Budget cuts and money restraints were the major topics of discussion at the January 12 Tofte Township board meeting, as many services ranging from snow plowing to senior lunches will be impacted in the current year. Despite this, there was an air of optimism among the attending board members.
Following a review of various reports, the board was reminded that the closing date for the March election filing period ended Jan. 17 at 5 p.m. Currently, there are three open positions: two for supervisor and one for treasurer. Craig Horak, who was appointed to fill Paul James’ position through March, has indicated he will run for his temporary supervisor position, while Jean Larson, supervisor board chair, has announced that she will not run again. Treasurer Nancy Iverson now holds the treasurer’s two-year term.
It was reported that false fire alarms have gone down significantly in the area, with only one reported. It also was noted that board member Craig Horak provided badly needed new tires at cost for the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Suburban.
Ginny Storlie presented the Cook County commissioner report, noting that when Commissioner Frank Moe resigned, that she and her fellow commissioners
Myron Bursheim, Jan Sivertson, and Heidi Doo-Kirk, are taking on additional duties until a special election is held and a replacement is found. She also reported they had identified a need for a consultant to help strategize and guide the commissioners on how they should conduct business.
A citizen comment regarding cuts to the senior lunch budget generated a lively discussion between board members and the individual who attends the “We Connect” lunches every month. It was pointed out that west-end people are hurt by these cuts especially when the cuts are accompanied by double digit tax increases. The consensus was, “people need to become more involved and make their voices heard” if they have opinions about the impact of cuts in certain areas.
A housing update was given, and it was agreed that hiring a housing project manager is on hold until a new position description can be developed and approved. Also discussed was the possibility of One Roof Housing being considered for the project, which will be discussed at the Cook County commissioners’ meeting on January 24. Horak and Somnis volunteered to spearhead this effort with Howard Hedstrom and Scott Harrison of the EDA. It was pointed out that One Roof Housing has experience with this type of project so if they don’t accept this project the board needs to find out why since One Roof Housing is a nonprofit and could shed light on the costs.
A new offer to commit to a two-year contract for billboards from Dennis Rysdahl was reviewed. After discussion, the board agreed that the offer should be accepted for $5,000 per year.
Maintenance at Birch Grove has received great reviews, although there were several complaints about the skating rink being closed between Christmas and New Year’s because of bad weather. Everyone agreed that there was nothing to be done about that since Tofte residents can’t control the weather.
Task Force meeting report reflected a significant milestone for W.E. Connect, with the school and three townships coming together. As Somnis noted, “I’ve been re-inspired by the vision of Birch Grove. We are so fortunate to have this community center”.
Requests for contribution and donations are due for the March meeting. The Tofte website outlines what a township can do for contributions and donations. The board can donate up to $10,000 to support a project with a public purpose.
And wrapping up the meeting it was agreed that board meetings must follow parliamentary rules of conducting a meeting. As Somnis stated, “It’s a good reminder not to get chaotic.”
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