Posted: 6/11/03

Linwood Town Board acts on planning and zoning items

Alice Pickering
Linwood Area Reporter

Much of the Linwood Town Board meeting May 27 dealt with planning and zoning business.

Based on the recommendation of planning and zoning, the board approved a request for Gary and Beth Fox to move a manufactured home onto their property in order to care for a family member.

The board also approved a non-conforming lot split for Theodore and Annette Helgeson, 5740 215th Lane NE. The approval included the findings of fact that each lot has sufficient high ground on which to build a house and otherwise meets township ordinances.

The board approved a request by Darrin Westemeier to build a 27-by-48-foot garage closer to the road than his house at 6931 229th Ave. NE. Approval considered findings of fact that there is low land behind the house and that the plan will preserve the alternate septic site required by the township ordinances. In addition, he will not have to drive over the existing septic site.

Based on the recommendation of planning, the board approved a request by Donald Grant to build a garage closer to the road than the house. The recommendation is based upon typical lake-shore lots where the garage cannot be built behind the house.

Supervisors approved a request to rezone property owned by Leon and Patricia Mewhorter from RA to R-1.

Based on lack of legal access, the board denied a building permit to Theresa Carlone-Morris to build on her lot that has only an easement. Attorney Gerald Randall said proof of legal access would be necessary before the permit could be issued and would also enhance the value of the property. Supervisors waived the application fee for resubmission within the year.

There was no action before the board on the Tim Sether and Pat Collova property split/dispute at the east end of 217th. Supervisors are unclear about what the parties are requesting. It appears the Sether and Collova want some idea about what the township would approve before making a variance request.

The preliminary plat for Sunrise Preserve was approved and the application was referred back to planning and zoning for the sketch plan.

In a letter, Engineer Craig Jochum informed the board there is no need for an environmental impact statement for this plat or that of Pine Tree Ridge.

Fire Dept. personnel

The board tabled a decision about the status of volunteer fireman Jesse Dalton until the next meeting.

Each of the board members is to independently review departmental minutes and allegations before that meeting. Board members wanted to be certain that confidentiality is maintained until it can be determined if the details can be made public.

Former firefighter Dennis Erickson brought additional concerns before the board that were heard, but no action was taken. Recognizing there have been past conflicts, the apparent thinking of board members is that at some point there must be an end to disputes.

Residents complimented the maintenance and order of the Linwood Cemetery before and the day of Memorial Day celebrations. There were 91 attendees at the Memorial Day ceremonies.

Other business

In other business, the board:

ïApproved all appraisals and the release of checks for payment of easements acquired by the township for road improvements on Thames Street.

ïDirected Randall to begin court action against Terry McBride for nuisance lot and also for property owned by Anne Drexel.

ïApproved the application of Supervisor Marie Holm to serve as the township representative for the Sunrise River Watershed Association.

ïLearned there are four applications to review for recording secretary position which must be interviewed.

ïApproved the treasurerís report to be placed on file for audit.

ïApproved payment of the bills in the amount of $22,429.93

ïLearned that concern about high water killing tamaracks near 237th and 241st Avenues may not be the result of the change in the water table, but bark beetles.

Top of Page