Regular Meeting
04/01/2013, 7:00 pm
Members present: Kerry Olson, Chairman; Ken Selzler, Supervisor; Paul Zent, Supervisor; Jerry Kunz, Zoning Board Member; JP Moszer, Road Supervisor; Roger Thompson, Assessor; Greg Hillig, Building Inspector; Mike Schwartz, Treasurer; and Elizabeth Patterson, Clerk
Members absent: Terry Mauch, Weed Board; and Rick Solberg, Zoning Board Member
Supervisor Selzler opened the meeting and announced that Supervisor Olson would serve as chairman for the upcoming year, as decided by the board.
Chairman Olson reminded everyone that the Apple Creek School has a "no tobacco policy" and asked that anyone present for a township meeting respect that policy and refrain from using tobacco of any kind while in the school building.
Supervisor Zent made a motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Supervisor Selzler seconded the motion. The motion passed with Supervisors Selzler and Zent and Chairman Olson voting in favor.
School Board report: Shawn Whitney, Apple Creek School Board Member, was present but said there was nothing to report.
Zoning Board: Chairman Olson opened the Zoning Board.
Residents of the Mees Country Home Estates subdivision brought to the board a petition to express frustration and deep concern of some covenant violations at 11333 Hillard Drive. The property owner does not reside on the property, but a dog kennel is in the process of being built with the intent to raise and sell dogs and horses.
Supervisor Zent said the information in the petition was gained from speaking with the property owner and it is not speculation.
Supervisor Selzler said the covenants indicate that property owners who do not reside on the property should not be housing animals on the property, and the board should honor and support the covenants of the subdivision.
Supervisor Zent suggested that the Mees Country Home Estates subdivision create a new covenant committee to address issues such as this that arise in the subdivision. He also said that in the future, when a decision is made by the covenant committee, one member of that committee could come to the township board to seek approval or support with regard to a covenant violation.
Supervisor Zent made a motion that the Zoning Board concurs with the petition of the residents of the Mees Country Home Estates and the township will send the petition and a copy of the minutes to the owner of 11333 Hillard Drive. Supervisor Selzler seconded the motion. The motion passed with Zoning Board Member Kunz, Supervisors Selzler and Zent, and Chairman Olson voting in favor.
Chairman Olson closed the Zoning Board.
Assessor’s report: Mr. Thompson said he sent 112 assessment notices to township residents. The Tax Equalization Meeting will be held on April 9th at 7:00pm at the Apple Creek School.
The board considered an application for abatement from Leonard & Bonita Brilz. Mr. Thompson said he has looked at the property and agrees with lowering the value of the improvements to $49,000. Supervisor Zent made a motion to approve the application of abatement from Leonard & Bonita Brilz. Supervisor Selzler seconded the motion. The motion passed with Supervisors Selzler and Zent and Chairman Olson voting in favor.
Building Inspector’s report: Mr. Hillig issued the following permits:
• Jim Murray - wood deck and composite pole barn at 11825 Lincoln Road.
Valuation of work - $11,040
Permit - $143.35
• Robert Stroh - new home with attached garage and detached garage at 3300 Susan Drive.
Valuation of work - $187,163
Permit - $1,019.80
• Stan & Cyndy Meidinger - attached garage at 6305 Omar Street.
Valuation of work - $16,380
Permit - $213.37
Road Supervisor’s report: Mr. Moszer said he and Chairman Olson will inspect the township roads in late April or early May in order to complete a gravel plan. He also suggested that the board consider increasing the amount of the road approach permit from the current amount of $25.
In response to several concerns with the condition of 119th Street from 5th Street to Apple Creek Road, Mr. Moszer said he will contact the county again to request that maintenance of the road be addressed.
Treasurer’s report: Mr. Schwartz said the starting balance was $280,432.68, checks written totaled $84.18, deposits totaled $63,513.66, and the ending balance was $343,862.24.
Supervisor Zent made a motion to pay bills. Supervisor Selzler seconded the motion. The motion passed with Supervisors Selzler and Zent and Chairman Olson voting in favor.
Other business: A resident of the Mees Country Home Estates made a formal request for the building inspector to look at a property in the subdivision that is in disrepair.
Clarissa Klein said she owns 10 acres on 119th Street and would like to subdivide the property and wanted to know how to proceed. Supervisor Zent told her to contact the city/county planning department and they will with the process of establishing a subdivision.
Mr. Kunz asked if anything further had been determined regarding the zoning confusion of the Mills property. Bob Johnson, Mayor, City of Lincoln, said he had asked the city’s attorney about the property and was told it is the township’s responsibility.
Supervisor Selzler thanked everyone for attending the meeting and said it was nice to have a large turnout and encouraged residents to attend future meetings.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Patterson