggested getting a chair rail installed in the office since the walls are getting marred. Marlene will check into it.

Voyageurs National Park – There was a fuel spill in Peterson Bay. Park Rangers (Kevin) distributed informational flyers about the spill. Kevin suggested a group email be established when there is an emergency in order to notify people in a more timely fashion. Carol suggested having a signup sheet available at the primary election in August. Rock Garden improvements are being made – including handicapped access. A student corps is involved in the project as well as improvements to the Kab/Ash Trial, and developing a roadway to the helipad on the Ash River. The federal govt. has issued a Voyageurs National Park quarter. The coin release event was held both at Kabetogama & at park headquarters. There is a You Tube video of the event.

Trails/Roads – The roads have all been resurfaced & striping will take place soon.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00.

The next meeting will be held on October 1 at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall.

Respectfully submitted, Betsey Warrington, Secretary

December 11, 2017December 11, 2017

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by chair, Carol Stegmeir. Members present, in addition to Carol Stegmeir, were Kevin Grossheim, Vickie Peterson, Betsey Warrington, and Marlene Tomczak, Township liaison.

Betsey moved to accept the minutes from the July, 2017 meeting. Kevin seconded. All in favor, the motion carried.

Discussion was held regarding a message board to be installed either on the Town Hall building or in the area of the Town Hall. Discussion followed about what type of board would be appropriate. Carol moved to purchase a 32 x 32” wall mounted notice board with a swing open door for $214. Betsey seconded. All in favor, the motion carried. Carol will order the board.

Kevin will look into LED light bulbs for the outside lights that will come on from dawn to dusk to illuminate the board John Stegmeir has a design for the Little Library and has offered to construct it. The Community Club will pay for the materials.

As a future project, Marlene would like to see the installation of a flag pole on the Town Hall grounds to be dedicated to the Township officials who have passed away. Kevin & Betsey will check into sources for acquiring a flag pole.

A discussion was held regarding the placement of the changeable sign that has been installed in the parking area of the Town Hall. Several people have mentioned that it is hard to read from the road. Marlene will talk to Mesabi Signs to see how much it would cost to move the sign either to a different location or to turn it more toward the road.

Jill Kiner’s Board position expires in 2018. Betsey will contact Jill to see if she would like to serve another term and ask Mary Manninen to publish the board opening.

Kevin reported on the bog that the National Park has attached to land in Rudder Bay. The netting will pose a hazard to snowmobilers. The park has built a lane for snowmobiles to travel through safely.

Kevin also reminded everyone of the unstable ice conditions. Carol suggested that the changeable sign could be used to post notices from the park such as the ice conditions. Kevin will contact Mary Manninen about putting the notice on the sign.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Betsey Warrington, Secretary

October 3, 2016October 3, 2016

The meeting was called to order by chair, Carol Stegmeir at 7:00 p.m. Members present were; Vickie Peterson, Carol Stegmeir and Betsey Warrington. Also present were Kevin Grossheim of Voyagers National Park, Marlene Tomczak, liaison to the Township Board or Supervisors and Deanne Kruse of Carefree Living, Cook & Orr, MN.

Carol moved to approve the agenda. Vickie seconded. All in favor the motion carried.

Carol moved to approve the minutes from the Jan. 4, 2016 meeting. Betsey seconded. All in favor, the motion carried.

Deanne Kruse explained Carefree Village and said that she would like to sponsor a presentation in the Kabetogama Area to increase awareness of the services they offer. Kevin suggested the presentation be make at the Hunter’s Supper on Nov. 5, since a number of people would be present. The presentation will take place from 2:00 – 3:00. Deanne will remain until 5:00 to answer questions and hand out information brochures. There will be a drawing for a door prize.

Under Old Business: Widening of shoulder for bike path; A public meeting was held to discuss the situation. Over 40 were in attendance. The county explained that it was cost prohibitive to widen the shoulders on both sides of the roads when the resurfacing takes place in 2017. Additional grading to accommodate the shoulders would also entail getting easements granted from private land owners, pushing the timeline for the project back indefinitely. They suggested that 4’ wide shoulder be made on one side of the road – There will be little or no shoulder on the opposite side.

Playground: The Nevalainen Family plans to have a grand opening when more of the area is complete. There is a problem with broken glass in the area adjacent to the structure. The playground saw a lot of use this summer.

Under New Business: Update on Community Projects; The Pucks Point Sewer District project is moving forward albeit with many problems and setbacks.

Fiber Optic cable is being laid in various areas, including State Point Rd., interfering with extensive road repairs being made there. The problem seems to be resolved and the repairs are continuing. “Little Library”; Carol brought information about these structures which would be placed in a convenient location in the community. Anyone can bring a book & take a book. There could be one for kids as well as adults. Kevin suggested acquiring an ice house to put the library in. We’re open to suggestions.

ATV Trails; There will be ribbon cutting celebration on Wed., Oct. 5 at USFS 203 & CR180 at Elephant Lake. The establishment of these trails is being encouraged in this area to promote tourism, connecting the gateway communities.

Expiring Board Terms; Vickie & Rusty’s terms expire in 2017. A public notice for openings should be posted by Dec. 1. Vickie has expressed an interest in staying on the board. We’ll check with Rusty since he was absent from the meeting.

Dates of 2017 meetings; Jan 2, April 3, July 3, Oct 2.

Under Committee Reports: Town Hall – Phil Rhodes has donated and installed a water conditioning system which has eliminated the sulfur smell from the hot water heater – many thanks.

Voyageurs National Park – Buoy removal has started – New next year will be a reservation system with fees for houseboat sites. The parking lots and boat ramp will have to be removed and replaced at the Rainy Lake Visitor’s Center in 2017 causing these areas to be closed for a long period of time. There were several search & rescue operations early in the season, but tapering off as the summer went on. The reservation system seems to be working much better.

Trails/Roads – covered in Old & New Business Namakan Basin Waste Water Project – in progress

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

The next meeting will be Jan. 2, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall.

Respectfully Submitted, Betsey Warrington Secretary

October 5, 2015October 5, 2015

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. Members present were; Marlene Tomczak, Jill Kiner, Rusty Lehto and Betsey Warrington. Also present was Carol Steigmeir.

The agenda was approved.

Rusty moved to approve the minutes from the April 6, 2015 meeting. Jill seconded. All in favor, the motion carried. There was no meeting in July.

Old Business

“Town Hall” 1. Marlene has received a bid for the letters to be installed on the outside of the building. They’ll be 15” and match the color on the doors.

Storage Building – Dave Cook has built the building. The siding needs to be ordered and the inside needs to be painted. Upon its completion, items that are being stored in the Sr. Citizen’s building will be moved.

Landscaping – Marlene has contacted Sjoblom’s in hope that the project will be completed this fall. They’ve suggested laying fabric, then rock & planting juniper bushes & possibly a couple of trees.

Follow up letter to St. Louis Co. – This will be pursued more when a new District 3A representative is elected in Dec.

New Business

Board appointments: A notice to apply for the Planning Board seat that was made vacant by Marlene Tomczak upon her election to the Township Board of Supervisors, was published. Carol Stegmeir had expressed her interest in serving. Marlene moved to recommend the appointment of Carol to the Township Board for the completion of Marlene’s term, which will expire in 2016. Betsey seconded. All in favor, the motion carried. Marlene will be the liaison to the Township Board. Thanks to Carol and Marlene for filling these positions.

Playground: The Nevalainen’s have purchased a playground structure in memory of their parents, Bob & Gail. It has been installed. They are pursing options for materials to lay under the structure. Thanks to them for the wonderful addition to our community. Betsey will contact them about obtaining a culture & tourism grant from IRRRB in 2016 for additional equipment.

Committee Reports

“Town Hall” – Marlene would like to address the sulfur smell from the hot water tank. Paul Kiner will check into this. The septic tank needs to be emptied before winter. Jill will follow up with Viita’s about the alarm system and if it is working properly.

Voyageurs National Park – Had several events to celebrate their 40th anniversary & are gearing up for the National Park System’s 100th anniversary in 2016. The reservation system seemed to work well, generating income for VNP which will be used to improve campsites.

Trails/Roads – The Township will be seeking letters of support to send to St. Louis Co. for an addition of wide shoulders for bicycle traffic when the roads are surfaced – scheduled for 2017.

Other Business

Discussion is being held about accepting a donation of a Muggli Totem Pole from Kent & Dawn Keeler. A few options for getting it moved have been explored. Bedrock around the “Town Hall” is a problem for installation. This will be discussed further & addressed at the Township Board meeting.

There being no further business, Jill moved to adjourn at 8:20 p.m. Rusty seconded. All in favor, the motion carried.

The next meeting will be held January 4, 2016.

Respectfully submitted, Betsey Warrington Secretary

April 1, 2013April 1, 2013

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Kabetogama Fire Station. Members present were Marlene Tomczak, Vickie Peterson, Jill Kiner, Rusty Lehto and Betsey Warrington. Also present was Bob Nevalainen, liaison to the Kabetogama Township Board of Supervisors.

Vickie Peterson moved to approve the agenda with additions. Jill Kiner seconded. All in favor, the motion carried.

Rusty Lehto moved to approve the minutes from the January 7 meeting. Jill Kiner seconded. All in favor, the motion carried.

Under Old Business: Marlene Tomczak will contact David Dill to see if we can get an audience at the state legislature to present information regarding obtaining a grant from the state for the construction of a community hall. She will ask for approval from the Township Board to send a delegation from the Township to St. Paul if this can be arranged.

Bob Nevalainen talked to St. Louis County representatives about where the Township is on a road construction plan. He was informed that we are on a 5 year plan with construction beginning 2017 at the earliest. The construction will consist of an overlay of already existing blacktop on routes 122, 123, 523 and 673 for a cost of approximately $7.5 million. Bob also asked about getting gravel put in the largest of the dips in the roads. Hopefully, this will be accomplished before fishing opener. County representatives will come up this summer to inspect the roads and make recommendations for temporary repair.

Marlene Tomczak and Betsey Warrington have been approved by the Kabetogama Township Board of Supervisors to serve 3 year terms on the Planning Board.

Bob Nevalainen has received information regarding the Township de-annexing from St. Louis County. In order to do so, a petition has to be signed by 25% of the population of the county before it can be put on a ballot as a referendum, making it pretty much impossible.

There was no New Business.

Committee Reports

Community Hall: Ed Town got a bid of approximately $60,000 for materials for the construction of the proposed community hall. Marlene Tomczak will work on getting an estimate for other construction costs to make a report to take to the state legislature, if a delegation is able to go.

Voyageurs National Park: No report Trail/Roads: addressed in old business Namakan Basin Waste Water Project: No report Other Business: Bob Nevalainen has been in contact with representatives of the National Park regarding obtaining a radio to put in the medical rig for emergencies within the boundaries of the park.

The property tax equalization meeting will be held on April 18, 1:00-2:00 at the Fire Station.

There being no further business, Jill Kiner moved to adjourn, Vickie Peterson seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45.

The next meeting will be July 1, 7:00 p.m. at the Fire Station.

Respectfully submitted, Betsey Warrington Secretary

January 7, 2013January 7, 2013

Chair, Marlene Tomczak, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Kabetogama Fire Station. Members present, in addition to Marlene were, Vickie Peterson, Kill Kiner, Rusty Lehto and Betsey Warrington. Also present were Bob Nevalainen, liaison to the Kabetogama Township Board of Supervisors and Chuck Remus, VNP.

Vickie Peterson moved to approve the agenda with the addition of “Township De-annexation” listed under Old Business. Jill Kiner seconded. All in favor, the motion carried.

Betsey Warrington read the minutes from the October meetings as well as the special meeting, which was held on Nov. 23. Jill Kiner moved to approve the minutes. Rusty Lehto seconded. All in favor, the motion carried.

Old Business

Community Hall Building: Marlene updates everyone on the meetings from Nov. to Dec. to discuss the building of a new community hall. She contacted Nashwauk on Dec. 10 to see if they are interested in partnering to go to the state legislature to request funding for projects in both or our communities. She’s still waiting for a response. Marlene will also contact David Dill regarding the dates that the legislature will be meeting and again ask for his support. The project will be discussed at the Township Board meeting on Jan. 8.

Expiring Board Positions: Marlene and Betsey have both agreed to remain on the planning board. Their terms will expire in 2016.

New Liaison from VNP: Welcome Chuck Remus and thanks for being a liaison to Voyageurs National Park.

Cardboard Recycling: We’re on the list to receive a container in the spring.

Township De-Annexation: Bob has contacted the Township attorney, Bob Rupe, regarding Kabetogama Township de-annexing from St. Louis Co. and annexing to Koochiching Co. He stated that this has been done in Wright Township. He’ll send the guidelines to Bob for the Board of Supervisors consideration. The process will have to be approved by both counties.

New Business

Election of Officers: This will take place at the April meeting following the approval of the Planning Board members by the Township Board.

Committee Reports

VNP: Chuck Remus is filling the chief ranger’s position at the headquarters building in International Falls following the retirement of Jim Hummel. There is ongoing maintenance of the snowmobile trails. The Chain Of Lakes Trail is being widened and improved. The ice road is half way done. Crews are working on breaking through an ice ridge. Hopefully, the road will be completed by the end of the week. There’s a Veteran’s Ride on the trails in the park next Sat. with approximately 100 participants.

Trails and Roads: Winter conditions have deteriorated the dips again. Bob will ask the county operator to mark them. Bob has contracted Mike Forsmann to see where we are on St. Louis County’s five year construction plan. He’s waiting for a reply.

Namakan Basin Waste Water Project: The Joint Powers committee meeting was cancelled. It appears that SEH is making progress with cooperation of the DNR in using land located in Woodenfrog State Forest Campground.

Other Business

The meeting schedule for the next year is: April 1, July 1, September 30 and January 6, 2014.

The Lake Assoc. approached the Township regarding providing insurance on the site at the dump where the burn site is. The Lake Assoc. could possibly lease the area to the township, then it could be included on their already existing policy. Bob is checking into this.

Bob will check with the Township attorney regarding annexing Township 68/21 into the Kabetogama Township since there are no residents there to request the procedure be taken.

There being no further business, Vickie Peterson moved to adjourn the meeting. Jill Kiner seconded. All in favor, the motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15.

The next meeting will be held at 7:00 on April 1, 2013, at the Kabetogama Fire Station.

Respectfully submitted, Betsey Warrington Secretary

October 5, 2009October 5, 2009

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Kabetogama Fire Station by chairman Phil Hart. Members present in addition to Phil were Marlene Tomczak and Betsey Warrington. Also present was Bob Nevalainen, liaison to the Kabetogama Township Board of Supervisors. Jerry Mitchell and Vickie Peterson were absent.

Phil Hart moved to approve the minutes of the July 6 meeting, Marlene Tomczak seconded, all in favor, motion carried.

Old Business

The Comprehensive Plan was reviewed. Bob Nevalainen reported that Mike Ward and Chuck Remus attended a Township Board meeting and addressed several issues recommended in the plan regarding Voyageurs National Park. The Township appreciates the National Park’s involvement in the community and the dedication of Mike and Chuck as well as other staff members of the National Park. It was recommended that the Township meet with officials of the park again next summer. Bob Nevalainene reported that St. Louis County has completed another traffic count. Marlene Tomczak moved and Betsey Warrington seconded to write a draft of the report to update the Comprehensive Plan. All in favor, the motion carried. Betsey will write the draft to be approved at the January Planning Board meeting. Bob also reporting that the section survey has been completed by the County.

2010 Governor’s Fishing Opener — Raffle ticket sales are going well. Meetings are being held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. The next meeting will be Oct. 21. Meetings are open to the public. Everyone is invited to attend. Volunteers are needed for the many events.

New Business

Self Defense/Weather alarm system: Phil Hart expressed the need for the area to have a warning system in place. Possible grant options were discussed. Betsey Warrington will send a memo to the Fire Chief, Larry Warrington, to see what grants might be available and ask him to explore the possibilities of applying for them.

Committee Reports

Community Hall: Marlene Tomczak and Sande Moyer will be participating in a teleconference with a representative from ARDC on Tuesday, Oct. 6. Letters requesting donations have been sent.

Voyageurs National Park: Kathleen Przybylski reported by conference call. A premier of a film produced by the Minneapolis Public Television Station that features National Park Sites in Minnesota was held last Friday. Copies of the film are being distributed to schools and other establishments all over the state. The new tour board on Rainy Lake was dedicated last Saturday as well as the ground breaking for the new park headquarters building. The building is part of the International Falls Riverfront Improvement Project. The park headquarters construction will begin this Spring with plans of opening in 2011.

Funding has been obtained campsite rehabilitation in 2010. The park is also purchasing additional food lockers for campsites. The national park has also received additional funding for additional docks to accommodate the new tour boat on Rainy Lake as well as hiring winter staff to work on continuing projects.

Trails/Roads: Having a local operator in Kabetogama Township has not been addressed by St. Louis County. Bob Nevalainen will talk to Mike Forsman of the County Board about the problem. The planning board is recommending that the Township Board submit a letter to the County detailing the importance of having our roads cleared in a timely manner.

Namakan Basin Waste Water Project: Bob Nevalainen gave updates on the agreement between St. Louis County and Koochiching County. The name of the project will be the Voyageurs National Park Clean Waters Project. Marlene Tomczak moved to have the Township send a letter of thanks to Voyageurs National Park for their cooperation with and support of this project. Betsey Warrington seconded. All in favor, the motion carried. Minutes of those meetings are available on the SEH and Kabetogama Township websites. Various grants have been applied for.

Other Business

Terms expiring: There are 2 positions open in 2010 for 3 year terms on the Kabetogama Township Planning Board. Applications for interested parties are being taken. A notice regarding the openings will be published in December. The Planning Board will review the applications at their January meeting and make their recommendations at the annual meeting of the Township in March.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

The next meeting will be held on Monday, January 4, 2010,

Respectfully submitted, Betsey Warrington Secretary

July 6, 2009July 6, 2009

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Kabetogama Community Hall by Phil Hart, chairman. Members present were Phil Hart, Marlene Tomczak, Vickie Peterson and Betsey Warrington. Also present was Bob Nevalainen, liaison to the Township Board. Jerry Mitchell was absent.

Vickie Peterson moved to approve the minutes of the April 6 meeting. Marlene Tomczak seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Communications

Bob Nevalainen has contacted Jen Westlund, manager of Woodenfrog State Forest Campground regarding the grading and application of calcium chloride to the entrance of Woodenfrog State Forest Campground. Ms. Westlund stated that no funds are available at this time to have either of these processes performed. The managers of the campground will contact the County when they feel that grading is necessary.

Old Business

Reviewing the Comprehensive Plan was tabled until the October meeting. At that time the Planning Board will plan to meet with officials of Voyageurs National Park to address the sections that pertain to communication and cooperation with them.

Phil Hart discussed the 2010 Governor’s Fishing Opener. Raffle tickets have been printed and are being sold with the drawing to be held on May 15, 2010. Monies from the tickets will help to defray the expenses of the event. Prizes are a Crestliner Raptor 1850E with a Mercury 150 Optimax and a Shoreland’r trailer, a houseboat trip from Ebel’s and a custom Totem Pole from Muggli’s. The committee will start to meet regularly in August.

Marlene Tomczak reported on the community entrance enhancement. She’s hoping to begin the project the first part of August. The lady slippers are in good shape this year. Hopefully they will stay protected from construction projects and roadside mowing.

The waivers that the Township needs to have signed by volunteers will be made available. They can be obtained from Mary Manninen, Township Clerk.

New Business

Senator Amy Klobuchar visited the area on July 2 with a tour by road and by boat. She is very supportive of the area and recognizes the need to address our septic issues. Over 50 people attended a reception for her at Sandy Point Resort. Approximately $10,000 was raised for her.

Committee Reports

Community Hall – Marlene reported that letters have been sent requesting donations to go towards the construction of the new Community Hall. Approximately $2000 has been raised. A money market account has been opened and funds have been deposited in it.

The Building Committee has received a proposal from Andy Hubley of ARDC for the amount of $5000, to research and apply for grant and loan opportunities. This fee would cover 70 hours of their time. The proposal stated that ARDC would apply for a $2500 grant to IRR to help defray the cost. It was the committee’s recommendation to obtain the services of ARDC and to ask for approval of the Township Board.

Marlene will check with Andy to see if the Township can obtain copies of the grant applications that will be submitted by ARDC as well as any other paper work generated so that it can be used as reference material in the future.

Voyageurs National Park – Kathleen Przybylski wasn’t present at the meeting because she was participating in the “Canoe The Heart of the Continent” event in which voyageur canoe is being paddled over 350 miles to promote awareness of the five sponsoring entities and to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Superior National Forest and Quetico Provincial Park.

Trails/Roads: Bob reported that Township Supervisor, Ed Town conducted a road review with Ron Garden from St. Louis Co. The County will try to work with the Township on road repairs as their budget allows.

Namakan Basin Waste Water Project: Bob, Tim Watson and Julie Kennedy, of SEH, conducted a tour of the area. Julie will be present at the Township Board meeting to review what SEH is doing and explain the process to the public. Senator Klobuchar’s Outreach Director, Jerry Fallos, will also attend the meeting.

There being no further business, Marlene moved to adjourn. Vickie Peterson seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Betsey Warrington Secretary

January 5, 2009January 5, 2009

The meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m. at the Fire Station by Chairman Phil Hart. Members present were Phil Hart, Jerry Mitchell, Vickie Peterson, Marlene Tomczak and Betsey Warrington. Also present were Bob Nevalainen and Kathleen Przybylski.

The minutes of the October 6 meeting were read. Vickie Peterson moved to approve the minutes with the following corrections: The date should read October 6, 2008. Under Committee Reports, Trails/Roads; trees were planted on vacated cabin sites and under Other Business; one board position will be open. Marlene Tomczak seconded. All in favor, the motion carried.

Old Business

The Comprehensive Plan was reviewed Betsey will send an email to Ben VanTassle of ARDC inquiring about Task 3 under their agreement.

Under Community Life – Bob will check with the Township Supervisors regarding maintenance of the Community Entrance.

Under Recreation – VNP will be contacted about meeting to discuss topics referred to in the plan.

2010 Governor’s Fishing Opener – Correspondence has been received from Carol Altepeter of Explore Minnesota saying that we were still being considered as hosts. A final decision hasn’t been made yet.

Dry hydrant at VNP Visitor’s Center Mike Ward has sent a letter to Larry Warrington stating that although some concerns have been raised, he is willing to move forward with a cooperative effort to address the request and will work with the Fire Department to come up with a workable solution.

Roads A road review will be addressed in the Spring The Township will address signage for protecting Lady Slippers The Township has received correspondence from Mike Forsman stating that a field meeting will be scheduled to discuss the maintenance issues. He has forwarded the Townships concerns to Barbara Hayden, St. Louis Co. Planning and Zoning Board and Jim Foldesi, acting director of Public Works.

The Township will continue to apprise St. Louis Co. of problems. Individuals are encouraged to do the same as well as compiling lists of road maintenance concerns and passing them on to the Township Supervisors so they can be addressed at the field meeting.

New Business

Rental policy for Community Hall A policy from the State of Minnesota Township Government website was reviewed. The Planning Board would recommend that the Township Board adopt this policy.

Marlene moved to establish a fee schedule; Non-Refundable Application Fee: $25.00 Refundable Damage Deposit: $100.00 Resident Rental Fee: $50.00 Non-Resident Rental Fee: $100.00

Committee Reports

Community Hall: Jim Cawgill, the architect, is obtaining bids from various contractors so that the building committee can proceed with funding requests. The Township will be asked to consider raising the levy for the building fund.

Voyageurs National Park: The staff is waiting for the proposed budget to be approved and signed. Several staff positions have not been filled. Projects are being planned.

Trails/Roads: Mike Wurst of the DNR has recommended that the Arrowhead Trail be graded instead of mowed. The DNR has a grader, but it might not be heavy enough. The Township will explore the possibility. VNPA has received a $2500 grant for trail maintenance.The Echo Bay Trail is being groomed for cross country skiing.

Subordinate Service District – Namakan Basin Waste Water Project: An agreement to establish the Joint Powers District is being drawn. The Township attorney, Bob Ruppe has recommended that the Township sign off on the agreement after the suggested changes have been made.

Bob Ruppe has drafted a letter from Kabetogama Township to Richard Walsh, Grants Officer of IRR regarding a $50,000 grant. The letter reads as follows:

Richard Walsh, Grants Officer Iron Range Resources PO Box 441, 4261 Highway 53 South Eveleth, MN 55734 Dear Mr. Walsh:

Thank you for processing our Township’s grant application to assist with our regional Namakan Basin Project. As you know, we are in the process of forming a short term Joint Powers Authority between St. Louis County, representatives from the Unorganized Area of Ash River, Kabetogama Township, and the Crane Lake Water and Sanitary District. This Authority will use St. Louis County as the fiscal agent to receive and disburse the County and Iron Range Resources grant money to complete our studies, engineering work, and to seek project funding.

To that end, the Township of Kabetogama believes that it would be most efficient and transparent to have the $50,000 from the Iron Range Resources Agency be directed to St. Louis County, as they will be the fiscal agent for the Authority. Please consider the County to be the grant recipient, rather than Kabetogama Township.

In addition, please consider changing the 25% match requirement to a one to one match–due to the County Board resolution–which releases county grant money on a one to one match basis up to $100,000 for this project. It is our intention, if the project continues, to ask the Agency to consider another $50,000 in the next fiscal year to continue the work and access the remaining county commitment.

Thank you for considering these two changes and please extend our appreciation to Commissioner Layman for her willingness to assist our region on this project.

Sincerely, Robert Nevalainen, Chair Kabetogama Township Jerry Mitchell moved to recommend that the Township Board send the letter and not to proceed with the project unless the stated changes are made. Marlene Tomczak seconded. All in favor, the motion carried.

Other Business

Elections and appointments One seat is open on the Planning Board for a 3 year term. Marlene moved to recommend that the Township Board appoint Jerry Mitchell to fill that position.

The following positions/terms are:

Marlene Tomczak 2007-2010 Betsey Warrington 2007-2010 Phil Hart 2008-2011 Vickie Peterson 2008-2011 Marlene moved to leave the officer positions as they are being, Phil Hart, chairman, Marlene Tomczak, vice-chairman, Betsey Warrington, secretary. Jerry seconded. All in favor, the motion carried.

Gary Amundson sent a letter to the Township asking for support of a project involving a Nature Interactive Camp to reconnect youth to nature and outdoor activities. The Planning Board would recommend that Gary attend a Township Board or Special Meeting to discuss his proposal.

With the large amounts of snowfall onto already saturated land, concerns about Spring flooding were expressed. The Planning Board recommends that the Township be in contact with the IJC addressing these concerns .

There being no further business, Jerry moved and Vickie seconded to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. The next meeting will be held on April 6, 2009 in the Fire Station.

Respectfully submitted, Betsey Warrington Secretary

October 6, 2008October 6, 2008

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Fire Station by chairman Phil Hart. Members present were Phil Hart, Jerry Mitchell, Marlene Tomczak and Betsey Warrington. Also present were Township Supervisor, Bob Nevalainen and Kathleen Przybylski. Vickie Peterson was absent.

The minutes of the June 24 meeting were read. Jerry Mitchell moved to approve the minutes, Marlene Tomczak seconded. All in favor, the motion carried.

Old Business

The final copies of the Comprehensive Plan have been delivered by ARDC. They were reviewed. Marlene Tomczak moved and Jerry Mitchell seconded to make the following recommendations to the Township Board of Supervisors:

a. A roads review should be made addressing repairs needed.

b. Draft a letter to Mike Forsman of St. Louis Co. detailing the findings of the roads review.

In addition to this information, the letter should also address the following:

Stating the need for a local operator, especially if local position becomes vacant.

Explain the need for a local operator, especially in the winter months – address the safety concerns for the school buses as well as the residents and emergency services.

c. Draft a letter to the DNR regarding the importance of maintaining Woodenfrog State Forest Campground.

d. Request that the Lake Association include the Township Board at their annual Spring meeting to hear the speakers from the National Park.

e. Obtain some signage to protect the lady slippers.

New Business

Some members of the Fire Department have expressed a concern as to the need of a dry hydrant at the Visitor’s Center. Some of the problems of installing the hydrant were discussed. Kathleen Przybylski suggested that the Fire Department draft a letter to the National Park and include information such as; why it’s needed and why it’s needed in that location as well as any other information regarding the installation. The Planning Board will recommend that the Fire Department draft a letter and that the Township should support their request with discussion with Mike Ward, Superintendant of VNP to follow.

Committee Reports

Community Hall: A contract is being negotiated with architect, Jim Cowgill, to complete a preliminary drawing with cost estimates so that the search for grants can be started.

Voyageurs National Park: Kathleen gave some background on Mike Ward, the new Superintendant of the park. The tour boats worked out well this summer. Attendance was good at the Speaker Series in the Woodenfrog Refectory.

Trails/Roads: The VNPA again sponsored a Fall Rendezvous in September. It was well attended. Trees were planted at vacated cabin sites. The Park was financially able to hire more staff for trail maintenance, so the trails are in good shape.

Subordinate Service District – Namakan Basin Waste Water Project: Bob gave updates. Grant requests have been submitted to IRR and St. Louis Co. in the amounts totaling $200,000.00.

Other Business

A proposal has been submitted by the Tourism Bureau to host the 2010 Governor’s Fishing Opener. Marlene made a motion to recommend that the Township Board submit a letter of support for this event. Betsey seconded. All in favor, the motion carried.

The annual meeting of the Planning Board will be held along with the regularly scheduled January meeting. One Board position will be open and recommendations for appointments to these positions will be made at this meeting. Officers will also be elected.

There being no further business, Jerry moved and Marlene seconded to adjourn. All in favor, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

The next meeting will be held on January 5, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the Fire Station.

Respectfully submitted, Betsey Warrington, secretary