About a dozen Fall Lake residents attended the short monthly meeting. As usual, roads were the main subject discussed.
Supervisor Eric Hart stated that the township had received information from the township attorney that purchasing the right-of-way for the Sunset Road reroute may not be the proper way for the project. The attorney drew up a contract for a permanent road easement agreement through the area. The board approved the agreement.
The board received a summary of a proposed scope and fee for SEH to evaluate the roads in Fall Lake Township. This had been tabled previously.
Supervisor Craig Seliskar said he thought this was something the board should looking into, but it would have to be budgeted for 2027 for it. Supervisor Adam Masloski agreed. Hart suggested tabling the proposal until February, when the board has its budget meeting.
A bid was received from Phil Hegfors for ditching on the Cloquet Line for the half mile to the county line.
“Hegfors had done some ditching on the Cloquet Line around the high spot and it looks good,” said Seliskar. “The rest of the ditch needs to be cleaned to the county line. If we want Hegfors to do it this year or next year.”
Hart suggested doing the ditching now. “I think it would be best to get it done before we get snow,” said Hart. The board agreed, and accepted Hegfors’ bid to move forward.
Hart said the county hasn’t had a chance to finalize the bid package for the Sunset Road as they are in the middle of budgeting. The county suggested tabling until December, then put out the bids in the spring.
Lake County Commissioner Joe Baltich added that the county will vote on the Sunset Road project next week. He said the paperwork would be done then, with several resolutions.
Masloski reported on the community center group update. He said a meeting was set up with Bollig Engineering for a predesigned brainstorming session.
“We had Bollig up, along with Baltich, and we showed him this building, and walked around the property,” said Masloski. “Joe had some designs for the Clair Nelson Center which will be helpful.”
“We have another meeting coming up,” said Baltich. “This time it will be with an architect.”
Baltich said the county has been busy with the budget. He said there were things the county doesn’t even know how to budget for them as they are state mandates.
“We are looking at a levy increase,” said Baltich. “We’re looking at a levy increase of around four percent. It could be higher or lower.”
Baltich said he spoke with the county administrator, Matt Huddleston, about the updated planning and zoning rules regarding septic systems and short-term rentals. He said they have some issues that have to be addressed.
“It’s very vague,” said Baltich. “And it’s thrown design people for a loop because of the vagueness. I’ll know more after the meeting next week.”
On another note, Baltich asked if anyone knew what it cost to license a snowplow truck.
“It’s $25,000 to have that truck drive on the road. For each truck,” said Baltich. “None of the commissioners knew that. It’s insane! I’m going to talk to Representative Roger Skraba, who is on the Transportation Committee.”
Seliskar reported on several issues. He said Cody Schulze will be grading soon, when weather permits. Seliskar looked at culverts to keep overflow out of White Iron Beach. Letters were sent to property owners about culverts on their driveways. Some township ditch may help. The USDA is dealing with more beavers on Snowbank Road again, and with a dam. Seliskar spoke with Dave Starkman about fixing pavement next week, but his insurance needs to be provided to the township. Lastly, the pothole on the apron at Voyageur Road is on the county right-of-way.
A resident asked if they had to contact the county about the pothole on Voyageur Road. Seliskar said it was passed on to the county for them to repair.
Another person asked if the community center meeting was a closed meeting or open to the public. Masloski said the initial meeting with the architect was for the committee of five or six people. Additional meetings will be opened up more.
Treasurer Don Stocks reported Fall Lake Township received $21,849 for the second half of taconite tax payments, and $12,403.59 in the second half of PILT payment. Also, transfer site receipts in the amount of $3,048.50.
Transfer site attendant Dean Barrett said residents are adjusting to the schedule of the transfer station being open on Wednesdays and Saturdays through September. In October it will be open only on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In correspondence: • Received information from the Minnesota Association of Township about their fall meeting of the MAT Legislative & Research Committee Friday, Sept. 12 in Mankato.
• Received a thank you for funds given to Team Borealis.
• Received a thank you and a request for continued support for the Ely Golf Club. $500 was approved.
• Received an email from Hudson Kingston with information about a grant available for energy efficiency and renewable energy project. He suggested applying for money for a car charger at the town hall. Applications are due by Oct. 1. No action was taken.
• Received information from RAMS director Paul Peltier about a Workforce Solutions Series 2025. Three sessions are offered at the Mt. Iron Community Center on Sept. 18, Oct. 9 and Nov. 13.
• Received a letter from the township attorneys, Couri & Ruppe, stating that there will be a legal service rate increase.
• An email was received from a group of landowners on the south side of Triangle Lake for support to request the Forest Service to allow a special use permit for a trail connection to Lookout Road for wildfire mitigation. Hart suggested sending this to the Morse/Fall Lake fire department.
• The next Morse/Fall Lake fire department meeting will be held on Monday, Sept. 22 at Morse town hall at 6 p.m.
• The next regular Fall Lake Township meeting will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. The meeting date was changed to the second Wednesday due to billings.
