Draft Copy of Minutes---subject to approval at the next regular Board of Supervisors Meeting
LAKEWOOD BOARD of SUPERVISORS MEETING
January 9, 2008
The January 2008 Meeting of the Lakewood Town Board of Supervisors was called to order by Chair Tim Musick on Wednesday January 9, 2008 at 7:03 p.m. at the Lakewood Town Hall. Supervisors present: Tim Musick, Phil Halverson, Jerry Larson, Shannon Ostazeski, and Chuck Campbell. Also present were Clerk Gene Bromenshenkel, Office Coordinator Lauren Quigley, Attorney Tim Strom, Department Heads and public citizens (register attached). Treasurer Brenda Lagarde was not present.
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) under unfinished business, North Shore Sanitary Bd. Of Directors, 2) Letter on McQuade Public Access—under committee reports and 3) correspondence from MAT attorney. Motion by Ostazeski to approve the amended agenda. Second by Halverson. Motion Carried.
Review of Minutes:
--December 5, 2007 Board of Supervisors Meeting. Motion by Campbell to approve the minutes as printed. Second by Ostazeski. Motion Carried.
Financial Report:
Treasurer’s Report: A written report was submitted by Treasurer Lagarde as she was not present due to work commitments. The written report included all balances of funds, receipts, and disbursements for 2007. The statement total fund balances were in concert with the Clerk’s balances. Total ending fund balances totaled $221,122.96. Motion by Larson to approve the Treasurer’s cash balance statement report. Second by Ostazeski. Motion Carried.
Bills/Claims: The Clerk presented the monthly claims for bills in amount of $75,005.46. Motion by Ostazeski to pay claims #4689 through 4736 in the amount of $75,005.46. Second by Campbell. Motion Carried.
Budget Report: Clerk Gene Bromenshenkel presented the monthly budget report showing receipts, expenditures and balances of all funds and the fund and total ending balances as of 12-31-07. It was noted that the general fund is over $17,000 in the negative for the year.
Presentation by ARDC Staff on GIS Assessment
ARDC representatives Ben Van Tassel and Kara Kent introduced the topic of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Assessment. Mr. Van Tassel indicated that one of the largest values of GIS is for planning and zoning commissions to overlay topography, land uses and property owners via computer presentation. They portrayed a visual display of potential uses. There was discussion about the interest of Lakewood Township in utilizing data and accessing information. The Chair of the Board of Supervisors indicated that Lakewood could likely utilize the GIS for planning purposes and for the Zoning Administrator to utilize data more efficiently with planning and zoning matters. The ARDC representatives indicated they would keep the township informed as to when more information becomes available as they update the system.
Public Comment: None
Attorney Report: Tim Strom
1) On topic of Town Hall rental policies---referred to his e-mail sent regarding advice on renting; namely that the Town seek advice of its insurance.
2) Planning and Zoning Commission revised conditional use permit issued to Lipe Bros. Construction. An appeal has been filed by Lipe’s. Need to set an appeal meeting. It was agreed by consensus to set January 31, 2008 at 7 p.m. for the appeal meeting.
Department Reports:
Fire: Kurt Rogers
- Nine calls in past month---4 medical, one 1052, 2 structure fires, one auto alarm and one gas leak.
- Are installing the recently purchased primer pump on truck.
- Are completing the 2006 FEMA grant expenditures. The grant fund was over expended so need to transfer monies from the fire fund to balance the FEMA grant fund to zero; the amount is $593.08. Motion by Halverson to transfer $593.08 from the Fire dept. fund (260) to cover the town portion of the FEMA grant. Second by Campbell. Motion Carried.
- The Fire Dept. will be doing First Responder training in the near future.
Recreation: Scott Anderson
- The current warm weather is causing rinks to be closed.
- Will be hiring new staff.
Maintenance & Grounds: Don Putnam
- The tractor and broom for the rinks is not in good condition. The broom drive assembly is in poor condition and costly to repair and the degradation of the broom drive has damaged the engine of the tractor.
- Don presented two quotes for a new tractor and broom for the rink work. Both quotes are about $13,000. Quotes received: From Denny’s Lawn and Garden---$13,723.08 for a 27 hp diesel engine tractor with 4-wheel drive and includes broom and snow blower; From Duluth Lawn & Sport---$13,738.00 which includes a 2-wheel drive tractor with broom and snow blower. Motion by Campbell to purchase the snapper 27 hp tractor combination quoted at $13,723 from Denny’s Lawn and Garden with funds to be expended from: Enterprise fund at $1,777.00, Recreation fund at $5,000.00, Building & Grounds fund at $2,000.00, Road & Bridge fund at $4,000 and to accept $1,000 from the Arrowhead Soccer Fund. The motion stipulates to obtain an option for financing at 5% or less if available. Second of Motion by Halverson. Motion Carried.
- There is a need for more Town record storage space. The current store room is full. Don will obtain costs to build additional storage cabinets in the Clerk’s office.
Road & Bridge: Don Putnam
- No major problems; no ice buildup yet.
Planning and Zoning Commission Report: Bob Wolfe
- Report submitted via e-mail printed report.
- The Commission completed the conditional use permit for Lipe construction on Dec. 18, 2007.
- Next meeting (January) will work on language for signage, fill importation and telecommunication towers, for the Zoning Ordinance.
Zoning Administrator Report – Brennan Mears
- No report.
Recycling – Merle Abernethy
- Aluminum can removal is not keeping up.
- Need additional pick ups of paper.
Committee Reports:
- MPAC – Larson. Meeting held on Dec. 12th. Heard report from engineer indicating that 32 items remain to be completed by the contractor on the project. The Committee is requesting a letter of support from the township for a grant application to the Lake Superior Coastal Program. Motion by Larson to submit a letter of support to the Lake Superior Coastal Program in support of the DNR grant request for a kiosk at the McQuade Access site. The Motion failed for a lack of a second.
- NSMB – Musick. The next meeting is scheduled for January 24 at Silver Bay.
- DAT – Campbell. The next meeting is January 16th.
- SLCTA – All Supervisors. No recent meeting attended.
Unfinished Business:
1. Newsletter: Items to include for January edition: New Zoning Administrator hours, upcoming election with a listing of candidates filed by deadline, item on courtesy to walkers on local roads, general.
2. CLUP Update: The Center for Rural Planning has made a request for additional funding. A letter was received from Terry Frank requesting additional funding of $1,500 to complete the process of updating the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. They are doing additional meetings beyond the 10 meetings agreed to in the signed agreement with the township. Supervisor Campbell removed himself from discussion due to potential conflict of interest. No action was taken on the request.
3. Town Hall Rental Rates---There was discussion about rates and policies especially related to alcohol use. The Clerk informed the Board of the discussion with the Town’s insurance agency (MAT) and that the policy will support the Town’s liability providing that when alcohol is used on premises that there is a signed agreement, that renters are required to have a certified security officer on site and that the renter provide the Town with a certificate of insurance liability showing a minimum of $300,000 liability coverage. A question that needs to be addressed is renting to those outside of the township. By consensus it was agreed to refer the item to the February Board meeting.
At this time on the agenda, it was 10:00 p.m. A Motion was made by Larson to approve extension of the Meeting for 30 minutes. Second by Campbell. Motion Carried.
New Business:
1. North Shore Sanitary District Board of Directors---A resolution is requested from the Township to elect three members to the Board of Directors. The recommendations for directors include: Dean Korri from Town of Duluth, John Bowen of the Town of Duluth, and Katherine Kuettel of the City of Duluth. Motion by Halverson to adopt a resolution to elect the three to the North Shore Sanitary District Board of Directors. Second by Campbell. Motion Carried.
2. Board of Audit and Budget---agreed by consensus to set Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. for the Annual Board of Audit and Budget meeting.
Correspondence:
1. A letter was received from St. Louis County noting that timber sales are down and thus there may be an impact on tax revenue.
2. A letter was read announcing the availability of community development block grants.
3. There was discussion about the possibility of publishing information on Town Officer candidates in the newsletter. No action was taken.
4. Correspondence from Peter Tiede---it was noted that a May 20, 2008 court date has been set on the Hwy. 61 Expressway suit. It was agreed by consensus to have a conference call with attorney Tiede prior to that date.
There was no other business brought forth to the Meeting. Motion by Larson to Adjourn the Meeting at 10:35 p.m. Second by Ostazeski. Motion Carried.
The Next Regular Board Meeting is Wednesday February 6, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lakewood Town Hall.
Respectfully Submitted;
Gene Bromenshenkel,
Town of Lakewood Clerk