Draft Copy of Minutes---subject to approval at the next regular Board of Supervisors Meeting
LAKEWOOD BOARD of SUPERVISORS MEETING
February 6, 2008
The February 2008 Meeting of the Lakewood Town Board of Supervisors was called to order by Chair Tim Musick on Wednesday February 6, 2008 at 7:00 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 to agenda: 1) Hwy 61 law suit meeting, 2) Letter from Stauber-Lien regarding Levine request—review under Town Attorney report, 3) Clerk’s position –under new business, 4) Move Zoning Administrator to follow Fire Dept. report. Motion by Halverson to approve the agenda as amended. Second by Campbell. Motion Carried.
Review of Minutes:
-January 9, 2008 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 including the Treasurer’s cash control statement was submitted by Treasurer Lagarde as she was not present due to work commitments. The cash control statement included all balances of funds, receipts, and disbursements for the month of January and receipts and balances. The statement showed all funds in balance with the Clerk’s cash balances. Total ending fund balances totaled $147,245.07. Motion by Larson to approve the Treasurer’s cash balance statement report. Second by Halverson. Motion Carried. The Treasurer reported that three certificates of deposit were renewed at Three percent interest for a one-year period. The Certificates were for amounts of: 1) $20,704.22, 2) $20,004.08, and 3) $17,119.95.
Bills/Claims: The Clerk presented the monthly claims for bills in amount of $26,760.91 and reviewed the claims for purpose and explanation. Motion by Larson to approve payment of Claims 4737 through 4787 in the amount of $26,760.91. Second by Ostazeski. Motion Carried.
Budget Report: Clerk Gene Bromenshenkel presented the monthly budget report showing receipts, expenditures and balances of all funds through January, 2008. A proposed budget has been developed for 2008; department heads are encouraged to review and bring any suggested changes to the February 13, 2008 Audit and Budget meeting.
Public Comment: None
- Cheryl Erickson and Len Johnson. Were present to explain the grant request being made by the McQuade Access Project. The Project and Joint Powers Board is requesting support of the local units of government in submitting a grant for the purpose of funding for an informational kiosk and other public information signage at the McQuade Boat Access Site. The grant request is being made to the Lake Superior Coastal Program. Motion by Larson to provide a letter of support to the grant application being submitted by the McQuade Access Board to the Lake Superior Coastal Program. Second by Halverson. Discussion on Motion: A question was raised about any costs to the township. Cheryl Erickson: The DNR is responsible for all maintenance and operation of the Access Site. Local people have volunteered for such items as mowing grass until the DNR takes over the operations. There will be no costs to the township for any of the operations of the Access. Vote on Motion: Motion Carried.
- Don Putnam---went to one of the local caucuses. Made him proud to be in Lakewood as the turnout was great and the participation was positive.
Attorney Report: Tim Strom
- A letter extending the 60-day period was sent to Lipe and attorney on the review of Lipe’s conditional use permit.
- A meeting is set for Feb. 19 or 20 on the committee to develop a proposal for resolution on the Lipe conditional use permit.
- A letter was received from Stauber and Lien to the township regarding the Levine property and the status of the LIU-10 zone. The letter referenced statements regarding the July 24, 2007 public hearing on zoning text amendments which include the LIU-10 zone, of which Levine’s property is in that zone. Stauber is requesting on behalf of Levine’s, to certify that the property is grandfathered for current uses in the zoning ordinance. Supervisor Halverson indicated that grandfathered situations have several facets. The Zoning Administrator offered to draft a letter of response to Stauber and Lien and to relate the contents of a draft to Supervisor Halverson before sending.
- Zoning Administrator Mears had a question about improved public roads. The Ordinance has an error which is stated as “approved”.
Department Reports:
Fire: Kurt Rogers
- Six calls made by dept. in past month---two medical, one false alarm, and three structure fires.
- The Town Fire Marshall will be attending the state fire school; cost is $180.00. Motion by Campbell to approve the expenditure of $180 from the Fire Fund for the school. Second by Halverson. Motion Carried.
- Inspection on Fire Trucks---will be returning the old Dodge truck to the DNR.
- Are in need of new tires on trucks and med van. Total of 10 tires needed---are able to purchase on the state bid for $920.00. Motion by Larson to approve the purchase of 10 tires @$920. Second by Ostazeski. Motion Carried.
- On the truck which will be returned to the DNR, want to take the hitch off. It is not useable on any other truck and have some fire personnel interested in purchasing. Motion by Halverson to authorize the Fire Chief to obtain bids to sell the unusable hitch. Second by Ostazeski. Motion Carried with one dissenting vote.
- Heat in the new Fire Hall---the boiler system is not working properly; it lost pressure. The heat exchanger failed in the boiler. Has had a plumber check the system and to contact the manufacturer. It appears possible that the wrong coolant was put into the system. The Board concurred that the unit needs to be repaired and to proceed with possibilities for obtaining manufacture’s warranty, etc. for paying for the repair.
- Bob Wolfe expressed an appreciation to Gary Campbell and the Fire Dept. in providing safety training as a step in the Scout’s obtaining their badges.
Zoning Administrator: Brennan Mears
- Printed out budget reports for 2005 through 2007 and the list of zoning permits, conditional use permits and variances issued in 2007.
- One zoning permit issued in the past month.
- A couple of variance hearings were held in the past month, with both variances granted.
Maintenance & Grounds: Don Putnam
- Had electrical contractor review the lights in the Town Hall meeting room. There is apparently a cross feeding in the wiring between the lights. The contractor will be coming Friday.
- On Building & Grounds budget---all custodial for general government meetings have been expended from the Buildings & Grounds fund and should be taken from the general fund. The cost for 2007 was approx. $1200.00.
- Had a problem with the thermostat in the main Hall---it was broken probably by the renter of the building.
- Main well---are getting some dark sediment. May have been due to the removal of the water heater. Will check the water supply tank.
- New tractor is operating well; only ones operating it are Don and Scott Anderson.
At the time, the planned recess was taken at 8:40 p.m. to sign checks. The meeting was reconvened at 8:54 p.m.
- Are out of space in the records store room. Need to get some of the unused equipment out. The Board concurred and left it to the Clerk and Don Putnam to decide where equipment should go, be sold, etc.
Road and Bridge: Don Putnam
- Water is starting to build up near a couple of the road culverts. County has been consulted on a couple; will thaw only if road flooding is imminent.
- County will begin charging $700 pr mile for snow plowing and sanding on the snow removal contract for the 2008-09 year.
- Bob Wolfe: Boy scouts could volunteer to sand the fire hall lot area.
- Road bids---discussed and then deferred to the next meeting to develop more specifications on gravelling of roads.
Planning and Zoning Commission: Bob Wolfe
- Reviewed the minutes of all the Lipe conditional use hearings at the last meeting.
- Spent considerable time on public comment.
- Communications tower proposed language is continued to be worked on.
- Working on importation of fill language for Ordinance-will is on next agenda along with signage language.
Recycling: Merle Abernethy
- Everything is operating o.k.
Recreation: Scott Anderson
- Everything on rink is working well.
Weed Inspection: The Weed Inspector has resigned. No action taken.
Committee Reports:
- MPAC – Larson. Larson will write the letter in support of the McQuade Access grant request.
- NSMB – Musick. A meeting was held in Silver Bay. Did not have a quorum for business. Held a discussion on MPCA storm water specifications on setbacks for shore land erosion control. The MPCA is proposing a 100 ft. setback and the DNR requirements are 75 feet. One of the emerging issues on the North Shore Management Plan is differences between local zoning and the proposals of the Plan. Also discussed erosion hazard areas. The State of the Coast conference is being planned for April.
- DAT – Campbell. A meeting was held in January. The main item was discussion of township issues including zoning, discharges of fire arms. Will have a speaker from the DNR on fire arms at one of the next meetings. Checked with other townships on rental allowing alcohol. Most have policies similar to Lakewood’s, one does not allow any alcohol on premises.
- SLCTA – All Supervisors. No recent meeting.
Unfinished Business:
1. Newsletter: Items to include for February edition: Info. on annual meeting and election, recreation photos, encourage contacting of Supervisors on questions on issues such as zoning, etc.
2. CLUP Update: The Center for Rural Planning is requesting an extension of the agreement to complete the Comprehensive Land Use update. They are requesting $1,500 in addition to the agreement which was concluded on 12-31-07. Supervisor Campbell recused himself from further discussion due to a conflict of interest. The agreement extension was discussed. Motion by Ostazeski to accept the addendum to the agreement providing for an additional township funding of $1,500 for expenses to complete the process. Second by Larson. Motion Carried.
3. Town Hall Rental Agreement—was deferred to the March meeting agenda.
New Business:
1. Board of Canvass meeting: Agreed by consensus to set date and time for March 11th following the Annual Town Meeting.
2. Reorganization Meeting Date: Agreed by consensus to set meeting date and time for Wed., March 26 at 7 p.m.
3. Certification of Election Judges: Motion by Campbell to certify all election judges trained as of 9-6-06 as eligible to serve for the annual town election on March 11th. Second by Ostazeski. Motion Carried.
4. Annual Meeting Agenda: No specific items identified.
5. Clerk’s position---Discussion about what if no write-in’s since there was no filing for position and a transition for a new clerk. No action taken.
Correspondence:
1. A survey was received from the North Shore Management Board on use of GIS. Chair to respond.
2. A letter was received from the School District in appreciation for the donation of the recycled aluminum cans for the funds to go to Lakewood School.
There was no other business brought forth to the Meeting.
Motion by Larson to Adjourn the Meeting at 10:59 p.m. Second by Halverson. Motion Carried.
The Next Regular Board Meeting is Wednesday March 5, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lakewood Town Hall.
Respectfully Submitted;
Gene Bromenshenkel,
Town of Lakewood Clerk