CLERK’S RECORD OF WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 1, 2025 WILMA TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING

Chair Mike McCullen called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm. with the Pledge. Also present, Supervisors Alden Shute and Maureen Rioux, Clerk Paul Raymond, Treasurer Patrice Winfield, Micah Murray, Daniel Calder, Clay Heller, Jr., Rachel Bean, Jason Palme, Laurie Murray, and Cindy Kleinschmidt.

Clerk’s Report of September 3 Board Meeting. Paul read the report; Maureen moved to approve; Alden seconded; passed.

Township Laptop: Patrice said the town laptop can’t download Windows 10 or Windows 11. She only uses it for CTAS. Mike moved to allow her to purchase a new township laptop computer; Maureen seconded; passed.

ROAD REPORT: Jasaon Palme, Danforth Township, Road Brushing/Mowing: Rootke brushed the west range-line roads and Fornengo Concrete brushed Wilma roads. Clay said that Fornengo did a much better job than past mowers. He even got high brush. Fornengo Logging is done with the logging on Vink Road and their escrow refunded. Mike and Jason Palme said Crooked Lake road was not brushed very well. Alden said he can have Fornengo Cement go down that road again.

North and South Duncan Roads: Alden said he needs to put more gravel down. Mike said he’s received citizen complaints about the state of N. Duncan Road and he drove it and it is in bad shape. A culvert is exposed and water was going over the road. Alden asked if Jim Bredesen can flag the bad spots on the road for him to come down with 6-8 loads of gravel and to inspect the culvert.

Alden said that with all of these projects, we will be a little over budget, but he’s basically done for the season. The R&B fund still has a lot of money. Heller Drive: Clay said the culvert at his driveway is coming up.

Backup Grader Operator: Doug Witta is available to do backup grading when Alden can’t do it, but only in the summer, and the board hired Doug as backup operator for summer grading. Rachel Bean and and Daniel Calder both took W4 forms in case Alden hires either of them for winter backup. Maureen took one for Doug Witta. Alden will need to train Daniel and anyone else who hasn’t operated a large grader. Daniel has experience with stick shifts.

Gas Tax Mileage Certification: The Board reviewed the maps for the Pine County Highway department and said the mileage we claim for gas tax are correct as stated.

OLD BUSINESS: Wilma Zoning: Supervisor Maureen Rioux distributed a survey she wrote laying out the different postions and options on zoning she found by interviewing citizens. Mike also spoke to many citizens and heard their concerns and complaints. He said he hadn’t intended to discuss zoning at this meeting since the issue of the housing moratorium was tabled at the last meeting. He said past boards of supervisors were not prepared for some of the issues in our town that zoning might have prevented. The town has generally opposed zoning when they have seen the problems Arna and New Dosey have had with theirs, but twenty years ago the voters at the annual meeting did authorize a committee to draft an ordinance proposal, but it was abandoned. Long discussion on implications of implementing zoning. Mike said that we likely could not regulate loud music or logging noise. Micah said zoning should not be involved with what people do in the privacy of their own property, if they aren’t bothering anyone. Mike said he was only sharing concerns that voters have told him, like what if we get 100 people on a parcel and they aren’t good citizens and create a Lake Street type encampment, with drugs and stealing, and not like the good citizens of the Ecovillage. Micah said they have proved themselves and have added several people to the fire department, and provided backup grader operators and employees for local businesses like Clay Heller. Alden asked Micah when will they consider their village full and stop adding homes? Micah said their top priority is land and water stewardship, and this will lead to limits on what can be reasonably and responsibly supported. Patrice suggested that the board send out a survey to get opinions and have a special meeting to discuss this.

NEW BUSINESS: Propane PreBuy: Patrice paid for 1400 gallons for the prebuy offer. We still have a balance from last year.

Wilma FallFest: No one had any information on whether the town will sponsor FallFest this year. Micah said the Village is sponsoring a Fall Fest on August 25, open to the public, with fun activities like bobbing for apples and carving pumpkins, starting at 2 p.m. Paul asked if he would post this on the Duxbury MN Facebook page, and he said he would. https://www.facebook.com/groups/401646566309343

Coiuri & Ruppe Legal Seminar: Will be in Rutledge, Saturday, October 11, 2025, 9 am to 4 pm. On Agenda: Cartways; Engineering: Roads; Municipal Contracting; Ordinance Enforcement; Family Medical Leave Act; Road Rights-of-Way; Open Meeting Law. They will answer any zoning questions free.

Minnesota Association of Township’s Annual Conference: Will be Thursday, December 11 through Saturday, December 13, 2025; St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center. Per MAT: “Join township leaders from every corner of Minnesota at MAT’s 2025 Annual Conference: “The Future of Townships.” Make sure your township is ready for what’s next and gain practical knowledge, fresh ideas, and valuable connections that will help you serve your community even better.

Speakers: Hear from experienced speakers on key topics like rural trends, energy, fire protection, paid leave, and more.

Education: Dive into hands-on breakout sessions, ask questions directly to state agency experts, and get real answers for township challenges.

Exhibitors: Explore the exhibitor showcase featuring trusted vendors with products and services designed for township needs. Network with peers, share solutions, and bring home proven strategies.”

Discussion by board on who should attend. Alden said only township supervisors, but none of them are interested in attending. Patrice said there is no training at these conferences like at the short courses. Paul said she has never gone, and there are very good speakers and breakout sessions that cover almost all township issues and concerns. Mike said that Paul has attended for many past years, and the board has always authorized him or any elected board member to attend. Mike moved that any elected officer, but not deputies, be allowed to attend. Alden seconded. Passed.

Treasurer’s Report and Claims: Total bills: $12,451.80. Alden moved to approve her report and transfer $13,000 from savings to checking. Maureen seconded; all aye. Passed. Mike moved to adjourn; Alden seconded. Adjourned at 9:00, but many citizens stayed behing to visit and talk after the meeting.

Paul Raymond, Clerk