Steve Schug and Deonn Cicak appeared before the Schroeder Township board on August 14 with an update on the Schroeder Area Historical Society (SAHS), which operates the Cross River Heritage Center (CRHC).
On a positive note, Cross River Heritage Center was recently repainted at a cost of about $15,000 and Erik Simula was hired as the new director. He will focus on obtaining grants to help cover the operating cost of running the center.
The Lunde tour was also a very successful fundraiser this year, and the upcoming Wine & Beer Tasting event that will be held September 26 will also raise much needed cash for the operation.
An ongoing concern is funding the maintenance and operation of the CRHC. In the past the township voted to give funds to help with those costs, but that effort ended several years ago when it was learned that state statutes prohibit using levied township funds for this purpose.
Without those dollars, Schug and Cicak asked if the lease could be redone or if there was a way that lodging tax money could be used to help defray expenses at Cross River Heritage Center.
Supervisor Rick Anderson said he worried that the current lease didn’t adequately cover the township from liabilities. He also said possible maintenance costs over the next five years could be significant. There were also several other issues—a lack of parking, no water meter, well on the property without an agreement— that needed to be addressed.
A tentative meeting will be held with the SAHS board and Schroeder township supervisors to discuss those issues at 6 p.m. on October 14.
Goodbye to Gail Ring
Schroeder supervisors accepted the resignation of deputy clerk Gale Ring and thanked her for her 15 years of service on the board. The Rings are moving to Michigan.
Bruce Martinson said the damaged arch at the cemetery is being repaired and will be done by next month.
Road and Bridge
New road signs have been placed on Baragas Cross Road, with more new signs to be placed on the other township roads. Rick Anderson reported that five culverts have been purchased and will be stored for now on Minnesota Power property for future use.
Anderson also said he had been contacted by a person who felt that vehicles shouldn’t be allowed to pass in the 40 mile per hour zone. The board discussed contacting MnDOT about the request, but didn’t pass a motion on the matter.
Fire Department
Schroeder volunteer fire chief Phil Bonin reported there were two calls in July. He said the PERA report showed the volunteer fire fighters retirement fund was 169 percent funded and the township wouldn’t have to contribute to it at this time.
Maintenance
The board approved having the community center sprayed for cluster flies. Martinson said he is working to have the community center bathroom remodel after the summer rush. Anderson said the roof has been leaking and he will schedule a water test to find out where the leak is occurring and then see what needs to be done to have it fixed.
Other business
Martinson said he is working with Minnesota Power to setup a meeting to discuss the economic development of the closed Taconite Harbor Energy Center. There will also be a discussion to see what might happen with lots Minnesota Power proposed selling at one time for housing. That meeting is tentatively set for the end of October.
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