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*The board gave verbal approval to pursuing another section of trail. Board chairman Don Pietsch, who represents Paynesville Township on the joint powers recreational trail committee informed the board that the committee has been looking at the next section of trail to develop around Lake Koronis.

Two sections of trail are planned for construction in 2006. The next section after that starts at the north end of Baywater Road and runs south around the west end of Lake Koronis and east along CSAH 20 on the south side of the lake to the Birch Beach Store.

If planning and funding go well, construction on this portion of trail could be as soon as 2007, said Pietsch. An approximate cost of $320,000 is estimated, which the trail committee is proposing to be split by the city, township, Meeker County, and Stearns County after other contributions.

*The board was informed by Pietsch that Stearns County has recently passed a new public nuisance ordinance. This ordinance uses township governments to assist the county in clean-up of public nuisances. Under the new ordinance, the township will be given 30 days to contact the offending resident, to create a plan for the clean-up, and to commence clean-up. If no progress has been made in 30 days, the county will take over the case.

The county has the capability to do the clean-up and bill the resident for the expense.

*The board approved a variance for Tom and Joelle Haines, who want to build a new unattached structure, larger in size than allowed by the township ordinance, at their residence on Co. Rd. 181. The addition replaces an existing barn that has rotted and needs to be removed. The new building and existing structures will total 2,336 square feet, 536 square feet above the 1,800 square feet allowed by township ordinance.

*The board authorized spending up to $2,000 to shore up the north shoulder of Breezewood Road just east of NW Koronis Road. The slope of the shoulder is very steep down to the recreational trail in that location. The repair will involve building a retaining wall for 75 to 100 feet to allow the shoulder to be more level than currently. Warren Nehring had been contacted to do the work.

*The board approved the purchase of a laptop computer for use by the township clerk and treasurer. Approximately $1,000 was expected to be needed, though no spending limit was set.