** Draft Copy of Minutes—Subject to approval at next regular meeting
LAKEWOOD BOARD of SUPERVISORS MEETING
October 3, 2007
The October 2007 Meeting of the Lakewood Town Board of Supervisors was called to order by Chair Tim Musick on Wednesday October 3, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lakewood Town Hall. Supervisors present: Tim Musick, Phil Halverson, Shannon Ostazeski, Chuck Campbell, and Jerry Larson. Also present were Treasurer Brenda Lagarde, Clerk Gene Bromenshenkel, Office Coordinator Lauren Quigley, 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 Chair established by an agreement of consensus to take a time certain break at 8:30 p.m. at which time, the payroll checks would be signed.
- Attorney Tiede request on documents.
- Motion by Ostazeski to approve the agenda with additions. Second by Campbell. Motion Carried.
Review of Minutes:
- September 5, 2007 Board of Supervisors Meeting---Corrections noted---on page four---word “feels” should replace misspelled word fels. Motion by Campbell to approve the minutes with typo correction. Second by Ostazeski. Motion Carried.
- September 19, 2007 Special Board Meeting---Motion by Campbell to approve the minutes as printed. Second by Larson. Motion Carried.
Financial Report:
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Brenda Lagarde reported all receipts, disbursements and balance totals to date with the total fund balances of $223,538.69. With deposits in transit and outstanding checks, the statement balances with the monthly bank statement. The Treasurer’s cash control statement balances with the Clerk’s cash balance statement. Motion by Larson to approve the Treasurer’s cash control statement to date. Second by Ostazeski. Motion Carried.
Bills/Claims: Clerk Gene Bromenshenkel presented the month’s claims and reviewed the amounts and purpose for billings. The Clerk explained a number of the claims in detail. The claim #4416 in amount of $750.00 was re-submitted as it was not approved at the last Board meeting. The Board deferred action on the claim at this time to discussion under committee reports Motion by Campbell to approve the payment of claims #4512 through 4564 minus the claim of #4416 for $750.00. Second by Halverson. Motion Carried.
Budget Report: The Clerk presented the monthly budget summary showing receipts and disbursements through September.
Public Comment:
- Don Putnam: Brought forth concerns expressed by a resident on Medin Road about the frequent requirement of medical responders to go to the group home located there.
- Bob Gray: About the Centennial Time Capsule. To date it has not been completed. Don Putnam responded that the material was reviewed by a sub-group of the Centennial Committee and has been in storage in the Town Hall. The Board indicated they would see that the time capsule will be buried under the stone marker at the northeast corner of the Town Hall as was planned and supported by the 2002 Centennial Committee.
Attorney Report: Tim Strom
- Attorney Strom was not present and indicated via e-mail communication the items he wanted to report which include:
He is working with the Planning and Zoning Commission on the Lipe Bros. Construction conditional use permit review.
- Discovery documents on the Highway 61 Expressway suit were received from Peter Tiede requesting the Board review and move on adoption to be changed or submitted as per the packet. Motion by Larson to approve the discoveries and interrogatories packet as sent by Tiede and to return them to Tiede. Second by Ostazeski. Motion Carried.
Update on Comprehensive Land Use Review: Dave Miller from Center for Rural Planning gave a presentation on the progress of the Steering Committee in working on the update of the CLUP. He presented a draft copy of the work thus far. The Committee is continuing work on the visioning part of the plan. There has been some discussion and lack of consensus on a portion of the draft plan; mainly on economic development. Miller recommends that a joint meeting of the Steering Committee and the Board of Supervisors be scheduled to review a couple of the items. The Board discussed possible dates for a special meeting. It was agreed by consensus to set a special meeting for Wed., October 24, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. to meet jointly with the Steering Committee. Miller presented an outline projecting the timetable for the project with a completion date contemplated by February of 2008. Miller proposed another briefing at the December Board meeting.
- A request was made at this time by the public for comments on the zoning ordinance amendments made at the last Board (September) meeting. It was decided to put the item under unfinished business on the agenda.
Department Reports:
Fire Department – Kurt Rogers
- Seven calls made by Dept. in month---5 medical, one structure and one tree in a power line.
- Submitted a matching grant to DNR for a total of $6,000.00 on a 50/50 match. The grant funds are requested for hoses generator and other equipment including a dry fire hydrant. The matching amount will require $3,000 in township funds. Motion by Campbell to approve an expenditure for a match to the grant up to $3,000 from the Fire Fund (260). Second by Halverson. Motion Carried.
- The Dept. obtained the two new radios of different band width which were previously approved.
- Everything in Dept. operating well.
- Rogers requested of the Board that any information requested of the Dept. be brought up at the Board of Supervisors meeting while a Fire Dept. representative is present at the meeting.
- Don Putnam expressed an appreciation to the Fire Dept. for road assistance during recent road work.
Maintenance and Grounds – Don Putnam
- Reviewed the previous Board policy---that all work done on grounds including rink flooding, was established as being compensated from the Building and Grounds Fund. Putnam made a suggestion to help alleviate the expenditures from the Building and Grounds Fund; that is to begin charging all building and grounds work to the department for which the work is being done. Supervisor Campbell supported doing this and to meet with the recreation and grounds personnel to discuss further.
- Hall floor stripping, waxing---the estimated cost is $600 to complete. The Board supported by consensus, to do the Hall floor now.
- Don suggested the Board review the Town Hall rental rates and to consider raising the rates. The Board advised Don to check with other townships and obtain more information for the November meeting. Campbell will gather information about city facility rental.
- Need to remove a tree in front of Hall. Requests to have Kunst Constr. Assist with equipment while they are on site working on the water storage tank. The cost is estimated at $60.00.
- Rink water storage tank is in process of being installed.
- Noted that Lipe Bros. Construction Co. donated the insulation for the top of the tank. The Board requested Don to send a letter of appreciation to Lipe’s. The tank installation should be completed within a week.
Road and Bridge – Don Putnam
- A large culvert has been removed on Lavis Road.
- Installed culverts on West Elm and Poplar Roads.
- A driveway was installed off the turn around on West Elm Road. The property owner provided additional property for the turn around.
- Lauren Road turn around---the Board advised Don to inform Town Attorney of the situation.
- Should be done with road work for the season.
Recreation –
- Don Putnam talked to people about renovating the soccer field. Has recommendations from various people to add rotted manure and till into upper part of soil. A local resident has volunteered to do the tilling. The estimated cost of bringing in and applying rotted manure is about $1,800. Supervisor Campbell talked with the Youth Soccer Association about support. He feels the Town needs to require more support from the association for both labor and funding. The Town is currently supporting all of the maintenance costs. Recommendation was received from Scott Anderson and Don Putnam to expend up to $2,000 to renovate the soccer field. Motion by Halverson to approve expenditure up to $2,000 from the Recreation Fund for renovation of soccer field turf and to request a contribution of labor from the Arrowhead Soccer Association. Second by Campbell. Motion Carried.
Planning and Zoning Commission Report – Bob Wolfe
- For the last two meetings, the agendas have been deferred due to scheduling recessed public hearings on review of the Lipe Construction conditional use permit.
- Are continuing to work on revision of the Ordinance section on telecommunication towers.
- Have on the agenda, two items: 1) Ordinance language for importation of fill and 2) signs on or near properties.
At 8:20 p.m. the Chair declared the planned agenda break to sign checks. The Meeting was resumed at 8:38 p.m.
Committee Reports:
- MPAC---The next meeting is Oct. 23rd.
- NSMB---There was discussion on the Joint Powers Agreement; it contains language for the provision of assessments to local units of government. This year’s assessment to townships is $750.00. The Claim for this was submitted but as of yet is outstanding as not paid to date. Supervisor Ostazeski: At the last meeting we discussed the NSMB submitting a progress report and plans when grants are requested. (The $750 assessment is to be used as a match for a grant request). It was suggested for the November Board agenda to obtain a presentation or written report from the NSMB on plans for the grant and a progress update. Motion by Larson to expend $750.00 to pay claim #4416 as matching funds for the matching grant support obligation under the Joint Powers Agreement. Second by Ostazeski. Discussion on Motion: Board members agreed to request that the NSMB provide an annual plan update each year and to obtain a written copy of the past and current year plans. Motion Carried.
- DAT---Will be meeting October 18th at 7 p.m. in Canosia Twp.
- SLCTA---Halverson attended last meeting. A legislative presentation was made by State Representative Tony Sertich and Senator Tomassoni.
Unfinished Business:
1. Next Town Newsletter---October edition. General items, special meeting on CLUP update, School Bd. Election on Nov. 6th.
2. Town Properties Insurance---the MAT Agency is still reviewing the proposed replacement values for all townships. Our current policy which in renewable on Nov. 1st will continue.
3. Animal Control Contract with City of Duluth---briefly reviewed the contract. Board requested to check with Rice Lake on animal control officer and to check on proposed fees for a new contract with Duluth. Also need to review liability issues with Town Attorney. Item to be placed on Nov. Board meeting agenda.
4. Request to discuss LIU zoning:
- Tim Huchthausen form Amish Furniture Haus---The Planning and Zoning Commission recommendations for the LIU-10 zone were not regarded in the decision of the Town Board. He read the Commission recommendation report submitted by Chair Bob Wolfe to the Board. The Board did not follow the recommendations of the Commission.
- Greg Follmer---he indicated that at the Sept. 5, 2007 Board meeting in reference to the recommendations; that there were no official recommendations. He cited state statutes regarding the process of zoning ordinance changes in that recommendations are to be followed.
- Bob Wolfe---feels that a recommendation was clearly made by the Commission.
- Supervisor Ostazeski made reference to the role of the Board of Supervisors; that the Board is the decision making body. It takes the recommendations of the Planning and Zoning Commission and then makes decisions which may or may not be the same as items recommended. The Chair of the Board (Musick) indicated that the Board will request the Town Attorney to review the process.
Recycling Dept. Report: Merle Abernethy
- Operations are running smoothly.
Zoning Administrator Report: Brennan Mears
- Presented a written summary of zoning permits issued to date this year. 42 permits have been issued.
- Is checking on inquiry abut possible building construction at the end of Radtke Road.
- Will be reviewing the costs associated with issuance of zoning permits.
- Will be checking with Lipe Bros. to go over property jointly to measure property coverage.
- Turn Around on Lauren Road---a zoning permit for an accessory building was issued previously, on the property where a variance is being requested.
New Business:
1. Certification of Election Judges for Nov. 6th School Board Election---Motion by Campbell to certify all trained election judges as eligible to serve at the November 6th School Board Election. Second by Ostazeski. Motion Carried.
2. Length of Board Meetings---Supervisor Musick brought the following suggestion as an option to consider for length of the monthly Board meetings---could set a time limit and then review additional time such as 30-minute increments. Supervisor Larson---is concerned about the public waiting for long periods for items to come up on agenda. Feels 10:30 p.m. should be a limit. Supervisor Halverson---is open to what works best for the Board and especially for the public. Supervisor Campbell---suggests trying the method of setting time limit as offered by Musick. Consensus: There was a consensus agreement to set a time certain adjournment of 10:00 p.m. with extension of time to be agreed upon by consensus. Request for Agendas: at the bottom of the printed agenda in bold state the following: Meetings to conclude at 10:00 p.m. with extension’s agreed upon by consensus of the Board members.
Other:
1.District MAT Meeting---the staff encouraged elected officials to attend a two-day legal meeting in the twin cities, to be held on Oct. 11 & 12. Halverson is interested in attending. Motion by Campbell to support financially, the registration, mileage and lodging expenses for two days and nights to attend the legal seminar. Second by Larson. Motion Carried.
There was no other business brought forth at the Meeting.
Motion by Halverson to adjourn the Meeting at 10:22 p.m. Second by Campbell. Motion Carried.
Respectfully Submitted;
Gene Bromenshenkel
Town of Lakewood Clerk