Posted: 1/22/03

South Linwood Drive access is now off limits to automobile traffic

Alice Pickering
Linwood Area Reporter

By unanimous vote Tuesday, Jan. 14, the Linwood Town Board voted to prohibit automobile traffic from the lake access at the south end of South Linwood Drive.

Cars and trailers may no longer be used to move ice houses or boats down to the lake by this route. Individuals will be ticketed for violations. While the township must maintain the lake access, it can limit the type of access.

About 35 angry residents showed up at the meeting, with discussion and complaints about this problem lasting well over an hour. For years this access has been used by local residents, but with the warm winter and no snow, others who are not Linwood residents have ìdiscoveredî the access and chosen it over the public access on the east side of the lake.

Frank Jankowski, long-time resident, said the area was never intended to be a boat launch.

Among complaints are about those who bring vehicles down to the lake, leave their trash, and disrupt the neighborhood. There were reports of some children in the area being verbally harassed. The traffic volume has been so great recently; parents have to watch their children as they walk to homes. Another complaint is the late hours that people use the area.

Residents also reported that the large post, anchored in concrete at the top of the hill as a barrier to vehicle traffic, had been pulled from the ground. The barrier has been replaced.

The access is located in a residential area, with a steep incline to the lake. Cars with trailers, driving down to the lake have been disrupting and blocking traffic on the access and the street. Individuals may continue to use the access to drive snowmobiles and ATVs down to the lake. In the summer, kayaks, canoes and duck boats may be launched.

Storage buildings

The board approved a request for variance from the sidewall limitations (to 14 feet) for Maureen Sausen, to build a 40 by 50 foot pole building for motor home storage.

Many requests are coming to the board, because these buildings are used to store large vehicles. Supervisor Rudi McCurdy said the fact someone who can afford a large motor home and needs storage automatically places a hardship on the land. The board approved the variance and directed planning and zoning to review the ordinance with an eye to possible revision.

Fire report

Fire Chief Rich Gabrick reported 12 emergency responses in December; nine were for medical emergencies and three were to fires. There were 182 responses to emergencies by the Linwood Fire Department in 2002.

In 2001, the department responded to 184 calls. The department has received a DNR grant for $1200 to buy breathing apparatus.

Supervisors voted unanimously in support of address changes for a number of homes in the township. Gabrick said these addresses need correction, so that emergency vehicles can respond sooner.

These include homes on Furman and Humber Streets with addresses on Viking Blvd. There are also several addresses on Typo Creek Drive near The Country Store which also need to be corrected.

Job matters

Supervisors passed resolutions approving job descriptions and township officer responsibilities for two board members who are also township employees. The vote for Mike Budde was 4-0, with Budde abstaining. The result for Rudi McCurdy was 4-0, with McCurdy abstaining.

Fire issues

Supervisors have formed a committee to investigate allegations of practices within the Linwood Fire Department in a closed meeting.

Though previously planned, McCurdy will attend department meetings to take minutes. Board members voted unanimously to have copies of fire department minutes reviewed by the town board.

Dennis Erickson, a volunteer firefighter, reported he had been suspended as of Jan. 10 and has complaints about how his suspension was handled. David Kill, speaking on behalf of his step-son Jesse Dalton, was concerned about attention and training given to new volunteers. Dalton voiced concern about some practices in the department.

Election update

Supervisor Seats B and E are up for election March 11. Terms are for three years.

McCurdy is running unopposed for reelection to Seat B. Two candidates have filed for Seat E: Brad Hanson and incumbent Marie Holm.

The two-year position of township Treasurer is also up for election. Three candidates have filed: Sue Berry, Vicki Erickson, and Tammy Lukkonen.

Other business

In other business, the board:

ïBy a vote of 5-0, passed a resolution that discipline regarding a township employee is not warranted.

ïApproved a request for realignment of property line for Brad Hanson, contingent upon a new certificate of survey and a new legal description.

ïGranted a 60-day extension for the completion of preliminary plat to Carroll Broadbent, to allow for the completion of the required environmental study.

ïTabled a decision on preliminary sketch plan for Theodore Helgeson because more complete information is needed about boundaries.

ïPassed a resolution approving a $1000 per lot fee for park dedication in the township.

ïOn recommendation of the parks commission, approved the hiring of Alex Keilly, Aaron Royal, Jennifer Spiess, Kim Tauten and Henri Tessier as warming house attendants.

ïPlaced on file a bid from Robert Beckman, for clearing wood on Cora Road right-of-way.

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