LAKEWOOD BOARD of SUPERVISORS MEETING

June 7, 2006

 The June, 2006 Meeting of the Lakewood Town Board of Supervisors was called to order by Chair Diane Larson on Wednesday June 7, 2006 at 7:02 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, 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:  No changes to the posted agenda.

Review of Minutes: 

-         April 24 and May 3, 2006 Board of Appeal and Equalization Meetings:  Motion by Campbell to approve the minutes of April 24 and May 3.  Second by Musick.  Motion Carried.

-         May 3, 2006 Board of Supervisors Meeting:  Motion by Musick to approve the minutes as printed.  Second by Campbell.  Motion Carried.

-         May 30, 2006 Board of Supervisors Special Meeting:  Motion by Musick to approve the minutes as printed.  Second by Campbell.  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 May 31, 2006.  Total fund balances are $96,490.16.  This balances with the monthly bank statement. It does not balance with the Clerk’s records.  The Clerk’s and Treasurer’s receipts do not balance on this date.  Lagarde reported that 70% of the first half of property taxes will be coming by late June.

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

Bills/Claims:  The Clerk presented the monthly claims for bills in amount of $9,528.21.  The Clerk indicated a claim for purchase of an office window air conditioner was included.  The Office Coordinator obtained information on a good one that is on sale.  There was discussion about the need and security of a window air conditioner in the Hall main office.  Brennan Mears indicated he has one for sale at a reasonable cost.  The Board requested the Clerk and Mears to discuss and make a decision. Motion by Musick to approve payment of claims #3680 through 3719 in the amount of $9,528.21.  Second by Musick.  Motion Carried. 

 Budget Report:  Clerk Gene Bromenshenkel presented the monthly budget report showing the expenditures through the May Board Meeting and receipts through May 31, 2006.   It was noted that the total fund balances minus the amount in the Fire Hall Construction Fund is less than $20,000 at this time.  A portion of the first half of the property tax receipts will be coming soon---by late June.

Attorney Report:  Tim Strom

1)      Moose Mountain Drive – his law firm determined not to undertake opinion due to past contacts with some of the property owners.  Brennan Mears reported that Ken Butler has been requested, per Chair of the Board approval, to do the research and provide an opinion.

2)      Conveyance of Tax Forfeited Land---the .33 acres on N. Tischer Road.  He will check on the appropriate state statutes allowing the town to acquire on a free conveyance basis.  Motion by Campbell to authorize a resolution to request free conveyance of

3)      the .33 acres of tax forfeited land on N. Tischer Rd. for park and recreation use purpose.  Second by Musick.  Motion Carried.

4)      Zoning Administrator Mears---requested, based on the May Board request, a definition on retail sales as it relates to planning and zoning in the LIU-10 zone. 

5)      Strom will check on state statutes and definitions to see if he can obtain a reasonable definition.

6)      Variance Hearing---On a non-conforming lot.  Brennan Mears brought the request of the Board of Adjustment to review the non-conformity language of the Zoning Ordinance.  The Board of Adjustment also requested a decision about the fees based on the Attorney’s opinion.  Motion by Musick to support the need for the variance language review and that the charge of the $400.00 fee should stand for the application.  Second by Campbell.  Motion Carried.

Department Reports: 

Fire:  Kurt Rogers

-         Ten calls handled in past month---3 medical, 1 auto accident, 2 brush fires, one auto fire, 1 grass fire and one auto alarm.

-         Over 200 people attended the new Fire Hall Open House.

-         Need posts to install the 9-1-1 signs.  The dept. will be installing all signs from hereon, to be sure that they get installed properly and timely.  Motion by Musick to authorize the Fire Dept. to purchase posts for the Dept. to install 9-1-1 signs at residences; the estimated cost to be $100.00.  Second by Campbell.  Motion Carried.

-         Supervisor Musick relayed comments of appreciation he has received from Town people for the excellent response from the Fire Department.

-         There was a question on a grass fire on Whiteside Road.  Kurt Rogers indicated it was an accident, occurring as a result of a cutting torch used to clean up property.

Maintenance & Grounds:  Tammy Nelson

-         The Community Center sign has been repainted and will be reinstalled soon.

-         Brush pile near recreation area needs to be burned; will obtain permit and do so.

-         Barb wire fence in woods near soccer field---is on neighboring property and is a hazard when youth retrieve a ball that has left the field.  Board supported Tammy to contact the neighbor and to offer that the township will remove the hazard.

Road & Bridge:  Tammy Nelson

-         The grading of roads has been completed.

-         Supervisor Musick indicated that a grading schedule should be developed.  Tammy was requested to Contact the Contractor (Kunst) to establish a schedule that would include grading the roads about once per month.

-         Area near the berm on the Community Center drive is cutting a trench due to rainfall drainage.  No action was taken.

Planning and Zoning Commission Report:  Chris Roningen

-         The Commission established a sub-committee to review the use classifications in the LIU-10 zone regarding retail sales.

-         Appeals Process---concern was expressed about the 30-day appeal period with the recommendation that a change be made to the timetable; to change the appeal period to the Board of Supervisors to five business days and that permits not be issued until

 -         after the appeal period.  Zoning Administrator Brennan Mears stated he feels it is unfair to the applicant to withhold a permit during an appeal possibility period. 

-         Bob Wolfe indicated there are several items as possible text changes and they could all be proposed at one public hearing jointly..

-         Greg Follmer---had a question regarding the purpose of the retail sales in the LIU-10 zone.

-         Dan McCorison has asked to resign as Commission member; is interested in an alternate status.  Chair Larson’s recommendation is to appoint Robin Downs as a full member.  Motion by Larson to appoint Robin Downs as a full member of the Commission.  There was not a second to the motion.  It was agreed by consensus to contact Kerry Leider about his possible interest in serving as a full member.

Zoning Administrator Report:  Brennan Mears

-         The Moose Mt. Drive issue is on hold until Attorney Ken Butler responds.

-         Six zoning ere issued in the past month.

-         Has reviewed about 60% of road area of township regarding possible violations.

Recycling:  Merle Abernethy

-         All is operating o.k.

Recreation:  Scott Anderson 

            -    No report.

Public Comment:  None

Committee Reports:

-  NSMB –  Meeting not attended by any representative.

-  DAT – Campbell attended.  The 9-1-1 signage and 9-1-1 system of the County was discussed. 

-  SLCTA – All Supervisors.  No meeting attended.

Unfinished Business:

1.      Newsletter – The next edition is in July.

2.      Employee Job Descriptions – deferred to next meeting agenda.

New Business: 

1.      Tax Forfeited Parcels in Exeter Farms addition.  The letter from St. Louis County was reviewed with no action taken.

2.      Center for Rural Planning Workshops information reviewed.  Town officials and board and commission members were encouraged to attend.

Correspondence/Other:

1.      HAVA Update:  The Clerk informed the Board on the plans of the County.  The Automark machine is the approved machine.  Training will be provided by the County with no dates set as of yet.

2.      Letter from Lakewood Principal, Greg Repinsky.  The dates of aluminum can recycling proposed by Repinsky were reviewed.  They did not coincide with the original agreement established.  The Clerk was requested to refer to the minutes of the Board meeting where the agreement was established and to relay those to Mr. Repinsky.

3.      Brennan Mears---obtained a web-site copy of retail sales from the Minnesota Dept. of Revenue.  He will study those and include in information at the next meeting.

There was no other business brought forth at the Meeting.

The Next Monthly Board Meeting is Wednesday July 5, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lakewood Town Hall.

Motion by Musick to adjourn the Meeting at 8:40 p.m.  Second by Campbell.  Motion Carried.

Respectfully Submitted;

Gene Bromenshenkel,

Town of Lakewood Clerk