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Silver Creek supervisors accept two Xcel sirens donation, approve $12,000 for computers and raise maintenance wage
Summary
At its Sept. 17 meeting the Silver Creek Township Board accepted two sirens donated by Xcel Energy, authorized up to $12,000 to replace computer equipment (one supervisor abstained), approved a $1/hour raise for a maintenance employee, and set audit and maintenance next steps.
The Silver Creek Township Board of Supervisors met Sept. 17 and took several administrative and operational actions, including accepting a donation of two sirens from Xcel Energy, approving new computer equipment spending with one abstention, and increasing a maintenance employee’s hourly wage.
Chairman Mike Helman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Supervisors Ryan Nelson and Andy Christensen and Clerk‑Treasurer Alana Paumen were present; two residents attended, one by Zoom. The board first approved the meeting agenda and past minutes by unanimous vote.
In Old Business, Supervisor Ryan Nelson moved to accept two sirens donated by Xcel Energy; Chairman Mike Helman seconded and the motion carried 3‑0. The board also reported the Monticello Fire Contract is fully executed between the City of Monticello and the township; the clerk noted the township is working with the county to finalize parcel counts to calculate fire fees.
On a separate motion, Chairman Mike Helman moved to accept Northstar Technologies' quote and authorize the township to spend up to $12,000 on computer equipment; Nelson seconded. Supervisor Andy Christensen abstained due to a conflict of interest; the motion carried with two votes in favor and one abstention. Christensen’s abstention was recorded at the time the board approved the vendor and spending authorization.
Mr. Haack, addressing a property matter recorded under old business, reported he had removed a pile of empty boxes, that garage doors on the property were functioning, and that he was working with his insurance company to repair the roof. He said he did not plan to move vehicles and stated they were licensed and operable; he said his goal was to complete the noted work by the next meeting.
Under New Business, the board approved a personnel action: Supervisor Andy Christensen moved (second by Nelson) to increase the maintenance employee’s pay by $1 per hour to $33; the motion carried 3‑0. The board also discussed the audit process and an upcoming meeting with the CPA; Clerk‑Treasurer Alana Paumen said audit materials must be delivered to the CPA by Sept. 30. The maintenance report noted the 134th Street culvert project is set to begin the first week of October and that fall ditch mowing continues.
Other approvals included a motion by Nelson (seconded by Christensen) to begin conversations with gravel pit owners about extending or continuing the township’s gravel contract; that motion carried 3‑0. The board authorized up to $300 for two maintenance employees to attend chainsaw training on Nov. 13 hosted by Maple Lake Township (motion by Helman, second Nelson; carried 3‑0). Hall flooring quotes were presented and one additional vendor will be contacted for a third bid; no final vendor authorization was recorded in the minutes.
The minutes list the Clerk‑Treasurer account balances as: General $127,542.29; Contingency $9,646.46; R&B $403,014.54; Fire $55,099.86; ARPA $13,772.51; Checking $24,708.69. A closed meeting was noted with no public details. The meeting adjourned after a final 3‑0 vote to close.
Votes at a glance - Approve agenda: motion by Supervisor Ryan Nelson, seconded by Supervisor Andy Christensen; carried 3‑0 (SEG 007). - Approve 08/20/24 road tour minutes and 09/03/24 meeting minutes: motion by Nelson, seconded by Christensen; carried 3‑0 (SEG 008). - Approve claims (including claims 18989 $60.00; 189993 $212.52; 18997 $61.06; 19496 $278.14): motion by Nelson, seconded by Christensen; carried 3‑0 (SEG 009). - Accept two sirens donated by Xcel Energy: motion by Nelson, seconded by Helman; carried 3‑0 (SEG 013). - Approve Northstar Technologies quote and authorize up to $12,000 for computer equipment: motion by Helman, seconded by Nelson; Supervisor Andy Christensen abstained due to conflict of interest; carried 2‑0 with one abstention (SEG 013). - Increase maintenance employee wage by $1/hour to $33: motion by Christensen, seconded by Nelson; carried 3‑0 (SEG 014). - Begin conversation with gravel pit owners about extending/continuing contract: motion by Nelson, seconded by Christensen; carried 3‑0 (SEG 014). - Authorize up to $300 for two maintenance employees to attend chainsaw training on Nov. 13: motion by Helman, seconded by Nelson; carried 3‑0 (SEG 014). - Adjourn: motion by Christensen, seconded by Nelson; carried 3‑0 (SEG 016).
What happens next: Audit documents are due to the CPA by Sept. 30; the board will pursue a third flooring quote and follow up with the Haack property at the next meeting.
