Alice Pickering
Linwood Area Reporter

Linwood Town Board Supervisors have voted 4-0 to deny a rezoning request for Greg Schneller. The area under question is on the north side of Fawn Lake Drive NE and abuts the east side of Jensenís Nursery.

Schneller sought to change the zoning to general business in order to build an auction house.

Schneller and his wife have held auctions for a number of years, using the Linwood Senior Center as a site and in conjunction with Family Fun Day. There would be auctions there about twice a month, usually on Saturdays, but sometimes on Wednesdays in summer.

He asked for other suggestions for available property in the township because he has been searching.

The main reason for the denial was serious opposition to the action. Most of the objections came from residents, concerned about increased traffic, noise, impact to wetlands, all concerns associated with a business in a largely rural area.

Supervisor Mel Pfaffendorf said that while there have been land splits before which did not require a re-zone of an entire property, this request has a lot of opposition. Most is related to what many believe will permanently change the rural character of the area.

Many of who attended the meeting had already expressed opposition to the request at the Linwood Planning and Zoning meeting. The commission recommended denial of the request because of the strong opposition.

Doug Jensen, owner of the nursery, also opposed the request. His business is considered agricultural use.

Another resident said Stacy is annexing land up to the county line, not more than one mile east. Some thought Schneller would do better to find land in Stacy. Schneller may appeal.

Attorney Gerald Randall said residents living within 350 feet of the site would be notified if the decision is appealed.

Supervisor Dave Tryon did not attend the meeting.

Other actions

The board approved a lot split for Brian and Bridget Robinson that resolves claims for adjacent lot owners. Approval is contingent on Randall checking the information Frank Kvidera recommended conduit deeds and the parcels combined under a single PIN.

A decision on a land split request from Carroll and Arlene Anderson was tabled until November 28.

The board approved the options recommended by the road and bridge committee for two culvert replacements in the township. Engineer Craig Jochum will set up quote sheets. The repairs are on Jordell Ave. and Fontana St.

There has been a request for a speed study on Lyons Street. MnDOT will be asked to set up the study.

The board approved a park board request to purchase liners for the ice hockey and recreational skating rinks. This will make it easier for workers to set up the rinks in the fall and keep them in good shape during the winter. Approval is for up to $1500, with money to come from designated funds.

After some discussion, the board agreed to decline the fixed monthly gas payment offered to the township by Xcel Energy. Supervisor Phil Osterhus advised caution because while the agreements lock in the amount to be paid, there is no refund for overpayment.

Supervisors approved payment of the bills in the amount of $337,521.95. Included is $93,700 to cover the cost of the chassis for the new tanker truck for the fire department.

Matt Elvehjem, manager of the Riverbank in Wyoming attended the meeting to introduce himself and the bank to the township. Riverbank was one of the contributors to Linwood Family Fun Day.

He introduced a program the bank operates for the benefit of youth in community. Of the ìRiverbucks,î generated from donations for coffee and occasional treats provided for customers in the lobby, the entire amount is donated to local youth programs.

Other business

In other business, the board.

ïDirected the attorney to contact the owner of the land advertising sign on CR-75. It is on the county right-of-way. If not moved, the county has the authority to remove it.

ïAccepted a letter of resignation of Ray Tetrault from the planning and zoning commission.

ïApproved the appointment of Stephanie Lucas as a full member of the commission. Lucas has been regularly attending as committee alternate for about two years and is up to speed on the functions of the committee.

ïLearned that the ìNo Parkingî signs for the township have been ordered.

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