June Minutes 2026
ERIE TOWNSHIP
Regular Board Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Board members present: Supervisors Kyle Vareberg; Brett Friesen and Mike Hough
Officers present: Clerk Becky Renner
Others present: Dale Renner; Dan Gustner; Shane Richard; Terry Larsen; Kevin Disse; Teaira Christen; Katherine Taylor; Kristina Carlson; Susan L. Prosapio; Thomas Jenkinson; Matt Arola and Wyatt Dunham
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, to approve the agenda with an addition to Road Report - Survey for NW Pickerel Lake Road.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
After reviewing the minutes of the May 5, 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.
Clerk Renner gave the treasurer’s reports ending May 29, 2026 from Midwest Bank with an ending balance in the checking account of $249,533.06 and an ending balance in the money market account of $201,359.34 for a total of $450,892.40. A motion was made by Supervisor Vareberg, seconded by Supervisor Hough and carried, without a dissenting vote, to approve the May 2026 treasurer’s report.
The Board reviewed the expense and payroll claims for May 2026 as presented to them by Clerk Renner. A motion was made by Supervisor Hough, seconded by Supervisor Vareberg and carried, without a dissenting vote, to approve payment of all claims, payroll claims in the amount of $2,221.72 and expense claims in the amount of $15,991.50 for a total of $18,213.22.
Arvig. $96.45
D & B Septic & Excavation LLC. $6,917.40
Gustner Construction LLC. $8,741.80
Mosher, Amos. $85.00
Renner, Becky. $69.95
Zachariason, Debra. $55.00
Midwest Bank. $25.90
Citizen’s Comments:
Katherine Taylor, and her daughter Teaira Christen, appeared before the Board to let them know that the market value of her property at 17737 330th Avenue had dropped $60,600 after Assessor Wes Hegna did a walk-through of her premises. They believe that is still high considering the values of many neighboring properties. Supervisors Vareberg and Hough have assured Ms. Taylor that they will be at the June 15, 2026 County Board of Appeals and Equalization meeting.
Terry Larsen appeared before the Board to remind them that his mailbox, hit by the snow plow last winter, hasn’t been fixed yet. He also asked about tree trimming and asked that we put his area on 170th Street on the list of tree trimming and if the township would consider widening 305th Avenue.
Chief Deputy Shane Richard, 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.
A motion was made by Supervisor Hough, seconded by Supervisor Friesen and carried, without a dissenting vote, to appoint Rhonda Vareberg to the position of Treasurer effective June 2, 2026, to complete the term of Becky Renner who was voted to position of Clerk. Supervisor Vareberg abstained from voting.
The Board received and reviewed quotes that had been received for the 2026-2028 dust control contract.
A motion was made by Supervisor Vareberg, seconded by Supervisor Hough and carried, without a dissenting vote, to accept the dust control quote of Corbin Excavating. The roads planning to be dust guarded are: 305th Avenue; Tower Road; 170th Street (East & West) 335th Avenue; Tiedeman Road; 320th Avenue; 330th Avenue; 340th Avenue; S Coton Lake Road and NE Pickerel Lake Road. All roads are to be done at 20 foot wide.
The consensus of the Board is to table accepting the proposal for Hubble Pond Road overlay until the July 7, 2026 meeting.
Road Report:
Susan Prosapio & Tom Jenkinson from Leona Beach Road to ask for clarification on parking and the right-of way. Supervisor Vareberg will talk to homeowners about issues on parking and debris throwing on neighboring properties.
Kevin Disse from 320th Avenue asked on the protocol of grading roads.
Tree trimmer has asked about who to contact on where to trim and how much to be done. The consensus was to have them contact Dan Gustner for the most important areas, then Supervisor Vareberg has said he will work with them after that.
Survey from Compass Consulting on NW Pickerel Lake Road (minimum maintenance) – we have an established road, now need written and established the right-of way – need to get to an attorney. Supervisor Vareberg will take the paperwork to Thorwaldson Malmstrom to see if they still do this.
Old Business:
A motion was made by Supervisor Friesen, seconded by Supervisor Vareberg and carried, without a dissent vote, to accept the quote of Eastman Fence to install a 100’ x 6’ fence around the recycling bins at Lakes Corner Liquors. Former Supervisor Sundet has volunteered to oversee the project through its completion.
The right-of-way for Minnkota Power Transmission Project Road crossing has been tabled until the July 7, 2026 meeting until the paperwork can be re-read and understood more.
New Business:
A motion was made by Supervisor Vareberg, seconded by Supervisor Hough and carried, without a dissenting vote, to approve variances from Anthony & Kim Matter for deck placement and Leo & Gail Leonard storage shed placement.
Other:
MATIT property evaluation set for June 8, 2026 at 3:30 – Clerk Renner will open the hall for the inspection
MN DNR “Pickerel” Wildlife Management Area
Midwest Bank Certification of Adoption of Director’s Resolution, saying over $250,000 our monies are covered 110% collateral
Assessor expectations
There being no further business of the regular board meeting the Reorganization Meeting was called to order.
Reorganization meeting minutes are noted separately.
There being no further business of the reorganization meeting, motion was made by Supervisor Friesen, seconded by Supervisor Vareberg and carried, without a dissenting vote, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Becky Renner, Clerk
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Brett Friesen, Chairperson