Ron Geiser

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.

The Shingobee Township Board of Supervisors meeting included updates on road maintenance, such as blading and mowing, and discussion of beaver activity affecting rights-of-way. The board addressed complaints about incomplete mowing and blading responsibilities and decided to contact Turtle Lake Township to clarify maintenance agreements. There were also updates on committee meetings, town hall improvements including plumbing repairs and door installation. The board approved an application for a utility permit for fiber installation by Arvig Enterprises Inc. and discussed grant opportunities for polling place accessibility and road improvements.

The Board of Supervisors accepted the Monthly Treasurer's Report for September 2025 and the Quarterly Treasurer's Report for the third quarter of 2025. Authorization was granted for the payment of claims totaling $20,093.05. Road Report items included reviewing Fagerman's September work logs and addressing garage door servicing. The Board unanimously approved an Agreement for the Division of Maintenance for Town Line Roads and Mutual Aid Understanding with Turtle Lake Township. Discretion was given to purchase replacement Bobcat tracks and retain a vendor for installation. Under New Business, the Board approved Resolution #2025-06 in support of pursuing Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) funding for paving projects and authorized seeking support resolutions from Cass County and the City of Walker. Consensus was reached to seek Polling Place grant funds for accessibility enhancements, and a notification was made regarding the relocation of polling for the upcoming School Bond Question Election.

The meeting addressed several key operational and financial matters. In road maintenance, updates included the ordering of a plow truck tire chain kit, partially offset by a Sourcewell grant, and review of November work logs. A specific inquiry concerning boulders placed at the intersection of Heath Trail, Heath Court, and South Walker Bay Road required follow-up to confirm the township's right of way. New business involved the approval of a resolution accepting a $2,000.00 Sourcewell Boost Funds Grant, adoption of a resolution covering the entire premium for the new Minnesota Paid Leave program for 2026 employees, and a consensus to change regular monthly meeting times to 6:00 p.m. starting in 2026. The Board also approved the Audit Engagement Agreement for the 2025 Independent Audit and adopted compensation recommendations for township staff and hourly rates for the upcoming year. Finally, year-end financial adjustments, including a fund transfer and budget amendments, were approved.