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COUNTY TOWNSHIP OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION MEETING, SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2024

PINE PINE COUNTY TOWNSHIP OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION MEETING

SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2024

The Spring Meeting of the Pine County Township Officers’ Association was held on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the Hinckley Community Center, in Hinckley, MN. The meeting was called to order by Chair Katy Overtoom at 9:00. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chair Katie Overtoom. The invocation was provided by Katy Overtoom.

Katy Overtoom on Dues: Normally the townships pay their dues directly to MATT and MATT remits the county portion back to the county. This year, MATT sent out their bills for just the MATT portion and then the county needed to bill for the county portion.

Roll call was taken with more than 10 townships present, establishing a quorum.

Motion made, seconded to approve the minutes from the Fall Meeting, Saturday October 28, 2023. The minutes can be found at Pinecountytownships.com.

We had several speakers:

State Senator Jason Rarick District 11: said 2 of the things that are happening at the state that we are aware of.  One is the sanctuary state asking local and state officials not to cooperate with the Federal Government on folks who were here illegally. One of the things that we will talk about is if we are going to ask folks not to listen to the Federal Laws on this topic, why are we listening to the Federal Laws on the great wolf? Many of you are probably dealing with that out in your townships, the number of rules that are around and probably hearing from you deer hunters, the impact that the hard winters and then the wolves have had. The other thing we will have to talk about is a couple of the bills that are coming forward with the land givebacks to the tribes. Right now, they have come forward with no discussion from the locals at all. They are being asked to slow down and talk about the repercussions. The U is looking to give back land to Fond du lac, Red lake and White Earth, with the understanding that they will lease the land back to the U of M. They have not released any of the details to the locals. None of the legislators have signed on to the bill and have not even talked about this. A lot of the people from the tribes never knew this was coming until they saw the bills. These things need to be discussed.

Two things he is working on this year, 65 new mandates to put on schools in last year’s sessions. Our schools, especially small schools, are inundated by this. He put in a bill and asked to have discussions to say let’s allow our school districts up to 3 years to implement these new mandates. The funding that may have been tied to something else can be moved to an area of their need. Some democrats agree that this is a good idea.

On higher education, the North Star Promise, anyone who’s income is below $80,000, now get free tuition at MN State systems, that is Pine Tech, Fond du Lac Tribal Community College and any other state Vocational Tech and U of M system. He is also trying to work with the system to make the state dollars come first and private foundation monies to come after.

Jeff Dotseth: State Rep District 11A: We started out with a 17.5 billion surplus and now face a 43% increase in spending. We are facing a deficit as we move forward. You can’t run a township like that. There is a $730 million dollar palace going in next to the capital. A new state office building. Some of that money could have been spent on townships.

We have $250. million for townships, we had $50 million of money that was included in the transportation bill. Additional funding for local roads and bridges, that townships could be eligible for.

We are looking at an additional $40. Billion set aside for some of the challenging areas to get broadband.

Pilt funding increased from $2.00 to $3.00 per acre.

General Andrews Nursery, working to open that back up to use for our seedling project. Now being handled out of state by a Canadian company. Would like to bring that business to a local company.

Steve Hellon, District 1 Commissioner: Rush City demo is open. It will need to expand. Another cell was created 7 years ago and is now almost full. We need to think about the packaging of the items that we buy.

Pine County was the fastest growing county in the State this last year. Our county Human Services is looking to update the computer system for our social workers.

Working on housing and high-speed internet in the county. It has taken 17 years and some federal grants to get some areas finally hooked up.

Housing is an economic development end game. Housing with high-speed internet will drive development.

JJ Waldhalm, District 4 Commissioner: Does not agree with rebranding the flag. Talked about the land that was given back to the original owners. Talked about crimes against children. There is a private solar farm going in on Highway 35 and will bring in $800 K.

Jeff Nelson, Pine County Sheriff: Feedback from townships means a lot. Call him and let him know what is going on in the neighborhood. They are fully staffed. The county makes if possible for deputies to stay here. Still need people in the jail. They need correction officers.

Mike Gainor, Land and Resources Manager: in Pine County for 15 years in his position for 3 months. Overview: rewriting shore land management. Short term rental – township can set its own rules. There is no wet land ordinance in Pine County. They do septic inspection, recycling, aquatic species inspection and work closely with water shed districts

Tammy Carlson, MAT, District 7 Director: need to submit for reimbursement for the national primary. They will pay for motor coach to go to the legislative day. Registration will close tomorrow. They pay three attorneys to protect us District 7 meeting is August 7, 2024.

Ron Meeham, Ogema Township and Randy Davis, Dell Grove Township were elected to the Executive Board.  Meehan was elected for three years and will serve until March 2027.  Davis was elected to replace Robert Sunstrom who resigned.  His term goes until March 2025.

Motion to adjourn, seconded and passed. Meeting adjourned at 11:44 am