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Linwood Town Board reviews 2007 audit |
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Thursday, 08 May 2008 |
Alice Pickering
Linwood Area Reporter
David Mol of HLB Tautges Redpath, Ltd. explained results of the 2007 audit for Linwood Township that says Linwood complies with accepted practices and laws related to its operation.
Suggestions presented to the town board on April 22 include more segregation of financial duties, to minimize risk of errors and fraud. However, as much as possible in the township office, one person opens mail, another writes receipts, checks are stamped “for deposit only,” and deposited by the treasurer.
A second recommendation is that the Linwood improve financial statement preparation. The report offered several suggestions, including a third party to help with financial statements.
Third, township policies about internal accounting controls should be in writing to minimize misinterpretation of policies. The auditor also recommended written documentation of the review and approval of time sheets and employee reimbursements.
In addition, the audit recommends Linwood establish capital asset records. The records would enable officials to compute depreciation of equipment and facilities and provide a more accurate record of changes in net assets.
Road paving
There were disagreements, but at the April 8 meeting, Linwood supervisors approved paving a short section of 230th Street, from Typo Creek Drive (CR-85) to Congo Street. There have been many complaints about that part of the street from residents, according to Supervisor Phil Osterhus.
The developer was not required to extend pavement from the development to the nearest paved road. To do so now would postpone the upgrade of Thames Street, north of Fawn Lake Drive, scheduled for 2008.
Chair Mike Parker, was upset that the priorities got switched. Bob Beckman, road and bridge chair, said the street has been on the list to be improved. The policy in the past has been to assess the cost to adjacent property owners so that is why 230th had not been paved.
The committee has a five-year plan for systematic maintenance and improvements but sometimes the priorities changed. The approval was given by a 3-1 vote, with Parker voting against. Supervisor Scott Bailey did not attend this meeting.
At the same meeting, the board gave approval for the DNR to move a gate across 205th Street at its west end in Carlos Avery Wildlife Refuge.
Earlier this year, land-owner Allen Grinde contacted the township about the possibility of the sale or donation of a 40-acre tract to Linwood Township which would expand the Linwood Community and School Forest.
In an update, Randall said Grinde has not changed his mind about donating the land, but for tax purposes, would prefer to wait a year or two. Grinde proposed the township rent the land for $1 a year and pay annual taxes, which were $169 last year for the 40 acres.
The vote was 5-0 to offer to lease the land for three years, at $1 a year and pay the property taxes. Randall is to contact Grinde’s attorney about the decision.
Cemetery report
Linwood Cemetery Committee has finalized a charter for the township cemetery.
The group reviews requests for improvements and makes recommendations to the board. The group also works with township employees to coordinate activities for Memorial Day and Veterans Days.
In addition, the group creates and maintains a computer database, verifying accuracy before it becomes a permanent record. Cemetery plots are made available as needed at no charge to current Linwood residents. Former tax-paying residents, who have moved to assisted living facilities outside the township, are considered residents.
The cemetery continues to be developed, but to maintain the current policy, the committee is identifying plots that are reserved, but not used. Some former residents who have moved away have released back to the cemetery these reserved plots. There is no actual ownership of plots and they cannot be bartered.
Other topics
Clerk Judy Hanna reported there is one business which has a sign posted in the township, but has not paid the permit fee for three years. Randall is to help draft a letter, citing the township sign ordinance and fee schedule. Failure to pay the permit fee will result in removal of the sign.
Supervisors learned of a series of phone complaints about a barking dog, which has resulted in an Anoka deputy filing a formal complaint. However, the complaint appears unsubstantiated. Supervisors who have visited have heard no barking, howling or other noise.
Supervisors Parker and Osterhus both have a problem with a formal complaint being issued, with only the sheriff’s log as justification for the complaint. Parker proposed a change in the dog ordinance that requires complaints from two different households within 1000 feet of the dog owner’s home. Approval was unanimous, 5-0.
Metropolitan Council required 16 hours of training related to defensive driving, assisting the handicapped, etc. for drivers in organizations affiliated with the MC. Linwood Senior Transportation is no longer directly affiliated with Met Council because rules for bus fleets are applied to the one or two vehicles operated by Senior Transportation. However, the board directed letters be sent to drivers offering the opportunity for the re-certification classes.
Other business
In other business, the board
•Heard comments from three residents at the annual board of review, which is the first level of hearing for possible property-tax adjustments.
•Granted a one-year extension for Sue Lein and Katherine Ahlquist to file a preliminary plat for their planned development. Approval is contingent on Lyons Street upgrades. The sketch plan has been approved.
•Accepted for publication, the summary ordinance related to regulating dog ownership in the township.
•Scheduled a public hearing for 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 27 to consider vacating old Icarus Street.
•Passed as resolution granting the Stacy Lions Club a liquor license allowing the organization to sell beer at the firemen’s dance on Sept. 6.
•Approved continuing agreement with Gary Wettshreck in which he is applying dust control treatment to a section of Fontana Street.
•Learned Anoka County HRA funds cannot be utilized to purchase warning sirens.
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