Government 2020 Spring Short Courses · Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center One Civic Center...

23Minnesota Township Insider • Winter 2020

Grassroots Government

Minnesota Association

Townshipsof

2020 Spring Short CoursesMarch 16 - April 3

The 2020 Spring Short Courses are March 16 through April 3. The program has been designed to meet the needs of all township officers. This annual educational training program is important to all officers including veteran officers, as well as recently elected officers. Issues regarding proper performance for duty, responsibility, authority, and current law are discussed throughout the program.

All newly elected officers are strongly encouraged to attend as “getting started right” will certainly be a plus for a new career. If this is your first time on a Township Board, you will want to attend the New Officer Session for Newly Elected Officials.

This is your chance to meet the MAT staff and ask them questions relating to your township. At each loca-tion, you will have access to MAT’s attorneys, MAT Agency staff, speakers, and other MAT staff for any questions you may have. Additionally, and for your information, one of your MAT Board of Directors will be at each Short Course. Take advantage of this opportunity and find the answers you are looking for!

Week 1Monday, March 16Tau Center511 Hilbert Street, WinonaNate Redalen (1)

Tuesday, March 17Rochester Event Center7333 Airport Drive SW, RochesterNate Redalen (1)

Wednesday, March 18Mayo Clinic Health System Event CenterOne Civic Center Plaza, MankatoSandy Hooker (2) & Gary Burdorf (4)

Thursday, March 19Community Center1750 Cottonwood Lake Dr, WindomSandy Hooker (2) & Tammy Houle (3)

Friday, March 20Prairie’s Edge Casino5616 Prairie’s Edge Ln, Granite FallsTammy Houle (3) & Lyle Stai (6)

Week 2Monday, March 23Breezy Point Resort9252 Breezy Point Dr, Breezy PointLori Stalker (8) & Reno Wells (11)

Tuesday, March 24 *NEW VENUE!*

The Park Event Center 500 Division Street, Waite ParkJane Youngkrantz (5), Mike Miller (7) & Lori Stalker (8)

Wednesday, March 25Hutchinson Event Center1005 Hwy 15 S, HutchinsonGary Burdorf (4)

Thursday, March 26Willmar Conference Center(Best Western Plus)2100 E Hwy 12, WillmarJane Youngkrantz (5) & Lyle Stai (6)

Friday, March 27Arrowwood2100ArrowwoodLnNW,AlexandriaVance Bachmann (9)

Week 3Monday, March 30Shooting Star Casino777 South Casino Rd, MahnomenVance Bachmann (9) & Mel Milender (12)

Tuesday, March 31Engelstad Arena525 Brooks Ave N, Thief River FallsJill Hall (13)

Wednesday, April 1Sanford Center1111 Event Center Drive, BemidjiMel Milender (12)

Thursday, April 2Sugar Lake Lodge37584 Otis Lane, CohassetReno C. Wells (11)

Friday, April 3Duluth EntertainmentConvention Center (DECC)350 Harbor Drive, DuluthJim Fisher (10)

2020 Spring Short Course Locations and MAT Board of Directors Schedule

Winter 2020 • Minnesota Township Insider24

2020 Spring Short Courses AgendaCLERKS & TREASURERS SESSION9:00 a.m. Welcome/Pledge of Allegiance Time with your Director9:10 a.m. Record Retention Lori Stalker/Petra Hartness (MAT Trainers)How do we know if we have a record retention schedule? Steps for Clerks and Treasurers regarding what to keep and the steps to the process.10:15 a.m. Break10:30 a.m. Legislative and MAT Update David Hann (Executive Director)11:15 a.m. “He Said, She Said” Jon Mocol (MATIT Agency Manager)Let’s take a look at how to properly document claims to minimize liability. In addition, learn about updates and de-velopments in the MATIT insurance program. Plus, remind-ers on how to help your township avoid claims. Noon Lunch12:45 p.m. Election Wages Lori Stalker/Petra Hartness (MAT Trainers)We will be going through Election Judge Wages and how those wages are affected in regards to taxes; PErA; total wages for the year; township officer as an election judge and other election judges; and much more.2:00 p.m. Feeling Harassed from Real Harassment and the Wage Theft Law Steve Fenske (MAT Attorney)Troubleshooting the law clerks would most like to shoot, the wage theft law and how we may implement it as painlessly as possible. The second half focusses on harassment in the workplace – what is included as harassment and expectations for officers and employees.3:00 p.m. Adjourn

SUPERVISORS SESSION9:00 a.m. Welcome/Pledge of Allegiance Legislative Update David Hann (Executive Director)9:30 a.m. “He Said, She Said” Jon Mocol (MATIT Agency Manager)Let’s take a look at how to properly document claims to minimize liability. In addition, learn about updates and de-velopments in the MATIT insurance program. Plus, remind-ers on how to help your township avoid claims. 10:00 a.m. Whose Job is it Anyway? And the Grave Mistake Karl-Christian Johannessen (MAT Attorney)This presentation will discuss two important topics for towns. First, what supervisors should know about the duties of the board, the clerk, and the treasurer – and how they work together. The second topic presents what every town needs to know about cemeteries, including whether a town owns a cemetery, how to administer the cemetery, and what a town can do with neglected cemeteries?10:30 a.m. Break10:45 a.m. “Isn’t That Special” – Special Meetings Lori Stalker/Petra Hartness (MAT Trainers)The course will review handling special meetings – from determining how one is called, the notice required and post-ing issues. 11:50 a.m. Lunch12:45 p.m. Time with your Director12:55 p.m. Not Just for Big Townships: Harassment in the Workplace and Providing Government Services Steve Fenske (MAT Attorney)Laws and expectations related to treatment at work are changing, and accountability for employers is rising. This training will discuss harassment laws and standards, the employer’s obligations, how to make a better workplace, and what to do with complaints. From the biggest to smallest township – these laws impact all towns.2:00 p.m. Gravel Road Management Brian Lindberg/John Okeson (LTAP)This 60-minute presentation will cover gravel road main-tenance, gravel materials, gravel selection, and purchasing gravel.3:00 p.m. Adjourn

NEW OFFICERS SESSION9:00 a.m. Welcome/Pledge of Allegiance New Officer OrientationSteve Fenske & Karl-Christian Johannessen (MAT Attorneys)A must-have class for ALL officers that have not attended previously. MAT will cover the many legal requirements that come with holding public office. The indispensable information in this class can help keep your township out of court and you out of jail.

Noon Lunch12:45 p.m. Insurance 101 Jon Mocol (MATIT Agency Manager)Learn about what MATIT offers townships for insurance coverage and make sure your risks are minimized. 1:15 p.m. Time with your Director

1:25 p.m. Township Officer Duties and Responsibilities Karl-Christian Johannessen (MAT Attorney)This class addresses the specific duties of clerks, treasurers, and supervisors, as well as many township functions you may not have considered or even known about.2:15 p.m. Introduction to CTAS and Clerk/Treasurer Resources Lori Stalker/Petra Hartness (MAT Trainers)A short introduction of the different resources MAT offers for Clerks, Treasurers and Supervisors and what new of-ficers should know about CTAS. 2:30 p.m. Township Association Basics David Hann (Executive Director)Important background on townships and the many ways in which the Minnesota Association of Townships supports townships and town officers.3:00 p.m. Adjourn


2020 Spring Short CoursesNEW OFFICER CREDIT

The Minnesota Association of Townships Insur-ance Trust (MATIT) is offering a credit to new township officers attending the New Officer Train-ing Program at this year’s Spring Short Course…essentially making it a ‘NO COST TRAINING.’ This is a great opportunity for your new officers to get information on what it means to be a township officer at no cost to the township. Don’t let your new officers miss out on this deal.

How It Works• Your Township must have Consolidated Li-

ability Coverage through MATIT to be eli-gible.

• At registration, all New Officers who are at-tending the New Officer Session will still need to pay the registration fee of $50. That may still be paid via cash, check, or invoiced to the Township.

• The New Officer must attend the New Of-ficer Session for the entire day.

• In the New Officer Session, a New Officer will need to complete the Sign-In Sheet at the beginning of the workshop.

• At the end of the workshop (3:00pm), the New Officer will have to sign-out verifying they have completed the New Officer Ses-sion.

• MAT Agency Staff will verify the attendance sign-in/out sheet for eligibility.

• The Township will re-ceive a $50 credit ap-plied to the upcoming Consolidated Liabil-ity Coverage renewal through MATIT.

MATIT Safety Vests New Officers who have just been elected, or are in their first term and have not attended the New Of-ficer Session, are eligible to receive the brand new MATIT Safety Vest. The Vests will be distributed during the New Officer session to those in atten-dance only. The Safety Vests are available in two sizes: XL and 2XL.

OATH OF OFFICE In order to take your oath of office at the Spring

Short Courses:1. Your township must have held its Board of

Canvass and the 7-day contest period ex-pired;

2. Have your Certificate of Election If your township’s Board of Canvass met on

the second day after the election (the 12th) you could receive your oath at the following locations:

Granite Falls • Breezy Point • St. Cloud • Hutchinson • Willmar • Alexandria

If you held your Board of Canvass after the election on the 10th or on the day after (the 11th) you can receive the oath at these locations as well:

Mankato and Windom

The oath of office must be administered within 10 days of receiving your certificate of election. (Individual oaths may be administered the final week of the Spring Short Course if you fall within the 10-day period. Stop at the registration desk to inquire.)


2020 Spring Short CoursesPURPOSE & AUDIENCE

The purpose of the Spring Short Course is to provide a one-day educational program for all township officers. These Short Courses are for Township Board Members and Local Public Of-ficials only.

recently enacted legislation and other pertinent Minnesota statutory requirements for the per-formance of duties and responsibilities for local elected officials will be addressed within, but not limited to, this year’s topics. See each agenda for more information.

REGISTRATION (On-site only!)register on-site at each location on the morning

of the Short Course beginning at 8:00am. regis-tration fee is $50 per person and includes train-ing, handout materials, lunch, and refreshments.

Please have your checks prewritten to Minneso-ta Association of Townships (MAT) to help speed the registration process. Please arrive early as workshops begin at 9:00am sharp. No pre-reg-istration is required or accepted, but early arrival will help diminish long registration lines.

SPECIAL REQUESTSTo request disability accommodations or

special diet requests (Gluten free, etc), please contact Scott Saloum at 1-800-228-0296 before March 1, 2020. All food and beverages are or-dered ahead of time, thus special dietary requests made the day of the meeting will try to be ful-filled, but it may not be possible. MAT is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

MANKATO PARKINGThe WALNUT Street parking ramp is the clos-

est ramp to the Civic Center and is connected via an indoor skywalk. The WALNUT rAMP is lo-cated on Riverfront Drive South and says Civic Center Parking on it.

DULUTH PARKING & DROPOFFParking is

available in the parking ramp next to the DECC. Guests will be responsible for their own park-ing expenses. Parking rate is $5/day for un-limited access on that day.

If you would like to drop off someone close to the registration area, please use DOOR G on the harbor side next to Vista Fleet. Follow Harbor Drive around the Civic Center until you see the Vista Fleet store. Inside Door G, take the eleva-tor up to floor 2 and registration will be inside the doors.

SUGAR LAKE LODGE DIRECTIONSFor those attending the Grand Rapids location (SUGAR LAKE LODGE), here are some direc-tions off of Hwy 169.Take County road 17 (Sugar Hills road) east from Hwy 169 and follow.Turn left at N Sugar Lake Trail and follow.Turn left onto N Sugar Lake road and follow.Turn left onto Otis Lane. Sugar Lake Lodge is on this road.

Hwy 169

Sugar Hills Rd

N Sugar Lake

Trail

N Sug

ar La

ke R

d

Otis

Lane

Sugar Lake Lodge


Registration opens at 8:00amMeeting begins at 8:30am and

adjourns at 3:30pm

Waterways - Kurt Deter

PERA

- Luis Argueta

Ethical Leaders in Action - Chad Weinstein

Road Right-of-Way: “What Can We Do?”

- Troy Gilchrist & Jason Hill

State Auditor - Julie Blaha

Typical Township Lawsuits andHow to Avoid Them

- Kenneth Bayliss

Open Meeting Law - Paul Reuvers

2020 Tentative Town Law Review Topics

Grassroots Government

Minnesota Association of Townships Town Law

Review

HOTEL INFORMATION

Best Western Premier Nicollet Inn

14201 Nicollet Avenue SouthBurnsville, MN 55337

952-435-2100

Standard Double Queen OR Standard Single King: $109.99/night + taxes

The Block expires on March 14, 2020. Room availability and rates may change after

that date.

April 16, 2020Best Western Premier Nicollet Inn

14201 Nicollet Avenue SouthBurnsville, MN 55337

The 2020 Town Law Review will be held on Thursday, April 16th at Best Western Premier Nicollet Inn in Burns-ville. The Town Law Review is a one-of-a-kind training event in which all townships, no matter the size, will ben-efit from the material presented. The course focuses on Township Law in various aspects of governing a town-ship.

A HOTEL BLOCK has been set up at the Best Western Premier Nicollet Inn. Please ask for the Minnesota Associa-tion of Townships block when making your reservation. Please see the hotel information on this page for further de-tails.

If you would like more information about the TOWN LAW REVIEW, please contact the MAT Office at 1-800-228-0296 or go online to MAT’s website (www.mntownships.org).


The Minnesota Association of Townships Scholarship Pro-gram is proud to award up to FIVE $2,000 scholarships in 2020. All students currently enrolled in the 11th grade and attending a Minnesota public, private or parochial high school or a home school study program are eligible for this program. (Families of the directors and staff of MAT are not eligible.) Winners will be chosen based on a written essay. All applica-tions for the awards must be submitted by May 1, 2020.

AllMinnesotaHighSchoolprincipalshavebeennotifiedofour program and have been sent application forms, along with posters describing the program. The title of the Minnesota As-sociation of Township’s 2020 Annual Conference is:

TownshipDay.The Question is:The second Tuesday in March is

Township Day. Every year each township holds their Annual Meeting. This meeting is often described as the ‘people’s meeting.’ There are rights and authorities given to the electors at that meeting, but those rights and au-thorities are limited: So, if youwereanelector,howwouldyouproceedwithgettinganactiontohappenandwhichoneormoreoftherightsandauthoritieswouldyouuseandwhy?

Youcanfindtheapplicationformonthenextpage,onourwebsiteorcallouroffice.

We are hopeful that the school principals will read the appli-cation requirements and forward necessary information to the school counselor or advisor for dissemination to the students. In addition, the township DVD: Foundation of Democracy will be available to each school upon request, as it will be a helpful aide to the students in preparing the required essay. Feel free to share your township’s copy of the DVD with your school district.

ELIGIBILITYAll students currently enrolled in the 11th grade and

attending a Minnesota public, private, or parochial high school or a home study program and who plan to fur-ther their education at a college, university, or vocational school are eligible for this program. They cannot be the child, stepchild, grandchild or step-grandchild, brother, stepbrother, sister or stepsister of a MAT director or staff member.

REQUIREMENTS• Applicants must complete an application form and

submit it along with a written essay discussing this year’s topic.

• Essays must be between 450 and 500 words, and must be typed with double spacing.

• Applicants should not name themselves, their school,theirtownorcity,ortheirlocalofficialsinthe essay.

• Applicants must be a high school junior to apply.• See the application for research tips.

Alongwiththecompletedapplicationandwrittenessay,studentsmustsubmit:• current high school transcript• letter of recommendation from a high school

teacher or counselor. • All items must be submitted in one envelope and

mailed to: Minnesota Association of Townships ScholarshipProgram,P.O.Box267,St.Michael,MN 55376, postmarked by May 1, 2020.

• Incomplete applications or applications post-marked after May 1, 2020 will not be accepted.

SELECTIONEach essay will be judged by an independent panel based

upon originality, knowledge of subject matter in relationship to the title, and supporting statements, as well as correct spell-ing and punctuation. The judging will be completed by Octo-ber 1, 2020 at which time up to FIVE $2,000 scholarships will beawarded.WinnerswillbenotifiedinwritinginmidOctober2020 and will be invited to attend the Minnesota Association of Townships Conference Banquet to be held on November 20, 2020 in St Cloud. Scholarship awards will be paid to the appropriatefinancialaidofficeuponreceiptofverificationofenrollment at a college, university, or technical school.

MAT ScholArShip progrAM

NEW IN 2020!

FIVE Scholarships of $2000 each!


Sadly, removing bodies of water from the state’s impaired wa-ters list doesn’t happen very often, but due to the hard work of a number of organizations and dedicated citizens, the Minne-sota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has recommended that Plum Creek be delisted.

Plum Creek, a small stream in Lynden Twp. near Clearwater, was listed as impaired by bacteria for recreational use by the MPCA in 2012. A study conducted by the agency found Plum Creek Watershed to be impaired by E. coli, a bacterium found in the intestine of human and warm-blooded animals that be-comes a contaminant when found in the food or water supply.

Wanting to help, Jerry Finch, a Lynden Twp. supervisor at the time, earned his Wa-tershed Specialist cer-tification from the Uni-versity of Minnesota with mentoring from the Stearns Co. Soil and Water Conserva-tion District (SWCD).

To solve the prob-lem and get the stream delisted, the Plum Creek Neighborhood Network (PCNN) was then organized and led by Finch, who enlisted help from the Lynden Twp. Board, SWCD, MPCA, the University of Minnesota, US Dept of Ag, and St. John’s University. A group of 24 township landowners volunteered to be part of PCNN.

Intensive stream sampling was done from 2014 to 2018 to better understand the nature of the contamination and deter-mine its potential source. The sampling revealed E. coli levels spiked during heavy rain events, which indicated field ero-sion and streambed sediments were likely the most significant sources of the bacteria.

Based on everything that was learned, a number of projects were implemented to improve Plum Creek’s water quality:

•Erosioncontrolwasimplementedtoaddresssedimentationfrom a county road culvert.•Nearbysepticsystemsthatweresuspectwereupgradedor

replaced.•Awaterqualitystructurewasinstalledtoaddressfieldero-

sion entering the creek.•Abufferwas installed on the I-94 right-of-waynear the

creek.•Areafarmersadoptednewplantingandtillagepracticesto

help reduce erosion.

The hard work and dedication of PCNN and all its partners paid off, as monitoring in 2019 showed Plum Creek’s average E. coli counts had dropped low enough that it is now meeting water quality standards.

Finch stressed that it was the involvement of many people and organizations that caused the project to be successful.

“The primary reason this project was successful was that the Lynden Twp. Board of Supervisors were interested and support-ed it,” said Finch. “Anne Ackerman and Dave Johnson were a source of encouragement and participation, without which this

project would not have been successful.”

The interest and in-volvement of concerned residents was the sec-ondary reason for suc-cess listed by Finch.

“The Plum Creek Neighborhood Network was formed in 2014 with the mission state-ment, ‘To remove Plum Creek from the impair-ment list,’” he said. “In 2017 the Network was selected as the Out-standing Conservation-

ists of the year by the SWCD.”

Mentorship from Dennis Fuchs, administrator of the SWCD and his staff was recognized by Finch, as were MnDOT, Stearns Co. Public Works, Stearns Co. Parks Dept. and MPCA’s region-al office in Baxter.

Lastly, he recognized the involvements of academia, includ-ing Dr. Michael Sadowsky, U of M BioTechnology Institute di-rector, who recommended they identify the DNA of the E. coli, which ruled out animal or human origin.

Dr. Y. A. Pachepsky, USDA-ARS-Environmental Microbial and Food Laboratory, whose fieldwork confirmed E. coli at-tached to particles of sediment can survive in the bottom of a stream, and Dr. Joe Storlien, professor at St. John’s, who orga-nized students to sample the sediment in Plum Creek were also included in his accolades.

“This is a big deal,” said Cole Loewen, environmental spe-cialist in Stearns Co.’s Environmental Services Dept. “There are only 14 waters recommended for delisting in 2020, compared to hundreds recommended for adding to the list, and Plum Creek is one of them. To top it all off, it’s because of a unique partnership of engaged citizens, state and local governments, universities and area landowners that this recommendation has happened.”

Plum Creek delisted from impaired waters listCopyright the Citizen Tribune (www.citizentribune.com), Article by Penny Leuthard, Citizen Tribune Staff Writer

Submitted to us by Jane Youngkrantz, MAT District 5 Director


Brandon TownshipBrandon Township was settled in 1860 and

established as a township in 1867. It was then called Chippewa for its lakes and river of that name used as a “road of war” by the Ojibway in their forays to the Sioux country. Previously it had a station, named Chippewa, of the Burbank stage route from St. Cloud to the Red River.

The village of Chippewa was platted near the stage coach station in 1867 and was officially re-named “Brandon” by the US Post office in 1869. The village moved two miles south to its present location on the railroad in 1881.

The township name was also changed from “Chippewa” to “Brandon” in 1881. This occa-sionally causes confusion as to which Brandon is the Township and which Brandon is the City.

The activities of the township during the early years consisted primarily of laying out and build-ing the township roads needed for the settler farmers to purchase needed supplies and equip-ment and to get their products to market. The earliest township road was surveyed and built in 1868. Currently, the township is responsible for 47 miles of roads, all of which are maintained year-round with equipment owned by the town-ship.

Mike Cleary, Township ClerkBrandon Township

Please send your story and any interesting photos related to the name to Scott Saloum:

[email protected]

OaklandTownshipOakland Township was created by the County board April

7, 1857, under its present name. The designation is doubtless derived from the Burr Oak openings which prevailed from that locality. The north half of the Township was attached to Guil-ford (now Moscow) and the South half to Asher (now London). On June 7, 1858, the south half of Oakland was also attached to Moscow. Oakland was cut off from Moscow and its organiza-tion was authorized Sept. 16, 1858.

Oakland Township, located in Freeborn County Minnesota was first settled in 1855 by G.W. Carpenter and family and W.L. Carpenter with Joel Bullock and family and Lemuel Bull-ock.

The first birth in the Township was that of a child to Samuel Bullock and wife in 1856 and the first death was Asa Bullock in1858.

The town of Oakland where the Township Hall is located was organized May 11, 1858 at a meeting held at the home of Thomas Riley, in the Northeastern part of the township. Thir-ty-one votes were cast resulting in the election of the following officers: Supervisors, Asa Bullock, Chair., Willard L. Carpenter and Henry Hollenshead. Clerk, Cornelius Kenevan, Collector and Assessor John Murane, Justice of the Peace, Cornelius Ke-nevan, Constable, James Robinson, Overseer of the Poor, James Robinson and Pound Master, Asa Bullock, Jr.

--Information from A History of Freeborn County, Compiled by Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge, 1911

Rena Langowski, Township Supervisor

Township sTories

Oakland Township


Five of the 13 district director positions are open for elec-tion this fall.

To file for the position of Director a candidate must use the Affidavit of Filing form provided by the Association. The completed form must be sent to the Minnesota Association of Townships, PO Box 267, St. Michael, MN 55376. “FILINGS SHALL OCCUR NOT LESS THAN SIXTY (60) DAYS OR MORE THAN NINETY (90) DAYS PRIOR TO THE DISTRICT ELECTION.” MAT Bylaws, Art. VI, sec. 4 (emphasis added). The filing form must be received in the Association office within the prescribed 30-day period, other-wise the filing will not be considered valid. The Association will mail a form to the candidates acknowledging receipt of all properly filed Affidavit of Filing forms.

A candidate is permitted to withdraw from the election if the withdrawal is made in writing and is received in the Asso-ciation office at least five business days before the scheduled election for the District in which the candidate is a township officer.

“Any duly elected or appointed township supervisor, clerk or treasurer of a member of the Minnesota Association of

Townships shall be eligible for election to the Board of Direc-tors of the Association.” MAT Bylaws, Art. VI, sec. 2. The election of Directors occurs at the respective annual district meetings. In order to be a candidate for district director, the officer “must file for the position or be nominated by a voting member of the Association from the respective district at the district meeting.” MAT Bylaws, Art. VI, sec. 4.

Scheduled district election filing dates for 2020 are:

District 1 Filing period is May 8 to June 7 Current Director: Nathan RedalenDistrict 5 Filing period is May 22 to June 21 Current Director: Jane YoungkrantzDistrict 6 Filing period is May 20 to June 19 Current Director: Lyle StaiDistrict 7 Filing period is May 15 to June 14 Current Director: Michael MillerDistrict 11 Filing period is May 28 to June 27 Current Director: Reno C. WellsAs of 2020: A deputy clerk or deputy treasurer may vote if

their clerk or treasurer is absent from the meeting.

District Director Elections - Notice of Filing

Minnesota Association of Townships District Meetings 2020 (by date)

District Date Current Director Meeting Location

2 Tuesday 4 Aug

Sandy Hooker***

TBD

1 Thursday 6 Aug

Nate Redalen * Filing dates 5/8-6/7

Event Center Kasson, Dodge County

3 Monday 10 Aug

Tammy Houle***

TBD

4 Wednesday 12Aug

Gary Burdorf

Zumbrota Legion Zumbrota, Goodhue County

7 Thursday 13 Aug

Mike Miller Filing dates 5/15-6/14

Silver Creek Town Hall Silver Creek Township, Wright County

9 Monday 17 Aug

Vance Bachmann

TBD

6 Tuesday 18 Aug

Lyle Stai Filing dates 5/20-6/19

TBD

8 Wednesday 19 Aug

Lori Stalker*

TBD

5 Thursday 20 Aug

Jane Youngkrantz Filing dates 5/22-6/21

Health & Human Services Willmar, Kandiyohi County

13 Monday 24 Aug

Jill Hall

Newfolden Community Center Newfolden, Marshall County

12 Tuesday 25 Aug

Mel Milender***

TBD Ada, Norman County

11 Wednesday 26 Aug

Reno Wells ** Filing dates 5/28-6/27

Walker Area Community Center Walker, Cass County

10 Thursday 27 Aug

Jim Fisher **

Grand Lake Town Hall Twig, St. Louis County

Registration is at 7:00 pm. Meeting at 7: 30 pm. Election at 8:00 pm. * Registration 5:30 pm; dinner 6pm; meeting 6:30 pm ** Registration 5:30 pm; meeting 6:00 pm ***Registration 6:30 pm; meeting 7:00 pm

All locations considered tentative as of publication date.


Milestones

In September, Camp Lake Township presented a plaque in honor of Marvel Thompson after serving 38 years as treasurer and also a plaque was presented to Don Olson after serving 25 years as supervisor at an appreciation retirement dinner in their honor. Pictured was Clerk Pamela Baldwin; Supervisors Jason Anderson and Jeff Jacobson; Chairman Scott Nelson; and Treasurer Mark Thompson. We thank Don and Marvel for their many years of dedicated service to the township and wish them well on their retirement.

Eyota Township, Olmsted County presented Lavern Hammel with a plaque honor-ing 38 years as township clerk plus 1 year as deputy clerk. Lavern was a constant at meetings with his Mountain Dew. Lavern continues to be a resource and we miss him at meetings, but still enjoy seeing him at the cafe.

After 28 years of serving as Red Lake County Township Associa-tion Secretary-Treasurer, Marie Chaput, Red Lake Falls, has retired from the position. She held the office with the Association from 1991-2019. Chaput served representing Lake Pleasant Township where she continues to serve as township clerk. Chaput (R) was congratulated by newly elected secretary-treasurer, Casey Klipping, Red Lake Falls, Brown-screek Township.

Alice Skaudis of Clinton Township, St. Louis County, was honored with a cake and plaque in recognition of serving her commu-nity for 16 years as the Township Treasurer.

Floyd Kramer was presented a clock for his 31 years of service for Sheridan Township, Redwood County, as Treasurer. Thank you, Floyd, for your many years of service! Front row: Floyd and Clerk Sally Schueller. Back row: Supervisor Jim Jenniges, incoming Treasurer Tiffany Hansen, Supervisor Gerald Senger. Sup Leo Mertens was unable to attend.

On November 6, 2019, Champion Township Board (Wilkin Coun-ty) celebrated the retirement of James Arnhalt from his 24 years of service. He served the township as Clerk from 1994-2019. James (right) is pictured with Claude Linder (Supervisor) who presented him with an appreciation plaque. Thank you, James.


Milestones

Fountain Township, Fillmore County, Chairman Paul Hamann, left, presents Dave Shanahan, right, a plaque in appreciation for 20 years of dedication and service as Supervisor of the township. Dave served from August 1998 through February 2019. Thank you for a job well done!

Joseph Zwach, Supervisor of Gales Township, Red-wood County, was presented a plaque by his fellow officers celebrating and noting his 35 years of dedicated service, of which 8 years was as chair. PIcured back row L to R: Supervisors Terrance Flesner and Jamie Jenniges, and Chair Joseph Zwach, Jr. Front L to R: Retiring Joseph and Clerk/Treasurer Ron Wixon. Thank you, Joe!

Gene Dutkin, retired this last year, as supervi-sor of Kalevala Town-ship, Carlton County, after 25 years of service. The Town Board and residents thank him for service to the township. We wish him well, and safe journey on the new projects in his life.

Chester Township, Polk County, recognized Ambrose Beaudoin. He was presented a plaque in recognition and appreciation of his 40 years of dedicated service as Chair from 1979-2019. Cake was served and much reminisc-ing took place. Ambrose will be missed and we wish him well. Pictured with him are the current board members: Bob and Pam O’Neill, Kent Bergerson (who is replacing Ambrose), and Michael and Nerrisa LaCoursiere.

Barber Township, Farib-ault County would like to thank Chuck Cory for 25 years of dedicated service as clerk on the township board. Chuck’s leadership and wealth of information has been much appreci-ated by the board and the residents of Faribault County. We wish him the best.

The Town of Friberg celebrated Duane Mavis’s retirement as Clerk for 33 years and 9 years as supervisor in West Otter Tail County. Pictured from left to right standing are; Steve Marty (supervisor), Kathi Budke (clerk), Teresa Kugler (treasurer), George Luebke (supervisor), Greg Kugler (supervisor). Sitting are Mary Jane and Duane Mavis. Thank you for your many years of dedicated service.


Milestones

Lyle Meschke was presented with a plaque in recognition of his retirement from the Owatonna Township Board, Steele County. Lyle served 29 years as clerk. Presenting Lyle his plaque were town board members Joe Elbert (replacing Lyle as clerk), Garrett Miller (treasurer), Glen Nelson (supervisor), Lyle Meschke, Dan Stursa (supervisor), and Jerry Katzung (supervi-sor).

Bryant Hokeness retired from Marshall Township, Mower County, after 35 years of being a Supervisor. We had a plaque made for him and presented it to him at the December meeting. Photo Bryant holding his cake, and plaque presented to him by Randy Stephenson Head Supervisor, Keith Knight Supervisor and Kathy Voigt Clerk-Treasurer.

Doris Mitchell retired from the Brownsville Township Board in Houston County on January 1, 2020 after 33 years of leadership and dedicated service as clerk and then treasurer. She was honored with a retirement supper and a gavel/plaque from the Town Board. Left to Right: clerk Kim Sheehan, chair Bill Sheehan, Doris, supervisor Delmer Ideker and supervisor Joe Driscoll. We wish her the best!

Chairman Bruce Dicke pre-sented a certificate of rec-ognition to Elvera Smith for her dedication as the Treasurer for the Meeker County Township Asso-ciation following 10 years of service. Her commitment to Township Governance was instrumental in sup-porting the continuance of the County Unit. Elvera con-tinues to serve as Treasurer for Ellsworth Township.


MeMorials

John T. Kluntz, 78, passed peace-fully June 15, 2019 at home. He worked on the family farm on middle Lake Jefferson his entire career and served in the US National Guard from 1964-1969. John was active in the Cleveland Legion Post 207, Lions Club, Knights of Columbus and was a Cleveland Township Supervisor, Le Sueur County.

Judith Lee Krupich, 65, of Hastings, passed away August 15, 2019. She worked for the Hastings School Dis-trict as a para-professional for 13 years. She was

also a devoted wife and mother. She served as clerk for Nininger Town-ship, Dakota County, for 30 years.

Harold E (Har-ry) Swanson, passed away at his home on Oc-tober 12, 2019 at the age of 80. He worked at the farm with his fa-ther and uncles, then taking over when his father

retired. He also worked as a truck driver hauling peas, sweet corn and sugar beets. He served as Deacon of his church for almost 60 years, a Hector Co-op Elevator board mem-ber, Lions member and sales rep with Pioneer Seeds. Harry served on the Martinsburg Township (Renville County) Board as a clerk and later supervisor for over 30 years.

Fred Grussing, 101, died October 25 at the Clara City Care Center. He and his wife lived in several areas of the US while Fred served in the Army; he served with the 10th Mountain Di-vision in Italy during WWII. Following his discharge, they made their home in rural Raymond, when they farmed. He was a member of his church, served on the school board for 9 years, threes years on the Lone Tree Township Board, Chippewa Coun-ty, and was a member of the Ameri-can Legion.

Gerald (Jerry) Brandt, Sr., 67, passed away peacefully at his home on November 7, 2019. Jerry grew up on the farm in Onamia and helped run the family ice fishing business. After marriage, he and his wife purchased the ice fishing business and ran it un-til his death. He served on the South Harbor Township, Mille Lacs County, for 24 years as supervisor.

Owen August Swenson, 86, passed away June 17, 2019 at Mayo Hospital in Mankato. After school and marriage, they made their home on the family dairy farm in New Sweden Township in Nicollet County. He enjoyed purebred Holstein cattle and working with the Forest Lawn herd. He was a member of his church and many community organizations. For 40 years he served as the New Swe-den Township treasurer.

Norman Johnson, 85, passed away October 24, 2019. Norm was com-mitted to service in many ways; he served on the Ben Wade Township Board, Pope County, for 35 years, served his country in the Army, and served his church in too many ways to count. He did it all quietly and with great humility. He was a mentor to many and a friend to all.


James Adamietz, 73, died Novem-ber 9, 2019 at Lakewood Health in Staples, surrounded by family. He had a degree in diesel mechanics and served in the US Army from 1966-1972. James operated a dairy farm, and earned the title of ‘MacGyver of the Northwoods’ as he could fix nearly anything. He was a committed mem-ber of his political party, served 20 years as an officer for Girard Town-ship, Otter Tail County, and as Sergeant At Arms for the MN State Senate. He most recently had been elected MAT District 9 Director but passed away before being able to serve.

Mary E. Carlson, 75, of Grygla, passed away on September 11, 2019 at her son’s home in Bemidji. She, with her family, lived various places due to her husband’s military service. They eventually settled in Grygla and together owned and operated the Grygla Café for 16 years. She served as treasurer for Espelie Township, Marshall County.

Barbara Brandt 85, of Anoka, passed away peacefully on Septem-ber 12, 2019. Barb established the Holt-Smith Lake Road Association. She worked at Honeywell/Alliant Tech Systems for many years and when they retired to the cabin, she was elected to the Garrison Township Board, Crow Wing County, where she served as supervisor for many years and on the sewer and Cemetery Boards.

Arnie L. Tupy, 86, of New Prague, died peacefully sur-rounded by fam-ily on November 17, 2019. They made their home in rural New Prague when Ar-nie farmed the homestead be-

gun by his great-grandfather until his retirement. He also erected structural steel buildings and served as foreman at MVE (now Chart Industries). He was a member and past commander of the American Legion, member and past Grand Knight of the 3rd degree Knights of Columbus, served on the Lanesburgh Township Board, Le Sueur County, and was active in his church in many capacities.

Robert Nielson, 90, passed away March 6, 2019 in Good Samaritan Society. Robert farmed and entered the MN National Guard and was one of the first Guards called to serve dur-ing the Korean War. After his service, he married and farmed. He had been a member of his church, a 4-H leader, raised chickens, ducks, cows, hogs and sheep. He served 26 years on the Middletown Township Board in Jackson County. (no photo)

T h e o d o r e (Bud) Bruhn, 99, of Glen-wood, died on November 25, 2019 at Glen-wood Village Care Center. In the 1930’s, he worked for the Civilian Conservation

Corps (CCC). Later he was drafted into the Army in 1942, served combat duty in Italy, where he fought in the North Apennines Campaign along the Po Valley, the 9th most lethal Ameri-can battle by estimated number of American deaths (8,486 killed). Feel-ing lucky to have survived, and after honorable discharge, he settled in Glenwood and farmed. Bud was a member of the Grove Lake Town-ship Board, Pope County for 25 years. He was also a member of the National Farmers Org, the Glenwood American Legion and VFW and his church.

Jerome (Jerry) Huettle, 73, of Mankato passed away peacefully Oc-tober 21, 2019 surrounded by family. After college, he started and grew Cattrysse & Huettle Custom Cabi-nets into a thriving business. He also worked with Mankato Police Depart-ment as Police Reserve and jumped to join full time in 1981. He rose rap-idly through the ranks, being promot-ed to Commander, Support Services Commander, Administrator of Joint Services, Deputy Director of Public Safety and eventually named Director of Public Safety in 2003, a position he held until his retirement in 2010. He had served on the Lime Township Board, Blue Earth County since 2018.

MeMorials


Sylvia Fay-lor of Mora, 93, passed away Octo-ber 5, 2019 after a long and coura-geous battle against meta-static breast

cancer. After her education and mar-riage, lived for a while in Minneapo-lis, before settling on her husband’s family farm in Peace Township. She worked for Cargill, Standard Oil, Blaw Knox and retired after 29 years with the Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) office in Mora. She served as treasurer of Peace Township, Kanabec Coun-ty, for many years beginning in 1971.

Joseph Horejsi, age 56, passed away on November 13, 2019 at his home in Webster. This is where he grew up and still farmed. He also had a repair business and drove school bus. He served on the Rice County Board and for many years as a Web-ster Township supervisor, until ill-ness forced him to retire.

Jesse A Hall, 84, passed away peacefully January 11, 2020 at M Health Fairview Northland Medical Center in Princeton. He obtained his undergraduate degree at the U of M and his Master’s Degree at Colorado State. He served his country in the US Army. Jesse spent 29 years as the Trades and Industries Coordinator at Osseo High School. While teaching at Osseo, he was given the oppor-tunity to develop the Aviation-Aero-space program which he taught for the last 15 years of his career. He had a commercial pilot’s license and was passionate about flying and all things aviation. He served on the Bald-win Township Board, Sherburne County, for over 28 years.

M a r k W a l l a c e Leagje ld , age 70, of M a n k a t o , p a s s e d away on July 12, 2019, in Rochester. He served on the Lime Township Board, Blue

Earth County since 2018.

Steven Boesl, 49, died on December 21, 2019 after a farming accident where a brother and nephew were also killed after they were overcome by toxic silo fumes. He owned and operated Boesl Dairy with his dad and 4 brothers. He served his community with his involve-ment in his church, the Millerville Fire Department for 22 years and as su-pervisor of the Millerville Township Board, Douglas County since 1999. His selflessness showed through to the end as he tried to save his brother and nephew.

T h o m a s S c h a e f e r , 71, of rural New Ulm passed away January 1, 2020. He c o m p l e t e d the Tool and Die vo-tech

program. He served in the US Army in Vietnam from 1969-1971. After that he enjoyed being a metal fabricator, first as a mechanic at Kraft, then as Tool and Die Maker at 3M for most of his career. He also ran a Scorpi-on snowmobile dealership for many years. He belonged to the Dutch-man Motorcycle Club, and served as supervisor for Linden Township, Brown County.

MeMorials

Milestones and Memorials are compiled and prepared by Colleen Shati.

Please keep your submissions coming!You can email submissions to: [email protected]

or mail submissions to: MN Association of Townships, PO Box 267, St Michael, MN 55376


Minutes of the November 22, 2019 MAT Board of Directors’ MeetingFollowing is a written text of business transacted by the

MAT Board of Directors at its regular meeting held No-vember 22, 2019 at the Hilton Garden Inn Mankato, MN.

Directors present: President Gary Burdorf, First Vice-president Mel Milender, Second Vice-president Jane Youngkrantz, Secretary Jill Hall, Treasurer Sandy Hooker, Directors Nathan Redalen, Lyle Stai, Reno Wells, Loren Ingebretsen, Mike Miller, Jim Fisher, Lori Stalker, and Tammy Houle.

Staff present: Executive Director David Hann and Man-ager of Agency Operations Jon Mocol

President Burdorf called the meeting to order at 8:02 AM.

Motion made by Stai, seconded by Wells, to approve the Consent Agenda carried.

Motion made by Stai, seconded by Wells, to approve the regular Agenda carried.

Motion made by Stai, seconded by Fisher, to approve the financials carried.

Motion made by Wells, seconded by Fisher, to pay the bills carried.

Jon Mocol presented the Agency report. Working with townships on coverage issues continues. Investment changes will result in significant increases in investment income. He explained the monthly financial reports.

ED David Hann explained financials for the first quarter ending September 30, 2019. The report shows income and expenses as of September 30th, budget to date, and the full budget. The MAT Organizational Chart, employ-ee health insurance options, and Scholarship question for 2020, number of scholarships, and amount of each were discussed. Surface Pros and training will be received by Directors at the December meeting. Motion made by Fisher, seconded by Stai, to increase the amount of each scholarship awarded beginning in 2020 to $2000.00 and the number awarded to 5 per year carried. Motion made by Ingebretsen, seconded by Stai, to clarify the question for 2020 carried. The process of electing district directors was discussed.

A resolution from Green Isle Township was introduced by President Burdorf and discussed. Motion made by Burdorf, seconded by Fisher, to adopt the RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF TOWNSHIPS’ LEGISLATIVE & RESEARCH COM-MITTEE TO MAKE AS A LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY THAT MINN.STAT.103E.525.SUBDIVISIONS 2 AND 3 BE AMENDED so it may be brought before the next legislative session.

MAT represented Meetings: Fire Training/Education Board-Fisher reported on the difficulties of obtaining vol-unteers, that online training is now available and that the DNR is a good source for obtaining equipment. Milender said Innovative Awards from the Humphrey Institute

will be awarded to Northern Township and the City of Bemidji. Youngkrantz said the December 3rd meeting of Noxious Weeds will feature a presentation on how drones could be used to map out weeds and for spot spraying.

Committee reports: Youngkrantz reported from Train-ing and Education Committee that the MAT website was updated to host webinars. Stalker attended a state auditor seminar on ethics and would like to have him available for a presentation for townships. She shared the information she received in response to her letter asking about training topics they’d like to see and for people interested in being trainers. She handed out a list of townships that have not updated their officer lists with MAT and encouraged the directors to contact them.

Policy Chair Miller presented Policy #206 for adoption. Motion made by Stai, seconded by Youngkrantz, to adopt carried.

Workshop: Milender seeks input for topics for Janu-ary, including training on new Surface Pros, report of job evaluations. Motion made by Hooker, seconded by Youngkrantz, to schedule three trainings in 2020 carried.

Human resource report by Wells: Seven resumes for staff attorney were received, six interviewed. Karl-Christian Johannessen was hired. Lori Stalker’s position as Trainer was broadened to cover her added duties as an employee. Staff evaluations will be done by the end of the year. We have reached the point of monitoring what has been done. Burdorf said Eugene Dufault will address the Annual Meeting on Saturday with his concerns on Board decisions.

Director reports were made.

Upcoming calendar of meetings and functions was up-dated. Motion made by Stalker, seconded by Hooker, to move L&R Committee meeting to April carried.

Motion made by Wells, seconded by Fisher, to enable Kennedy & Graven and Jan Urban to confer with MAT staff attorneys when asked carried. Meeting was recessed at 1:30 PM to be reconvened at 4:00 PM Saturday, No-vember 23, 2019.

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Following is a written text of business transacted by the MAT Board of Directors at its regular meeting held December 12, 2019 at the St. Michael, MN office.

Directors Present: President Gary Burdorf, First Vice-president Mel Milender, Second Vice-president Jane Youngkrantz, Secretary Jill Hall, Directors, Lori Stalk-er, reno Wells, Nathan redalen, Tammy Houle, Mike Miller and Jim Fisher. Directors Absent: Lyle Stai and Sandy Hooker. Staff Present: Executive Director David Hann, Attorney Steve Fenske, Manager of Operations Jon Mocol.

First Vice-president Milender called the meeting to or-der at 8:00 AM.

Motion made by Wells, seconded by Miller, to approve the Consent Agenda carried.

Motion made by Miller, seconded by Wells, to approve the regular Agenda carried.

Motion made by Wells, seconded by Hall, to approve the bills to be paid carried.

The Executive Director report was made by David Hann. The NATAT Fly-In dates are May 11-13, 2020. Details will be on Constant Contact. Commitment must be made by January 31, 2020. range of cost is $1500-2000. Ten from outside the board and staff will be able to attend. The Multi-State Meeting dates are July 19-21, 2020 hosted by Wisconsin at Sturgeon Bay.

President Burdorf conducted the remainder of the meeting.

MATA report was made by Jon Mocol. Mel Milender was nominated for a 2-year term as MATIT Trustee. Motion made by Wells, seconded by Youngkrantz, that nominations cease and re-elect Milender as Trustee car-ried.

MAT represented Meetings: Fire Training/Education Board-Fisher reported that training is available online and a New Fire Chief Boot Camp will be held February 29, 2020 in Mankato. They want someone from town-ships to explain townships to them and they are will-ing to train townships in return. Motion made by Well, seconded by Youngkrantz, to send Lori Stalker to Boot Camp in Mankato carried.

Youngkrantz reported that Noxious Weeds is working on a new list for the next two years.

Committee reports were made. Training/Education: Stalker will be meeting with the Secretary of State on developing a webinar on the presidential primary. Board Policy: Miller reported that Policy # 201 will be re-aligned with the By-Laws. Workshop: Milender dis-

cussed the proposed agenda for the January workshop. Human Resource: Wells distributed job descriptions for MAT General Counsel and Staff Attorney.

Banking and investments were discussed.

Perry and Curt Zachman from Guidance Point present-ed Surface Pro Orientation.

Motion made by Miller, seconded by Wells, that the board be informed on our relationship with Meadow-brook with a report by March including what we need and what we want regarding the system used to adminis-ter our insurance programs carried.

Motion made by Wells, seconded by Fisher, to suspend director reports carried.

Wells requested that new business cards be printed with our new email addresses and that hot spot capacity be an item for the January workshop.

Motion made by Wells, seconded by redalen, to have the increase in the employee health insurance deduct-ibles be put into their Health Savings Accounts carried.

Motion to adjourn, made by Wells, seconded by Fish-er, carried at 1:10 PM.

Respectfully submitted by Jill K. Hall, Secretary

Minutes of the December 12, 2019 MAT Board of Directors’ Meeting

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Q: The township received a summons & com-plaint. What is this and what do we do?

A: A summons and complaint are the documents used to start a lawsuit. The Summons lists the Plain-tiffs, Defendants, the County where the case is sited, and describes that the Defendants have 20 days to respond. The Complaint is a summary of what the Plaintiff believes the Defendants did wrong and what the Plaintiff would like to happen. It is critically impor-tant to respond to a Summons and Complaint within the time provided. Failure to respond within the time provided usually prevents the Defendant from defend-ing themselves in the case at all. As soon as the Sum-mons and Complaint are received, regardless of which officer receives it, the township should report the law-suit to their insurer and contact the township attorney for help. Townships that are members of MATIT may report the lawsuit by calling 1-800-262-2864.

Q: What should we do if a resident places snow, ice, mud, or other objects into the right of way?

A: It is a misdemeanor for a person to dump snow, ice, or other materials on a road. Minn. Stat. § 160.2715. While there are legal remedies to this problem, its often more productive to first speak with the resident and ask them to remove the material and stop depositing it on the road. The board may also send a letter advising the person of the problem, but letters, by themselves, are less effective. The letter should describe the statute, explain that the action is a misdemeanor, explain the township’s interest in public safety on the roads, and instruct the person to stop the wrongful actions. If the situation persists, the town may contact law enforcement for help. Law enforcement may be helpful if they are willing to issue tickets, but some deputies are wary of issuing cita-tions unless the action is obviously hazardous. The town cannot, however, clean up the roads and add the costs to the person’s property tax bill.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

Quick QuestionsIf you have a question you would like to submit for this segment, please email your ques-tion to: [email protected].

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Q: How can a person file an affidavit of can-didacy when he or she is absent from the state during the filing period?

A: Normally, a candidate for elected office must file an affidavit of candidacy with the municipal clerk during the filing period. However, if an individual can-not be present to file an affidavit of candidacy, there are two options for that individual to become a can-didate. First, Minn. Stat. § 205.13, subd. 1b, says a candidate for municipal office who will be absent from the state, may submit an affidavit of candidacy with appropriate fee, in-person to the township clerk. The materials must be submitted within the seven days before the individual will be absent from the State. The candidate must explain in writing the reason for being unable to submit the materials during the regu-lar filing period. The second process, in Minn. Stat. § 204B.09, subd. 2, is available when emergency or unforeseen circumstances take the candidate out of the state during the filing period. In that case, the can-didate may submit to the Minnesota Attorney Gen-eral’s office by electronic means: (1) an affidavit of candidacy, (2) the filing fee, and (3) an explanation of why the candidate could not submit the affidavit of candidacy in person.

Q: Which meetings must be noticed? An-nual meetings, town board meetings, board of equalizations, planning and zoning committee?

A: If the meeting is one of a governing body or group acting with the authority of the governing body, then you can assume there is at least one notice re-quirement. Here are some specific examples. The annual township meeting must receive the notice described in Minn. Stat. § 365.51, subd. 2, which requires ten days published notice. The schedule of regular town board meetings is supposed to be kept on file in the township’s offices, but the most practical option is to also keep a notice of the town’s regular meetings on the town’s posting board all the time. For meetings outside the regular meeting schedule, the board provides five day’s posted notice of the date, time, location, and topic of the meeting, as described in Minn. Stat. § 13D.04, subd. 2. Conveniently, the same rule applies to meetings of a quorum of a town committee, commission, work group, or any other group delegated some power, authority, or task by the board. Some statutes require additional notices. For example, when a town is considering adopting a com-prehensive zoning plan under 462.355, the board must publish notice of the hearing they will have on the matter. But the board must also post notice of the meeting to satisfy the Open Meeting Law. There are only a few actions that require more than one notice, though.

Quick QuestionsContinued

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