The regular meeting of the Board of the Town of Arland was called to order by Chairman Maynard Hoff on Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 8 PM. All board members were present, as well as patrol operator Jason Bruder and several town residents.
Clerk Fall read the minutes of the June meeting. Motion by Degerman/Hoff to approve. Motion carried. Treasurer Jodene Nelson arrived later to give a financial update. Motion to accept by Nelson/Degerman. Motion carried.
A highway update was given by Jason. The blacktopping on 10-1/2 – 10-3/4 has nearly been completed, waiting for shouldering. Estimated cost for this project is $55,000 per Maynard. Final billing will be received next month for payment consideration. Discussed sand availability at the 10th Avenue project site — working with the property owner (Aaron Grant). Testing will be done this week by the county and if material is available, consideration should be given to begin the sand lift project immediately. Determination will be made by Chairman Hoff.
Jason reported that the town chain saw was in need of repair or replacement. Discussion followed as he presented potential costs. Motion to authorize him to purchase a new chain saw for up to $774 by Hoff/Degerman. Motion carried.
Discussion on changing the payment of Jason Bruder’s insurance to an auto deduct from the general account of the Town of Arland. Motion to approve by Nelson/Degerman. Motion carried.
Maynard will look into summer LP fill. Board authorized him to make the purchase as he has done in previous years. Approval will be on next meeting’s agenda.
Board wishes to discuss fees and requirements for building permits with Lee Fochs. Clerk will contact him for clarification.
Chairman Hoff presented a letter from Luther Midelfort regarding an upgrade to ambulance service to the Town of Arland, which will now have paramedics staffed on board.
Clerk Fall noted that the check from Superior Silica had been received for repairs to the road by the Nelson pit. Check was for $5,737.51. This amount will be made in payment to Greg’s Excavating for the work done and their invoice of the same amount.
Maynard gave updates on the meetings held at Prairie Farm. Discussion followed. It was noted that the Carmeuse Company will be in the area on July 19-21, and would like to meet with interested members of the community. Frac Watch organization will be contacted to attend. More updates will be given at following meetings. Sandy Bruder noted that the Pro Core Resources representative will also be in the area on July 14th and will be meeting with Prairie Farm representatives.
Public comment: Vickie Bown asked if there was any plan to complete the repair to the road on 7th Avenue. She was also interested in the board’s plan to deal with conflict of interest. Chairman Hoff responded to her questions. Discussion followed. Other residents suggested that more informational meetings should be held to help others get questions answered on their sand mining concerns.
Bills were presented for payment. Motion to approve for payment by Degerman/Hoff. Motion carried.
Next meeting was set for Monday, August 8th at 8 PM.
Motion and second to adjourn. Carried.
Pamela Y. Fall, Clerk
(Minutes subject to approval)