Jackie Lallier
Wyoming Township Reporter

The first order of business at the Wyoming Township Board meeting Nov. 13th was the request for an interim use permit for Marc and Cynthia Sheldon to operate a dog kennel on Esquire Blvd.

The Wyoming Township Dog Ordinance “allows for dog kennels wherever three or more dogs over four months of age are kept with the issuance of an IUP.” This issue came up after a complaint of one of the dogs at this residence bit a child and another dog.

This was determined to be a provoked attack and that dog has been put down by the Sheldons. Originally the township thought the request was for 13 dogs but in reality it is for five dogs.

The subject of insurance was discussed and Cindy Sheldon explained they are not paid to take in the abandoned dogs but to train them for adoption. There is no precedent of requiring insurance for a conditional use permit for a dog kennel. Sheldon also talked to her insurance agent who told her it is very rare to have exclusions to breeds of dogs.

The matter has been heard by the planning commission. It recommended the permit be granted based on six conditions that have been met plus: (7) that the operation of the kennel be reviewed in 12 months, (8) that the walking of dogs be restricted to the applicants’ property, (9) that no more than eight puppies under four months of age be kenneled, and (10) that the dogs be supervised within a four-foot high fenced area.

The town board passed the recommendation with Supervisor Pat Fandel opposed. He said there are too many children in that particular neighborhood for child-safe conditions.

Business matters

Commercial owner Terry Bergeron is requesting a CUP amendment that would allow him to divide his three-unit building now housing Abra Carpet Cleaning, Suburban Glass & Mirror and the Polish Shop alongside Highway 8 into four units.

He currently has no prospective tenant for the fourth business but is aware of the uses restricted in the Highway Business District.

The board granted the CUP.

Joe Rinehart of Interstate Pavement Maintenance would like to remodel the former Pierz Marine facility by constructing two covered front entryways that would extend ten feet from the existing building. The planning commission felt this request reasonable and recommended approval.

The town board OK’d the variance.

Road projects

Engineer Mark Erichson conducted the final assessment hearings for the West Comfort Drive along with Heath Avenue and Greenway Lane improvements.

The Comfort/Heath feasibility assessment was $6666 for each of the 28 units and the actual assessment will be $4591 per unit, payable over 10 years.

The proposed assessment cost was $7879 for Greenway Lane. It now will amount to $5850 for each of the 20 sub-divideable units.

Resident Doug Colburn has the only parcel that can be subdivided and asked how this is determined. It was explained the present determination is based on what the current ordinance provides but it might change if and when the consolidation with the city of Wyoming takes place.

The percentage of interest will be 3.9 (bid by Lake Area Bank) plus the 1.5 required by law. Both projects were approved.

Town notes

Attorney Tom Fitzpatrick will be leaving his town duties upon his becoming a district judge. He suggested the Wyoming city attorney handle the township’s future meetings.

Dave Lammer will be invited to the next meeting.

Supervisor Ron Swenson suggested the board address yearly raises for employees before the end of the year and asked that employees also bring up any items for discussion before the board meets for this purpose.

The second town board meeting of December falls on a holiday so it was agreed it should be cancelled. The next combined comprehensive plan meeting will be Dec. 13.

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