Alice Pickering
Linwood Area ReporterThe Linwood Parks Commission will be scheduling at least one special meeting before supervisors meet Nov. 25. The group could not reach a consensus recommendation about a park dedication fee for Boettcher Forest Preserve development.
Steve Strandlund is the developer for the property and is ìseeking some consistency with the rest of the park dedications.î
Current ordinance requires a developer to pay $2000 as a park dedication fee for each lot in the development, a contribution of land in the development for a park, or a combination of the two.
In a development of 90 lots, this amounts to $180,000.
Brian McCullough, chair of the parks commission, told the town board on Nov. 9 that commission members struggled with this issue and could not reach a consensus recommendation.
Supervisor Marie Holm proposed hiring a consultant/park planner to determine park needs for the entire township. She is the liaison for the park commission.
If a park is built to serve this development directly, residents of the development would determine the location of the park in the overall plan. If it is to be for the township, the location would be nearer a main road.
Aerial views of the acreage show a proposed park site. If a park, primarily for residents, is determined, a site could be selected among the lots.
If a park is created for the entire township use, because it includes features that may not be present in other township parks, it should be located near one of the township or county roads.
Strandlund has offered three lots, near Fawn Lake Drive, along with $50,000, as a park dedication.
Dave Tryon, town board chair, wanted the board to make a decision about cash or land contribution. Holmís position is that an overall look at the parks in the township would help in her decision making. The input of the planner would also help make the decision, she said.
However, finding a planner, allowing time for the study and presentation of findings would take time. Developer Strandlund is urging a decision because he has been addressing this issue since he prepared the sketch plan. A delay would hold up the development process and generate costs with delay.
At his request, the board denied a variance request by Steve Strandlund to construct two 40Ç by 100Ç accessory buildings on his 20-acre property. A variance is not required for the existing situation. Parcels of 11 acres or more may have accessory buildings of 3600 square feet.
Supervisor Rudi McCurdy said the board has been granting variances where ìhardship is hardly ever met.î The hardship is supposed to be tied to limitations of the land, not merely whether or not an individual wants to build a structure that does not meet township code.
The board unanimously approved the township's purchase of approximately 2.5 acres of land for road easements, not to exceed $36,000 for purposes of completing the paving of portions of Ryan Lake Drive from Shadow Ridge Overlook north to Sunset Road.
Funds are to come from the road and bridge fund.
Richard Killian, developer, is paying for the cost of the road construction as part of his agreement with the township.
Gabrick reports
In information provided to the board by Fire Chief Rich Gabrick, the fire department conversion of its new grass firefighting rig has been completed under the budgeted cost. The retired grass rig is to be returned to the DNR.
Gabrick reported the department is using the new 800 MgHz radio system and it is working well.
The board approved Gabrickís request for an address number for the entrance to the Gordy Mickelson Park so that sheriffís deputies can find the entrance. He was authorized to contact building inspector Dave Thompson for a number to be attached to the sign.
The department has purchased new breathing apparatus. At Gabrickís request, the board authorized the sale of the 13 obsolete self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) at a price of about $100 apiece. Approval also covered the disclaimer about the units.
The annual fire department dance made a profit of $2000.
The fire department constitution is being organized in codebook form by McCurdy.
Gabrick reported 13 responses to medical emergencies and three to fires in October. This brings the department total to 171 responses through October 31, 2004.
Clerk Judy Hanna told the board she is checking on prices for a new senior van or bus. The newest vehicle is a 1997 van. The older van, 1987 vintage, is used only for short local trips for seniors.
Met Council estimates a five-year or 100,000 mile life span on these vehicles. While no grant money may be available, Hanna figures that a purchase on a state bid would save about $10,000 to $15,000 on the cost of a new bus or van. Information will be presented to the Senior Advisory Board.
McCullough told the board that Rich Riske, Anoka Conservation District, has volunteered to write a grant application nominating Linwood Community and School Forest for a site protection project.
McCullough would like to see protection permanently written for the area, so that no future use-changes could be made to the site. Any agreement might hold in reserve a small percentage of the area for improvements for users, but basically keep the park undeveloped in perpetuity.
The proposal is to be presented to the planning and zoning board for review.
Other business
In other business, the board:
ïReferred to planning and zoning the recommendations of Engineer Craig Jochum for several road and bridge standards for the township streets, curbing, and paving.
ïBased on a planning and zoning recommendation approved a sketch plan for development from Fred Dewall.
ïApproved a revised sketch plan for Boettcher Forest Preserve development.
ïUnanimously approved $23,000 in improvements to Broadbent Park, with funds to come from the parks budget.
ïLearned the estimated cost for the well at the Linwood Cemetery is $7500.
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