LAKEWOOD BOARD of SUPERVISORS MEETING

October 4, 2006

The October, 2006 Meeting of the Lakewood Town Board of Supervisors was called to order by Chair Diane Larson on Wednesday October 4, 2006 at 7:04 p.m. at the Lakewood Town Hall.  Supervisors present: Diane Larson and Tim Musick.  Supervisor Chuck Campbell was absent.  Also present were Treasurer Brenda Lagarde, Clerk Gene Bromenshenkel, 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:  Additions---1) Center for Rural planning Workshops – add under New Business.

Review of Minutes: 

-         Minutes of September 6, 2006 Board of Supervisors Monthly Meeting.  Motion by Musick to approved the minutes as printed.  Second by Larson.  Motion Carried. 

Financial Report: 

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Brenda Lagarde reported the receipts, disbursements and balances in the town fund accounts for the month ending on September 30, 2006.  Total fund balances are $163,313.21.   This sum including outstanding checks is in balance with the monthly bank statement and with the Clerk’s records.  Motion by Larson to approve the Treasurer’s report.  Second by Musick.  Motion Carried.

Bills/Claims:  The Clerk presented the monthly claims for bills in amount of $28,200.43. Motion by Musick to approve payment of Claims #3887 through 3941 in amount of $28,200.43.  Second by Larson.  Motion Carried.

Budget Report:  Clerk Gene Bromenshenkel presented the monthly budget report showing the expenditures through the September Board Meeting and receipts through September 30, 2006.  Fund receipts, expenditures and balances are on target with the established budget.

Lakewood School Request:  The School has requested the use of the Town Hall for emergency evacuation purposes.  Motion by Musick to respond to Lakewood School indicating Board approval of the School to use the Town Hall for emergency evacuation purposes.  Second by Larson.  Motion Carried.

Attorney Report:  Tim Strom

At this time there was discussion on the published items of consideration for options of organization:  The purpose of this discussion with public present is to assist the Board in a decision of whether or not to propose several items to the Electors at the next Annual Election:

1)      Change in number of Supervisors to 5-member Board---Comments from public:

-         In favor---gives a broader representation on the Board.

-         Question on added cost---response was that it would cost about $2,500 more per year.

-         Would allow two members of Board to discuss Town Business.

-         It would also allow for a broader distribution of work load.

-         Could have a problem of commitment and attendance of members of Board to attend meetings.

-         Would there be a special election?  Attorney Strom indicated that the State Statutes

-         allows for a special election within 60 days of electorate approval to move to a 5-member Board of Supervisors.

-         Reference was made to Duluth Township who moved to a 5-member Board.  Sometimes there has been more debate resulting in a longer period for decision making. 

2)      Clerk/Treasurers Position ---consideration for appointment of position rather than electing:

-         In favor of electing, can end up with appointment of friends to these positions.

-         Against appointment.  Would like to see it as elected.

-         Advantage of appointing---can find commitment required of the position.

-         Not in favor of going outside of township for appointment of positions.

-         Reality may be difficult to get people to run for positions.

-         If appointing people, could end up in division of township.

-         Would an appointment involve a time limit or an employment process.  Attorney Strom advised an employment process would be most appropriate. 

3)      Moving Annual Town Election to November---

-         Question on terms---longer terms would be required since an election would be held every two years rather than annually.

-         Prefer to keep in March.

-         One benefit would be to reduce costs.

Highway 61 Expressway LLC conditional use permit --- Strom indicated the Town has been served with a summons from the applicant and further discussion should not be held outside of discussion with the attorney from MAT (Minnesota Association of Townships), who is representing the Town in the matter.  A special meeting is requested by the Attorney representing the Town.  Motion by Musick to set a Special Town Board Meeting for Thursday, October 12, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. to meet with Attorney to discuss the summons.  Second by Larson.   Motion Carried. 

Department Reports: 

Fire:  Kurt Rogers

-         Three calls in month---one 1052, one medical and one auto alarm.

-         One member to take first responder training at a cost of $300, also to obtain clothing for this person at an approximate cost of $500.00.  Motion by Larson to expend up to $1,000 from the Fire Dept. fund for training and clothing for new person.  Second by Musick.  Motion Carried.

-         Discussion on State Fire Marshall report on Town Hall---Tables are blocking the exit doors.  Don will see that they are moved to the other corner of Hall.

-         Discussion on response to St. Louis County on Lismore/McQuade Roads.  It was agreed to send copies to Commissioners Forsman and Peg Sweeney, the letter which the Board sent in support of the County establishing stop signs at the intersection.

-         The Fire Dept. recommends that the County Hazard Mitigation Plan be adopted.  Motion by Larson to set a Public Hearing date on the County Hazard Mitigation Plan for November 1, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. at the Town Hall.  Second by Musick.  Motion Carried. 

Maintenance & Grounds:  Don Putnam

-         All courts and rink board have been painted.

-         Water storage for rink---Chuck Campbell will continue the planning for installation of the water storage tank.

-         Will check on painting of entry doors.  He will check on kick plates on the two main entry doors.

Road & Bridge:  Don Putnam

-         Jerry Norick was present and inquired on the Lower McDonnell road.  The City of Duluth is not paying the County to maintain the road.  The Supervisors noted that if the Town maintains the city portion, then they become owner of the road.

-         Albert Olson Road---there is a problem with one driveway on a parcel.  Supervisor Musick suggested that Don discuss the problem with the property owner to work out the difficulties of access.

-         Letter from Tom Abdu---need to respond on his request for chlorination of road.  He will be contacted, indicating that the cost of application is too high.

-         Property owner---appreciates the brush removed at the intersection of N. Tischer and Balsam Ave.  It has greatly improved visibility.

Planning and Zoning Commission:  Bob Wolfe

-         The Commission discussed the cell tower appeal.  Commission requests notice of appeal meetings.

-         Proposed for Ordinance text change – Commission requests a properly prepared change notice (referred to as legislative format).

-         As a matter of record---Clarification on who is authorized to make Zoning Ordinance changes on the web site?  It was noted that three positions have the approval---the Zoning Administrator, Office Coordinator and Clerk.  Only these positions have an administrative pass on the computer.

-         Discussed two proposals for Ordinance text changes prepared by the Zoning Administrator.

-         Lipe Bros. Construction Co. conditional use permit---the Commission agreed that a review needs to be done on the permit.  They recommend a public hearing and set a tentative date of October 18 at 7 p.m.  The Zoning Administrator has determined that the conditional use permit is in violation.  The Board supported the Commission proceed with a public hearing on that date.

-         Motion by Musick that future text changes proposed for Zoning Ordinance amendments be done in legislative format for all zoning and Comprehensive Land Use text changes.  Second by Larson.  Motion Carried.

-         There are a number of proposed Ordinance changes on the table at this time.  The Board encouraged the Commission to complete the proposed changes and to hold a Public Hearing to consider all or most of them at one hearing.

Motion by Larson to recess the meeting at 9:11 p.m.  Second by Musick.  Motion Carried.  The Meeting was reconvened at 9:26 p.m.

Recycling:  Merle Abernethy

-         The light on the garage building is out and needs bulb replacement.

Zoning Administrator Report:  Brennan Mears

-         Presented a printed report of zoning activity of the year to date.

-         Gary Brucklemyer---there are three issues---easements, land use permit and conditional use permit.  Gave him until October 10, 2006 to work on the easement issue.

-         Anderson on Lester River Road---a salvage business is in operation on the property.  Is working with the property owner on the issue.

-         Variance for Jim Melander was denied.

-         Linda Martenson---Town received notification that she received the certified letter.

-         Cant Road---waiting for letter from St. Louis County.  Have acknowledged that the road is a county road.

-         Referred to the Zoning Ordinance regarding language on improved public road regarding issuance of zoning permits.  The Ordinance states an “approved public road” and not “improved public road”.

Recreation:  Scott Anderson

     -   No report.

Public Comment:    

 -    None

Committee Reports:

-  NSMB –  No meeting held recently.

-  DAT – No attendance at meeting.

-  SLCTA – All Supervisors.  Annual Meeting is in October.

-  MAT District Mtg:  Held Sept. 28 at Twig.  Supervisor Larson attended.  Jim Fisher was re-elected district director.

Unfinished Business:

1.      Comprehensive Land Use Update grant – final approval received for grant.

2.      RFP for CLUP update---reviewed draft of RFP request---agreed to send out RFP’s to proposed list and to publish in newspaper.

3.      County Land Conveyance of .33 acres on N. Tischer Road---request Supervisor Campbell to review letter from County and refer to November Board agenda.

New Business: 

1.      Certification of Election Judges for November 7 General Election.  Motion by Larson to approve certification of all trained judges for the Nov. 7 General Election.  Second by Musick.  Motion Carried.

2.      Center for Rural Planning---is seeking interest in additional workshops.  Survey of those present done.

Correspondence/Other:

There was no other business brought forth at the Meeting.

The Next Monthly Board Meeting is Wednesday November 1, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lakewood Town Hall.

Motion by Musick to adjourn the Meeting at 10:03 p.m.  Second by Larson.  Motion Carried.

Respectfully Submitted;

 

Gene Bromenshenkel

Town of Lakewood Clerk