Colleen Oestreich

Key discussions during the meeting included approving an amended agenda, approving a consent agenda for claims and reimbursements totaling $121,467.90, and authorizing up to $500 for supplies and $2,000 for labor for township records organization. The Board noted that the upcoming township election ballot will feature write-in candidates for the three open supervisor positions as no affidavits of candidacy were received. Updates covered the transfer of the Eckles Township website domain and the clerk's email address change. The Board discussed paid leave options, ultimately deciding the township will pay 100% of the cost starting in January 2026. A petition regarding Whistler/Winding Road was accepted, and the clerk was authorized to verify signatures. The Trap Club provided an update on board openings, grants received, staffing needs for a facility manager, and reforestation efforts. Discussions on the Bemidji Rural Fire Association noted the next meeting topics would be the 2026 budget and 2027 levy. Regarding roads, supervisors agreed to handle snow plowing conflicts with residents on an individual basis, and the Board voted to request bids for the Eckles Road Rebuild project, including a culvert.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and consent agenda items, specifically claims totaling $73,507.66, and the approval of amended minutes from the prior meeting with a correction noted regarding W2 completion. Key discussions involved developing a Comprehensive Plan with input from HRDC, where Supervisor Hendricks will serve as the primary contact. Regarding a driveway access request on Bluebird Lane, the board referred the impacted parties to Beltrami County Environmental Services to develop an agreeable proposal. Clarification was provided that the township must move to a .gov website because it manages absentee voting; a proposal for a record retention effort was tabled. The board approved initiating the EFT payment system for PERA payments after addressing a previous payment issue where late fees were waived due to a PERA error. The Deputy Clerk position was filled by appointment. Financially, a Certificate of Deposit was renewed, and the board approved paying off a loan held at First National Bank. A work session was scheduled for December 9, 2025, to discuss budget and CTAS reports. Discussions from the recent BATO meeting were shared, and supervisors noted that township roads are generally in good shape, though caution is advised at the intersection of 9/Balsam. Future consideration for the BRFA includes the 2026 budget, the lease of fire station 4, and potential relocation from the airport.

Key discussions during the meeting included the Treasurer's report, noting a misplaced check deposit and emphasizing the need for better communication, especially concerning early submission of contractor bills for an upcoming February vacation, and the completion of W2s by the January meeting. The Board addressed potential changes to the Rural Fire contract discussions with the City regarding equipment cost sharing for 2026, ultimately deciding to maintain the current structure where each entity pays full price for owned equipment. There was also discussion on potential changes to the Township Government structure, such as reducing the Board size or re-electing the Clerk and Treasurer, though no immediate changes were favored. The Road Report covered snow plowing procedures and addressing residents plowing snow across roads. The Board also planned for a budget meeting in late January and an audit, alongside discussing candidates for open Board seats in March.

The board discussed the Treasurer's Report, approved bills for payment, and addressed a contract with a nonprofit entity for services like First Responders. Road work priorities for 2012 were reviewed, and concerns were raised about tarring on Monte Plata. The board directed the clerk to send a letter to Paul Bunyan Homes, LLC, and homeowners regarding road acceptance conditions and pavement standards. A survey was approved for Nature Road between Hwy 2 and Hwy 89 and Hollyhock Road to potentially obtain a road right of way. Letters to utility companies were planned to inform them of road work. There was also discussion about the Rural Fire Association meeting, but no action was taken.

The board discussed the treasurer's report, which included bill payments and cash balances. They approved the treasurer's report subject to audit. The board also discussed taking funds out of the checking account to put into a certificate of deposit. Road-related matters were discussed, including ordering crack fill from the county, addressing snow being pushed into a ditch, and concerns about the crown on Balsam Road. The subleases for the Bemidji Area Shooters Association and the Trap & Skeet Club have been sent to the County Attorney for review. A committee is researching the positives and negatives of a fire district. The board also discussed getting the web page up and running. A work session was scheduled to determine the 2012 levy recommendations, prioritize roads for general maintenance in 2011, and the assessment policy for the paving. The audit has been scheduled.