Thomson Town online meetings improved for viewers

Thomson Township supervisors unveiled a new audiovisual system at their meeting Feb. 18 that is expected to improve accessibility to meetings. The board had been experiencing audio and video issues since it began online meetings last year. It was often difficult to hear everyone and to understand who was talking.

The township was able to purchase new equipment through the federal CARES Act, which provides pandemic relief funding.

Board members, most of whom have been meeting in person at the town hall outside of Esko, and virtually through a meeting platform, each have microphones and a camera so that they can be seen and heard clearly. The board approved the purchase of a new laptop to run the equipment exclusively, instead of sharing one with other town employees.

Board member Jason Paulson and three others were able to attend the meeting virtually without audio or video issues.

A link to watch meetings is on the township website.

Also Thursday, fire chief Kyle Gustafson told supervisors that service calls have been up for the volunteer fire department during February due to extreme cold weather. The department has responded to one call a day on average, including a waterline break at the Esko High School.

A break at a hydrant near the hockey rinks has occurred before, and the department was able to shut the water off without as much damage in the recent incident.

Board supervisor Tony Compo said the average calls per month have been going up overall. “It was probably 12 to 15 a month and now we’re pushing 20 a month.”

In other matters Thursday:

• The board approved a joint application for a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant process with Wrenshall to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatuses for each fire department along with an air compressor fill station to be housed at the Carlton fire hall. The grant would cover 95 percent of the cost of the equipment. The remaining 5 percent would be divided, with Thomson paying 53 percent for 20 SBCAs and Wrenshall paying 47 percent for 18 SBCAs. Carlton would house, but not own, the compressor.

• Following the request for a new crosswalk made by local Girl Scout Troop 4079, board member Bill Gerard said he has been searching for a solution that will not cost what has been estimated at $25,000.

“There is a group out of Vancouver, Canada, that has taken up our cause and it is looking real promising that they will put in a crosswalk,” Gerard said. He didn’t reveal any more information but promised an update next month.

The crosswalk, including a solar-powered rectangular rapid flash beacon, would be installed for those crossing Canosia Road toward Northridge Park.

Girl Scout Troop 4079 has raised more than $800 toward the cause. According to Gerard, they still want to donate the funds even if the crosswalk funding is donated. The funds raised by the Girl Scouts could potentially be put toward another crosswalk project the scouts highlighted, at Juntunen Road and County State Aid Highway 61.

• The next Thomson Township board meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. March 4.

The annual town meeting is at 7 p.m. March 9.