LAKEWOOD BOARD of SUPERVISORS MEETING
March 1, 2006
The March, 2006 Meeting of the Lakewood Town Board of Supervisors was called to order by Chair Diane Larson on Wednesday March 1, 2006 at 7:00 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: No changes were made to the proposed agenda.
Review of Minutes:
- February 1, 2006 Board of Supervisors Meeting---On page 2, should read “Board of Supervisors. Motion by Supervisor Musick to approve the minutes as corrected. Second by Supervisor Larson. Motion Carried.
- February 8, 2006 Board of Audit and Budget 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 February 28, 2006. Total fund balances are $172,622.91. This balances with the monthly bank statement and with the Clerk’s fund balances. Outstanding Checks: Treasurer is doing follow up on several checks. Three Certificates of Deposit are due during the upcoming month. The best rate obtained is 4.75% interest after checking with local banks. The C.D.’s due are in amounts of $10,000, $10,272 and $14,879.49. Motion by Larson to reinvest at Republic Bank at the rate of 4.75% for seven months. Second by Musick. Motion Carried. 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 $17,673.61. Motion by Musick to approve payment of claims #3529 through 3573 in the amount of $17,673.61. Second by Larson. Motion Carried.
Budget Report: Clerk Gene Bromenshenkel presented the monthly budget report showing the expenditures through the February Board Meeting and receipts through February 28th.
Attorney Report: Memo sent from Attorney Tim Strom
Attorney Strom presented an e-mail report on the question raised about emergency disbursement of funds. Motion by Larson to approve to authorize a Supervisor to approve an expenditure up to $5,000.00 in event of emergencies for the benefit and safety of the Town citizens. Second by Musick. Motion Carried.
Department Reports: The Clerk proposed a change in the Annual Meeting projected expenditures for the levy year in question, based on requests from the public for more detailed projection of the expenditure considerations in arriving at levy decisions for funds. The Supervisors agreed to assist department heads in developing long term projections for the proposed levy: General Fund- Diane Larson, Road & Bridge-Tim Musick, Recreation-Diane Larson and Building and Grounds- Tim Musick.
Fire: Kurt Rogers
- One Call in past month, a chimney fire.
- On Tanker #6- the fuel injection pump needs replacement; the estimated cost is $3,600.00. The Chair of the Board previously approved the emergency expenditure based on approval of the Board at the monthly meeting. Motion by Larson to approve up to $4,000 from the on-going truck fund for the fuel injection pump replacement. Second by Musick. Motion Carried.
- Fire Hall #2---the three garage door openers are giving problems. The motors are bad. Obtained a quote of $550 for replacement costs per door opener; a total cost of $1,650.00. Motion by Musick to approve expenditures of $1,650.00 from the Fire Fund for the door opener replacements. Second by Larson. Motion Carried.
- New Fire Truck – having some minor light problems on the truck.
- Some issues remain with the new Fire Hall completion. There is some difficulty with the plumbing sub-contractor. The problem is with damage to the building and completion of work in a quality manner. This has been discussed with the Architect who has notified the general contractor about the problems. Also, have some problems with the emergency lighting which needs correction-this is on the contractor’s punch list.
- Jo Pufahl---Is treasurer of the Fire Retirement Fund. The actual cost of the benefit calculation is $800 without township contribution. The Fire Dept. has voted to provide $650 retirement benefit for each year of service. The Town Board needs to approve an increase in the retirement benefit (paid by state funds). Also, the Board needs to approve the by-law change for the Fire Retirement Fund. Motion by Larson to approve increasing the annual service benefit to $650 and to approve the by-law changes of the Fire Retirement fund. Second by Musick. Motion Carried. The Clerk was requested to write a letter on behalf of the Board indicating such approval and send it to the Treasurer.
Maintenance & Grounds: Don Putnam
- Some minor equipment repairs were required on the snow removal equipment for the ice rinks.
- The Fire Department has given excellent support to the rink flooding.
- Need a new vacuum cleaner for the Hall; estimated cost is $150.00.
Road and Bridge: Don Putnam
- Bids for road work and materials have been advertised with bids to be opened at the April Board meeting.
- Working on turn around easements. Need to make contacts to obtain signatures from the property owners.
- Received information from St. Louis County that a minimum levy of $76,168 for roads will be required for 2007 to obtain gas tax refunds.
Planning and Zoning Commission Report: Al Eastman
- At the February meeting, the Commission reviewed a proposal from the Zoning Administrator for fee increases for appeals. The Commission supports the fee increases.
- The Telecommunications sub-committee is completed with it’s work; the Commission desires another month to review the report.
- Zoning language clarification – continuing to review language for possible changes.
- Liu-10 Zone and retail sales moratorium-the Zoning Administrator has agreed to develop a proposed set of recommendations.
- Recommendation on text change proposal to allow assisted living facilities as a conditional use in the LIU-10 zone. The Planning and Zoning Commission, based on the Public Hearing, recommends that the Zoning Ordinance be changed to allow the use of assisted living facilities as a conditional use in the LIU-10 zone. The Commission recommends that the full Board of Supervisors be present to make the decision. The date of March 16 was considered, action to be taken at the end of the meeting.
Zoning Administrator Report: Brennan Mears
- Two zoning permits issued in past month.
- Proposal for appeal fee increase---submitted a proposal to consider a fee of $400.00 for conditional use, variances and appeals to the Board of Supervisors. The proposal considers the fixed costs (not including Zoning Administrator wages or other costs) of notification, filing, printing and per diems which amount to $365 on the average. Supervisor Musick expressed a concern about appeals to the Board of Supervisor of a decision made by the Commission or Board of Adjustment. Al Eastman---the Commission discussed the fee proposal and generally supports the fee for conditional use, variance and special appeals to the Board. Motion by Larson to approve increasing the fees for conditional use and variance appeals to $400.00. Second by Musick. Motion Carried.
- Re-typed Zoning Ordinance is ready to be put on the Town Web Page.
- LIU-10 zone- the Commission presented a copy of the St. Louis County Zoning Ordinance definition and uses for LIU zones.
Recreation Dept.: Scott Anderson
- The ice skating participation has been good.
Recycling – Merle Abernethy
- Presented the annual report showing tonnage of recyclables received at Lakewood. It continues to increase each year.
Public Comment:
- Bob Gray: There is a public concern on the increase proposed for the 2007 general fund levy.
There was discussion about providing a good explanation of the projected expenditures for all funds at the annual meeting.
- Bob Wolfe: SNA information meeting is scheduled for March 23rd. Will the Town have any representation or official input? The answer is no.
- Kurt Rogers: Inquiring as to why the levy proposal for the last payment of the fire truck was not included in the proposed levy. It was his understanding that the levy would be made for another year. Supervisor Larson indicated the Board of Budget felt that with funds available by the end of 2006 to make the last payment, couldn’t see levying for another year.
- Jerry Norick: Regarding the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, when Zoning Ordinance changes are made, is there consideration for the fact that the CLUP supercedes the Ordinance. The relationship between the two documents needs to be considered. Supervisor Musick: Recent court actions have supported that Comprehensive Land Use Plans supercedes the Zoning Ordinance.
Committee Reports:
- NSMB – Leider. No one attended the meeting.
- DAT – Leider. No one attended the meeting.
- SLCTA – All Supervisors. Next meeting is April 19th.
Unfinished Business:
1. Newsletter: Items to include in March edition---Annual Meeting and Election results, meeting summaries and general items.
New Business:
1. New Election Tabulator---the Clerk explained that there is a new offer for the possibility of municipalities to purchase new voter tabulators which will be fully compatible with the new HAVA voting machines. The previous possibility of purchasing under a matching grant possibility through the County is no longer possible. The cost for the recommended M100 Tabulator is $4,426.00. The company providing the machines has offered for payment over a two-year period, interest free. Motion by Larson to approve purchase of the M100 Voting Tabulator from the general fund. Second by Musick. Motion Carried.
2. No Smoking Resolution proposal---St. Louis County is preparing a no-smoking resolution or a smoke free policy to ban smoking in public buildings and other public gathering places. Supervisor Musick offered a draft resolution for consideration by the Board of Supervisors to encourage the St. Louis County Commissioners to pass a smoke-free policy. No action was taken on the proposal.
3. Planning Commissioners Journal – The subscription is up for renewal. An option is available to purchase a three-year subscription for three copies. It was agreed by consensus to renew.
4. Supervisor Musick indicated he sent a letter of support to Community Planning for a workshop on planning to be held in Duluth township later this year.
There was no other business brought forth to the Meeting.
Motion by Larson to recess the Meeting to Thursday, March 16 at 7:00 p.m. at the Town hall to consider the recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission for a Zoning Ordinance Text change to allow the use of assisted living facilities in the LIU-10 zone. Second by Musick. Motion Carried.
The Next Monthly Board Meeting is Wednesday April 5, 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