LAKEWOOD BOARD of SUPERVISORS MEETING
December 7, 2005
The December 2005 Meeting of the Lakewood Town Board of Supervisors was called to order by Chair Diane Larson on Wednesday December 7, 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, 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: Add Review of Parkview Road easement – prior to Town Attorney’s report.
Review of Minutes:
- November 2, 2005 Board of Supervisors Meeting---On page 2---last item under Recreation Report, should read “no word received on grant submitted---“. Motion by Musick to approved the minutes as amended. Second by Leider. Motion Carried.
Financial Report:
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Brenda Lagarde reported the receipts, disbursements and balances in the town fund accounts. Total receipts year to date are: $1,161,224.86 and disbursements to date are: $1,044,545.66. The total fund balances of $397,137.69 are in balance with the monthly bank statement and the Clerk’s financial records. Motion by Leider to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Second by Musick. Motion Carried.
Bills/Claims: The Clerk presented the monthly claims for bills in amount of $136,301.54 which includes a Fire Hall installment payment to the contractor for $78,596.16. It was noted that under claim # 3435 that there was a question on the service delivered for $895.00 of the amount. Motion by Musick to pay claims #3383 through #3449 except full payment of claim 3435, to pay $1,650.00. Second by Leider. Motion Carried.
Budget Report: Clerk Gene Bromenshenkel presented the monthly budget report showing receipts, expenditures and balances of all funds. Expenditures are through the November Board meeting and receipts through the end of November with all major receipts for the year, including property taxes, collected.
Parkview Road Easement: Floyd & Terry Ferguson were present on the item previously discussed about their fence being located within the Town road easement. Supervisor Musick gave a briefing on the issue of the road easement width and the relationship to Ferguson’s fence in front of their house which is on Parkview Road. Musick indicated that the power company is usually accurate in locating the power poles outside of the road easement. Apparently, the fence is about 11/2 feet beyond (into the road easement) the power pole. Musick recommends that with the house located being grandfathered in, to leave the fence location as is at this time. Attorney Strom advised that it might be a good idea for the fence to be reflectorized. Motion by Musick that the fence be left in place at this time and that when it is replaced, it be built outside of the Town’s road easement. Second by Leider. Motion Carried.
Attorney Report: Tim Strom
1. Letter from James Lamkin on access to property on the private drive off of Radtke Road---Strom advised the Board that they recommend to Lamkin that he seek an attorney to follow the legal process of access to his property as it is outlined by State Statutes and procedures defined. Motion by Larson for the Chair of the Board of Supervisors to respond to James Lamkin and that the Town prefers not to spend funds and to recommend that Lamkin seek legal advice. Second by Leider. Motion Carried.
2. Letter from Ken Butler received by Strom: in relation to the 60-day extension period on the Diamond Willow use request. Strom wants to further review the State Statutes before responding to Butler’s contention that the 60-day period began in August and not October. Supervisor Leider raised a concern about possible violation of the open meeting law in regard to relaying such information to Supervisors via e-mail and also to the Chair making a decision about requesting the 60-day extension which was instituted by Strom in November.
3. Turn Around Easement---a draft is prepared. Putnam is to proceed with the easements on the turn around using the form drawn up by Baker of Hanft- Friede.
Department Reports:
Fire: Kurt Rogers
- The Fire Hall construction is nearly complete. The expected completion is within a week.
- Nine calls by Dept. in last month---3 medical, 3 structure fires and 3 auto accidents.
- The Fire Dept. received a letter of appreciation from the St. Louis County Sheriff on the dismantling of the meth lab in Lakewood Township.
- Dept. received a $1,000 matching grant from the DNR for use in purchasing protective equipment.
- Dept. personnel requesting to purchase new flash lights; a quantity of six for approx. $650.00. Motion by Larson to approve expenditure up to $700.00 for purchase of new flash lights. Second by Leider. Motion Carried.
- A new stove, refrigerator, and microwave has been purchased by the Fire Auxiliary for the new Fire Hall.
- Purchased new washer and dryer for the new Fire Hall from the proceeds of the calendar sales.
- Duluth-Superior Communications will donate approx. $800.00 of equipment if the Town will match with a $375.00 expenditure. Motion by Larson to expend $375.00 for a match to the donation. Second by Leider. Motion Carried.
- The Board expressed that they extend an appreciation to Kurt Rogers and the Fire Dept. for this action of obtaining grants and all the work for the township.
Maintenance & Grounds: Tammy Nelson
- The fence around the Hall sewer drainage field is up for winter protection.
- Took a load of aluminum cans to recycling depository, proceeds went to Lakewood School.
- Are in the beginning stages of flooding the skating rinks.
Road and Bridge: Tammy Nelson
- Has a concern that the contractor who received the bid for road work including grading was not able to do the required grading this fall.
Recreation: Scott Anderson
- A decision has not been received on the recreation grant application submitted to the County as of this date.
- Ice rink flooding is taking place; hope to open rinks by Christmas.
Planning and Zoning Commission Report: Al Eastman
- Gave a briefing on the November 29th joint meeting with St. Louis County Planning.
- Commission will not hold a December meeting; next meeting is last Tuesday in January.
- Conditional Use Hearing for Diamond Willow Assisted Living held on Nov. 22nd. The Conditional Use Permit request was approved.
Zoning Administrator Report – Angie Dickison Palmer
- Two zoning permits were issued during the month.
- A letter was received from an attorney, Patty Murtto of Legal Services, representing Linda Martensen. Supervisor Musick expressed that winter weather and road restrictions may hinder any removal from the Martensen property.
- A letter from Garrett Campbell was read. The Board recommended that the Zoning Administrator visit Campbell in person as a follow up after checking his conditional use permit.
- Shefler property on Whiteside Road----The County has checked on sewage and is working with them to resolve the problem.
- Three applications were received for the Zoning Administrator position. It was agreed to hold an interview meeting on Tuesday, December 13, 2006, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
- The Treasurer requested clarification on the Assistant Zoning Administrator pay rate. It was agreed that while Palmer is Acting Administrator, the compensation should be for the Administrator rate.
Recycling – Merle Abernethy
- Everything operating O.K.
Public Comment:
- None
Committee Reports:
- NSMB – Leider. No December meeting held.
- DAT – Leider. The next meeting is December 13th.
- SLCTA – All Supervisors. Meeting held in November; the December meeting is tonight.
Unfinished Business:
1. Newsletter: Items to include for December edition: Town Office Election filing, office hours, web site reference, request donation for digital camera, general.
2. Supervisor Musick referred to the application made to the Lake Superior Coastal Program for a grant to update the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The grant application was submitted by December 1, 2005.
3. Employee Benefits: It was suggested that this be put on hold until the next annual reorganization meeting. The Board reviewed additional information from St. Louis County on employee benefits. There was a consensus agreement of the Supervisors to review this item at the 2006 Reorganization Meeting.
New Business:
1. North Shore Sanitary Board of Managers – election of three expiring terms. A recommendation was forwarded by the Sanitary Board on members for the terms. Motion by Musick to adopt a resolution supporting the election of Orlando (Lars) Fladmark, Scott Smith, and Katherine Kuettel to the Board of Managers. Second by Leider. Motion Carried.
2. Holiday Office Hours for Town Hall---Motion by Leider to approve closing the Town Office for the days of December 26 through January 2nd. Second by Musick. Motion Carried.
There was no other business brought forth to the Meeting.
Motion by Leider to Adjourn the Meeting at 9:27 p.m. Second by Musick. Motion Carried.
The Next Regular Board Meeting is Wednesday January 4, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lakewood Town Hall.
Respectfully Submitted;
Gene Bromenshenkel,
Town of Lakewood Clerk
Minutes Subject to Approval at the next Regular Board of Supervisors Meeting