The Tofte 4th of July fireworks are going to be back in local hands again. After a dazzling explosion several years ago, the township hired experts from out of town to handle the fireworks for several years.
Kim Linnell of Grand Marais is obtaining certification to operate fireworks displays and will head up this year’s 4th of July fireworks in Tofte.
The township will pay to have the fireworks delivered. They cannot be transported under tunnels.
Board Chair Paul James reminded Fire Chief Rich Nelson at the township board meeting on May 9, 2013 to have anyone helping with the display document their time so they could use the experience to work toward becoming certified themselves.
“I’d like to keep the money local if possible,” James said.
The board talked about the possibility of having a classic car show in Tofte just before the parade earlier in the day and having Shriners drummers or bagpipers be in the parade. Dori Betts is organizing the festivities.
Fire and rescue re-appointments
Rich Nelson and Louise Trachta accepted re-appointments as fire chief and rescue chief, respectively.
“I’m starting my 33rd year with the Tofte Fire Department,” Nelson said.
Minnesota Power
Fire Chief Nelson reported that Minnesota Power’s Taconite Harbor Energy Center would be sending up a trainer to discuss protocol with the fire department in regard to potential fires at Taconite Harbor. The department had decided that coal fires were outside their purview and told the company they were not comfortable trying to deal with them.
Nelson said Minnesota Power would have its own personnel meet the local firefighters and take them through the plant whenever they are called to the facility.
“They’re trying,” said Nelson. “We’re willing to work with them.” He and supervisor James agreed that safety is the No. 1 priority.
Senior housing
Supervisor James said he talked to consultant Dick Grabko about moving the senior housing project forward. They will try to form a subcommittee with representatives from the Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority and the Tofte Township Board to look for any partnerships that could be formed.
With the parameters they have now, which would be rent of less than $1,000 a month, private investors would not have a high enough profit margin, James said. It may work as a public enterprise, however.
James said they could look at building apartments on top of the Birch Grove Community Center if individual homes on 29 acres were not feasible. “It could fly. We’re still pursuing it.”
Township maintenance
The board discussed plans to spruce up the town park this summer. Bob Boomgard will be painting the fence to match the buildings. “The man is amazing,” James said. “The energy he has!”
Jerry Gervais reported that his ditching project on the cemetery road worked out perfectly. “Are you patting yourself on the back for that?” James asked.
Gervais said, “I guess so!”
New trees will replace the diseased ones removed from the cemetery last year, James said, “if it ever stops snowing and blowing.”
Gervais said the acidity from the old evergreens would prohibit other types of trees from growing there. James suggested planting a variety of evergreens, saying deer won’t eat blue spruce. “They’re cheap and they grow fast and they’re a little different color so they add some texture to the cemetery,” he said.
Records retention
The board approved a records retention policy as required by law. Some documents can be discarded after a certain length of time, but board minutes must be kept forever.
New treasurer
“Welcome, Bill!” Supervisor James had said at the beginning of the meeting. “Thank you for taking over the treasurer’s job!”
Bill Huggins was voted in at the last election after his wife Mary Jane decided not to run again. Perhaps she is now at home doing whatever Bill used to do when she was at the Tofte Township board meetings.
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