Tofte voters passed a 2016 levy of $220,197 by a vote of 8-1 at the August 13 reconvening of the March 2015 annual meeting, but questions about its financial support for Birch Grove Community School (BGCS) continue.
Tofte resident Judy Motschenbacher, who has served on both the Birch Grove Foundation and BGCS boards, gave a brief update. Motschenbacher said it looked like the school was going to have 25 students this fall. Last year student enrollment was 18, which created a revenue shortfall.
Supervisor Jim King noted the anticipated enrollment increase and asked if the school still wanted $20,000 from each of the townships for the next five years. Motschenbacher said it was hoped to receive $20,000 for five years to create stability for the staff, students and parents.
“The reality is that we have to decide if we want the school or not,” Motschenbacher said. “
“We need to take a hard look at the numbers,” King said, then added, “This board may not allocate $20,000 to the school, but then again, it may give more.” Outdoor classroom questions
Nothing that BGCS was attempting to sell its Outdoor Classroom building to raise funds, Motschenbacher was asked if the building had been sold. She said yes, that she had purchased it for $42,500. The closing was June 30.
“What did the school do with that money?” King asked.
“It was already spent,” Motschenbacher said.
“This is what we have been talking about. We ask for communications between the school and we don’t get any. You have been after us to buy the building for $62,000 and you buy it for $42,500?” Larson said.
Motschenbacher explained that she intends to sell the building. “I am hoping a nonprofit like North House Folk School wants to buy it and leave it there,” Motschenbacher said.
“I would like to see it used by a nonprofit like North house,” said Supervisor Paul James.
“Is the township in favor of me pursuing a nonprofit to purchase the building?” Motschenbacher asked, adding, “I don’t want to waste my time finding a tenant if you don’t want someone to move there.”
“If it’s North House that buys it, I’m in favor if that,” said King. “If it’s going to be used for animal shelter, no.”
The board voted 2-1 to give Motschenbacher 60 days from the meeting to move the building or to sell it to an acceptable nonprofit. James voted against the motion because he said he wanted to give Motschenbacher more time to find a suitable entity to purchase the building.
In other business
. The board voted to purchase basic white roller shades for the town hall windows from Heavy Duty Sewing for $1,775.40. Three more will be purchased for the community center building.
. Dean Jacobsen, representing Superior Fuel, offered the board a two-year agreement to purchase propane for not more than $1.29 per gallon. The contract would cover the town hall, fire hall, the Birch Grove Community Center and possibly the snowmobile club groomer building.
The board voted unanimously to enter into the contract with Superior Fuel.
. Search & Rescue Co-Chief Phil Bonin reported that Tofte firefighters had been called to four fires in July and Search and Rescue reported to the four fire calls and two medical emergencies.
. Some tuck pointing is needed on the Birch Grove Community Center west wall and by the entrance door near the murals, said James. An electrician will also have to be hired to fix a control box at the community center.
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