LAKEWOOD BOARD of SUPERVISORS MEETING

May 4, 2005

The May 2005 Meeting of the Lakewood Town Board of Supervisors was called to order by Chair Diane Larson on Wednesday May 4, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lakewood Town Hall.  Supervisors present: Diane Larson, Hugo Leider and Tim Musick. Also present were Treasurer Brenda Lagarde, Clerk Gene Bromenshenkel, Deputy Clerk Sandra Wood, 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.

Recognition of Service to Bob Willemarck:  Chair Diane Larson opened the meeting by introducing Bob and Lois Willemarck.  The Town recognized Bob Willemarck for his outstanding, long-time service to the township of Lakewood.  Comments of appreciation were made by the public recognizing Bob for his many responsibilities including Constable, Treasurer, Youth Snowmobile Safety Training, volunteer transportation for youth program and his general support to the citizens of the township over the years.  A recognition cake and refreshments were served in honor of Bob’s service.

Motion by Leider to recess the business meeting for 15 minutes to recognize Bob with cake and refreshements.  Second by Musick.  Motion Carried.  The Meeting was reconvened at 7:23 p.m.

Review of Agenda:  Items added:  Zero Tolerance for Alcohol when conducting town business and at all public meetings, Communications, and Liquor License renewal request from Breeze Inn.

 Review of Minutes: 

-         April 4, 2005 Board of Supervisors Monthly Meeting:  Motion by Leider to approve the minutes as printed.  Second by Musick.  Motion Carried.

-         April 16, 2005 Road Review Meeting:  Motion by Musick to approve the minutes of the meeting as printed.  Second by Leider.  Motion Carried.

-         April 18, 2005 Fire Hall Bid Review Meeting:  Motion by Musick to approve the minutes as printed.  Second by Leider.  Motion Carried.

-         April 18, 2005 Board of Appeal & Equalization Meeting: Deferred to June meeting.

-         April 27, 2005 Fire Hall Bid Review Recessed Meeting:  Motion by Leider to approve the minutes as printed with attachment of letter from Max Gray Construction.  Second by Musick.  Motion Carried.

Financial Report: 

Treasurer’s Report:  Treasurer Brenda LaGarde reported the receipts, disbursements and balances in the town account.  The balance of $800,170.90 balances with the monthly bank statement.  The balance includes the Fire Hall bond monies.  Motion by Lieder to approve the Treasurer’s Report.  Second by Musick.  Motion Carried.

Bills/Claims:  The monthly claims were presented for an amount of $52,738.10 which includes the annual lease payment of $34,171.00 for the fire truck.  Motion by Leider to approve payment of claims 2955 through 3021 in the amount of $52,738.10.  Second by Musick.  Motion Carried.

Budget Report:  Clerk Gene Bromenshenkel presented the monthly budget report with a print out for each fund showing year to date receipts and expenditures through the April Board meeting.  Copies were available for all department heads and Supervisors.

 Town Attorney Report:  Tim Strom 

1.      Moratorium in the LIU-10 Zone:  Proposed at April Board meeting.  The purpose of the moratorium proposal is to place a moratorium on retail sales in the LIU-10 zone for a one-year period while the Planning and Zoning Commission studies the issue of allowance of retail sales and consistency with the County Zoning Ordinance.  Strom has formulated language for an interim ordinance based on the study of the issue in the zone.  There was discussion about the interpretation of retail sales.  Motion by Musick to adopt an interim ordinance on retail sales in the LIU-10 zone.  Second by Larson.  Vote on Motion:  Musick-yes, Larson-yes, Leider-No.  The Motion Carried.

2.      Tisdell Variance Request:  There was discussion about the complexity of the request and the definition of roads vs. private drives that need to be clarified.  Motion by Musick to authorize the Clerk and Town Attorney to initiate a 60-day extension to the variance due to legal complexities and terms of the application date and receipt by the Town.  Second by Leider.  Motion Carried.

3.      Busse Variance Request on Beyer Road:  The Board requested by consensus that Strom advise the Zoning Administrator and Planning Commission on the request since the request is for a variance on a county right-of-way and not an improved public road.

4.      Zero Tolerance Policy for Alcohol:  There was discussion on the need for such a policy for any town business conducted.  The Board agreed by consensus to request Strom to develop language for such a policy.

5.      Ex-Parte Communication:  There was discussion about Town officials communication with the public.  It was agreed that there is a need for separation of communication with public between personal and public duties on behalf of all officers, employees, Board and Commission members.  All communications are to be channeled through the appropriate Board or Commission according to the officially described roles and responsibilities.

6.      Private Drives:  LeAnn Brown, Zoning Administrator, brought up the issue of Planning and Zoning items on private driveways.  Attorney Strom indicated there are a number of different roadways defined legally, including private drives.  It was agreed by consensus to request Strom to look at roads and drives and the Zoning Ordinance language including the Town’s Zoning Ordinance definition of two homes on a private drive.  

Department Reports:

Fire Dept. – Kurt Rogers

-         Eight calls in past month---4 medical, 3 brush fires and one grass fire.

-         New Fire Hall – in process of completing the contract agreement.

-         Will be painting the pickup truck obtained from the DNR.

-         Are completing the purchases on the 2004 FEMA Grant.

Grounds and Maintenance – Don Putnam

-         Town Hall roof replacement estimates---He called five contractors and received quotes from two.  Todd from Lakeside Construction was present to discuss his quote and recommendations:  He indicated that the west attic vents are a great heat loss.  His bid has two options: 1) covering existing roof with new roofing and 2) remove old roofing and install new roof.  There was discussion about the need and desire for additional insulation in the attic space.  Todd agreed to check on the cost to add additional insulation. 

Planning and Zoning Commission Report:  Bob Wolfe

-         Commission members reviewed the permits that were requested or granted.

-         Had discussion on Moose Mt. Drive in relation to private drives.

-         Heard reports on conditional use hearings.

-         Telecommunications Tower sub-committee---was reorganized to study and develop recommendations for Lakewood.

-         Martensen property---referred to the Zoning Administrator and Town Board.

-         Reviewed Zoning Ordinance language and agreed to develop suggestions and recommendations on Ordinance issues, especially number of homes on private drives.

-         Zoning Book revisions---in progress.

-         Need to study LIU-10 zone uses.  Board encouraged the Planning Commission to contact Mark Johnson of the St. Louis Co. Planning Dept. to review retail sales status as it relates to the LIU-10 zone.

 Zoning Administrator Report:  LeAnn Brown

-         Two Conditional use permits permit applications

1)      One application for a church in the LIU-10 zone---ordinance specifically defines no use for a church use in the zone.

2)      Request for a plumbing business wholesale shop in the LIU-10 zone---no retail sales would be involved in the use.

 Maintenance & Grounds:  Don Putnam

-         Hall roof quotes – two quotes received---agreed to postpone further discussion on this item to the June meeting agenda.

-         Safety equipment list—postpone to the June meeting---will seek grant monies information for obtaining equipment.  Items needed most urgently---three safety vests (OSHA approved), hard hats, safety glasses, lumbar support belts.  Motion by Larson to approve expenditure up to $1,000 from the Road & Bridge fund for purchase of urgently needed safety equipment.  Second by Leider.  Motion Carried.

 Road and Bridge – Don Putnam

-         Chloride spreading---Referred to discussion at last meeting about resident’s request for chloride spreading on town roads, the question being; are we required if residents request?  Town Attorney advised this is not an issue unless a complaint is filed.  Larson is seeking advice from MAT on the issue of requests from residents.  The consensus was to leave the issue without any action at this time.

-         Road Review Maintenance Priority List---the Board received recommendations from Don Putnam on prioritizing major road work for this year.  The Board supported Don’s priority list.

 Recycling – Merle Abernethy

-  Had a question on clarifying of times of opening and closing the center.  The Board indicated the opening and closing times are those given as public notice.

 Recreation – Scott Anderson

-         Presented an outline of a program possibility for summer youth program.  He will further explore details for the next Board meeting.

-         Soccer in fall due to construction of Fire Hall---the Board saw no problem related to the construction.

-         Summer Program---question about recreation assistants driving?  It was the Board consensus

-         they must be 18 years of age and have a good driving record.

Public Comment:

-         Tom Beaugard of 3295 Strand Road requested support from the Town in his request to the Gathering Church to deflect the lighting on their property to prevent the light from shining directly into their home which affects their sleeping and living conditions.  The Board agreed by consensus to correspond to Lakeview Covenant Church by the Clerk sending a letter on behalf of the township in support of Mr. Beaugard’s request to the Church.

-    Marie Paulson:  referred to article about telecommunication towers.,

-          There was recently, two legal ads for business names located in the township.

 Committee Reports:

-  MPAC – Musick.  Construction is ready to begin.

-  NSMB –  Leider.   A meeting is scheduled for May 5.

-  DAT – Leider.  No meeting this month.

-  SLCTA – All Supervisors.  At the recent meeting, the Sheriff Dept. presented information on meth labs.

 Unfinished Business:

1.       Newsletter---items to include: Fire Hall Bids and award of contract, Zoning, Summer Recreation Program and help needed, septic systems, Township assessing by County Assessor this summer, encourage sales signs to be taken down, general.

2.      Town Web Site---Larson reported on information received from the site identified as Govoffice.  The cost is $500 for initial license, $30 per month and we do own monthly uploading.  The Board requested Lauren to check into and do a trial use of the web site at Govoffice.

3.      Comprehensive Land Use Planning grant exploration---Tim Musick indicated grants are available on a matching basis for updating of Land Use Plans.  Motion by Musick to authorize an expenditure up to $5,000 from the general fund to seek a matching grant for updating of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan.  Second by Leider.  Motion Carried.  Musick will make the contact.

 New Business: 

1.      Classification of Tax Forfeited Lands:  Reference to the recent notice from St. Louis County listing four parcels in Lakewood township.  Motion by Leider to submit an application to St. Louis County for the .33 acres in section 21.  Second by Musick.  Motion Carried.

2.      NRRRI Grant:  a meeting is scheduled for Wed., May 11 at 10:30 a.m.  This is a watershed improvement proposal for the Amity-Lester River area.  The project is second in a state priority list.

3.      Liquor License Renewal request from Breeze Inn:  Motion by Leider to approve the Town’s support of the liquor license renewal for the Breeze Inn.  Second by Musick.  Motion Carried.

Other:

1.      Suggestion for Direct Deposit of payroll checks.  This was brought up as a possibility by the Treasurer to see if there is interest.  There was no action taken.

There was no other business brought forth to the Meeting. 

 Motion by Leider to Adjourn at 10:21 p.m.  Second by Musick.  Motion Carried.

The Next Regular Board Meeting is Wednesday June 1, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lakewood Town Hall.

 Respectfully Submitted;

  

Gene Bromenshenkel,

Town of Lakewood Clerk