Big Lake Area Sanitary District

Big Lake Area Sanitary District Monthly Board Meeting Minutes: May 12, 2008

Meeting called to order at 3 PM

Present: Gary Harms, Rocky Rennquist, Tom Luke, John Peterson, Maurice Ojibway, Secretary Nancy Schuldt.

Visitors: Del Prevost, Stan DeMenge, Jim Thurmes, Al Behrens,

Gary Harms informed the board that he has resigned, effective immediately, as chairman. Vice-Chairman Rocky Rennquist chaired the meeting.

Motion to approve agenda, as amended (Gary Harms request to add report of his discussion with Bruce Benson, Carlton County Zoning Administrator) (T. Luke; second G. Harms) was passed.

Minutes from the April 14, 2008 board meeting were approved (G. Harms; second T. Luke).

Old Business  Discussion of approval of bylaws, with amendment regarding board member compensation for meetings. R. Rennquist had discussed the issue with tribal attorney, and identified some language changes related to the Fond du Lac Band. Board will wait to approve bylaws until board and tribal attorneys resolve the issues. G. Harms moved to table; M. Ojibway second; motion passed.  Goals for 2008: refined at the April board meeting to four main goals; board members felt these goals are attainable; need to take action soon on several goals, including establishment of finance committee; suggest that each board member nominate a member to the finance committee; will consider nominees at next board meeting. Communications goal: post/link agendas, minutes on Carlton County’s website; alternative meeting times. Motion to adopt Goals for 2008 (G. Harms; T. Luke second) passed.  Blueprint for completion of facility plan: provided by N. Schuldt at board’s request; can move relatively quickly on first four bullet points; final decision points can be completed with the engineering firm selected. Board requested examples of other districts’ financing packages, for perspective. Motion to adopt ‘blueprint’ (G. Harms; T. Luke second) passed.  Status report on engineering firms: two finalists, LHB and MSA; have confirmed site visit with LHB for May 23; waiting to confirm tour with MSA; should be able to address the decision to hire at the June board meeting

New Business  Gary Harms met with Bruce Benson; invited him to attend the June board meeting to discuss county policy of compliant/noncompliant septic systems and building permit th decisions. Potential date for evening meeting in June is the 12 ; will confirm B. Benson’s availability.  Website for BLASD information: can start posting on the Carlton County (Perch Lake Township link); coordinate with Lora Eames, Township Clerk.  Membership in Minnesota Rural Water Association discussed; opportunities for technical support, identification of potential funding sources, operator training; there is a $235 annual membership fee; R. Rennquist suggested approaching the Fond du Lac RBC for the membership fee.  N. Schuldt distributed information about the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe/ Garrison/Cathio Sanitary District cooperative wastewater project Public Comment  D. Prevost commended the board for actions taken at today’s meeting; urged them to meet the goals/steps for completing the facility plan.

Next board meeting (tentative): June 12, 2008 at 7 PM

Meeting adjourned at 4:00 PM (motion G. Harms; second M. Ojibway)