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Town of Wyoming rejects annexation election plea |
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Wednesday, 20 February 2008 |
Jackie Lallier
Wyoming Township Reporter
Following a closed meeting, the Wyoming Town Board opened the regular meeting on Feb. 12 with resident Russ Goudge talking about the request he had submitted signed by several people who have been involved in community affairs for the past several years.
The letter asks for an amendment to the current agreement so that a full election in November would be called for all persons on the new council. Goudge said he feels the annexation laws are currently unfair and would like to see an election that would install a more democratic government.
Chairman Roger Elmore pointed out it took a year to develop the annexation plan and can’t see that a change now would be at all beneficial. Supervisor Mark Utecht said the agreement is a “good, solid” agreement but he also appreciates the fact that people are thinking about the community’s future.
Wyoming Mayor Sheldon Anderson was present and reiterated that the annexation process started over three years ago and it was agreed that two township members would come into the city council with two council members stepping down. Anderson stated “you can add my name to the list also” and “now at the 11th hour, to revert to rumors in the community is ludicrous.” He repeated that the agreement will be honored.
The town board voted unanimously 5-0 to uphold the original agreement.
Goudge said he meant the request to be in good faith and not to cast aspirations against any city council or township board members.
The vote followed the advice of Attorney Dave Snyder who recommended the town board acknowledge the request. Snyder recommended no deviation from the agreement that was previously negotiated and the board agreed.
Other topics
Bill Weber, consultant for the joint comprehensive plan, drafted maps after attending eight meetings and reviewed them this night, identifying roads, parks, and land use, including wetlands, Carlos Avery, population density, multi-use developments, some areas for forthcoming community sewer and water systems, elderly housing, hiking and biking trails, some areas to remain with private well and sewer systems, and employment possibilities in light industry, offices, health care business, retail and research and development.
It was decided to set an open house date 4-8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 28 at the Wyoming City Hall, with the city of Wyoming and Wyoming Township both sending out notices to all residents in order to get as much input from the public as possible. The task force will meet on March 5th to put together a report of opinions gathered at the open house.
Street Superintendent Byron Olson said he had contacted the state about purchase of a new garage furnace but was unsuccessful so contacted two local dealers for quotes.
Supervisor Pat Fandel attended a fire board meeting and discussed closing out the current agreement the township has at the end of June. Fandel asked Snyder to see what has to be done legally to completely dissolve the agreement. This will be done before the next meeting.
The board authorized Town Engineer Mark Erichson to begin the feasibility study for the Xccent property in order that construction can proceed this spring.
The following persons were appointed as election judges for the March 11 election: Norma Olson, Evelyn Rodrigue, Bee Tolzmann and Joyce Winnick.
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