LET ME SET IT UP FOR YOU:
The Board has been discussing various matters with Building Official, Scott Qualle. They have just been on the topic of a property that has three "ag" buildings that are, admittedly, according to Mr. Qualle, being used for purposes other than ag. (He has had a conversation with the owner.) There has also been un-permitted construction that has taken place on the middle building of the three. Inspector Qualle had sent a letter to the property-owner concerning all this, asking for a reply by May 23, 2012. Mr. Qualle tells the Board that no reply has been received. It is now June.
On the recording one hears that the Board apparently wants to MOVE ON to septic issues without giving further direction to Mr. Qualle, but Scott brings them back to the issue, asking them what next? What is next at this meeting is a truly "transparent" moment in government which we all hear so much about these days!!!
You will first hear Inspector Qualle asking for direction, and then Supervisor Storlie, Supervisor Miller, Supervisor Ceminsky, and Commissioner Hansen. (Mr. Hansen commented on the Board's discussion uninvited from the side table, which then-Chair Budenski later points out to him.). There is a part in which it is hard to make out the Clerk's comments, but she is saying there are no permitting sheets in the files; if you turn up the volume on her comments, you will be able to make out the latter part. It goes on from there to Supervisor Miller, and then more Commissioner Hansen and then the heated exchange between Supervisor Storlie and Commissioner Hansen. You will want to wait for it.
This "main" exchange between Supervisor Storlie and Commissioner Hansen will certainly be eye-opening for some of you. For others in our community, however, I am afraid it will be just a surprisingly public affirmation of what they might have suspected as possibly going on for some time outside of public scrutiny.
In either case, yours truly will say I expect much more from my public officials than THIS.
Then-Chair Brian Budenski attempts to mediate and gives background on how other complaints have been dealt with. Supervisor Madden asks a question about back-up. Supervisor Miller backs up Mr. Qualle at the end, his words showing he understands Qualle's role, which Scott has explained to the Board..
Click on Board Meeting
It is now October, 2013, which, of course, you know. That is one year and four months later and nothing has been done about this yet! What are they waiting for? Could it be for that "nasty contract" to expire? Just a question....................
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ReplyDeleteTown Board and appointed officials (not just a few) are/should be expected to exhibit high standards of dedication, ability, creativity and leadership. For those of you who make this their STANDARD OF PRACTICE, thank you for your excellent service. Is this Township government "limping" along or is government business being conducted according to our policies and laws? Should we expect "tales of the wildwest," "government gone wild" or the business of the Township addressed with integrity? I believe the later should happen!
ReplyDeleteMay I suggest: 1) Attend MAT(Minnesota Association of Townships) Spring and Summer training sessions yearly even if one thinks they know it all. 2) Attend MAT Planning workshops, Legal workshops and Land Use workshops. I believe the Township will pay all members to attend. If not, the Township should enact a policy to do so. 3) MAT offers a very helpful web site with an Information Library and Resource Center. Please utilize it. 4) We pay the Township attorney to attend meetings. Ask for solid legal advice and most of all make decisions accordingly. I believe he/she knows best and will be helpful in keeping the Township free of legal problems. 5) MAT also names "A Leader of the Year Award" yearly. Something to strive for! The Township pays to belong to MAT. Why not utilize their resources which includes MAT attorney advice. 6) This Township deserves the very best representation. Perhaps we should go a step further and "vet" our leadership candidates. Something to think about as another election is just around the corner. Your thoughts?
Just a question! Has Mr. Storlie NOW completed the necessary research as he stated he needed to do in order to validate the history?
ReplyDeleteThere is too much deal-making going on outside of the public eye. It doesn't violate the open meeting law yet but it is still unseemly
ReplyDeleteActually, it COULD violate the open meeting law. If three or more Supervisors or Commissioners are involved, either in a direct conversation about Township business or through a SERIAL MEETING about same outside of a posted public meeting, that DOES violate the Open Meeting Law!!!
ReplyDeleteA "serial meeting" can be entered into when "A" speaks to "B." "A" then calls "C" and says, somewthing like, "I've just been talking to "B" and he thinks _______; what do you think?" Attorney advice from MAT is to stay away from even initiating such conversations outside of meetings as it is all too easy to "fall into" a serial meeting, even unintentionally, when speaking away from the public eye.
No accusations here, just a statement of fact.
I will also state that in the past, it has been found that there has needed to be fairly frequent reminders about staying in bounds on this issue when (1) conducting a road review; (2) touring places such as asphalt plants; (3) conversation before and after meetings; (4) issues surrounding special committees or Task Forces, which are also subject to the law.
Eureka Township deserves officials who understand the importance of the Open Meeting Law and why the State Legislature enacted it in the first place! That is, the public has a right to observe and listen as matters are deliberated, discussed, and decided. Period.