 |
April Eureka News! |
meeting you would have noticed that
the Township has engaged a temporary
Township Clerk. The Deputy Clerk
resigned before the April Re-
organizational meeting and the Clerk
resigned after the meeting.
organizational meeting and the Clerk
resigned after the meeting.
If citizens are not able to attend the
Township meetings they will find
that at this time there is not a
Clerk who will be posting the
minutes of the Planning Commission
and Town Board meetings on the
Township Web site.
that at this time there is not a
Clerk who will be posting the
minutes of the Planning Commission
and Town Board meetings on the
Township Web site.
At this time the Web site is not current as it hopefully was in the past. This blog
will try and keep you informed as to the happenings in the Township.
On March 26, 2018, Chair Barfknecht called the Re-organizational meeting
to order. Before her lips could dry and before Supervisor Barfknecht
could explain the nomination procedure, Supervisor Ceminsky made a
motion to nominate Mr. Hansen for the position of Chair and Supervisor
Murphy for Vice Chair. The motion was executed so quickly, it almost
seemed like it was orchestrated and well planned. Butch second the motion.
Supervisor Palmquist nominated Supervisor Murphy as Chair and Supervisor
Barfknecht as Vice Chair.
There was much discussion as to the qualifications and reasons nominees
were interested or not in taking on the responsibility of Chair and Vice Chair.
It was felt by some that the Chair has the best opportunity of bringing a
team together.
There was, which seemed to be quite unusual, input taken from attending
citizens.
Donald Storlie felt that Mr. Hansen is the most qualified as "he knows more
about what is going on with the Board than anyone he knows." He also made
the comment that in the past it has been "like coming to a Town Board
meeting that Hitler was running." Imagine a citizen making a
comment that is so offensive! He stated he would appreciate it if "Butch
was put in as Chair."
Ralph Friedland stated he was in favor of Supervisor Murphy being selected
as Chair. He felt Supervisor Murphy would be unbiased and that past Boards
had allowed too many illegal operations to exist by ignoring the Ordinances.
Supervisor Ceminsky interrupted and took offense to Friedland's comment.
Mr. Friedland restated his intent.
Nancy Sauber commented that Supervisor Murphy would be more likely to
bring about harmony and unity to the Board. She stated that the Ordinances
were written for legitimate reasons. She was very dismayed to witness
undermining and side meetings in the lobby. She felt Supervisor Murphy
would be neutral.
Supervisor Ceminsky once again took offense
and rudely interrupted Ms. Sauber and stated
that he wanted to be treated with respect.
In my opinion he was out out of line.
Supervisor Ceminsky felt that Butch would be
"good" in a leadership role. "Butch needs to be
Chair; Tim is new to the Board."
Jody Arman-Jones reminded the Board that
she believes Supervisor Murphy's election
result was the largest majority in the Township that she could remember.
The citizens spoke and she felt Supervisor Murphy should be the Chair.
Supervisor Hansen spoke very highly of himself stating that he has always
been an advocate for citizens and stated there should be compassion for all
citizens. He felt the past year has been rough. In my opinion ALL
Supervisors should be advocates for All citizens. Those with integrity have
done so. However, there is one caveat; while advocating for citizens,
the ordinances, procedures and policies must be followed in order for
ALL citizens to be treated fairly.
Supervisor Barfknecht suggested voting for a Chair and utilizing one
ballot to vote for Chair. After this position was filled and one nominee
was eliminated, another ballot should be utilized to vote for a Vice Chair.
Supervisor Ceminsky disagreed and wanted to vote as a group which
is what happened. A mistake in my opinion. This led to much confusion,
Supervisor Murphy was selected as Chair and Supervisor Hansen as
Vice Chair.
The following were addressed and voted on by the Board.
Meeting Minutes and CD copies: Supervisor Hansen felt that the minutes
should ONLY be kept to motions and action. Supervisor Ceminsky agreed
with Supervisor Hansen. It is my opinion that citizens would NOT be well
served with such minimal information in the minutes. The minutes should
be posted on the web site for citizens who cannot attend meetings and should
include enough detail to keep citizens informed. Supervisor
Hansen felt if citizens would like to be informed with more information
they can purchase a CD for $5.00. The Minnesota Association of Townships
has recommended not keeping the CD recording after the written minutes are
approved. For those who do not know, the Township must adhere to the
Data Practices Act. Both Nancy Sauber and Jody Arman-Jones correctly
stated that the minutes are the legal record. In my opinion, Supervisors
need to be able to access past minutes to prepare for future issues that might be
addressed. I hope this is not an attempt to keep citizens in the dark regarding
what is happening in the Township as well as their ability to hold their
representatives accountable for their actions.
Posting Place: Town Hall Bulletin Board and also
post on the Web site as a courtesy. Supervisor
Hansen abstained from voting.
No reason given.
Official Newspaper: Dakota County Tribune,
Farmington, Rosemont, Eagen, Lakeville and
Sun This Week . Supervisor Hansen abstained.
Official Bank: Castle Rock Bank. Supervisor
Hansen abstained.
Town Board Check Signers: Treasurer, Clerk and Chair. Supervisor
Hansen abstained.
Visa Credit Card Signers: Clerk, Treasurer and Chair. Supervisor Hansen
abstained.
Financial Report Form: Treasurer will submit to the State after the
2018 Board Review at the March Town Board meeting.
Meeting Pay Scale for Commission and Town Board Members:
After much discussion, Chair Murphy suggested a small
committee meet to clarify and define various meetings, Supervisor
Hansen stated he is not into committees. Supervisor Palmquist
was asked to work on the issue and clarify. Supervisor
Hansen abstained.
Mileage Rate reimbursed: 54.5 cents for mileage reimbursement.
Supervisor Hansen abstained.
Town Hall Expenses: Authorized reimbursement for appropriate repairs.
Supervisor Hansen abstained.
Approval of Bond for Clerk: Bond comes from the Minnesota
Association of Township Insurance. Supervisor Hansen abstained.
Benefits Program: No one is currently utilizing the program.
Payment For Training Opportunities: Must have prior approval.
$50 will be paid per training plus the Training Session fee and IRS
mileage.
Professional Services: The Board voted to retain the Law
Firm of Kelly & Lemmons. Supervisors Hansen and Ceminsky
abstained.
Attorney Review Date: Prior to the August 13 Board meeting.
Other Professional Services: Currently the TKDA Planning and
Engineering Firm is being utilized. RFPs will be sent out to
solicit Planning and Engineering Firms to check on the current
status of charges.
Policies: Motion was made to approve the current policies listed as
ABC - 1,2,3,4. To avoid a possible Conflict of Interest, Planning
Commissioners and Board members should not be considered
for any work awarded by the Township.
Supervisor Hansen abstained from voting on 10 of the above, mostly
mundane and non controversial topics which are routinely addressed
and clarified at every re-organizational.meeting. Basic housekeeping!
Board Assignments:
Fire Service: Lakeville and Farmington - Supervisor
Barfknecht, #1; Supervisor Murphy #2
Roads: Supervisor Ceminsky #1; Supervisor Hansen #2
Airport: Supervisor Murphy #1, Supervisor Hansen #2
Dakota County: Supervisor Barfknecht #1; Supervisor Hansen #2
Building Inspector Contact: Supervisor Ceminsky #1; Supervisor
Palmquist #2 ((Contact Supervisors; not co-inspectors).
Town Hall Contact: Supervisor Barfknecht #1; Supervisor
Ceminsky #2
Ambulance Service: Supervisor Barfknecht #1; Supervisor
Murphy #2
Weed inspection: Supervisor Palmquist #1; Supervisor Murphy
#2.
Wetlands - DNR: Supervisor Hansen #1; Supervisor
Ceminsky #2
Vermillion River Wastershed: Supervisor Ceminsky #1;
Supervisor Hansen #2
Professional Services: TKDA - Supervisor Ceminsky #1;
Supervisor Hansen #2
IT Consultant: Supervisor Murphy #1; Supervisor Barfknecht #2
The Clerk Will be Directed to forward the Officer Form to the
Minnesota Association of Townships
North Cannon Contact: Supervisor Ceminsky #1; Supervisor
Hansen #2
There was much discussion regarding who should be the contact
person for the North Cannon Watershed Board. The North Cannon
Watershed Board requested past Supervisor Carrie Jennings be
appointed via a letter to the Township.
Carrie was very involved in representing the Township in the past, is
very knowledgeable and a very good representative for the Township.
Ms. Jennings has been involved with One Watershed, One Plan
from its beginning.
Supervisor Hansen stated that this has not been done in the past.
Is it possible that he could think out of the box and honor who
is the best choice to represent the Township? There is no logical
reason why honoring the North Cannon Watershed request
should not be considered. After all, this is Ms. Jennings'
area of expertise. Supervisor Hansen stated he was
UNCOMFORTABLE with the Board appointing Carrie Jennings.
He stated Supervisor Ceminsky won the election and it would not
be "FAIR" to Supervisor Ceminsky to appoint Carrie Jennings.
I am Not sure what that has to do with the Board decision. Perhaps
personal! Decisions should be made on who is the most qualified
to represent Eureka Township.
Planning Commission monthly meeting dates and the request by
the Planning Commission members to engage the Attorney
at Planning Commission meetings will be discussed at a
later Town Board meeting.
After the meeting adjourned, the Clerk, Mira Broyles, resigned.
The Township is utilizing a temporary person to help in the
office until a Deputy Clerk and Clerk can be hired. Please be
patient.
Stay Tuned!
.
On March 26, 2018, Chair Barfknecht called the Re-organizational meeting
to order. Before her lips could dry and before Supervisor Barfknecht
could explain the nomination procedure, Supervisor Ceminsky made a
motion to nominate Mr. Hansen for the position of Chair and Supervisor
Murphy for Vice Chair. The motion was executed so quickly, it almost
seemed like it was orchestrated and well planned. Butch second the motion.
Supervisor Palmquist nominated Supervisor Murphy as Chair and Supervisor
Barfknecht as Vice Chair.
There was much discussion as to the qualifications and reasons nominees
were interested or not in taking on the responsibility of Chair and Vice Chair.
It was felt by some that the Chair has the best opportunity of bringing a
team together.
There was, which seemed to be quite unusual, input taken from attending
citizens.
Donald Storlie felt that Mr. Hansen is the most qualified as "he knows more
about what is going on with the Board than anyone he knows." He also made
the comment that in the past it has been "like coming to a Town Board
meeting that Hitler was running." Imagine a citizen making a
comment that is so offensive! He stated he would appreciate it if "Butch
was put in as Chair."
Ralph Friedland stated he was in favor of Supervisor Murphy being selected
as Chair. He felt Supervisor Murphy would be unbiased and that past Boards
had allowed too many illegal operations to exist by ignoring the Ordinances.
Supervisor Ceminsky interrupted and took offense to Friedland's comment.
Mr. Friedland restated his intent.
Nancy Sauber commented that Supervisor Murphy would be more likely to
bring about harmony and unity to the Board. She stated that the Ordinances
were written for legitimate reasons. She was very dismayed to witness
undermining and side meetings in the lobby. She felt Supervisor Murphy
would be neutral.
Supervisor Ceminsky once again took offenseand rudely interrupted Ms. Sauber and stated
that he wanted to be treated with respect.
In my opinion he was out out of line.
Supervisor Ceminsky felt that Butch would be
"good" in a leadership role. "Butch needs to be
Chair; Tim is new to the Board."
Jody Arman-Jones reminded the Board that
she believes Supervisor Murphy's election
result was the largest majority in the Township that she could remember.
The citizens spoke and she felt Supervisor Murphy should be the Chair.
Supervisor Hansen spoke very highly of himself stating that he has always
been an advocate for citizens and stated there should be compassion for all
citizens. He felt the past year has been rough. In my opinion ALL
Supervisors should be advocates for All citizens. Those with integrity have
done so. However, there is one caveat; while advocating for citizens,
the ordinances, procedures and policies must be followed in order for
ALL citizens to be treated fairly.
Supervisor Barfknecht suggested voting for a Chair and utilizing one
ballot to vote for Chair. After this position was filled and one nominee
was eliminated, another ballot should be utilized to vote for a Vice Chair.
Supervisor Ceminsky disagreed and wanted to vote as a group which
is what happened. A mistake in my opinion. This led to much confusion,
Supervisor Murphy was selected as Chair and Supervisor Hansen as
Vice Chair.
The following were addressed and voted on by the Board.
Meeting Minutes and CD copies: Supervisor Hansen felt that the minutes
should ONLY be kept to motions and action. Supervisor Ceminsky agreed
with Supervisor Hansen. It is my opinion that citizens would NOT be well
served with such minimal information in the minutes. The minutes should
be posted on the web site for citizens who cannot attend meetings and should
include enough detail to keep citizens informed. Supervisor
Hansen felt if citizens would like to be informed with more information
they can purchase a CD for $5.00. The Minnesota Association of Townships
has recommended not keeping the CD recording after the written minutes are
approved. For those who do not know, the Township must adhere to the
Data Practices Act. Both Nancy Sauber and Jody Arman-Jones correctly
stated that the minutes are the legal record. In my opinion, Supervisors
need to be able to access past minutes to prepare for future issues that might be
addressed. I hope this is not an attempt to keep citizens in the dark regarding
what is happening in the Township as well as their ability to hold their
representatives accountable for their actions.
 |
| Abstained ?????? |
Posting Place: Town Hall Bulletin Board and also
post on the Web site as a courtesy. Supervisor
Hansen abstained from voting.
No reason given.
Official Newspaper: Dakota County Tribune,
Farmington, Rosemont, Eagen, Lakeville and
Sun This Week . Supervisor Hansen abstained.
Official Bank: Castle Rock Bank. Supervisor
Hansen abstained.
Town Board Check Signers: Treasurer, Clerk and Chair. Supervisor
Hansen abstained.
Visa Credit Card Signers: Clerk, Treasurer and Chair. Supervisor Hansen
abstained.
Financial Report Form: Treasurer will submit to the State after the
2018 Board Review at the March Town Board meeting.
Meeting Pay Scale for Commission and Town Board Members:
After much discussion, Chair Murphy suggested a small
committee meet to clarify and define various meetings, Supervisor
Hansen stated he is not into committees. Supervisor Palmquist
was asked to work on the issue and clarify. Supervisor
Hansen abstained.
Mileage Rate reimbursed: 54.5 cents for mileage reimbursement.
Supervisor Hansen abstained.
Town Hall Expenses: Authorized reimbursement for appropriate repairs.
Supervisor Hansen abstained.
Approval of Bond for Clerk: Bond comes from the Minnesota
Association of Township Insurance. Supervisor Hansen abstained.
Benefits Program: No one is currently utilizing the program.
Payment For Training Opportunities: Must have prior approval.
$50 will be paid per training plus the Training Session fee and IRS
mileage.
Professional Services: The Board voted to retain the Law
Firm of Kelly & Lemmons. Supervisors Hansen and Ceminsky
abstained.
Attorney Review Date: Prior to the August 13 Board meeting.
Other Professional Services: Currently the TKDA Planning and
Engineering Firm is being utilized. RFPs will be sent out to
solicit Planning and Engineering Firms to check on the current
status of charges.
Policies: Motion was made to approve the current policies listed as
ABC - 1,2,3,4. To avoid a possible Conflict of Interest, Planning
Commissioners and Board members should not be considered
for any work awarded by the Township.
Supervisor Hansen abstained from voting on 10 of the above, mostly
mundane and non controversial topics which are routinely addressed
and clarified at every re-organizational.meeting. Basic housekeeping!
Board Assignments:
Fire Service: Lakeville and Farmington - Supervisor
Barfknecht, #1; Supervisor Murphy #2
Roads: Supervisor Ceminsky #1; Supervisor Hansen #2
Airport: Supervisor Murphy #1, Supervisor Hansen #2
Dakota County: Supervisor Barfknecht #1; Supervisor Hansen #2
Building Inspector Contact: Supervisor Ceminsky #1; Supervisor
Palmquist #2 ((Contact Supervisors; not co-inspectors).
Town Hall Contact: Supervisor Barfknecht #1; Supervisor
Ceminsky #2
Ambulance Service: Supervisor Barfknecht #1; Supervisor
Murphy #2
Weed inspection: Supervisor Palmquist #1; Supervisor Murphy
#2.
Wetlands - DNR: Supervisor Hansen #1; Supervisor
Ceminsky #2
Vermillion River Wastershed: Supervisor Ceminsky #1;
Supervisor Hansen #2
Professional Services: TKDA - Supervisor Ceminsky #1;
Supervisor Hansen #2
IT Consultant: Supervisor Murphy #1; Supervisor Barfknecht #2
The Clerk Will be Directed to forward the Officer Form to the
Minnesota Association of Townships
North Cannon Contact: Supervisor Ceminsky #1; Supervisor
Hansen #2
There was much discussion regarding who should be the contact
person for the North Cannon Watershed Board. The North Cannon
Watershed Board requested past Supervisor Carrie Jennings be
appointed via a letter to the Township.
Carrie was very involved in representing the Township in the past, is
very knowledgeable and a very good representative for the Township.
Ms. Jennings has been involved with One Watershed, One Plan
from its beginning.
Supervisor Hansen stated that this has not been done in the past.
Is it possible that he could think out of the box and honor who
is the best choice to represent the Township? There is no logical
reason why honoring the North Cannon Watershed request
should not be considered. After all, this is Ms. Jennings'
area of expertise. Supervisor Hansen stated he was
UNCOMFORTABLE with the Board appointing Carrie Jennings.
He stated Supervisor Ceminsky won the election and it would not
be "FAIR" to Supervisor Ceminsky to appoint Carrie Jennings.
I am Not sure what that has to do with the Board decision. Perhaps
personal! Decisions should be made on who is the most qualified
to represent Eureka Township.
Planning Commission monthly meeting dates and the request by
the Planning Commission members to engage the Attorney
at Planning Commission meetings will be discussed at a
later Town Board meeting.
After the meeting adjourned, the Clerk, Mira Broyles, resigned.
The Township is utilizing a temporary person to help in the
office until a Deputy Clerk and Clerk can be hired. Please be
patient.
Stay Tuned!
.
