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|  Three Crosslake Firefighters retire: (Center l-r) Bill Floerschinger, Jeff Cripps, and Ron Schmidt were presented plaques and recognized for their service at the September 14, 2009 Crosslake City Council Meeting - photo submitted | Correction: In last week’s edition of the Northland Press (September 22, 2009) the Crosslake City council story contained an error. The name of the person donating money to be used for road and trail improvements for Manhattan Point Boulevard that will be used for engineering and geo-technical survey was incorrectly identified as Jerry Wiltsey. The correct name of the person donating is Gerald Bilski. Northland Press regrets the error. Crosslake Council Sets Preliminary Levy, Recognizes Retired Crosslake FirefightersBy Paul Boblett, Editor The Crosslake City Council approved the 2010 preliminary levy at their regular monthly meeting on September 14. The proposed 2010 amount is $2,787,699, which reflects a 2.1 percent increase from 2009. Council also approved the preliminary 2010 expenditure budget, which increased to $4,021,780 as recommended by City Administrator Tom Swenson. One reason the preliminary levy increased was to recoup $28,729 in Market Value Homestead Credit funds that the city lost as part of Gov. Pawlenty’s unallotment of funds used to balance the state budget. Council scheduled a public meeting on December 7 at 6:00 pm to hear citizen comments and concerns. The final 2010 levy can be reduced but not increased and must be finalized in December. Conditional Use Permit Modified Council unanimously adopted the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission recommendation to modify the conditional use permit (CUP) approved for Cynthia L. Holden in February 2004 for the property at 36052 County Road 66. The commission held a public meeting the possible revocation of the permit on August 28, and again prior to the council meeting. P&Z recommended that council modify the permit and require the 12 parking spaces be properly signed and striped; a landscaping plan be submitted to city staff and adhered to; building signs be addressed and complied with; city staff be allowed an interior inspection of the building; concerning the two free standing signs on the property, one must be removed from the property and the other comply with the proper setback from the roadway. Dean Eggena, spoke on behalf of Holden and agreed to the conditions, by P&Z recommendation with the exception of the free standing signs as he had not spoken to their tenant Brothers Motorsports to see if they would allow another sign on the post. If the conditions are not met within 60 days, the city could choose to proceed with revocation of the permit. Shoutz escrow reduced The amount of escrow required by the city for cash in lieu of land for Park dedication fees was reduced by council adoption of a resolution for the property subdivision for Cary and Nikki Shoutz. The city reduced the amount by $782.47 after deciding to subtract the city's public use trail easement from the Shoutz's total acreage. The amount now held in escrow by the city is $6,164.20. Litigation is currently underway Crow Wing County District Court, as the Shoutz’s are disputing the city's ordinance regarding park dedication requirements. Retiring firefighters, Clerk-Treasurer recognized Council recognized retired Crosslake Volunteer firefighters Ron Schmidt who retired in August of 2008, Bill Floerschinger who retired in April of 2009, and July 2009 retiree Jeff Cripps. The firemen were presented commemorative plaques. “It was a privilege and an honor to have been able to serve with them said Crosslake Fire Chief Keith Anderson said by phone on Friday. “They were great assets to the department for many years and we’re sad to them go, and we’ll miss their expertise.” “We wish them well in retirement, but they are still part of our family,” added Anderson. “They are welcome anytime at the Fire Hall.” Council also recognized newly hired City Clerk-Treasurer Jennifer Max, and took a few minutes to thank and say goodbye to outgoing Clerk treasurer Darlene Roach. Roach was recognized by Mayor Jay Andolshek who thanked her for her 16 years of service, patience, and knowledge to the city. Roach was presented with a clock as a gift from the City. All who addressed council during the meeting thanked Roach. Roach cited the various councils she has worked with and also the residents of Crosslake. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you - it’s been a great 16 years,” said Roach. In other council action: • Approved the 2010 road and trail improvement projects for as recommended by the Public Works Commission which include Harbor Lane and CSAH 66. Swenson said that it is based on the five-year capital improvement plan. • Accepted a matching donation of $50,000 from resident Jerry Wiltsey for road and trail improvements for Manhattan Point Boulevard that will be used for engineering and geo-technical survey. When the survey and study are complete the city will complete the funding. • Approved feasibility studies for Bio-Solids Treatment, and also for a sanitary sewer extension. • Approved a resolution to raise sewer user rates effective with the January 2010 billing for December 2009 usage. Commercial users will be charged $36 per month per 8,000 gallons of metered usage, and residential rates will increase to $36 per month. • Approved the mayoral appointment of Gary Heacox as an alternate P&Z Commissioner. • Heard that the Crosslake Police department responded to 267 calls in Crosslake and 40 in Mission Township; and the Fire department reported 23 calls including 20 medicals. • Accepted a $10,700 donation from the Crosslake-Ideal Lions Club for the fire department for the purchase of a new thermal imaging camera. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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