Alice Pickering
Linwood Area Reporter

Resident and former town board member Rudi McCurdy questioned the repeated absence of Supervisor Scott Bailey from Linwood Town Board meetings. Bailey has also missed other meetings where he is the town representative.

McCurdy, speaking to the town board last week, asked what the board plans to do about the chronic absences. He is “rarely here and is not the representation we voted for,” observed McCurdy.

In his campaign for office in March 2006, Bailey wrote about his decision to run for office. It is “a way for me to give Linwood residents a fair shake, an honest ear, and considerate look at any issues, big or small. I will work fairly for all.” He also spoke about fiscal responsibility, wanting to “see things slow down, the reckless spending of tax dollars, and overbuilding.”

In the 2006 election, he won a three-way race against incumbent Marie Holm and Kevin Ryan.

The town board meets twice a month. So far in 2007, Bailey has missed 10 of 19 meetings, including the annual meeting. He also missed five meetings in 2006.

This year except for the two July meetings, Bailey has missed every meeting since June.

Supervisors are paid $275 a month to attend three meetings, including at least one liaison meeting, and there is no provision for withholding the stipend based on absences. This may change.

Mike Parker, town board chair, has always urged regular attendance at board meetings. He took the same position Tuesday, Oct. 9.

Bailey was in the town hall during the day on Oct. 9 and gave every indication he planned to attend the evening meeting, according to Town Clerk Judy Hanna.

McCurdy asked what part of the township policy can be changed. He asked if there are procedures for recall.

Joe Dolphy said that a citizen petition could begin action for a recall vote. The board would then appoint someone to complete the four-year term if the official is recalled. The Secretary of State could provide details for any action.

The board agreed that it will revisit this issue.

Ryan request

Town resident Kevin Ryan attended the meeting asking supervisors to act on his proposal to place a temporary building on his property for equipment and tool storage. The building would meet ordinances and setbacks.

The equipment and tools in his yard are important and he needs ready access to them for his work.

Several written complaints have been made to officials about his junk-filled yard. In addition, several supervisors and Attorney Gerald Randall have inspected the property.

Complaints and formal action about his property began in November 2005. Parker asked Ryan if he has presented written information about his proposal to the P&Z.

Ryan said he had not, choosing to appear directly before the board.

Ryan maintains the board can act on its own about his proposal to put up a temporary building without the input of advisory groups or employees; referring to the Planning and Zoning Commission and building inspector Dave Thompson.

Ryan further claims there is one anonymous complaint and that he is angry that he is referenced by name while other problem houses are only identified by address. He accused the board of not applying variances fairly to the houses in his neighborhood, targeting him and ignoring other violations.

Ryan has called supervisors and Randall numerous times about his proposal. He has submitted written plans, but he has not responded to requests for additional information from Jon Christianson, Anoka Shoreland Management. He was asked by Thompson to supply additional information before his request for a building permit is considered. Ryan has yet to apply for a conditional use permit.

Hanna reported that Thompson had sent a letter to Ryan listing violations. While he seemed to understand the complaints, Ryan claimed he was not getting his mail, suggesting it is not being delivered or that there is theft from the mailboxes in the area. A certified letter requesting the missing information and details was handed to him while he was in the township office on other business.

Ryan said the board can waive a hearing before P&Z. Parker spoke for the group, saying that while the board could act on his proposal without considering advice, it chooses not to do so. A trial date is set later this month.

Other topics

Great River Energy presented plans for a new power sub-station on the south side of Anoka CR-22 about two miles west of Wyoming. That agency and surveyor Frank Kvidera thought a better site would be north of the county road.

Kvidera told the board he has consulted with Anoka County officials, checked area land survey and contacted the MnDOT representative in charge of highways in the area to get more information about options for the proposed location.

On the recommendation of Fire Chief Dolphy, the board approved Robert Anderson and Clint Peterson as probationary firefighters. The vote was 3-0. Supervisors Bailey and Robert Johnson did not attend. Firefighters Kevin Kriegshauser and Andy Luedtke have completed first responder classes and are to begin firefighter one classes soon.

Dolphy had positive comments about Fire Prevention week activities at Linwood Elementary School and believes the annual programs are improving awareness of fire safety in the community.

The department has applied for a Rural Fire Department Grant through the DNR. If awarded, the money will be used to purchase another computer to support internet dispatching.

Dolphy said volunteers are working to eliminate the fire department checking and savings accounts, and transferring the funds to a Fire Relief Association General Fund. This comes at the recommendation of the State Auditor and Relief Association Auditor and should be completed within a week.

Fire Marshall Rich Gabrick will complete the fire inspections on the Country Store, when all other inspections have been completed. Dolphy reported 17 responses in September: four were to fires and 13 were medical emergencies.

The township has reactivated its building study committee. Residents are encouraged to apply. The board approved the appointments of Marie Holm and Kvidera to the committee. Applications will be considered until Nov. 9.

Other business

In other business, the board:

•Accepted the work completed on Cattail Ponds development and reduced the letter of credit requirement of Gregory and Nancy Radenfeldt to $13,800, and extended its term to Dec. 9, 2008.

•Accepted the work completed on Rolling Oak Meadows, reduced the letter of credit for Trademark Holdings, LLC, to $10,800 and extended its term to Nov. 9, 2008.

•Accepted the snow plow bid from Dan’s Snowplowing. Keller Excavating will also be called as backup service at times of heavy snowfall. Randall explained that with bids under $50,000, quotes can be used to select service. The township will continue to get quotes annually for snowplow service.

•Learned that Thompson is waiting for utility officials to rule on the acceptability of a gas meter to make a final decision on certificate of occupancy for the Country Store.

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