Supervisors Present: Mark Freeman, Rick Fry
Supervisor Absent: Brian Landstrom
Treasurer Excused: Keith Stoneburner
Others Present: Marialice Arndt, Township Clerk
6 Residents
The meeting was called to order by Chair Freeman and the Oath of Office was taken by Freeman and Arndt.
Regular Business
Approval of March Monthly Meeting Minutes
∙ Freeman moved to approve the March minutes as reported, Fry seconded. Motion carried.
Approval of March Bills and Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer’s Report provided prior to the meeting and mailed with supervisors per diem.
Old Business
Lakeshore Land Re-zoning
Fry reported on the information he gathered from St Louis County Planning and Zoning concerning possible re-zoning of lakeshore properties. He was advised that re-zoning should be considered township wide providing sound reasoning for the proposed changes. Further it would be helpful that if re-zoning was requested that adjoining townships joined Pequaywan in the request for re-zoning. Re-zoning changes must be presented as a request and is not automatically authorized and would pertain to new development only. If a meeting was to be convened to discuss re-zoning the meeting would need to be posted and public input taken. The current DNR regulations are 30-40 years old with current zoning of Res-5 being 2 ½ acres and 200′ of frontage. Re-zoning to Res 4 would require 4 ½ acres with 300′ of frontage. The DNR considers “literal area” of a lake to be the acreage that is 15′ or less in depth. One example of this was given as Big Pequaywan having acreage of 418 but has “literal area” of 240 acres. The advantages of Res 4 include less impact on the environment, better water quality and more privacy. One disadvantage would be less profit margin for the development. Fry was advised that many communities are considering re-zoning of lake property and he will continue gathering information to be presented at the May meeting.
Burning Site
Freeman inquired if any information was available from the Pequaywan Fire Department’s desire to manage a burning site. Ron Sluka advised that he consulted with the DNR Two Harbors division and the party he talked with had no knowledge of any grant funding. The DRN advised that anyone can get a permit but cautioned about fencing, establishing responsibility etc. Sluka’s understanding is that the fire department would not be interested in taking on this project. This topic will be discussed at the May 20th Lake Association Meeting.
Emergency 911 Sign Costs
Freeman will make a call again to 911 to inquire if perhaps funding is available for this. It was discussed that placement requirements would need to be strictly adhered to and the issue of calling prior to digging could prove time consuming. Discussion was had that new construction (septic design) seems to entitle homeowner to new sign without cost.
New Township Sign
Fry was unsuccessful in meeting with contact to discuss new township sign.
New Business/Information Items
The Auto Mark (disability voting equipment) is tentatively scheduled for delivery the end of May. The purchase is made by St Louis County who will provide training and will advise of delivery/pick-up information. Initial cost of operation and maintenance should be covered until 2010 by funds set aside for HAVA according to the Auditor’s office.
The Board of Appeals and Equalization is tentatively scheduled for May 3rd 7-8 PM at the Fire Hall. This appeals process is an opportunity for homeowners to question the value or tax category their property is given.
Freeman advised that an error has been made on the township portion of the 2006 tax statements. A correction letter had been mailed to the County but the County advises that it was never received. It will be discussed at a future meeting but it appears that a possible legal solution is to skip one year of assessment to bring the balance back to zero. Letters to homeowners may be written to clarify the situation and also a letter may be written to Commissioner Peg Sweeney to draw attention to the shortcomings witnessed while trying to resolve this matter with the County.
Freeman advised that a discussion will need to be held with Contractor John Lucia to set in motion bringing the Fire Hall up to standards for handicap assessibility.
Authorization to Purchase Tape Recorder
∙ Fry moves to authorize Arndt to purchase a tape recorder with the expense not to exceed $100.00. Freeman seconded, motion carried.
It was noted that the tape recordings made of meetings by the Board are solely intended for the purpose of assisting the clerk to develop accurate minutes. Such tapes are not part of the Township’s official records.
Fry reported that he has received a complaint about speeding vehicles. As the township has no enforcement of speed signs he notes that a advisory sign could be posted to alert drivers and make them more aware. He will check into the cost of an advisory sign. He noted that the legal speed on a township road is 35 MPH and an advisory sign would be 20 MPH.
Fry also noted that he will be sweeping roads on the morning of April 21st.
Meeting Dates
May Monthly Meeting scheduled for May 9th 7:30 PM
Board of Appeals & Equalization May 3rd 7-8 PM Pequaywan Fire hall
∙ Freeman moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 PM. Fry seconded, motion carried.