Board of Supervisors

BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP

County of Rice, State of Minnesota

November 10, 2009

Meeting called to order at 7:02 pm by Supervisor Knecht the pledge of

allegiance was spoken by all. In attendance were Supervisors Knecht,
Castore and Doran-Norton, Treasurer Pfahning, Zoning Administrator Braun
and Clerk Norton. No guests with need of introduction were present.

An additional item was added to the agenda regarding the cost of the new
fire hall. Supervisor Castore moved to approve the agenda. Supervisor
Doran-Norton seconded. All approved.

The minutes from the previous township meeting from October 13th were
reviewed with alterations to two sections. Supervisor Castore moved to
approve the minutes, and Supervisor Doran-Norton seconded. All approved.

Claims against the town were presented. Treasurer Pfahning brought to the
attention of the board that a new federal ID number will be generated for the
fire board soon, which has been an issue for a number of years. Supervisor
Castore moved to approve the claims. Supervisor Doran-Norton seconded. All
approved.

The correspondence was reviewed. Clerk Norton brought one item forward
regarding a confirmation of a roadway map from the Rice County
Department of Information Technology which would be reviewed by
residents.

There was no public comment on non-agenda Items.

Treasurer’s report was added to the list of approvals. Treasurer Pfahning

advised that some funds still needed to be transferred before year-end. The
township is in good condition financially. Supervisor Doran-Norton moved to
approve the Treasurer’s report. Supervisor Castore seconded. All approved.

Supervisors Doran-Norton and Castore then discussed the meetings with the
Dundas Mayor and Councilman Prybil. Current suggestions would have an
alteration to the Dundas Annexation agreement where the Township would
control planning and zoning within the annexation area, the Dundas City
Planning Commission would revert to a five member board without the
requirement to have township residents on that board. Also suggested was

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that the town board and city council meet four times a year to discuss issues
of mutual concern. It was noted that a clear system needed to be set up to
decide how to address issues between the two councils also how exactly
changes to the annexation agreement will affect the township. A number of
questions and concerns were raised on possible affects to the township.
Meetings are scheduled to continue to get clearer suggestions and to discuss
other options available.

Dennis Brown advised the board on the current state of road maintenance
for the township. The board asked, without the need of an answer at this
time, if there was any need to work with grader operators in the future on
techniques for better matenance. A question was raised about using
reclaimed concrete over high grade gravel. Reclaimed concrete was more
wearing on tires of smaller vehicles and not ideal for township. Also question
for a different time was if a lighter solution could be used for dust control to
lower cost.

No new developments mentioned in the Gill/Prawer annexation except an

upcoming meeting of the EDA steering committee. More information on the
proposed annexation should be released in the near future.

The first segment of the lower Heath Creek trail had been surveyed.
Concerns about liability and maintenance were raised which will be
addressed in trail ordinance and state law. A proposal was made to pay for
the surveying. Supervisor Castore moved to pay up to $3,000.00 from the
75% of landfill fee. Supervisor Doran-Norton seconded. All approved.

In regards to the Spring Brook/ Heath Creek discussion group, the report was
expected to be complete this upcoming Friday. The suggestions from this
report should help in the establishment of a formal agreement between cities
and townships regarding the watershed.

Supervisor Castore advised that the planning and zoning commission had
discussed the request from the co-op to create a gas storage facility as well
as zoning an area of the township for AG related businesses, although no
formal proposal has been made. It was mentioned that the landfill hosting
fee may not always be around and this could be a good step for future
income for the township. The planning and zoning commission also discussed
transfer of development rights but no resolution has been made. Zoning
Administrator Braun discussed the planning and zoning report

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A representative needed to be assigned to the Rice County committee on
zoning. Possible names were mentioned.

It was decided that a budget work sheet would be made and a work session
would be set up on November 24th to begin discussing the 2010 budget.

It was restated that all claims for the month will only be collected until the
first Tuesday of the month to be paid in that cycle. It was also decided that a
work session would be set up on December 1st as well as a notice that the
supervisors may attend the Northfield planning commission meeting on
November 24th

The Board then discussed the new fire hall to be built. It was the opinion of
many that the cost to build is too much. In addition, rural fire department
fees may need to be increased to pay for the fire hall. That could lead to an
additional cost to Bridgewater residents. It was advised that if a resident felt
strongly about this issue to write or call the Northfield representatives with
their concerns directly.

Supervisor Doran-Norton moved to adjourn. Supervisor Castore seconded. All

agreed. Meeting adjourned at 9:50 PM

Michael Norton, Interim Clerk