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Board of Review and Equalization, April 14, 2008

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MINUTES-BOARD OF REVIEW AND EQUALIZATION-APRIL 14, 2008

Meeting called to order at 1 p.m. by vice-chair Dave Baker. Also present were supervisor Don Mishler, clerk Fran Levings, town assessor Bob Brewster, Pine County Staff appraiser Larry Veldhouse, and 4 property owners.

1. Cheryl Gysbers- R20.0215.002 (Property across from Al Holter). She questioned the evaluation increase of $5000.00 when the structure is in bad shape. Bob Brewster said he put the quality of the cabin at minimum in a range of Superior, Above Average, Average, Below Average, and Minimum. Mr. Veldhouse said the drop in evaluation of $10,000 from 2006 to 2007 was too high, thus the evaluation was raised back up by $5,000. The drop in evaluation was with the idea that Mr. Brewster would take a look at it and see what it should be. Ms. Gysbers also inquired as to whether the fire department could burn the cabin down. Dave Baker said the Gysbers would have to get a permit to do so.

2. Leland Magnuson- R20.5081.00 (Part of 12 lots in the townsite) He said the value of these lots is set too high. They are not buildable lots. Bob Brewster said it is difficult to set a price for a lot. He found comparable lots in Arna Township and assigned that value to all lots- $500/lot. Mr. Magnuson said he thought $100/lot would be more reasonable. R20.0284.000 Questioned why evaluation went to $26,900.00 Bob Brewster said structure was valued at $400.00 The rest is land evaluation. Mr. Magnuson said there was no well, no electricity and no sewer.

3. Jim Montzke- R20.0376.000. Questioned being taxed on a building he did not have. Mr. Veldhouse explained that they learned that the 2nd structure was not on Mr. Montzke’s land and had removed it from the rolls.

4. Jim Berglund- R20.0362.000 (On L. off Ennerstrom Road) Said his evaluation is too high because he doesn’t have legal access. He accesses his property via his son’s property. The reason for the high evaluation given by Bob Brewster is that the Tamarack River runs through his property and that increases the value. Bob Brewster said he agrees that 40 landlocked acres set at $63.700.00 is too high, but the river makes it so.

RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY MR. BREWSTER AND MR. VELDHOUSE:

1. Ms. Gysbers: The 2 assessors will accompany Ms. Gysbers to the site and make a determination after seeing the structure.

2. Mr. Magnuson: The 2 assessors suggested lowering the site amenity on the schoolhouse by ½ because the schoolhouse is a detriment on the property. The reduction would be approximately the cost of demolition. Mr. Brewster expressed discomfort with this idea because other property owners may have detriments on their land and could now come forward seeking redress. Recommendation was to reduce the building site by ¼ on R20.0284.000 and lower the lot evaluation of $500/lot to $300/lot on all lots in the township.

3. Mr. Montzka: His concern is moot because the 2nd structure has been removed from his property rolls.

4. Mr. Berglund: The assessors agreed with Mr. Berglund that the evaluation including the Tamarack River is too high, but there is nothing they can do about it.

Discussion between Mr. Brewster and Dave Baker regarding the fact that the Jerry Hanson parcel R20.0059.000 does not have access and assessment records claim that it does have access.

Motion by Don Mishler, second by Dave Baker, to accept the recommendations of the assessors. Carried.

Meeting adjourned at 3:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Fran Levings, Clerk

Also signed by the vice-chair __________________

Date signed ____________________________

Board Meeting, April 14, 2008

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MINUTES-NEW DOSEY TOWN BOARD MEETING-APRIL 14, 2008

Meeting called to order at 7:31 p.m. by chair Dave Fornengo. Also present were supervisors Don Mishler and Dave Baker, treasurer Vicki Elliott, and clerk Fran Levings. Also present were Todd Elliott and Robin Poppe.

Special guest Robin Poppe, Wetlands specialist for the Pine County Soil and Water District, spoke on new rules coming out regarding wetlands. She distributed a fact sheet on the De Minimis Exemptions available. The wetland replacement ratio will go up either from 1:1 to 1:1 ½ or 1: ¼. The purpose of the new rules is to make the Soil & Water rules more in line with those of the Army Corps of Engineers. Rules on Wetland evacuation may tighten up. It is up to the landowner, not the contractor, to get authorization before changing wetlands. Contractors, however, are encouraged to not do any work that has not been authorized by Soil & Water. The application fee is now $75.00. Army Corps of Engineers has made some implausible ties between sites and waterways. Todd Elliott asked some questions about some jobs he has coming up. Don Mishler inquired about rules regarding replacing township culverts. Ms. Poppe said there is a one-page application, but if nothing is being altered, an application may not be necessary. The same applies with township ditches. Todd Elliott asked about “wetland credits”. Someone eliminating a wetland may purchase banking credits from someone who has created wetlands. An application for banking wetlands credits is available. Credits run from 30-35 cents/sq. foot.

Motion by Dave Baker, second by Don Mishler, to approve both the minutes for the regular monthly meeting of March 10, 2008, and the meeting of the Board of Re-Organization of May 20, 2008. Carried.

Treasurer Vicki Elliott presented the April treasurer’s report. (Attached to file copy).

Fund Balances- General Fund $32,280.91

Road & Bridge Fund 2859.16

Cemetery Fund 221.52

Fire Protection Fund 0.00

Fire Hall Fund 309.07

CDs $90,327.47

Motion by Dave Fornengo, second by Don Mishler, to approve the treasurer’s report. Carried.

Clerk Fran Levings presented the Claims List for Approval and the Net Employee Pay List. Motion Dave Baker, second by Dave Forengo, to pay these claims and bills. Carried. Clerk was asked to contact other gas companies in July for competitive rates and programs.

CLERK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Fire Departent evacuation plan was posted on the notice board by Don Mishler.

ZONING REPORT:

1. The Planning Commission met on April 2 and elected Todd Elliott chair. They also set a fee for a minor-subdivision application at $125.00.

2. Motion by Dave Fornengo, second by Don Mishler, to pass a resolution requiring the County Auditor’s office to notify the township of any certificates of minor-subdivision in our township that have not originated with the township. Carried

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Dave Baker reported on a study he is doing regarding the possibility of alternative energy for the township. He said the wind factor in this part of Minnesota is on an average of 7-9/mph and therefore not conducive to a windmill project. He suggested that perhaps solar power would be more cost-effective. He will come to the May meeting with more information. He also expressed his concern that the town hall and fire hall should not be using 400 kwh/month. Dave Fornengo said that “on demand” water heaters have some problems. He will get more information about them and he will also call East Central Energy about an energy audit of the premises. Don Mishler asked about maintenance on solar panels. Dave Baker said that rebates are available for the state. He will research them.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Discussion of the possible need to purchase a different snowplow truck. Todd Elliott said the 2-speed in the rear end of the truck is going out. Don Mishler suggested checking the switch. He said there are other problems with the truck also. He didn’t think a trade-in would get us anything. He suggested we check with Surplus Supplies in Arden Hills to check out any vehicles they may have. Todd Elliott recommends an automatic transmission. Don Mishler said he would get the clerk a contact number for Surplus Supplies.

2. Motion by Dave Fornengo, second by Dave Baker, to hire Peggy Coveau to be the 2nd housekeeper, replacing Evelyn Johnson. Carried.

3. Dave Fornengo and his father would like to build a base for the bell in honor of Peter Fornengo. He asked supervisors to bring any ideas to the May meeting.

4. Short Course reports- Dave Baker reported on the differences between an employee and a contractor, and the coming required to have reflectorized road signs. Fran Levings reported legislation coming up and some new budget and payroll techniques that she learned about. Vicki Elliott reported on a fire department section she found worthwhile.

5. Don Mishler reported that hardly any elected officials attended the Pine County Ass’n of Townships meeting in March. There is now a Pine County deputy stationed in Sandstone.

6. Dave Baker reported that 4 property owners came to the Board of Review meeting that afternoon seeking answers and/or redress.

ANYTHING ELSE TO COME BEFORE THE BOARD:

1. Dave Baker reported that Judge James Rueter has given his ruling on the lawsuit of Hanson VS Henderson and New Dosey Township and he ruled against the plaintiff, meaning that the disputed road is not a road and the township has no authority or obligation regarding this old road.

2. May 10, 2008, was set as the date for the annual road review.

Meeting adjourned at 10:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted

Fran Levings, Clerk

Also signed by the chair: _______________________

Date signed ______________________________.

April 2008 – Merlin “Boots” Raboin

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FEATURED RESIDENT- APRIL- 2008

Merlin “Boots” Raboin is one of the most colorful people to live out here in the little hamlet of New Dosey.

Boots was born on Columbus Day in 1934. He acquired his nickname during the years of the Great Depression. His family, like so many families of those years, were poor. There was no money to buy boots for the 9 youngsters. When Merlin was about 5 years old, a neighbor asked him if he wanted a pair of boots. These boots were about 3 sizes too large, but Merlin loved them! He wore them everyday and even slept with them at night. Hence, the nickname “Boots”. Coincidentally, Boots has a cousin also named Merlin, who was given the nickname “Boots”.l

Boots’ parents were Celina and Leo Raboin and Boot was right in the middle in age of the 9 children. He attended high school in Somerset, Wisconsin, where he first became interested in boxing. It was a sport that he was good at inspite of his small physical stature. He got to be quite “feisty” with his boxing talent.

While serving in the Army from 1957-59 in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, he did a lot of sightseeing and still has memories of the Smithsonian Institute. He became a crack shot in the Army, which was interesting because he had never used a gun as a child. His family was too poor to own guns. In the Army, he shot a 238 out of 250 possible on the rifle range.

His boxing continued while in the Armed Forces. He joined an amateur Bantam League for the 118# class. He also was a Golden Glove boxer for years, but decided not to turn pro.

The Army also trained him as a lifeguard. This was invaluable training because he saved a young boy who was drowning. Have him tell you that harrowing story sometime.

When he left the Army, he moved to a country area just west of Stillwater and went to work as a blueprint operator for 3M, a job he held for 31 years, retiring in 1996.

He was married in 1959 to Barbara Schaeffer. Although the 2 of them have been divorced for 15 years now, they have remained good friends.

Boots is the father of 4 children- Sons Terry and Andy live in St. Paul, Dan lives in Chisago City, and daughter Lori lives in Stillwater.

Boots has been using his retirement to meet his need for reading. His love of reading started in high school, where he always had “his nose in a book”. True-adventure stories are his favorite genre.

He also strongly enjoys hunting and raising pheasants.

We all enjoy having this quiet, friendly man in our midst.