Alice Pickering
Linwood Area Reporter

Linwood Town Board Supervisor Howard Holm brought a message from the town cemetery committee that changes or clarification of regulations need to be made about the cemetery. Historically, residents could have a burial plot in the town cemetery at no cost.

The Linwood Cemetery Committee made it possible for long-time residents who have moved out of the township, yet live close by and maintain ties to community, to retain that privilege.

One part of the solution was to have families pay a $250 perpetual care fee, intended for use to maintain the gravesite.

Holm told the town board May 30 that the while the original intent had been to use the perpetual care fund for this purpose, legally the principal must remain intact and only interest used for upkeep and maintenance. Because the funds are out of reach, he believes the fund name needs to be changed or the fund eliminated with the money going into the general fund, as a new line item.

Unless this is done he estimates about 50 years before enough has been contributed to make a difference on cemetery maintenance and improvement. Cemetery maintenance is being paid from the general fund now.

The committee’s proposal is that money that is in the perpetual care fund now, be moved to the general fund. The committee might need to evaluate the fees. The board must still consult with Attorney Gerald Randall who was not at the meeting.

Sandy Lathrop and Cindy Gruett continue their work to generate a comprehensive record of the lots in the cemetery, compiling it from several partial lists. They hope eventually to have all this on a data base.

This is a time-consuming because information is coming from various lists and contact with those who have reserved plots. Holm complimented them on their work.

Other actions

Supervisors approved moving soil from Four Seasons Park for the base of the parking lot for the park at Boettcher Farm Estates.

Steve Strandlund is to provide the large back hoe to load the trucks at the park, and with three trucks operating, all should be kept busy and the material can be spread at the other site. Supervisors approved the plan unanimously.

Strandlund offered one of his trucks, along with a township truck and another vehicle to work moving soil from Four Seasons Park to the parking lot for the park at Boettcher Farm Estates. Strandlund will provide the large back hoe to load the trucks at the park, and with three trucks operating, all should be kept busy and the material can be spread at the other site. Supervisors approved the plan.

The board accepted the bid from McCullough and Sons to drill the irrigation well for Boettcher Farm Preserve Park. It was the most complete bid meeting the specifications. Supervisors also approved the purchase of 87 yards of black dirt and enough seed to plant 8,000 square feet. Cost is $1,435.50.

Problems with the septic system at the town hall appear to be associated with installation of communication cables near the pipes. Cameras inside the main drains show breaks in the pipe.

The board voted to have a system designed to replace the current septic system, then advertise for bids for the work.

With deletion of a section specifying that an accessory building be no larger than 75 percent of living space on a property, Linwood supervisors approved changes in the building ordinance that should reduce the number of variance applications.

Basically, as long as proposed buildings are compatible with the style of the residence in material and color, is screened from the street by trees, homeowners will no longer be required to obtain a variance to build a garage or storage building between house and the road. The ordinance number is 127. Approval was unanimous.

While the ordinance change is official as of the date of publication, officials in effect approved a variance for Addie Larson to build a new garage closer to the road than her home on 229th Ave. NE. Supervisors approved the return of Larson’s $200 variance application fee.

Volunteers are still needed to help plan, set up facilities, and operate some games Linwood Family Fun Day, Saturday, Sept. 8. The committee meets on the third Thursday of the month at the Linwood Senior Center. Residents wishing to volunteer and those seeking more information can call Judy Hanna (651-462-5565).

Other business

In other business, the board:

•Approved advertising for bids for two culverts, one on Fontana Street and one on Amazon Street.

•Learned that screens in the pump at Broadbent Park were cleaned, but maintenance workers will not know if that will solve the problem with low volume until the weather is dryer.

•Approved the appointment of Carol Searing to the senior advisory board.

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