Ann Swanson

The board approved the monthly treasurer's report and authorized the payment of claims. Discussions addressed road infrastructure, including culvert maintenance, equipment repairs, crack sealing challenges, and potential resurfacing projects. The board approved a quote for a new CO2 detector and sensor for the shop. Additionally, the board approved various 2026 financial contributions to local community organizations and requested the return of a donation previously made to the City of Walker for an outdoor skating rink. An update on the annual audit status and a review of recent correspondence were also provided.

The board authorized the payment of claims and reviewed administrative reports, including work logs and road maintenance updates. Discussions included a request from Hiram Township for road maintenance assistance, the completion of the 2025 Annual Weed Inspection Report, and the financial feasibility of the East Ottertail/Townhall Road paving project. The board approved a resolution regarding the compensation and reimbursement policy for town officers and employees, renewed support for the Cass County Economic Development Corporation, and finalized 2026 fire protection and emergency medical services contracts with the Walker Area Joint Fire Department and Hackensack Area Fire and Rescue. Additionally, the board held a discussion regarding a recent court decision concerning the incorporation of Northern Township.

The board approved a financial and road report and established an Emergency Reserve Fund as part of the annual levy. A total levy request for 2027 was approved, reflecting an increase of $90,000. Additionally, the board designated financial depositories and an official publication for the coming year. Representatives from various local community organizations presented funding requests for 2026, and the board authorized its supervisors to make final decisions on financial contributions to these entities at a later date. The meeting also included informational updates from the Cass County Soil and Water organization and the Cass County Sheriff's office, as well as the scheduling of the subsequent annual meeting.

Key discussions included the Board Reorganization, resulting in the appointment of Ron Geiser as Chair and Tim Orton as Vice Chair for 2026, along with the establishment of 2026 committee assignments. The board set the 2026 regular meeting schedule for the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM and declared the meeting compensation and mileage rate for 2026, retroactive to January 1, 2026. Designations were made for the township attorney (Troy Gilchrist), engineering firm (IMEG), and audit firm (Lakes Area CPAs, Ltd. - Clasen & Schiessl). The Annual Board of Audit and Budgeting Meeting was set for February 18th. The Treasurer's Reports for December 2025 and the 4th Quarter of 2025 were accepted, and claims totaling $57,759.48 were authorized for payment. Road report items covered updates on pending CO sensor installation and a research finding regarding the right-of-way for South Walker Bay Road. Discussion on the East Ottertail/Townhall Road paving project included exploring potential financing options and consulting with the City of Walker. New business involved acknowledging a gambling permit application and approving the utility permit for Arvig Fiber's 2026 installation, as well as approving a $2,500.00 donation to the City of Walker for the outdoor ice rink operational costs.

The meeting included the acceptance of the Monthly Treasurer's Report for October 2025 and authorization for payment of claims totaling $63,853.82. Discussions covered Sourcewell grant opportunities, specifically mentioning a previously received $2,000 Boost Fund Grant and eligibility for reapplication. Road Report updates involved submitting work logs, purchasing new bobcat tracks and parts, and preparing the plow truck for winter. The Board approved the purchase of two tire chain kits up to $4,800 apiece from RUD Chain Inc., contingent upon applying for a Sourcewell Boost Fund grant to offset costs. Regarding litigation, the Board agreed to send a letter to the Barricks requesting the removal of large rocks identified as a hazard in the right-of-way area. New Business included information regarding the upcoming State of Minnesota Paid Leave plan effective January 1, 2026, with the Board deciding the township will cover the entire premium for 2026. The LRIP Grant application process was reviewed, noting a potential organizational conflict of interest requiring an abstention from voting by an interested official. Finally, annual salary reviews for 2026 were scheduled for discussion between the Chairman and Supervisor Opheim prior to the December meeting.