Town Board Meeting

MINUTES TOWN BOARD MEETING JANUARY 7, 2016

Present: Terry Hill, Tony Compo, Ruth Janke, Bill Gerard, Rhonda Peleski, David Pritchett

Absent: David Sunnarborg

Chairperson Hill called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Board Room at the Town Hall.

Nominations were requested for the position of Board Chairperson. Janke nominated Hill for the position. Second by Gerard. There being no further nominations, Hill was elected unanimously as Chairperson.

Gerard nominated Janke as Board Vice-chairperson. Second by Compo. There being no further nominations, Janke was elected unanimously as Vice-chairperson.

The list of Board appointments was reviewed. After discussion, a motion was made by Janke with a second by Compo to approve the following list of office and committee appointments:

Clerk/Treasurer Rhonda Peleski Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Leah Pykkonen Assistant Weed Inspector Jeff Juntunen Legal Counsel Rudy, Gassert, Yetka, Pritchett, and Helwig PA Engineer MSA Professional Services Official Newspaper Cloquet Pine Journal Insurance Agent Arrowhead Insurance Agency – Don Waller Depositories Republic Bank Wells Fargo North Shore Bank of Commerce Health Officer Carlton County Health Officer Road Foreman David Black Zoning Officer Rhonda Peleski School Board Ruth Janke Community Education Ruth Janke Joint Sports & Recreation Tony Compo Parks and Trees Bill Gerard Town Hall David Sunnarborg Public Safety Police/Animal Control Terry Hill Police Chief Fire Tony Compo Fire Chief Jeff Juntunen Road and Bridge David Sunnarborg Sewer and Water David Sunnarborg Planning and Zoning Ruth Janke Economic Development Terry Hill Environmental and Recycling Bill Gerard Personnel Committee Rhonda Peleski David Sunnarborg Ruth Janke Department Head as needed Legal Counsel as needed Bank Statement Reviewer Tony Compo Administrative Terry Hill County Board Bill Gerard – Terry Hill. Alternate Duluth Urban Watershed Advisory Council Bill Gerard – Terry Hill, Alternate

Motion carried. TOWN BOARD MINUTES JANUARY 7, 2016 PAGE 2

Compo made a motion to accept the minutes of the previous meeting with a correction. Second by Gerard. Motion carried.

Compo made a motion to approve the final vouchers from 2015 in the amount of $ 7,122.84, (Check #'s 40936 – 40942) to pay payroll and due bills and electronic payments in the amount of $ 12,085.18. Second by Gerard. Motion carried.

Gerard made a motion to approve the current vouchers in the amount of $ 105,713.46 (Check #’s 40943-40989) to pay payroll and due bills and electronic payments in the amount of $ 23,203.18. Second by Janke. Motion carried.

Joe Jurewicz, MSA, was present to discuss the proposed sewer extension on East Highway 61. A soil boring test was already done and they were able to go down 34’ without hitting rock. It would be a good idea to have the area surveyed so all utility lines can be located. A motion was made by Compo with a second by Gerard to authorize MSA to complete the needed survey. Motion carried.

Jason Paulson was present to discuss his concerns regarding the future of the local police department. The Town is currently contracting 2 days/nights per week with the Carlton County Sheriff’s Department in addition to their regular coverage. It is Paulson’s opinion that given the size of the township, the police force should be growing not possibly be eliminated. He also questioned whether it would benefit the Town to pursue city status.

Hill explained where the Board is in the process of determining which direction to take. The six month trial with the Sheriff’s Department will be up at the end of February. No decisions have been made yet.

Peleski presented the pay equity report that was completed for the Board’s review and approval. The Town is required to submit the report to the State every three years. A motion was made by Compo with a second by Gerard to approve the report as written. Motion carried.

Discussion was held on the Cloquet Area Fire District and the proposed legislation that would increase the amount for the ambulance district levy. It was decided that a letter of non-support will be written.

Five new members have begun their probationary period as members of the fire department.

Discussion was held on the process that’s followed to determine if it would benefit the Town to become a city. This was referred to legal counsel.

“No Assisted Braking” signs have been installed on Highway 61.

Discussion was held on extending the walking path along Canosia Road to Harney Road.

A motion to adjourn was made at 7:42 p.m. by Compo with a second by Janke. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Rhonda Peleski, Clerk/Treasurer Terry Hill, Chairperson Town of Thomson