Alice Pickering
Wyoming Area Reporter

Township officials and developers got some answers or at least heard the reasons explaining why natural gas lines are not being extended into some new developments in Linwood.

Michael Mayerchak, an account executive for Xcel, attended the May 10 meeting to answer questions about not extending natural gas service to Boettcher Farm Preserve, a 93-lot development in northern Linwood Township and also Shadow Ridge Estates on Ryan Lake Drive.

Meyerchak told the board Xcel is not allowed to extend the gas service in ways that unduly burden existing customers. Even when a developer offers to pay the difference to extend the main, the company cannot charge the full difference to the developer, he said.

The company can justify a certain number of homes per acre and give the developer credit for 25 percent of the homes. Meyerchak recognized the dilemma and acknowledged the formula is written for city lots, more in the line of six homes per acre.

New developments in Linwood have a minimum 2.5-acre size requirement.

Meyerchak said Excel is looking for flexibility in its agreements as it plans expansion. An interim filing with the public utilities commission is possible to renegotiate costs for expansion of the line. That may determine if the gas mains are extended in the northern part of the township at all.

The township will write a letter to Xcel in support of Steve Strandlundís appeal for extension of the natural gas service to the planned Boettcher Farm Preserve.

A copy is also to be sent to the Public Utilities Commission.

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Final plat of Shadow Ridge development was approved with the contingencies that once Richard Killian has signed papers. He has 10 days to get a letter of credit on file, file the plat and sign mylar copies. The vote was 5-0.

Boettcher Farm Preserve was also approved, subject to review by Engineer Craig Jochum. Items are related to restoration. Strandlund is waiting for utilities to be in before seeding. The second lift of asphalt will be completed a little later.

Lent Township has approached Linwood about joining together to insure that developers assume some of the road improvement costs on Lyons Street. The townships share the cost of maintaining Lyons Street, in the northeast border of Linwood.

Supervisor Dave Tryon wants to see copies of Lent Township street specifications before joining forces. He said he will not support joint street project unless the street standards are the same.

Supervisors approved Jochum as the designated member of Linwoodís technical evaluation panel to provide environmental advice and resource. The vote was 5-0.

Fire Chief Rich Gabrick announced a change in the Firemenís Dance date to Saturday, Oct. 15.

Gabrick reported 18 fire calls in April; seven were for fires and 11 were medical emergencies. The department has responded 63 times through April.

On the recommendation of the fire department, the board unanimously approved Tom Bever as a volunteer firefighter. He has completed probationary training. The department received a $500 grant from ERA Muske Co.

Pay dates for fire department personnel were set to be quarterly, as requested by the department and auditor David Stene.

By a vote of 3-1, one abstention the board voted to continue with quarterly issue of fire department checks. Mel Pfaffendorf voted against the decision. Supervisor Mike Parker, a firefighter, abstained.

There continue to be complaints about signs posted without permits. Plans are to send applications to those who have signs up but have not filed for a permit. Those who do not return the permit application and fee will have to pay to have signs removed. Supervisor Marie Holm wants to see more follow through and follow up on these and other property complaints.

Other business

In other business, the board:

ïLearned bids for 2005 street maintenance closed May 13.

ïWas reminded of the annual insurance review at the May 24 meeting.

ïDirected to planning and zoning the proposed location for the township sand and salt shed.

ïLearned the status of a community development block grant to help purchase a newer senior van is pending.

ïReceived a letter of interest from Dennis Rodacker to volunteer on the planning and zoning commission.

ïLearned the pump and electricity have been installed in the Linwood Cemetery.

ïAuthorized Hanna to advertise for a Senior Center assistant.

ïLearned annual Park Review is scheduled for 5 p.m. May 23.

ïHeard progress follow-up on property complaints.

ïHeard a complaint about a potentially dangerous dog. Owner is to be notified by letter with follow by sheriffs deputy.

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