Town of Lakewood Annual Meeting 3/11/08
2009 LEVY AS ADOPTED BY THE RESIDENTS IN ATTENDANCE AT THE MARCH 11TH, 2008 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING.
2006 Levy 2007 Levy 2008 Levy 2009 Levy
General Fund 70,000.00 90,000.00 95,000.00 $70,000.00
Road & Bridge 65,000.00 90,000.00 90,000.00 $90,300.00
Building & Grounds 25,000.00 30,000.00 36,000.00 $30,000.00
Fire Dept. 33,000.00 40,000.00 40,000.00 $40,000.00
On-Going Truck Fund 7,500.00 7,500.00 8,000.00 $8,000.00
Recreation 17,500.00 18,000.00 18,000.00 $18,000.00
New Recreation Bld $15,000.00
Capital Improvement 15,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 $10,000.00
New Fire Hall
(Bond Ref. in 2004
for $780,000.00)
Bond to be repaid from
Annual Levy** 68,555.00 67,600.00 66,500.00 $40,500.00
____________________________________________________________________________________
TOTAL $337,555.00 $353,100.00 $363,500.00 $321,800.00
** Fire Hall Bond Repayment began with first payment on 2-1-2006 for a period of 15 years.
Balance remaining as of 12-31-2007 --- $695,000.00
Town of Lakewood Annual Meeting
March 11, 2008
Call to Order: Town Clerk Gene Bromenshenkel called the 2008 Annual Town Meeting to order at 8:34 p.m. on March 11, 2008 at the Lakewood Town Hall. The register of attendance is attached.
The Meeting was opened with everyone present reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
The Clerk announced that the Annual Town Election was held with the polls closing at 8:00 p.m. The Election Judges are working at tabulating the results in the Town main office. The public may observe the tabulating process but not interfere with the work of the Judges. The Annual Meeting is for the residents of the township and it is their meeting and agenda.
Announcements: The Clerk gave announcements of the following: 1) Each person or household should have two items in hand---a copy of the agenda with last year’s annual meeting minutes and the 2007 financial report attached and a second piece with the 2009 proposed levy and projection of revenue and expenditures attached. Also, there are sign-up sheets for those interested in: Serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Board of Adjustment, and serving as Election Judges for the next two-year cycle.
The Clerk indicated that the Annual Meeting will be conducted according to accepted parliamentary procedure practices.
Selection of Chair for Annual Meeting: The Clerk indicated that the attendees will select the Chair for their meeting. Nominations were called for: Kim Ellerman was nominated. Lance Johnson was nominated. The Clerk called for nominations three additional times. None were presented. The Clerk declared that nominations for Chair are closed and a hand vote will be taken to elect the Chair. It was recommended that people stand to have their vote counted. The Clerk indicated that those eligible to vote at the Annual Meeting are those who are residents and eligible to vote at elections. The result of the vote for Chair: Kim Ellerman---93 votes, Lance Johnson---57 votes. Kim Ellerman was elected as Chair for the Meeting.
Chair Ellerman opened the Business of the Meeting.
The first item was to request two people to serve as vote tellers for the meeting. Bob James and Sid Simonson volunteered to serve.
Minutes of 2007 Annual Town Meeting:
Motion by Dale Rogers to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the 2007 Annual Meeting since each person had a copy. Second by Lance Johnson. Motion Carried.
2007 Annual Financial Report:
Treasurer Brenda Lagarde gave the details of the 2007 Annual Financial report of the Town. She reported the beginning-of-year balance, receipts, disbursements, transfers and end-of-year balances for each fund (schedule 1 report---attached). Lagarde also reported on the savings balance (invested in certificates of deposit) of
$118,661.47. The balance of the Fire Hall Bond repayment as of 12-31-07 is $695,000.00. The Board of Audit met on February 13, 2008 and approved the annual financial report as complete and in balance with all bank and depositories and between the Clerk’s and Treasurer’s duplicate accounts of all funds.
Questions about financial report: About the LSC Grant fund and also how the audit is performed. The Clerk informed everyone that the Lake Superior Grant fund is for the update of the Comprehensive Land Use update with a grant of $14,000 being received with the township matching with $5,000 in funding. By State Statute, Townships can maintain a dual accounting system ie. both the Clerk and Treasurer maintain a set of financial records, with the Board of Supervisors conducting an annual audit. This means that an annual outside audit is not required. An outside audit was conducted five years ago when there was a change in Treasurer. Motion by Randy Simonson to approve the Annual Financial Report. Second by Dale Rogers. Motion Carried.
2009 Tax Levy Proposal---department reports of 2007 completions, 2008 and 2009 projections:
The Chair entertained discussion about the proposed levy developed by the Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Shannon Ostazeski offered to give a brief overview of the proposed levy. She gave a brief description of each fund proposal and why the Board of Supervisors proposed the levy figure for each fund. She indicated that the $10,000 increase for the general fund was due to a current $17,000 plus deficit and that the increase would allow, over a couple year period, to bring the fund into a positive figure.
General Fund:
Discussion: Questions were raised about increases in the general fund and total levy. Comments: Costs in the general fund are increasing at a rate much higher than other funds.
Jesse Schomberg: Increase appears to be o.k. The costs of doing business are up just to maintain services---the township is growing.
Motion by Al Eastman to set the 2009 levy for the General Fund at $70,000.00. Second by Dennis Stolp.
Discussion on Motion: Al Eastman: His reason for making the motion is that the General Fund levy is up 30 plus per cent since 2006. Supports the costs of general operations and property assessment costs. Don Putnam: What portion is proposed to be cut? Zoning costs? What will the County charge us to handle planning and zoning in the township? Resident: Shouldn’t drop zoning—drop or reduce the attorney fees. Tim Huchthausen: The best thing for us would be to go to County zoning. Zoning has become unmanageable for the township. Feels the County would administer zoning in an impartial manner. Gwen Updegraff: Wants to hear department reports prior to setting a levy for each. Jason Brickley: Need to hear reports before motions. Kurt Rogers: Requested Clerk and others to give a breakdown of General Fund expenditures. The Clerk also indicated that when the electors establish a levy for a specific fund and purpose, that the Board cannot legally use the monies for other purposes; only the possibility of transferring between funds if there is a surplus and there are limitations for that possibility. Kathy Wolfe: Requested to have the motion suspended to follow the agenda. Dean Lipe: have been discussing zoning with other townships. In Industrial Township, got rid of zoning and everything is going fine. Doing so aided in developing a spirit of working together in the township. Inese Holte: Referred to the County Zoning Ordinance and the land use allowances in the MUNS-4 zone; most of which are less restrictive. Greg Follmer: Owns property on Highway 61; one of his partners lives in Lakewood Township. Feels local zoning infringes on local properties. Brennan Mears: Town Zoning Administrator, asked if there are questions about funds being used for zoning. He gave a summary of the 2007 expenditures for zoning. There were questions from the audience on how and where attorney fees were expended. Mears responded that the majority of attorney fees for zoning were spent on three properties in the township. Jason Brickley: This is not a zoning issue. The motion on the floor means that if the Board continues zoning, then the General Fund will be in a greater negative. Shannon Ostazeski: Is against a General Fund cut. Jim Hacking: Would like to see more detail line by line on the General Fund. He feels a cut should be proposed. Al Eastman: His proposal excludes the updating of the zoning ordinance which should be dropped. Hans Oase: If people know what neighborhood means, then should abide by the Zoning Ordinance. Dean Lipe: Cited the transfer of Fire Hall Construction funds monies and why it is used for repayment. The Clerk clarified that these monies are bonded monies and can only be used for repayment of the bonds which financed the construction of the new Fire Hall. Kerry Leider: Is currently on the Planning and Zoning Commission. If intent of the motion is to reduce zoning, he doesn’t support it. If people don’t want to see zoning enforced, and people are unhappy about the current Ordinance, then they should work to amend the Zoning Ordinance. Randy Simonson: Have nine months of 2008 left for the Board to save money toward 2009. Marie Paulson: Costs for all services and operations have increased. Resident: Looking at control where we live. If we gave away control to the County; even though we may have differences, still have local control through local zoning. At this time there was a call for a vote on the motion. By individual vote: All in Favor of Motion: 86; Opposed: 75. The Motion carried, setting the 2009 General Fund Levy at $70,000.00.
Road & Bridge Fund:
Road Foreman, Don Putnam gave a report of the 2007 work completed and the plans and costs projection for 2008 and 2009. Don indicated he would be retiring in about September of 2008 from the position. The Town residents thanked Don for his work with the Township over the past 10 years. Motion by Dale Rogers to set the 2009 levy for the Road & Bridge Fund at $90,300.00. Second by Lance Johnson. Motion Carried.
Building & Grounds Fund:
Don Putnam gave an update on the Building & Grounds expenditures for 2007 as well as projections for 2008 and 2009. He outlined the work completed in 2007 which included the water storage tank for the ice rink, new furnaces in the Town Hall, removal of the fuel storage tank for the Hall. He recommends a reduction in the levy for 2009 of $6,000, since projects are completed and maintenance of major items updated. Motion by Dale Rogers to set the Buildings & Grounds levy for 2009 at $30,000.00. Second by Lance Johnson. Motion Carried.
Fire Department Fund:
Kurt Rogers, Fire Chief, indicated the proposed levy for 2009 is $40,000 and that should be adequate with the current reserve balances and the department’s projections through 2009. There was a question if $40,000 is adequate. Rogers: Yes, based on the department’s projections. Jim Hacking: Why is the proposal at the same level as past two years when there has been a good annual balance? Kurt Rogers: The costs have fluctuated from year to year and are currently looking at a surplus balance, feels a good balance needs to be maintained. Gary Campbell: Need some surplus. The department will need a new radio system in the near future. Motion by Sid Simonson to set the Fire Dept. levy for 2009 at $40,000.00. Second by Dale Rogers. Motion Carried.
On-Going Truck Fund:
Kurt Rogers explained that this fund is essentially a capital improvement fund, setting aside funds each year toward the future purchase of new fire trucks. Recommends continuing the annual levy of $8,000 for that purpose. Question on projection of truck purchases? Kurt Rogers: Some trucks are purchased used and some new. Gave example: The Dept. purchases some of the premier quality used vehicles through the DNR. The major trucks are purchased new; the cost for such is now about $200,000 per truck. Motion by Dale Rogers to set the On-Going Truck Fund levy for 2009 at $8,000.00. Second by Lance Johnson. Motion Carried.
Recreation Dept. Fund:
Scott Anderson, Recreation Program Director gave a summary on the summer and winter youth programs conducted. Also, gave a report on the plans for the summer activities and indicated that one issue which needs to be addressed is transportation of youth to activities away from the Town Site. Volunteers and staff have used personal vehicles to transport but there are liability questions in doing this. He also indicated that the Town needs to look at a new skating building. The current building is 24 ft. x 24 ft. in dimension. With the ever-larger number of youth participating at the rink during the winter months, there is a fire hazard with the current structure size. Inese Holte: Has concern about the transportation liability issue of using personal vehicles to transport youth to activities. Does this need to be brought to the Town Board? Scott Anderson: Need to resolve the transportation issue with the Board. Jim Anderson: Can the Recreation Fund operate on less dollars than the proposed $18,000, such as $15,000? Scott Anderson: Could get by. Gary Eily: How about getting volunteers to help with the program such as the building of a new skating building. Steve Johnston: Would whitening the rink base help with longevity of ice on the skating rink and would $20,000 help with rectifying the rink? Don Putnam: Estimate a cost of $2,000 to add lime rock to the base for the pleasure rink.
Election Report: Head Election Judge, Tom Bacig brought the report of the election at this time. He reported the following: There were 822 votes cast in the Election.
- For Supervisor Position “A”---Shannon Ostazeski- 760 votes,
17 write-in votes.
- For Supervisor Position “B”---Phil Halverson – 453 votes; Bob
Brucklemyer write-in votes---322 votes and 23 other write-in
votes.
- For Supervisor Position “C”---Tim Musick – 492 votes; Clint
Massie write-in votes---304 and 13 other write-in votes.
- For Clerk---Beth Foudriat---43 write-in votes; Gene
Bromenshenkel – 15 write-in votes; Al Eastman – 6 write-in
votes and 17 other write-in votes.
Recreation Fund: Continued.
Motion by Jim Anderson to set the Recreation Fund levy for 2009 at $15,000.00. Second by Kate Campbell. Discussion on Motion: There was support by several people to set the levy at $15,000. Judy Campbell: Need a new building for our youth. Steve Johnston: Is opposed to the motion. Resident: Need to keep support for youth. Jerry Larson: Works at Social Services. Youth participation and prevention programs are well worth while. There was a call for the question. Vote on Motion: Motion Failed.
Motion by Bob Wolfe to set the Recreation Fund levy at $18,000.00 for 2009. Second by Dale Rogers. Motion Carried.
At this time in the meeting (10:58 p.m.), the Chair at the request of attendees called for a recess in the Meeting. The Meeting was reconvened at 11:12 p.m.
Capital Improvement Fund:
The Clerk explained the purpose of this Fund---it is for major capital improvements to buildings, facilities and grounds on the township Community Center Site. Questions were raised about safety issue of buildings such as capacities, etc. Reference was again made about the safety of the skating building. Gary Campbell: The capacity of the 24 x 24 skating building is about 80-90 youth. It was reported that one night during winter skating, 100-150 youth were on the rinks. Motion by Don Putnam to set the 2009 Capital Improvement Fund levy at $10,000.00. Second by Dale Rogers. Motion Carried.
Motion by Don Putnam to set a levy of $15,000.00 for a new Recreation (including skating) building. Second by Bob Wolfe. Discussion on Motion: Question---can grants be obtained? Maybe need to have a task force to develop a plan. Inese Holte: Levy monies could be used as grant matches. Call for vote on Motion. Vote: Motion Carried.
Fire Hall Bond Repayment Fund: The Clerk clarified the proposed levy being $30,000 less than the $70,500 required for 2009. There is that amount in surplus in the Fire Hall Construction Fund. Those monies can only be used for bond repayment once all construction items are finalized. The levy would go up by the $30,000 for the 2010 levy. Motion by Steve Johnston to set the Fire Hall Bond Repayment Fund levy for 2009 at $40,500.00. Second by Kurt Rogers. Motion Carried.
The Clerk reported that the Total Levy set for 2009 is $321,800.00.
New Business: At this time, those who signed up to speak and present an item for business were taken.
1. Community Newspaper---Don Putnam presented an idea to begin a community newspaper; somewhat in the fashion of one printed for township residents about 15 years ago. The idea focuses on volunteers putting the paper together, selling ads to help with costs, and publishing more community news in addition to township business items.
2. Inese Holte: Suggested the Town web site have additional information.
3. Bob Roningen: On Financial Reports: cited a suit currently underway against the town. Referenced State Statute 365.10, Subdivision 15, whereby the electors can recommend to the Board of Supervisors that they get the Town out of a potential law suit. Under the Statute, the electors can direct the Town Board to settle the suit and get the Town out of a potential financial burden. There was a question from the floor on how does the Town get out of a suit? Roningen: To establish a settlement with the property owner. Al Eastman: Cited the efforts of the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Town Board in turning down a proposal near Highway 61. Question to Greg Follmer, owner of the Highway 61 property questioned: What would you settle for? Greg Follmer: Just wants his property rights back to utilize his property in a manner consistent with local property owners and the township. Question to Follmer: Would an Assisted Living Facility be a possibility? Follmer: Don’t know at this time, he lost the buyer to the property for that purpose. Jim Hacking: To Follmer---are you willing to let by-gones be by-gones? Have a real problem---no disclosure on law suit or potential cost liability to township. Tim Huchthausen: Expressed a concern over the Board’s decision to amend the Zoning Ordinance to restrict land use in the LIU-10 zone; prohibiting retail sales. Feels Follmer has a good plan for land use. Sid Simonson: It is unfortunate that so much effort and cost is being diverted toward three town businesses; we only have a small area for commercial uses. Bob Roningen: If Follmer wins suit, it will open the flood gates to more such suits. Marie Paulson: Up to the people to be informed on issues related to zoning.
Motion by Jim Hacking that the electors at the 2008 Annual Town of Lakewood Meeting requests the Board of Supervisors to restore the zoning uses in the LIU-10 zone that existed in January of 2006. Second by Jim Felien. Discussion on Motion: Shannon Ostazeski: Clarification on language of motion. It does not solve the situation of the law suit with Greg Follmer of Highway 61 Expressway. Al Eastman: Supports motion. Tim Huchthausen: Cited the result of the Sept. 5, 2007 change in the LIU-10 zone. The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended no change; the Board of Supervisors made the change. Vote on Motion: By Voice vote, the Motion Carried.
Motion by Sid Simonson to request the Board of Supervisors to restore the conditional use permit originally issued to Lipe Bros. Construction. Second by Tim Hucthausen. Simonson and Huchthausen withdrew the motion. Motion by Al Eastman to amend the motion to request the Town Board accept the proposal offered by Lipe Brothers Construction to settle the Conditional use permit. Second by Hucthausen. Vote on amendment: In Favor – 59, Opposed – 28. The amendment to the motion passes. Vote on Motion: By voice vote, the Motion Carried.
4. Mary Melander: Referred to the Land Use Survey and commented on the desire of residents and development pressures that could threaten those desires.
5. Tim Huchthausen: On the Lakewood Survey for the Comprehensive Land Use Plan update. Request s that the survey be reviewed. Requests a new survey be sent out. Motion by Tim Huchthausen to discard the 2007 CLUP Survey and to develop and mail a new survey to all residents. Second by Jason Dillon. Discussion: Clint Massie: Requested a show of hands of all those who did not receive the April, 2007 Survey. A large number of people raised their hands indicating they did not receive one. Al Eastman: Commented on the Land Use Update Steering Committee functions and processes. Read letters from people to recommend disbanding the process. Feels the process should be disbanded. Shannon Ostazeski: We are all trying to unite our community here tonight. Said that she feels that the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Steering Committee process has been healthy. Doesn’t want to see divisiveness increase. Vote on Motion: Motion Carried by voice vote.
6. Sid Simonson: Has been participating in the Planning and Zoning Commission and the CLUP Steering Committee meetings. Feels there should be a new survey. Encouraged people to participate in Town business.
7. Dean Lipe: Supports views of Supervisor Ostazeski that we need to strive to end divisiveness.
There was not other new business brought forth.
2009 Annual Meeting and Election Date and Time:
Motion by Lance Johnson to set the 2009 Annual Town Meeting for 8:15 p.m. on the second Tuesday of March and the Election hours from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Second by Don Putnam. Motion Carried.
Posting of Town Legal Notices:
Motion by Lance Johnson to retain the four posting places for notices as: The Town Hall, Recycling Center, Lakewood Rd. Fire Hall and the Lakewood One Stop. Second by Bob Wolfe. Motion Carried.
Acknowledgements:
1. Don Putnam: Thanked the people of the Township for their support during his time and work as Road Foreman. Also acknowledged was Clerk Gene Bromenshenkel for the 10 years of service to the township. A standing ovation was given to Bromenshenkel for his work. He indicated the 10 years have been a good experience and will support the new Clerk during a transition period.
There was no other business brought forth for the meeting. Being none, the Chair declared the Annual Meeting closed at 12:55 p.m. on 3-12-08.
Respectfully Submitted;
Gene Bromenshenkel
Town of Lakewood Clerk
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