GREENWOOD TWP- The board of supervisors here, on Tuesday, approved settling their case with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (OSHA) related to a series of anonymous complaints made against the fire department. Of the 17 complaints forwarded to OSHA, the township was cited for one serious violation— not having a written Workplace Accident and Injury Reduction Program (AWAIR) in place— and two non-serious violations.
Since the township has been cooperating with OSHA and is not contesting the fine, their total fine of $450 was reduced to $300.
Fire department safety office Rick Worringer has been working with OSHA and said the department will be in compliance with OSHA rules by Nov. 22, as required.
“All the documentation is done,” he said. “All we have to do is fill out the mandatory progress forms.” Worringer noted that the department had been conducting the required safety training, but just hadn’t been documenting it properly.
At their Nov. 12 meeting, the board thanked Worringer for all the time and work he has put into the process. Worringer is the newly-appointed safety/training officer, and was not in charge during the period the deficiencies were noted.
The board also approved some changes to the department’s Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) to add an organizational statement to the document. Worringer noted this was a recommendation from OSHA, but not the result of any penalty. The changes explain the purpose of the fire department and add details of the types of training that are required.
In other fire department news, Worringer noted that half of the current fire department members are also Emergency Medical Responders, and the board approved having two additional members taking an upcoming First Responder course.
The board approved a request from Fire Chief Dave Fazio to increase the annual PERA pension amount from $1,900 to $2,500 per year, with the increase to be paid out starting in 2021. Fazio noted the current pension account is funded at 200-percent and could support an even larger pension amount. He suggested the board consider increasing the pension amount on an annual basis. When the department switched its pension to the PERA system, they were required to keep the amount stable for five years (which ends in 2020).
The board also approved reinstating Howard Ankrum to the department. Ankrum had recently retired but decided to rejoin.
New computer station
The township’s new public computer station is now up and running. Township residents are welcome to use the equipment during regular clerk office hours. A computer printer is also available. The clerk’s office is generally open Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. -3 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Other business
In other business, the board:
 Had a discussion on the subsidy payment to the Tower Area Ambulance. The issue will be reported in depth in next week’s paper.
 Heard that the parking lot paving will be done in the spring, as well as repair work on the paved trail.
 Approved a donation of $15,000 from Bois Forte to the fire department.
 Approved a donation of $190 from the Greenwood Quilters.
 Approved putting the question of whether or not to have a town clerk and town treasurer hired by the town board, instead of elected by voters, on the March township ballot.
 Discussed, but took no action, on the idea of assessing property owners on Birch Point Extension for the cost of brushing along that roadway. The board did rescind their previous motion to put this question on the ballot.
 Approved a letter of support for the Vermilion Trail project.