Lakewood Annual Town Meeting
March 13, 2007
Call to Order: Clerk Gene Bromenshenkel called the Annual Meeting of the Town of Lakewood to order at 8:15 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at the Lakewood Town Hall.
The Clerk indicated that the election polls were closed at 8:00 p.m. and that the Election Judges are counting the ballots with the results to be announced as soon as the counting is complete.
The Clerk indicated that the Annual Meeting will be operated according to standard accepted parliamentary procedures with Robert’s Rules of Order followed in the meeting process.
Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was recited by all present.
The Clerk indicated that there are two pieces of printed information that will be used to guide the meeting:
1. The Annual Meeting Agenda with the attached minutes of the last Annual Town Meeting and the annual financial report.
2. The proposed tax levy with the department reports and financial projections for 2008.
The Clerk also mentioned that if someone wishes to speak and be placed on the New Business agenda, they should sign the sheet.
Also, it was mentioned that sign up sheets for interest in membership on the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Adjustment are on the table.
Election of Annual Meeting Chair: The Clerk called for nominations for chair of the Annual Meeting. Dale Rogers was nominated. Ann Cutts was nominated but declined the nomination. The Clerk called for nominations three times and hearing no other, declared Dale Rogers as nominated and elected to chair the meeting.
Minutes of 2006 Annual Meeting: The Chair asked if it is desired to have the minutes read aloud or that he would entertain a motion to approve the minutes. Motion by Ann Cutts to approve the minutes of the 2006 Annual Town Meeting as printed. Second by Kurt Rogers. Motion Carried.
Annual Financial Report:
- Treasurer Brenda Lagarde presented the receipts, disbursements and balances of all funds of the township and also the savings balance and debts of the township as of 12-31-2006. She reported that the Board of Audit met and approved the annual financial reports of the Clerk and Treasurer and that all finances are in balance and complete.
Motion by Kurt Rogers to approve the 2006 annual financial report. Second by Bob James. Motion Carried.
Establishment of 2008 Tax Levy: Reports of accomplishments and financial projections by departments and funds:
General Revenue Fund: Proposed levy of $95,000.00
Clerk Gene Bromenshenkel outlined the estimated 2008 expenditures for the fund which includes all general town government operations, supervisor’s expenses and all costs of planning and zoning. Motion Don Putnam to set the levy for the General Fund at $95,000.00. Second by Jo Pufahl. Motion Carried.
Road & Bridge Fund: Proposed levy of $90,000.00
Don Putnam gave a report on road work completed, that planned for 2007 and the projections for 2008. The estimated financial projections for 2008 showed a need for the $90,000 levy proposed. Motion by Ann Cutts to set the Road & Bridge Levy at $90,000.00. Second by Angie Dickison Palmer. Motion Carried.
Fire Department Fund: Proposed levy of 40,000.00
Fire Chief Kurt Rogers gave a report on fire department activity and accomplishments. He indicated the Dept. has received commitment of a $39,000 FEMA grant to be used for special equipment purchase. Kurt reported the dept. has 26-27 volunteers on a continuing basis. Jo Pufahl reported the Dept. received a $1,000 grant for life support equipment from St. Mary’s Hospital of Duluth. Motion by Ann Cutts to set the Fire Dept. levy for 2008 at $40,000.00. Second by Royal Abrahamson. Motion Carried.
Building and Grounds Fund: Proposed levy of $36,000.00
Don Putnam gave a report on the fund. It continues to operate in the red financially, the reason for the proposed increase from $30,000.00. Motion by Ann Cutts to set the Building and Grounds levy for 2008 at $36,000.00. Second by Jason Brickley. Motion Carried.
Recreation Fund: Proposed levy of $18,000.00
Chuck Campbell gave a report on program activity and projections for 2008 which would include more family activities in the program. There was discussion about the need for $18,000 with a current balance of $10,000. It was explained that a good portion of those monies are earmarked for improving the water storage capacity for flooding the ice rinks. There were questions and suggestions about the water storage tank planned. Motion by Ann Cutts to set the levy for 2008 at $18,000.00. Second by Don Putnam. Motion Carried.
On-Going Truck Fund: Proposed levy of $8,000.00
Kurt Rogers explained the use and need for the fund---for major repair costs of the fire trucks and to build a replacement fund for future truck replacement. Motion by Dan McCorison to set the 2008 On-Going Truck Fund levy at $8,000.00. Second by Bob James. Motion Carried.
Building Improvement (Capital Improvement) Fund: Proposed levy of $10,000.00
Don Putnam gave a report on plans which include a replacement of the furnaces in the Town Hall. Motion by Ann Cutts to set the 2008 levy at $10,000.00. Second by Don Putnam. Motion Carried.
Fire Hall Bond Payment: Required to meet projected bond payment schedule---$66,500.00. Motion by Jo Pufahl to set the 2008 levy for the Fire Hall Bond payment at $66,500.00. Second by Royal Abrahamson. Motion Carried.
Total Levy Adopted for 2008: $363,500.00.
New Business:
- Don Putnam requested to address the group about the possibility of a 20 ft. by 40 ft. pavilion for the Town Community Site. He explained that the Centennial Committee discussed the possibility and that there is nearly $7,000 in a fund left from the 2002 Centennial Celebration that could be used toward the construction of a pavilion. Motion by Jo Pufahl to recommend that Don Putnam develop a proposed material purchase plan with construction to be done by volunteers and this plan to be brought to the Board of Supervisors. Second by Ann Cutts. Motion Carried.
- Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update---Tim Musick outlined the process underway to update the Town’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan. He introduced members of the steering committee (17 members plus 3 alternates) whose role will be to develop the plan update by fall. The Plan developed by the Committee will be brought to a public hearing during the fall months.
- Establishment of Board of Supervisors Fees: The current fees for meetings are: Board Meetings---$75.00 for Chair of Board and $55.00 for other members and $40.00 for other meetings. Motion by Jim Anderson to set the Supervisors meeting fees the same as last year. Second by Ann Cutts. Motion Carried.
- Rod Hammestrom brought up a concern about being informed on issues and town business. It is not being received by everyone and he feels that the Town Crier newsletter should again be published monthly. Motion by Rod Hammerstrom to recommend that the Town newsletter by published monthly to keep Town residents informed. Second by Bob Gray. Vote on Motion: By count---In favor-15, Not in favor-11. Motion Passed.
Report on Annual Election:
- Total Votes Cast---235
- For Supervisor----Jerry Larson-135 votes, write-in votes-86.
- For Treasurer----Brenda Lagarde-177 votes, write-in votes-13.
- On Question One on Ballot: On Vote for 5-Member Town Board---
Yes Votes—127, No Votes—103
- On Question Two on Ballot: On Vote for Appointment rather than election of Clerk and Treasurer Positions: Yes Votes—83, No Votes---143.
The Clerk explained that with the vote on a 5-member Board of Supervisors passing, that a special election to elect two additional Supervisors will need to be made in 60 days according to State Statutes. Filing will open by approx. April for two weeks and a special election date will need to be set by the Board of Supervisors.
Annual Meeting Date, Time for 2008:
Motion by Kurt Rogers to set the Annual Meeting for the second Tuesday in March at 8:15 p.m. and the Annual Election on the same day with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Second by Bob James. Motion Carried.
Posting Places for Town Legal Notices
Motion by Kurt Rogers to set the posting places as the Town Hall, Recycling Center, North Fire Hall and Lakewood One Stop. Second by Tim Musick. Motion Carried.
Acknowledgements
An appreciation was expressed to Diane Larson for serving six years as Supervisor for the Town.
No other business was brought forth.
Motion by Kurt Rogers to adjourn the meeting at 9:42 p.m. Second by Bob James. Motion Carried.
Respectfully Submitted;
Gene Bromenshenkel
Town of Lakewood Clerk
LEVY for 2008
|
|
|
|
Revenue (General Fund) |
$95,000.00 |
|
Road & Bridge |
$90,000.00 |
|
Fire |
$40,000.00 |
|
Building & Grounds |
$36,000.00 |
|
Recreation |
$18,000.00 |
|
On Going Truck |
$8,000.00 |
|
Building Improvement |
$10,000.00 |
|
|
|
|
New Fire Hall |
|
|
(Bond Ref. in 2004 for $780,000.00) |
|
|
Bond to be repaid from Annual Levy** |
$66,500.00 |
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
$363,500.00 |