Township of Perham

The meeting included road updates noting that North Central Inc is scraping slush and widening roads, and that the Road Contractor will do the best possible to clear snow up to mailboxes on Aerovilla Rd per policy. A Land Use and Zoning permit application was discussed regarding moving a mobile home onto a property, which was approved pending covenant review. The Civil Engineer reported on the timely submission of the LRIP grant application, and the Board motioned to begin the design process for the Ft Thunder Road reconditioning project if the grant is awarded. Rent payments will be paid in full for the year. The Board accepted the 2026 Operating Deficit Grant from the Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services and discussed raising the mileage reimbursement rate to match the state of MN business reimbursement rate for 2026. The Township's receipt of a .gov domain and future goals for 2026 were tabled for the next meeting.

The meeting addressed property valuation concerns. The County and Township taxes and determination of property valuation were reviewed. Residents were informed on how to request an Appraiser to review their property and were given a deadline to notify the County of the request. Several parcels were presented for review, with discussions and motions made regarding property values. A shed was removed from one property listing due to its removal prior to ownership transfer. Recommendations were made for property owners to file no change requests for further review at the County Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting.

The meeting addressed concerns about road conditions on 430th Ave, including heavy traffic and potholes, with plans for road maintenance discussed. An individual was compensated for gopher feet. The board discussed approach permits, civil engineer report about LRIP grant for Fort Thunder and 450th Avenue, road maintenance, and an agreement with the City of Perham. The board also discussed changing the checking account to a Money Market account, updates from EMS Joint Powers meeting and updates from EOT Association of TWPs meeting.

The meeting addressed public comments regarding developing a parcel on Shuster Lake, and a letter regarding the Joint Powers EMS was read. The board discussed and approved a liquor license for El Vallarta Mexican Grill, a land use and zoning permit for Daniel Briard, and approach permits for Andrew Keskitalo and Tracy Schmidt. The Civil Engineer provided a report on traffic count data and recommendations for Fort Thunder Road. Road projects and an updated Townline Rd agreement were discussed. The board also reviewed winter maintenance material needs and the treasurer's report. A final decision was made on the .gov domain host, and a petition for annexation was discussed. The board also considered contracting with Apex Engineering and switching to printed checks from CTAS. The Voter Allocation Agreement was reviewed, and notifications regarding hazard mitigation and climate planning projects were discussed. Correspondence included a notification regarding commercial use classification, data on a paramedic pilot program, and questions regarding turning a summer road into a secondary township road.

The annual meeting included reports from the Hospital, Road, and Fire/EMS departments, covering updates on employees, finances, services, road maintenance, and emergency responses. Discussions were held regarding the 2022 Levy, setting it at $285,000, and potential cost assistance programs for signage replacement. New business included authorizing the official newspaper and bank depository for 2021, tabling discussions on storage units, and allocating up to $5000 in donations to benefit Perham Township residents. The meeting also addressed the status of the City of Perham annexing residents on Yellow Pine Dr and paid tribute to James Osterfeldt for his service on the Perham Township Board.