LAKEWOOD BOARD of SUPERVISORS MEETING March 7, 2005
The March 2005 Meeting of the Lakewood Town Board of Supervisors was called to order by Chair Jeff Tweten on Monday, March 7, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lakewood Town Hall. Supervisors present: Jeff Tweten, Diane Larson and Hugo Leider. Also present were Treasurer Brenda Lagarde, Clerk Gene Bromenshenkel, Office Coordinator Lauren Quigley, Attorney Tim Strom, Department Heads, and public citizens (register attached).
Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America was recited by all present.
Review of Agenda: The proposed agenda was approved by consensus.
Review of Minutes:
- February 7, 2005 Board of Supervisors Meeting – Motion by Diane Larson to approve the minutes as printed. Second by Hugo Leider. Motion Carried.
Financial Report:
Treasurers Report:
Treasurer Brenda Lagarde presented the reports of receipts, disbursements and balances. The total fund balance to date is $102,155.06 which balances with the Clerk’s records and with the outstanding checks, with the monthly bank statement. Two certificates of deposit were renewed as one certificate for 13 months at 3.02 % interest. Motion by Leider to approve the Treasurers report. Second by Larson. Motion Carried.
Bills/Claims: Clerk Gene Bromenshenkel presented the monthly claims. Motion by Leider to approve payment of claims 2846 through 2903 in the amount of $40,004.29. Second by Larson. Motion Carried.
Budget Report: The monthly budget report showing expenditures through the February Board meeting and receipts through February, 2005 was presented.
Financial for New Fire Hall: The Clerk indicated that the bond sales receipts were received by the township in the amount of $751,226.55. To date, $31,405.23 has been expended from the General Fund for Architects fees and test drilling. Motion by Leider to transfer the amount of $31,405.23 from fund 225 to fund 100 as a reimbursement. Second by Larson. Motion Carried.
Town Attorney Report: Tim Strom
Reported on findings regarding the request from Tisdell’s on the drive extension off of Radtke Road. Advised Board that since the Town has not maintained the private drive as a road for over 25 years, it is no longer a Town Road. The matter would have to be decided by the electors at the Annual Town Meeting. Advised that if any Town financial support is provided, then the Town is obligated to maintain the drive as a public road. He advised that no zoning permit may be issued according to the Lakewood Zoning Ordinance since the Tisdell property is not on a public maintained road. He offered a resolution to be considered by the Board. Motion by Leider to adopt Resolution #3-05 relating to Tisdell’s request for maintenance support and zoning permit on the private drive portion west of the Radtke Road. Second by Larson. Motion Carried.
- Medin Road Question: There is a dispute between neighbors about public access to a paper road which is an extension (on paper) to Oak Street. He cited the Redrock case, indicating that the Town Board needs to determine the Town’s interest in the paper road. Motion by Larson to not expend any Town monies on the question. Second by Leider. Motion Carried.
Department Reports:
Fire Dept. – Kurt Rogers
- Nine calls during month---two structure fires, 6 medical and one furnace problem.
- All equipment is in good shape and operating order.
- Have disbursed some old equipment not needed to Normanna and Gnesen townships which meets their needs.
- Will be painting the DNR truck.
- Lung capacity test for fire personnel---is requesting financial support to expend approximately $1,000 to have all 24 fire personnel receive a lung capacity test. The test will serve as a benchmark of lung capacity and health. Motion by Larson to expend up to $1,000 from fund 260 for lung capacity testing for all fire personnel. Second by Leider. Motion Carried.
- Plans for the new Fire Hall are nearly complete. Suggest that local contractors be given preference if that is allowed. This alleviates potential problems of a distant contractor not fulfilling warranties after construction is complete. Motion by Leider to request the Town Attorney to review all specifications and bid processes. Second by Larson. Motion Carried.
Planning and Zoning Commission – Chris Roningen
- The Commission has two questions for the Board: 1) The direction for the Zoning Ordinance review and 2) Status of the Zoning Ordinance typo corrections. Supervisor Larson indicated that she is working on the typo corrections.
- On review of the Communication Tower item---the Planning and Zoning Commission is extending an invitation to the public to join them in reviewing the portion of the Ordinance dealing with Communication Towers.
- The terms of three members will be up in March---Bodine, Gray and Massie. They are all interested in being reappointed.
- Recommendations on proposed Zoning Ordinance changes: Supervisor Tweten outlined the four items recommended by the Commission which was not acted on at the last Board meeting. They will be considered tonight. 1) On non-conforming structures section---Article IV, Section 3, 3.01: Supervisor Tweten referred to the St. Louis County Zoning Ordinance on this section; feeling the County’s language is much clearer. Supervisor Larson complemented the work of the Commission and feels more work needs to be done on the sections not acted on and encourages the Commission to consult the County Planning and Zoning staff. Supervisor Leider would like to ask the Commission to further review these and other sections of the Ordinance. Some sections of the County Ordinance are more restrictive in the latest version. Supervisor Tweten suggested the Town needs to better address property access issues. Motion by Larson to not accept the recommendations of the Planning and Zoning Commission on: homes on private drives, non-conforming structures and design of planned residential developments. Vote on Motion: Tweten-yes, Leider-yes and Larson-yes. The Motion Carried.
- Recommendation on Appeals and Decisions Recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission: Supervisor Leider recommends the adoption of this recommendation. The Board can act in an appeals process without incurring large financial expenditures to move items immediately to the judicial courts. Supervisor Tweten commented on recommending approval. Supervisor Larson indicated that she is concerned about the Board of Adjustment and referring an item to the Town Board for possible override of the decision. Attorney Strom indicated his opinion is that the proposed change would be legal from the standpoint of the State Statutes. Motion by
- Leider to adopt the recommendation on appeals process. Second by Tweten. Vote on Motion: Leider-yes, Tweten-yes, Larson-No. The Motion Carried.
Zoning Administrator Report – Al Eastman
- One permit for a garage issued during the past month.
- Will set regular office hours about April 1st.
- Two requests for conditional use permits received. The Hearings are scheduled for March 30 at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. at the Town Hall.
- Zoning Administrator position---a proposed change to the position description was offered. Motion by Leider to approve the changes in the job description of the Zoning Administrator. Second by Larson. Motion Carried.
- Zoning Administrator Applications – Motion by Leider to defer decision on the process of handling applications for the position. Second by Larson. Motion Carried.
Grounds and Maintenance – Don Putnam
- Has looked into the Hall roof repair. Some options have been received with no prices confirmed. The Board requested Don to obtain additional information.
- The Skating Rink participation has been very good this year.
Road and Bridge Report – Don Putnam
- Some problems with freezing of culverts, creating ice buildup on the road and causing problems for vehicles.
- Gas tax levy –the Town has received a notice from St. Louis County for a minimum levy for Road and Bridge to be eligible for the gas tax refund. The amount required is $64,856. Motion by Leider to change the proposed Road & Bridge levy to $65,000. Second by Larson. Motion Carried.
Recycling – Merle Abernethy
- Everything is working fine.
Recreation – Scott Anderson
- Had good participation in activities in the past year.
Motion by Larson to briefly recess the meeting at 8:47 p.m. Second by Leider. Motion Carried. The Meeting was reconvened at 8:09 p.m.
Public Comment:
- Inese Holte: Appreciates the Board comments on the value of public participation in zoning issues.
- Marie Paulson: Commented on the attic ventilation of the Hall. Also, on the appeals process recommendation, feels that the Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Adjustment recommendations should not be changed by two votes.
- Jerry Larson: Supports Inese Holte’s comments on the opportunity for public participation in the matters of the Planning and Zoning Commission dealing with issues.
- Stan Goltz: feels it may be time to expand the Board of Supervisors to five members. Discussion on this following about the process of how a change could be made. Attorney Strom cited the State Statute 367.31 which describes the options available to initiate the process for changing the configuration of the Town Board.
- Question by public on the appeals process and asked for clarification.
Committee Reports:
- MPAC – Tweten. Construction is scheduled to begin about May 1st.
- NSMB – Tweten. No meeting held.
- DAT – Leider. Next meeting is March 17.
- SLCTA – Leider. No meeting attended. The next meeting is March 23 in Cotton.
Unfinished Business:
1. Newsletter---items to include: Election results, approved levy, road bids, Board of Review announcement, Reorganization summary.
2. Tax Forfeited Lands List from St. Louis County – Motion by Larson to pursue the process of obtaining the .33 acre site on N. Tischer Rd. (formerly Community Club site). Second by Leider. Motion Carried.
3. Fire Hall Bid Review by Town Board---Motion by Larson to set a Board Meeting for Monday, April 18, 2005 at 4:00 p.m. to review the bids received. Second by Leider. Motion Carried.
4. Web Site Quotes---one quote was received from a company which establishes and maintains web sites. The quote is estimated at a set-up cost of $1500-1900 with a $75.00 per month maintenance fee. No action was taken. The Board requested to seek volunteers through the town newsletter.
New Business:
1. Board of Review Meeting scheduled by County for Monday, April 18 from 6-7 p.m. at the Town Hall.
2. MAT Spring Short Course---Motion by Leider to support the registration and mileage for town officers to attend. Second by Larson. Motion Carried.
There was no other business brought forth to the Meeting.
Motion by Larson to Adjourn at 9:51 p.m. Second by Leider. Motion Carried.
The Next Regular Board Meeting is Monday, April 4, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall.
Respectfully Submitted;
Gene Bromenshenkel
Town of Lakewood Clerk
Minutes subject to approval at next regular Meeting.