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Silver Creek Township board accepts Xcel sirens donation, approves equipment spending and a maintenance pay raise
Summary
At its Sept. 17, 2024 meeting, the Silver Creek Township Board of Supervisors accepted two sirens donated by Xcel Energy, authorized up to $12,000 for new computer equipment, approved a $1/hour raise for a maintenance worker and scheduled maintenance projects and training.
Chairman Mike Helman called the Silver Creek Township Board of Supervisors to order at 7:00 p.m. on Sept. 17, 2024. The board recorded attendance and approved the meeting agenda with an added new-business item on hall flooring.
The board approved routine business items early in the meeting. Supervisor Ryan Nelson moved and Supervisor Andy Christensen seconded motions to approve the previous meeting minutes and to approve the list of claims. Both motions carried unanimously. The meeting record lists four audited claims with amounts of $60.00, $212.52, $61.06 and $278.14; one claim number in the transcript appears to be transcribed incorrectly and is noted in the meeting file.
Clerk-Treasurer Alana Paumen presented account balances: General $127,542.29; Contingency $9,646.46; Road & Bridge $403,014.54; Fire $55,099.86; ARPA $13,772.51; Checking $24,708.69. Paumen also reported that the township's attorney is raising hourly rates (the transcript lists two rates, $275 and $300; the minutes do not specify which rate applies to which service), that the township is working with the county to finalize parcel counts for correct fire-fee calculations, and that quarterly recycling reports will be added to future Clerk-Treasurer reports.
Under old business the board moved to accept two civil-defense sirens offered as a donation from Xcel Energy. Supervisor Ryan Nelson made the motion and Chairman Mike Helman seconded; the motion carried 3-0. The board also noted the Monticello fire contract is fully executed between the City of Monticello and the township.
On a separate vote the board approved Northstar Technologies' quote for computer equipment and authorized spending of up to $12,000. Chairman Mike Helman moved the measure and Supervisor Ryan Nelson seconded. Supervisor Andy Christensen abstained from that vote, citing a conflict of interest; the motion carried with two votes in favor and one abstention.
The board reviewed an on-site update regarding the Haack property. Supervisor Geyen presented photos and Mr. Haack reported he had removed a pile of empty boxes, repaired garage doors and was working with his insurance company on roof repairs. Mr. Haack told the board he had no immediate plan to move vehicles and said the vehicles are licensed and operable; he stated a goal to have unresolved property issues addressed by the next meeting.
In new business the board approved a $1-per-hour raise for its maintenance employee, bringing the employee's hourly wage to $33. The motion was made by Supervisor Andy Christensen and seconded by Supervisor Ryan Nelson and carried 3-0. The board discussed the upcoming audit and set a target that audit materials be delivered to the CPA by Sept. 30. Supervisor Ryan Nelson was authorized to begin conversations with local gravel-pit owners about extending or continuing the township's gravel contract. The board authorized up to $300 for two maintenance employees to attend chainsaw training on Nov. 13 hosted by Maple Lake Township. Hall-flooring quotes were presented and the board agreed to solicit one additional vendor before making a final choice.
A closed meeting was listed on the agenda; the public minutes provide no further detail on the subject of that closed session. The board adjourned following a motion by Supervisor Andy Christensen and a second by Supervisor Ryan Nelson.
The board's next procedural steps noted in the minutes are providing audit materials to the CPA by Sept. 30 and follow-up on the Haack property prior to the next meeting.
