Draft Copy ---Subject to approval
Lakewood Board of Supervisors Meeting
July 2, 2008
Call to Order: Chair Phil Halverson called the July meeting of the Lakewood Board of Supervisors to order at 7:05 p.m. on July 2, 2008 at the Lakewood Town Hall.
Present: Supervisors Shannon Ostazeski, Jerry Larson, Tim Musick, Phil Halverson and Chuck Campbell. Also present: Clerk Beth Foudriat, Treasurer Brenda Lagarde. Department Heads and general public as per attached register.
Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was recited by all present.
Review of Agenda: Move agenda items of Hiring of Planning and Zoning Administrator to before Department Reports. Addition item of St. Louis County Local Water Management Plan to new business.
Review of Minutes:
1. Monthly Lakewood Board of Supervisor Meeting June 4, 2008
Correction of name on pg. 3 Bill Baeru to Joseph Braeu. Motion by Ostazeski to approve June 4, 2008 minutes as amended. Second by Larson. Motion carried unanimously.
2. Special Lakewood Board of Supervisor Meeting – CLUP 6-5-08
- Motion by Campbell to approve June 5, 2008 Special Lakewood Board of Supervisor Meeting – CLUP. Second by Ostazeski. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Special Lakewood Board of Supervisor Meetings on Lipe CUP Appeal Minutes - 3-06-08, 3-24-08, 3-27-08, 4-03-08, 4-16-08 Motion by Musick to approve Special Lakewood Board of Supervisor Meetings on Lipe CUP Appeal minutes for 3-06-08, 3-24-08, 3-27-08, 4-03-08, 4-16-08. Second by Ostazeski. Motion carried unanimously.
Financial:
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Brenda Lagarde presented the cash control statement for January 1, 2008 through July 2, 2008. Beginning Balance of $221,122.96 with total Receipts $84,980.69 and total disbursements of $216,314.11 with an ending balance of $89,789.54. This does not balance with the clerk records, because incorrect receipt by clerk of $150 instead of $50, clerk will correct the receipt. $780 of deposits are in transit with $522.82 in outstanding checks and balance with the bank of $89,532.36.
Deposits of 70% advance of the property taxes are in at $122,212.00, State petroleum clean up fund $7,372.85, and DNR Coastal Grant $1,683.05
Motion by Musick to accept the Treasurer’s financial report 1-1-08 through 7-2-08. Second by Campbell. Motion Carried unanimously.
Bills/Claims: Clerk Beth Foudriat highlighted some of the larger claims due in the last month, for a total claim amount of $47,778.19. Motion by Larson to pay claims 4977 through 5035 in the amount of $47,778.19. Second by Ostazeski. Motion carried unanimously.
Public Comment:
Bob James: Thanked Supervisor Campbell for responding to him personally regarding his budget concerns and the deficit. The budget is less for 2009 and we started 2008 with approximately $17,000 deficit, he would like a response to his budget concerns.
Sid Simonson: Asked Supervisor Ostazeski regarding outlook of budget if lose the lawsuits. Ostazeski’s response was that it is an item on the agenda and will report at that time.
Robin Downs: Expressed support for the Board in face of criticism, and making some hard decisions while looking out for the whole community. People who support the board do not show up at meetings, but people show up when they disagree. Results of survey and elections support that the residence support low density living with controlled development. (Complete text of statement filed with minutes).
Evie Simonson: Land Use Survey was used as bases for many decisions and Board of Supervisors was asked to redo survey. Decisions are still based on a survey, but not redone.
Jerry Norick: Survey spoken of as if it is flawed, but not hearing particular problems. Return rate on valid surveys was good, if invalid surveys were added in the return rate would be at an unheard of level.
Town Attorney Report – attorney sent email, nothing to report.
Department Reports:
Maintenance & Grounds – Art Anderson
- Hockey board fixed.
- Tennis and volleyball nets are up
- Soccer field 100 yds of dirt and was seeded. Scott to bill Lakewood Soccer for $1,350 for improvements to field
- Leak in old fire hall roof fixed.
Road & Bridge - Art Anderson
- Maple, Apple, Plum, Centerline, Lauren, Albert Olsen and Oak intersection Class 5 is done
- Fitger, Wahl, Whiteside, Drexel Rd continue to need work and class 5.
- Fitger and Whiteside have new culverts.
- Lower end of Wahl rd culverts, digging and Class 5 needed.
- Oak and Apple limestone added.
- Truck and Tractor have been serviced.
- Hired Robert Weaver as temporary help.
- Road tour done June 6, 2008 morning after 2˝ of rain.
- Dust issue on Maple:
Musick: Continues to receive complaints of dust on Maple due to the auto repair business. Received an est. earlier to coat road with Calcium Chloride, $1,600. Dust Doctor provided an est. is $800 for the ˝ mile road. Recommend if Road and Bridge has money in budget, should treat. Treatment would reduce grading.
Larson: Questioned if business should assist in cost of treatment to road because they are increasing traffic. Centerline road residents are paying for the treatment to road.
General discussion of condition of roads and problems with Calcium Chloride occurred.
Motion by Ostazeski for Musick to put together a proposal for next meeting for putting Calcium Chloride on Maple Rd. Second by Campbell. Discussion: Add to proposal the other benefits of Calcium Chloride. Motion carried unanimously.
Road Bids Discussion:
Musick: Understands that some townships accepts flat rate of grading for a month. Lakewood has an hourly rate for equipment. Next year should consider a flat monthly rate instead of hourly.
Fire—Kurt Rogers
- Four calls in past month— one car fire, two medial and two aid.
- Radiator was replaced and primer on pump installed.
- Some members volunteered for Grandma’s marathon.
- Hose testing to start next month.
Zoning Administrator Hiring:
Supervisor Larson and Halverson reviewed hiring process. 4 applications were received and 4 people were interviewed. Halverson and Larson recommend Alex Comb for the position and to increase in hourly rate to $20.00 per hour. Resume is available for review. He would start the 1st week of Aug, because he is out of town most of July. He will hold office hours 1 evening per week and stated he would be able to work within the budget. Discussion: Musick concerned at increasing starting wage, but prefers to increase after 6 months on the job. This idea was supported by Ostazeski. Larson: Felt the increased wage was necessary due to qualifications. Campbell: Not really a big difference in cost between $18.50 and $20. comsodering the number of hours worked.
Motion by Musick to hire Alex Comb for Zoning Administer position at $20.00 per hour, with starting date the 1st week of Aug. Second by Larson. Discussion: Ostazeski- Can’t support the increase in wage, but support hiring Alex Comb. Motion Carried – 4 in favor of motion (Larson, Campbell, Halverson, Musick), 1 opposed Ostazeski.
Motion to recess by Larson. Second by Musick. Motion carried unanimously. Recessed at 8:30 pm
Reconvened at 8:47 pm
Recreation – Scott Anderson
- Recreation program started with 28 kids signed up and 3 recreational assistants. Planning to be one site Monday, Bus trip on Tuesday and Wed parents drop off at other sites. Older kids are not showing up with the changes. Money is available in the budget for buses. Reimbursement for assistants mileage submitted for the first weeks because they meet at the town hall to wait for parents.
Planning & Zoning Commission – Bob Wolfe
- Signage Ordinance- made recommendations and will review at next meeting.
- Fill import and cell tower committees - no update
- Cartways – thought that Brennan Mears had a question regarding cartways/driveways from Board of Adjustments. Nothing has come to the attention of the Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Ostazeski to get more information from Steve Giving before proceeding.
- Brennan Mears sent a letter to St. Louis County regarding recent mailing on non-conforming lot of record, but have not received a reply.
- Public hearing for CLUP: would like to give a staff report at beginning to present the process and wanted to contact Sue Lawson to present. Planning and Zoning does not know all the process/timeline.
Sue Lawson contract does not include her attendance at this public meeting, but quarterly reports are done. Ostazeski to provide a background and timeline for use in the public meeting.
Zoning Administrator Report - Brennan Mears
- No report
Recycling - Merle Abernethy
- everything is fine
Committee Reports:
MPAC- Supervisor Larson unable to attend due to Closed Board of Supervisor meeting.
NSMB – Supervisor Musick no meeting since last Board of Supervisor meeting. Next meeting July 17, 2008
DAT – No meeting in June and July.
SLCTA – Supervisor Ostazeski did not attend due to distance and agenda not pertinent to town business.
Unfinished Business:
1. Town Newsletter - July edition. Items to include: CLUP timeline and meeting dates, reflex correction for on Larson committee attendance, calendar of events, thank you to Brennan and new Planning and Zoning Administer hire.
2. Budget Outlook - Supervisor Ostazeski researched the question presented during public comments on of dealing with the costs of the lawsuits. She was not commenting on specific lawsuits, but reporting on generalities. Consulted with 4 attorneys, 2 that work with townships. Our attorney costs, damages, reimbursement of the plaintiff attorney fees are covered by MAT insurance once the lawsuit is filed, after the $1,000 deductible up to $10,000. Siding scale for additional costs as the cost increases. Attorney’s with experience with townships report that generally damages are not awarded if a township loses, but if damages are awarded they are included in the insurance. Court generally reverses decision of township.
New Business:
- MAT short courses - next one in Grand Rapids is Aug 1, 2008
- St. Louis County Local Water Management Plan – Supervisor Larson and clerk received a correspondence regarding needing an update for the water management plan. Supervisor Musick agreed to review with assistance of Jerry Larson. Motion by Campbell for Tim Musick to be the representative for the St. Louis County Local Water Management Plan and submit plan. Second by Ostazeski. Motion Carried Unanimously.
Correspondence:
1. WLSSD agenda- no response needed
2. MN Pollution Control Agency - Closure on petroleum leak in tank removed on May 29, 2007. Stating remaining soil does not appear to pose a threat to public health or environment.
3. NSMB – regarding projects for 2008.
4. Mac Quade Safe Harbor Open House - July 18, 2008 from 2-4 pm.
5. St. Louis County – proposed amendments to individual sewage treatment systems
Candidate Introductions at Board of Supervisor meetings: Difficulty to limit what and how long people speak. An open house was suggested for more than one candidate to speak, but question attendance by candidates and public. Allow for short introductions in the past with questions during break.
Paycheck issue: During the course of the evening Merle noted that her paycheck was not at proper hourly rate. Motion by Musick to pay Merle Abernethy at appropriate rate and corresponding taxes. Second by Larson. Motion carried unanimously.
Discussion on Decorum at meetings. Public needs to be reminded time for public comments. Suggestion to move public comment time later in meeting. Supervisor Larson to provide some guidelines for decorum at next meeting.
Motion by Campbell to adjourn meeting. Second by Musick. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 10:35 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Beth Foudriat
Town of Lakewood Clerk