LAKEWOOD BOARD of SUPERVISORS MEETING
March 7, 2007
The March 2007 Meeting of the Lakewood Town Board of Supervisors was called to order by Chair Diane Larson on Wednesday March 7, 2007 at 7:05 p.m. at the Lakewood Town Hall. Supervisors present: Diane Larson, Tim Musick, and Chuck Campbell. 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: Additions---add discussion on parliamentary procedure question of when chair persons can make motions. Add under attorney’s report.
Review of Minutes:
- January 31, 2007 Board of Audit & Budget Meeting---there is a typing error on page 2 ie. Word “carried” was misspelled. Motion by Musick to approve minutes as corrected. Second by Campbell. Motion Carried.
- February 7, 2007 Board of Supervisors Meeting---Corrections---On Page 2—“Attorney” Strom, rather than Supervisor Strom. On Page 4—under Zoning Administrator report; last sentence. Addition to sentence---“on a 24-hour basis”; On Page 3---Road & Bridge report---“Lavis Road”. Motion by Musick to approve the minutes as amended. Second by Campbell. Motion Carried.
Financial Report:
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Brenda Lagarde reported all receipts, disbursements and balance totals to date. With outstanding checks accounted for, the report totals with the monthly bank statement. The Clerk’s and Treasurer’s balance in the general fund show a six cents ($.06) difference. Motion by Campbell to approve the Treasurer’s report. Second by Musick. Motion Carried.
Bills/Claims: Clerk Gene Bromenshenkel presented the month’s claims and reviewed the amounts and purpose for billings. Motion by Musick to approve payment of Claims #4142 through 4184 in the amount of $22,102.84. Second by Campbell. Motion Carried.
Budget Report: There was no discussion on the printed budget report prepared by the Clerk.
Attorney Report: Tim Strom
1. Martenson Situation---it is currently on hold. Ms. Martenson indicated interest and willingness to sit in a meeting with the Town Attorney, Zoning Administrator and one Supervisor to develop a plan for her property clean up. Supervisor Larson agreed to represent the Board at a meeting; tentatively set for March 19 or sometime during that week.
2. Supervisor Larson reported on a discussion between the Zoning Administrator and Mr. Shapiro regarding a telecommunication tower application. No other specific information was available at this time. Attorney Strom will contact the Zoning Administrator.
3. Lipe Bros. Construction----Steve Overum, attorney for Lipe Bros. Construction was present and addressed the Board. He reviewed the history of Lipe Bros. Constr. Purchasing the land which is in the MUNS-4 zone and their receiving a conditional use permit to operate a construction office and equipment storage on the site. He indicated the conditional use runs with the land and not the owner.
Current Issue about the property use---The question is whether or not the conditional use permit issued pertains to the entire property or would extend to a part of the property if it is sublet or sold. It was agreed by the Board members to request the Town’s Attorney and Lipe’s Attorney to discuss the situation and bring a recommendation to the next Board meeting. They agreed to do so.
4. Parliamentary Procedure Question: Supervisor Musick referenced a manual he obtained which is prepared for local units of government. The manual indicates that Chairs of Boards and Commissions should not make motions or participate in the discussion in general principle. However, for small units of government and committees, the manual suggested that chairs may make motions, but it is advised that as an alternative, the chair request action for a motion and for the chair to refrain from making motions if possible.
Department Reports:
Fire Dept. – Kurt Rogers
- Four calls were made by Dept. in past month---two structure fires, one medical call, and one furnace problem.
- All equipment is in good working order.
- Are having problem with not being able to access the internet from the Fire Hall computer.
Maintenance and Grounds – Don Putnam
- Reported on bids and quotes received for replacement of the two furnaces in the Town Hall. Both bids were for full installation and are close in price. He also indicated that the underground fuel tank would likely need to be removed if a
switch was made to propane. He also obtained quotes to clean the in-floor heat ducts. Supervisor Musick indicated that he recommends switching to propane fuel and to accept the bid from Solem’s at the sum of $5,285.00.
Motion by Musick to switch from fuel oil to propane for the two Town Hall heating units and to accept the bid from Solem & Sons for the amount of $5,285.00 plus a $50.00 old unit disposal fee with payment to be made from the capital improvement fund. Second by Campbell. Motion Carried. The Supervisors recommended that the heat ducts be cleaned at the time of furnace removal. Don Putnam will obtain quotes.
- A number of trees went down during the recent wind/snow storm.
- Don introduced Kurt Lagarde who he hired about three weeks ago to support the work of road and bridge and grounds maintenance.
Road and Bridge: Don Putnam
- Had to return to Lavis Road to remove the ice dam from a culvert area.
- A few trees went down on roads during recent storm.
- Road Bids---bid advertising will call for a separate bid for road grading.
Recreation: Scott Anderson
- February 21st was the last date of ice skating due to weather conditions.
Planning and Zoning Commission: Bob Wolfe
- No official February meeting held due to a lack of quorum.
- On the proposed Zoning Ordinance changes, it was agreed by the Board members to hold action until further recommendations are made by the Commission.
Zoning Administrator: Brennan Mears
- No report.
Recycling: Merle Abernethy
- All is operating well.
Public Comment:
- None
Committee Reports:
- MPAC – no report.
- NSMB – Supervisor Musick attended recent meeting. He reported that the NSMB is short of funding, losing grants obtained in the past. No major business was conducted at the meeting. The NSMB is interested in looking at developing recommendations on building on ridge lines.
- DAT – No meeting held.
- SLCTA – No meeting held.
Unfinished Business:
1. CLUP Update
- Recommendation to the Center for Rural Planning on survey---several suggestions were made; the major one being that there needs to be more categories for response ie. Strongly agree to strongly disagree to the questions asked; would make the information more meaningful than a yes or no.
2. Next Town Newsletter
- List CLUP update Steering Committee members, annual election and annual meeting results.
New Business:
- None
Correspondence:
- A letter was received from the Duluth School District expressing appreciation for the proceeds from the aluminum can recycling. The current proceeds were $172.02.
There was no other business brought forth at the Meeting.
The Next Monthly Board Meeting is Wednesday April 4, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lakewood Town Hall.
Motion by Musick to adjourn the Meeting at 8:33 p.m. Second by Campbell. Motion Carried.
Respectfully Submitted;
Gene Bromenshenkel
Town of Lakewood Clerk
Minutes Subject to approval at next Monthly Board of Supervisors Meeting