Summary
The Kasson Township Board met on August 14, 2024, with Supervisor Julian presiding and all members present. The board approved several contracts and expenditures, including sidewalk repair work in Maple City, park cleanup, and a recording secretary agreement for the Planning Commission (PC). Discussions continued on the Olivia Drive Waterpoint, 2025/2026 road projects, and the Fire Station Design RFP, with plans to hold a special meeting to advance the fire station project.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
The Planning Commission reported that at its July meeting it discussed affordable housing and will continue this discussion at future meetings. No decisions were made at the board level.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The board approved a $1,500 bid from Complete Outdoor for cleaning sidewalks, trimming at the park, removing graffiti from the park, and using vegetative debris to fill holes at the cemetery (motion by J. Carter, seconded by Noonan, all in favor). Trustee Roger Noonan raised concerns that the power company cut down a walnut tree at the township park and cut a large hole in the hedge, stating this was not what the township had agreed to. Supervisor Julian said he would look into the matter.
Infrastructure Projects
Sidewalks: The board reviewed two bids for Maple City sidewalk repairs — Jensen at $25,771.50 and Novak at $50,334 — plus a $1,200 project management bid from Gosling Czubak. The board approved contracting with Jensen and Gosling Czubak (motion by Noonan, seconded by T. Carter, all in favor), and approved using ARPA funds to pay for the work (motion by Noonan, seconded by J. Carter, all in favor).
Olivia Drive Waterpoint: Clerk Boomer reported the township has been paying for electrical, snow plowing, and maintenance at the water point since 2015. Consultant Tom Grier recommended contacting the developer to seek permission for continued maintenance and to discuss a longer-term solution. The board approved sending a letter to the developer and authorizing a $1,325.50 maintenance bid from Lanham Construction/2M Services if the developer approves (motion by Noonan, seconded by T. Carter, all in favor).
Road Projects 2025/2026: Julian and Craig Brown are developing a priority list to present in September; the board wants more communication from the Road Commission.
Fire Station Design RFP: The draft contract was reviewed by Grier and revised by Environment Architects. The board discussed adding community members to the design committee and agreed to proceed as a committee of the whole, with a special meeting to be scheduled to finalize the contract and hold an initial stakeholder meeting.
Other Business
The township received a thank-you note from Kim Kelderhouse of the Historical Society for support of the cemetery cleanup workshop. The board approved a Cypher Group contract for PC/ZBA recording secretary services (motion by Noonan, seconded by J. Carter, all in favor). The PC is also reviewing needed changes to the Zoning Ordinance. Boomer reported the recent election went smoothly, and a new computer has been ordered for the hall.
Financial Summary
Julian noted a PILT agreement from the county for just under $1,000. The Treasurer's report showed receipts of $511,231.49, disbursements of $329,072.50, and a balance of $1,160,488.49. Bills were approved as presented (motion by Noonan, seconded by J. Carter, all in favor).
Action Items
Julian to contact Flaska Construction regarding removal of waste concrete near the parking lot. Julian to investigate the walnut tree removal and hedge damage at the park caused by the power company. Boomer to work with Ray Kendra of Environment Architects to schedule a special meeting on the fire station design contract and initial stakeholder meeting. Julian and J. Carter to continue preliminary research on planters/landscaping for downtown. Julian and Craig Brown to present a road priority list in September.