The Town of Morse board met on Tuesday and heard an update on the Firewise program in the township.
Teresa Floberg informed the board that Gloria Erickson would be retiring at the end of the month.
Floberg is looking to attend road association meetings. She has been working on a one page handout for property owners. She came up with two, one on wildfire resiliency and one the Community Wildfire Defense Grant program. There is also an eight-page packet for homeowners as well.
For the Morse-Fall Lake project of five acres of underbrush removal by the fire hall, the $21,000 project should be done this year.
Floberg said outreach in the Hwy. 120 area has been done with 60 letters sent out and 15 responses received. She said 60 acres was identified but rising costs may change that.
After concerns were raised over assistance not being available to areas that need it the most, she said a joint chipping effort could be offered to people who have a higher income and don’t qualify.
Supervisor Bob Berrini asked about public land that needs to be cleaned up. He also asked for a list of what properties have received assistance through the federal grant program.
Floberg said she cannot share which properties received funding.
The board also asked about other areas hit by spruce bud worm outside of the Blueberry Road.
Floberg said Esterberg Road was also targeted for work to be done. Supervsior Terry Soderberg asked about Hiawatha in Romberg Acres, which also has an area with a lot of dead trees.
In other business the board:
• Had met that morning for the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization. There were only three appeals heard this year. Clerk Nick Wognum attributed that partially to no change for Burntside Lake properties and smaller increases by St. Louis County.
• Discussed that all three supervisors attended the Minnesota Association of Townships spring short course.
• Approved starting the process of revising the lodging tax ordinance to comply with state law.
• Approved sending a list of parcels to be sold by St. Louis County to Commissioner Paul McDonald.
• Approve the list of recreation funding for 2026 with no changes from last year.
• Approved renewing the agreement with the Ely Golf Course and billing for this year’s county fees.
• Approved a request from St. Louis County to write a letter of support for a proposed highway project on Highway 1 and 169 at the Y Store location for federal funding.
• Approved donating $400 to the Ely Events Group for the July 4 parade and $400 to the city of Ely for the July 4 fireworks.
• Heard from supervisor Mike Velcheff that township roads are in good shape with grading being done as needed.
• Berrini went over the $400,000 that is needed for the ambulance building project due to bids coming in higher than expected. Soderberg said there are still some concerns with the Ely Area Ambulance Service being raised by Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital.
• Discussed having to buy a separate policy for each supervisor’s participation in a joint powers board.
• Approved having up to two youth serve as election judges if they meet the qualifications.
