September Minutes 2026

ERIE TOWNSHIP

Regular Board Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Board members present: Supervisors Kyle Vareberg; Brett Friesen and Mike Hough

Officers present: Clerk Becky Renner and Treasurer Rhonda Vareberg

Others present: Isaac Ratz; Chris Kennedy, Wyatt Dunham; Dan Gustner, and Katherine Taylor

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Supervisor Friesen.

After reviewing the agenda as presented, a motion was made by Supervisor Vareberg, seconded by Supervisor Hough and carried, without a dissenting vote, with the addition of Isaac Ratz.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

After reviewing the minutes of the August 4, 2026 regular Board Meeting, a motion was made by Supervisor Vareberg, seconded by Supervisor Hough and carried, without a dissenting vote, to approve the minutes, as written, with no additions or corrections.

Treasurer Vareberg gave the treasurer’s reports ending August 31, 2026 from Midwest Bank with an ending balance in the checking account of $323,026.82 and an ending balance in the money market account of $202,742.99 for a total of $525,769.81. A motion was made by Supervisor Hough, seconded by Supervisor Vareberg and carried, without a dissenting vote, to approve the August 2026 treasurer’s report.

The Board reviewed the expense and payroll claims for August 31, 2026 as presented to them by Treasurer Vareberg. A motion was made by Supervisor Vareberg, seconded by Supervisor Hough and carried, without a dissenting vote, to approve payment of payroll claims in the amount of $4,840.03 and expense claims in the amount of $43,354.00 for a total of $48,194.03.

Arvig. $96.45

Bowers Lawn & Landscape. $240.00

Denali Site & Utilities, LLC. $3,717.50

Eastman Fence and Sons LLC. $3,300.00

Gustner Construction LLC. $15,239.00

Wesley Hegna. $17,500.00

Doug Johnson. $1,920.00

MAT. $970.32

Mosher, Amos. $85.00

Midwest Bank. $323.54

Citizen’s Comments:

Isaac Ratz appeared to request an easement for a holding tank at his residence on Leona Beach Road. A motion was made by Supervisor Vareberg, seconded by Supervisor Friesen and carried, without a dissenting vote, to approve the holding tank easement.

Lieutenant Luke Sweere, seeking election for Becker County Sheriff, appeared to let everyone know about where he has worked, what he has been instrumental in implementing in the Sheriff’s Department and tell a little about himself.

Chris Kennedy appeared to ask about the cattle pass that goes under 330th Avenue from his pasture to Shane Frank pastures. Mr. Kennedy was advised to keep the fence back far enough it won’t interfere with plowing.

Wyatt Dunham turned in his receipts for work done outside of painting the town hall. He did ask if he could be reimbursed $1,200 for scraping, painting and miscellaneous work at the town hall. A motion was made by Supervisor Vareberg, seconded by Supervisor Friesen and carried, without a dissenting vote, to approve the extra pay for all the work put into the building for us.

Mr. Dunham’s brother-in-law asked him mention that 330th and Bigger Road the road is washing the sand out every time it rains. It was mentioned that this fall the entire road will be graveled.

Road Report:

Woodland Circle – Mr. Adkins has asked if the tree in the road could be removed. The supervisors agreed that the tree would remain where it is. He also asked for gravel, which the supervisors agreed to.

Gravelle Lane washing out – Supervisor Hough has indicated that he would try to contract the home owners about fixing the situation.

170th Street off of 330th Avenue – Supervisor Vareberg has said he will stop by and talk to the homeowners about tree and brush issues so we can build a turn-around.

New Business:

Supervisor Vareberg gave an update on what the next three-year contract with the city of Detroit Lakes would like. Erie Township pays 10% of their budget.

2027 - $80,482 – 5.55% increase

2028 - $85,043 – 5.67% increase

2029 – Budget not projected yet

Clerk Renner will contact the Frazee Fire Chief and report back at the October meeting.

Planning & Zoning: Donald & Sandra Dronen - allow one lot to be split into two lots

Sunlight Access, Alexandria, VA has requested an accounts payable summary of claims from March 1, 2026 to July 31, 2026. Supervisor Vareberg says this is happening quite a bit across the government entities and it is legitimate. Paperwork will be put together, an invoice sent and when payment is received the information will be transmitted.

Other:

Clerk Renner gave a quick recap of the Primary Election.

There being no further business of the regular meeting, a motion was made by Supervisor Vareberg, seconded by Supervisor Hough and carried, without a dissenting vote, to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

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Becky Renner, Clerk

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Brett Friesen, Chairperson