Dale Otten

Key discussions during the meeting included maintenance crew matters such as roads needing Mill and Overlay, reclamation discussions, and culvert replacements, with a list of required replacements to be provided later. New business involved approving a resolution authorizing Supervisor Beise to act as an election judge, setting dates for the Township Clean-Up Days (May 2 and September 26, 2026), authorizing the hiring of a Wright County Sheriff Deputy for the Annual Meeting, accepting an estimate to replace Wave motion switches with conventional switches, and approving rug rental from Cintas without extending the contract. Supervisor updates covered potential use of bituminous material for the back parking lot, communication regarding cannabis regulation enforcement, sign retroreflectivity rules, and reporting on the Hanover Fire meeting. The board also initiated formal progress on the Crawford Lake development by contacting the township attorney, engineering team, and project manager. The request from Dean Lake residents to use the township's postal address for a Lake Improvement District (LID) vote was officially denied. Finally, claims totaling $127,655.60 were approved.

The meeting addressed several planning items. Continued items included approval for a proposed plan to add additional buildable lots at the Burns property, subject to conditions regarding sewer connection via a JPA with Wright County and the City of Saint Michael, and individual wells for each lot, with township acceptance of the road contingent upon meeting engineering standards. Approval was also granted for the concept to build a structure at 150 Gillard Ave SE, provided it adheres to all required setbacks. Under new items, the commission accepted the intent to amend the Wright County Code of Ordinances (Ordinance 26-1) to comply with FEMA Floodplain requirements.

The Planning Commission meeting included the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the January 6, 2026 meeting. Under new business, the board reviewed the IUP (PID#215-100-201202) for Gregory & Allison Knoph and motioned to approve the IUP for one year, requesting that the applicants respond to discuss future business plans before the next annual review. There were no public comments.

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda. A discussion item regarding the Cannabis Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) was continued to a future meeting. The board addressed concerns regarding the retroreflectivity of 911 signs, leading to a decision to schedule a sign inspection, with Supervisor Welch expressing interest in conducting it. A permit request for lawful gambling (raffle) from the Rockford Mason Star Lodge 62 was approved. Furthermore, the board approved a motion for the Township to cover 100% of the PFMLA payment for all employees on payroll. Supervisor Walker raised the possibility of inviting the Buffalo Fire Department to discuss their new budget. Supervisor Beise noted the need to schedule 2026 clean-up days. Supervisor Welch reported on the Buffalo Fire Board Meeting, discussing non-negotiable contract terms and charges for multiple false calls. Supervisor Otten initiated setting a date in February for the Audit meeting and reported on attending a Wright County Planning meeting concerning the rezoning of the Crawford Lake development, discussing berm maintenance, clearcutting, and DNR involvement. Finally, the board reviewed and approved Claims #5990 - 6010 totaling $49,527.58.

The purpose of this special meeting was to continue the update of the employee handbook. Following debate, the board and employees reached an agreement regarding changes to employee benefits.