LAKEWOOD BOARD of SUPERVISORS MEETING

February 1, 2006

The February, 2006 Meeting of the Lakewood Town Board of Supervisors was called to order by Chair Diane Larson on Wednesday February 1, 2006 at 7:04 p.m. at the Lakewood Town Hall.  Supervisors present: Diane Larson, and Tim Musick. Supervisor Hugo Leider was absent.  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:  Agenda amended to include two items under the Zoning Administrator Report---fees for variances, conditional uses and appeals, Assistant Zoning Administrator position and under one item under New Business---a request from the Center for Rural Planning for support of training plans.

Review of Minutes: 

-         January 4, 2006 Regular Board Meeting----Motion by Musick to approve the minutes as printed.  Second by Larson.  Motion Carried.

-         January 23, 2006 Special Board Meeting----Motion by Musick to approve 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 January 31. 2006.  Total fund balances are $162,949.88.  This balances with the monthly bank statement and with the Clerk’s fund balances.  The Treasurer brought up the item of outstanding checks, dating back to February of the year 2000.  There are a total of seven (7) checks including those issued in January of 2006 that are outstanding.  Those outstanding prior to January 1, 2006 include:  To Linda Martinsen dated 2-3-2000 in amount of $428.50; to American Tower Co. dated 9-7-2000 in amount of $200.00; to James Rich dated 9-3-2003 in amount of $24.00; and to Widdes Supply dated 11-5-2003 in amount of $97.29.  Also a check to Lance Johnson dated 4-7-2004 in amount of $40.00.  Motion by Larson to cancel the above stated checks and to call Lance Johnson regarding his outstanding check.  Second by Musick.  Motion Carried.

The final property tax apportionment was received including market value adjustments for a total of $19,384.90.  This will show on next month’s receipts.

Motion by Musick to approve the Treasurer’s report.  Second by Larson.  Motion Carried.

Bills/Claims:  The Clerk presented the monthly claims for bills in amount of $10,627.82.  Motion by Musick to approve payment of claims #3494 through 3528 in the amount of $10,627.82.  Second by Larson.  Motion Carried.

 Budget Report:  Clerk Gene Bromenshenkel presented the monthly budget report showing the projected budget for 2006 with expenditures on January 1 and receipts through January 31st. 

Attorney Report:  Memo sent from Attorney Tim Strom

–        A written legal of the items addressed by Attorney Strom was forwarded to the Board (copy attached).

Department Reports:

Fire:  Kurt Rogers

-         Four calls taken by Department during past month.

-         Have moved into the new Fire Hall.

-         In early April, training is planned for fire personnel.

-         A training---an auto-extraction class will be held by Lake Superior College.  The estimated cost for all personnel to attend is estimated at $2,000.  Motion by Larson to approve expenditure up to $2,000 from the Fire Fund for the auto-extraction training.  Second by Musick.  Motion Carried.

-         On the new Fire Hall---are working down on the punch list on items remaining to be completed.

-         Rogers submitted a letter to the Board expressing concern about the telephone hook-up which has not been completed by the Town’s computer consultant.  Suggests that another vendor complete if not done in a reasonable timetable.

-         Has received the signs for the bollards on no parking, fire zone, etc.

Maintenance & Grounds:  Don Putnam

-         Have moved the road and bridge and grounds equipment into the old Fire Hall.

-         Air compressor---need a new one.  Estimated cost is approx. $375.00 plus tax on two quotes he obtained.  Motion by Musick to authorize the purchase of a new air compressor up to $400.00 from the Grounds & Maintenance fund.  Second by Larson.  Motion Carried.

-         The Aluminum can recycling has been moved into the garage.  Will be adding an outside light on the garage building.

-         Will be doing some interior painting in the Hall soon.

Road and Bridge:  Don Putnam

-         Already some problems with water on roads due to frozen culverts; causes bad holes in the roads.  A major problem has occurred on Maple Street.

-         County has notified the Township of an increase in the snowplowing contract rate for the 2006-2007 season; it will increase to $510.00 per mile.

Planning and Zoning Commission Report:  Bob Wolfe

-         Telecommunications sub-committee is nearing completion of the proposed revision.

-         The Commission proposes changing language for conditional use requests.

-         Recommendation that a fee be charged when an appeal is made to the Board as Supervisors; recommend the same fee as for the initial requests for a conditional use and variance.

-         Began review of retail sales in the LIU-10 zone.  A moratorium is now in place.  The Commission did not arrive at any conclusions or directions at this time.

-         Zoning text change from Diamond Willow Assisted Living---a Public Hearing is scheduled for February 23, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.

-         Fees for appeals---need to review costs.  There was discussion as to whether or not a fee for an appeal on a decision from the Commission to the Board of Supervisors should be instituted.  Initially, an appeal may prevent an individual from appealing something which may be in the interest of the public in the township.

-         Discussion on Public Notice for Feb. 23 zoning change request:  was discussed and agreed that it should contain:  1) currently no multi-family dwellings are allowed in township, 2) currently no assisted living facilities are allowed in the LIU-10 zone and 3) the request is to change the ordinance text to allow assisted living facilities as a conditional use in the LIU-10 zone areas.

Zoning Administrator Report:  No report.

Recreation Dept.:  Scott Anderson

-         The skating rink has been open 12 days thus far.

-         The hose reel motor and drive are broken, looking into other possibilities as a drive is hard to find.

Recycling – Merle Abernethy

-   Aluminum cans are being recycled in the garage building.

Public Comment:

-   Chuck Campbell:   Has a question on the moratorium on retail sales approvals in the LIU-10 zone, as to when the moratorium expires.  The minutes of the Board meetings were reviewed and determined that the moratorium was enacted on May 4, 2005 for a one-year period.

Committee Reports:

-  NSMB –  Leider.   No one attended the meeting.

-  DAT – Leider.  No one attended the meeting.

-  SLCTA – All Supervisors.  No one able to attend meeting.

There was discussion about times when more than one Supervisor may be attending an area meeting.  Supervisors attend for information gathering.  Motion by Larson that all Supervisors may attend meetings for informational purposes and that this be published in the newsletter.  Second by Musick.  Motion Carried.

Unfinished Business:

1.      Newsletter:  Items to include in February edition---Annual Meeting and Election Notice, Public Hearing on Feb. 23 giving details of proposed change as a special insert, proposed levy for annual meeting, meeting summaries and general items.

 New Business: 

1.      Certification of Election Judges:  Motion by Larson to certify all trained election judges except Al and Linda Eastman as Al is a candidate for Supervisor, as approved to serve as election judges at the March Annual Town Election.  Second by Musick.  Motion Carried.

2.      Board of Canvass Meeting:  Motion by Musick to set the Annual Election Board of Canvass Meeting on March 14, 2006, immediately after the election judges report results.  Second by Larson.  Motion Carried.

3.      Annual Reorganization Meeting:  Agreed by consensus to hold the meeting on March 29, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall.

4.      Tax Forfeited Lands:  A letter was sent by the Chair of the Board to the St. Louis County Commissioner Peg Sweeney.

5.      Center for Rural Planning:  The organization is requesting a letter of support for training they have planned on rural planning.  It was agreed by consensus to write a letter of support for the proposed training planned for this summer.

6.      Assistant Zoning Administrator Position:  Motion by Larson to hire both LeAnn Brown and Angie Dickison as Assistant Zoning Administrators.  Second by Musick.  Motion Carried.

There was no other business brought forth to the Meeting. 

Motion by Musick to adjourn the Meeting at 9:07 p.m.  Second by Larson.  Motion Carried.

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

Respectfully Submitted;

Gene Bromenshenkel,

Town of Lakewood Clerk