06/22/2026
May 21, 2026
The regular meeting of the Balsam Town Board was called to order at 6:30 PM by Vice Chairman Brent Bradley. Present were supervisors Jerrad Bergren, Brent Bradley, Treasurer Lacy Wolff and Clerk Rebecca Olson. There were 5 visitors.
The minutes of the April meeting, the 2026 BOE minutes, Road Tour minutes, and Park Inspection minutes were approved on a motion by Jerrad Bergren, Brent Bradley second, motion carried.
The Treasurer’s Report was given. There was a balance of $321,754.23 in the checkbook. A motion to approve the treasurers report was made by Jerrad Bergren, Brent Bradley second, motion carried. The bills were read. A motion to pay Claim #36707 thru $20,967.75, plus payroll in the amount of $3,145.16 was made by Jerrad Bergren, Brent Bradley second, motion carried.
Communications:
Communications were read. Two variance were presented, and recommend to approve the permits on a motion by Jerrad Bergren, Brent Bradley second, motion carried. Water tests results were received with results as normal.
BVFD: Assistant Chief Troy Beckner reported that there were 20 calls last month. There were 12 medical calls and 8 fire, including a mutual aid call with Nashwauk for a grass fire, and several trees on power lines. One fire burned 7 acres and another burned 14 acres. The DNR was very active in supporting the fire suppression. There were no structures that were damaged, but a couple boats and a dock was lost in one fire. The DNR has been invoiced for a few of those fires for reimbursement.
At the business meeting, an application was received from Dave George. Dave was on the fire department in the past, but has since retired from his job, and would like to join the fire department as an associate member. The application was approved on a motion by Jerrad Bergren, Brent Bradley second, motion carried.
Park report: Tammy reported the grass is growing, paint has been applied to picnic benches, and some tables. More paint will be purchased for a second coat. Mark will be helping Tammy throughout the summer.
It was brought to the attention of Jerrad Bergren that the new sign (going in the same location of the old sign) would be in the road right of way. A special use permit was approved by Karen Grandia, and signed by Jerrad Bergren, allowing the installation of the sign in the same location.
A 3rd bid for the playground will be obtained. Ideas from the public will be sought. The board is trying not to duplicate the surrounding playgrounds, so there is a variety for those that visit the local playgrounds.
John Kannas stated he wanted the baseball fence to be left standing. He believes it will come back around, and that it will see use again later. If maintenance is an issue, just let it grow up.
Cemetery: Tom Behrner reported that the cemetery sign is in need of replacement. Gordy Davis offered to donate a large rock, that would be engraved with “Balsam Cemetery” Donated by the Davis family. A motion to accept the donation was made by Jerrad Bergren, Brent Bradley second, motion carried. There was some discussion of winter, and not being able to see the rock when snow was plowed. The decision if a second sign will be purchased will be made next.
There was some discussion of deeds being sold back to the township. It was stated that the township can refund the amount of the original purchase, less the filing fee required to change the deeds back to the township.
Hall report: There was nothing to report from Kelly. The sheet rock in the clerks office has been removed, and the bottom batt of insulation is removed as well. It is now ready for the next step with the hall updates.
Old Business: SBS submitted an updated bid for the re-pavement of the tennis courts. The bid increased by $15,112 from last years bid, stating increase in fuel, labor, and material cost. Hawkinson was reached out to for an updated quote, but did not respond. The tennis court fence is removed, and the grant money needs to be spent this year. Jerrad Bergren made a motion to accept the increased bid for $96,100 to repave the tennis court, and finish the parking lot paving at the same time, Brent Bradley second, motion carried.
New Business: There was no new business.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:32 pm on a motion Jerrad Bergren, Brent Bradley second, motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Rebecca Olson, Clerk
