Greenwood Board of Supervisors: “Planning and Zoning is to be sent back to St. Louis County”
TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 2016 —There was a lone dissent as the Greenwood Town Board of Supervisors voted to end its Planning and Zoning Commission and send its planning and zoning, “back to St. Louis County.” The motion, which ends about 30 years of the township handling its own planning and zoning and issuing its own building permits, was made by Supervisor Dr. John Bassing. He cited, as his reasons for making his motion, two occasions when the Planning Commission could not meet due to a failure to obtain a quorum and two occasions when a board of adjustment public notice was not properly made. Bassing also said that citizens instructed the board of supervisors to send the township’s planning back to the county at the last three annual meetings. Supervisor John Milbridge quickly supported the motion.
Supervisor Gene Baland explained that he would be voting against the motion, explained the reasons for his dissent and was met with raucous outbursts from the audience, including jeering shouts and outright vulgarity and rudeness. With great dignity, Baland calmly studied the audience and explained, “I think we should take a month to think about this, to allow our constituents who are not here tonight time to voice their opinions.” His comments were immediately derided and someone in the audience accused him of trying to “stack the audience with people,” a blatant attempt to keep planning and zoning in place.
Although township policy requires anyone speaking before the board to clearly identify themselves by name, most people do not and it is impossible to note who says what. Someone in the audience suggested that the board consider the fact that the township had recently entered into a three-year contract with Julia Maki, the township’s Planning Director. Supervisor Carmen DeLuca responded, “We are eliminating her job, she can go on unemployment.” Unfortunately business and contract law might prove to not be quite that simple—time will tell.
Greenwood Town Board Chairman Rick Worringer attempted to gavel down the 40, or so, people in the audience talking, and shouting all at once by gently tapping his gavel on the table. No one seemed to care and the audience continued its outbursts. The town board managed to conclude the business on the motion, with a four to one vote in favor of the motion, which as best as I can determine was stated by Supervisor Bassing as, “Planning and Zoning is to be sent back to St. Louis County.” As he previously indicated while discussing the motion, Supervisor Baland was true to his word and cast the dissenting vote.
No suggestions, or conversation were held to determine how the township will proceed in sending planning and zoning back to the county. Supervisor Bassing did indicate that he would support the township establishing a “variance committee,” in the future.
Prior to discussing eliminating planning and zoning the board again discussed township policy regarding contact with the attorney and the need for the Planning Director to do so during the execution of her duties. Chairman Worringer informed the board that the Planning Director was responsible for enforcement of the zoning ordinance and to ultimately refer non-compliance issues to the township attorney. He asked the board if he could allow the Planning Director to contact the attorney. Both Supervisors DeLuca and Bassing objected and countered with the suggestion that Worringer could initiate a conference call between the Planning Director and attorney. I do not believe that any formal motion was made, or a vote taken on the issue, but I may have missed it.
Although there was nothing on the agenda, Supervisor DeLuca then interjected a motion to, “Send Howard Ankrum a note thanking him for his service to the Board of Adjustment and appoint Mary Richards.” Supervisor DeLuca’s contention was that Ankrum was a fire fighter, and thus a township employee and that the zoning ordinance prohibited more than one township employee to serve on the Board of Adjustment. Township Clerk Sue Drobac serves on the Board of Adjustment and remains on the board as its sole township employee. Ankrum had been serving as the vice-chairman. Supervisor Bassing supported DeLuca’s motion which passed, and again Supervisor Baland cast the only dissenting vote.
Partial resolution of the Handt Fride law bill achieved
Obviously Supervisor Bassing’s ire over having had the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Deputy call upon him in March, as he and Supervisor DeLuca conducted a break-in to all locked township offices prior to the township’s reorganization meeting, has not abated. The move to call Biss Lock, of Virginia, Minn. and break in was unprecedented in township history, and then, Supervisor, now Chairman Worringer and Planning Director Maki called the sheriff and made telephone calls to the township‘s attorney. Since the incident over the offices, Bassing has found a way to bring the issue up at every subsequent meeting and last month he proposed to delay payment of the Handt Fride law bill and demand explanation of its charges related to the incident.
Chairman Worringer reported that he had received a letter from, then, township Attorney Tim A. Strom which suggested that the township pay the undisputed amount of $3,600 and then they could work to resolve any issues relating to the disputed $1,400. Apparently this suggestion was not agreeable to Supervisor DeLuca who said, “we’re not going to pay, what are they going to do? Take us to court?” Worringer responded, “That is the kind of work they do.”
Pam Rogers, a township resident, tried calling the board to a higher order. She said, “clearly this guy did work for the township,” suggesting that the township pay the bill. Supervisor Bassing objected saying that Strom knew that the calls were not approved by the board adding, “he wouldn’t take my calls on prior issues.” Chairman Worringer said that he was trying to resolve the issue without costing the township further money. “I’m willing to pay my share,” he said.
Supervisor Milbridge said, “I didn’t dispute payment to Biss Lock and I didn’t make that decision,” reminding the board that only Supervisors Bassing and DeLuca determined they needed immediate access and called out Biss Lock to break into township offices. Bassing replied, “We could have been arrested, that is how serious this is. Three people could have been arrested, Carmen, Sue and I.”
The debate continued, and of course, the audience weighed in with accusations that the town board was trying to commit “legal hocus pocus,” and someone made a suggestion to go back retroactively, to the time when the township first retained Handt Fride, and review all of the previously paid charges. Some in the audience seem to believe they have a right to observe, comment upon, and approve each and every period and comma of all communication between the town board and its attorney.
After continuing back and forth the board of supervisors came to agreement: it would pay the uncontested amount and re-visit the contested $1,400 in the future. Chairman Worringer made a motion to pay the uncontested $3,600. The motion was supported by Supervisor Baland and was unanimously approved.
Greenwood Community Recreation Association pavilion project
A driving force behind the Greenwood Community Recreation Association pavilion project is Dean Panian. He appeared before the board to report on the progress of the pavilion. It is now constructed, awaiting finishing touches, sidewalks and foundation stone work. Everyone can see for themselves that it is a beautiful addition to the township campus and obviously will be enjoyed by Greenwood citizens and visitors for years to come. Panian provided the town board with a detailed accounting of the expenses and income of the project emphasizing that numerous donations of time and material were generously provided the project by township residents as well as people from outside of Greenwood Township. To date the project received over $33,000 in individual contributions, an Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRRB) grant, $10,000 from the township (its only contribution), as well as proceeds from raffles, a spaghetti feed and other fund raisers. The receipts total $60,593. Expected expenses total $60,997, however, the organization is already planning its next fund raiser.
A Barbecue Rib Dinner is slated for July 9. There will also be additional raffles, or auctions, including a frosted mirror map of Lake Vermilion, a quilt and other items. It is expected that this event will raise an additional $2,000 according to Panian.
Although almost everyone agrees the project is a worthy one and the results are beautiful, the project does have its detractors. At the township’s May meeting, Jeff Maus spoke against the fact that the pavilion project was “borrowing” fill from the bank at the back of the township property. He wanted to know exactly who gave permission to use fill from the bank. Panian explained that all of the previous projects the township had accomplished involved using some fill readily found on site. “You can’t build a pavilion and have it lean—well you could—but that would be stupid,” Panian said explaining that fill was needed. The record of expenditures shows that over $7,600 has been allotted for black dirt and landscaping the area. “Jack Williams is donating six 12 yard loads of loam—donated!” Panian emphasized, adding that the electrical work and landscaping was being funded by the IRRRB grant. “Not tax dollars,” he said.
Attempting to defend himself Maus said, “I’m just trying to educate the public.” He maintained that he would like to have the board make approval on anything that goes on with the township. “You just can’t allow people digging up dirt,” Maus said.
“I should have anticipated a problem,” Panian said. “It’s not a problem,” Supervisor Baland said. Panian then asked the board to give its approval to move the existing picnic tables closer to the tennis court, and to move additional dirt, as needed, around the site for leveling and grading. Baland made a motion, supported by DeLuca to permit this request. The motion received unanimous approval. Additional approval was given to create two handicap parking spaces near the pavilion and the township approved purchasing two handicap parking signs denoting the space.
Resignation received
Ellen Trancheff has announced her retirement from her position as 911 Coordinator effective July 31 and the board of supervisors accepted her letter noting her intentions. Chairman Worringer noted that congratulations on her retirement was in order. Trancheff had served the township admirably for years and was instrumental in establishing the township’s 911 program, Worringer said.
Supervisor Bassing suggested that the board authorize advertising for a new 911 coordinator. Supervisor Mlbridge then reminded Supervisor Bassing that he had offered to do the job for free. Bassing indicated that this was correct, and accepted it, seemingly, reluctantly.
Concerned Citizens
The township has been trying to respond to citizens’ concerns and has adopted a new agenda item entitled Concerned Citizens. Citizen concerns had been raised at the May meeting of the board of supervisors, and Chairman Worringer returned with answers to those questions this month. He noted that a question had been raised as to why the April Planning and Zoning meeting was canceled. It was canceled with agreement between Planning Director Maki and then, Planning Commission Chairman Jeff Lind, Worringer informed the township.
A township resident asked in May if the town board would create a “truck log,” detailing where the township truck traveled, and its mileage. Barb Lofquist addressed the board and said that she did not have any specifics, but that she had heard that there were times when the truck was used for personal business. Chairman Worringer said that he believed it was a trust issue between the township and its employees and that he had never witnessed any problems. Supervisor Bassing then made a motion to have the maintenance director create a “truck log.” Supervisor DeLuca supported the motion saying, “I second the motion, just for discussion.” However when the vote was called both he and Bassing voted for the motion, which failed with Worringer and Supervisors Baland and Milbridge voting against it.
Even though the audience peppered the town board with questions and comments during Public Input and on each agenda item, it found that there was still plenty to say and raised numerous additional questions for the board. It is anticipated that the board will return next month with answers to the new questions.
In other action, the board:
• Approved the May 10 Town Board of Supervisor’s meeting minutes
• Accepted the treasurer’s report and noted that the township accounts totaled $1,138,930, including $251,198 in long term investments; $251,198 in savings and $577,375 in the checking account
• Approved paying $21,151 in claims against the township, fixed bills and monthly expenses
• Acknowledged the receipt of $8,125 to the township from bank interest, liquor licenses, including a $6,500 donation for the pavilion project from Greenwood Community Recreation Association
• Approved a resolution accepting another $2,000, earmarked for the pavilion project, from the Greenwood Community Recreation Association. It is expected that this donation will be accounted for under June receipts at the township’s July meeting
• Authorized spending up to $2,000 to have an engineer draw up specifications for a fire hall and town hall fire alarm system
• Approved donating $100 to the Tower 4th of July celebration
• Unanimously passed a motion to require all township employees attend each town board meeting
• Acknowledged a request from Supervisor Bassing that he receive the fire department year 2014 run reports, run summaries, and service credits, as well as the 2015 service credits, which he needs to “conduct a limited procedure review of expenses,” of the fire department which he advocated for at the May township meeting, and for which the town board gave its approval
• Approved the expenditure of funds to allow Bassing, Clerk Drobec and Treasurer Delores Clark to attend the “Summer Short Course” training in Carlton, Minn.
• Approved placing a donation box to accept clothing donations for veteran’s projects, including the Veterans Home in Silver Bay, Minn. and Veterans on the Lake near Winton.
• Reviewed some of the correspondence the township had received during the previous month.
• Received the regular reports from the supervisors and clerk, fire chief, maintenance director, planning director, 911 coordinator and safety director.
A closing note—It is my sincere hope that I have been able to accurately account for all the business the Greenwood Township Board of Supervisors conducted at this June 14 business meeting. The township seems to be in what can only be described as a state of crisis and the board does not conduct its business in the conventional manner the rest of Lake Vermilion’s governments effectuate. While there is an agenda, it is not adhered to. Instead, motions on subjects not included on the agenda are routinely interjected in between others appearing on the agenda. Some supervisors seem to forget what they are doing, or have done previously. Motions are vague, and the votes unclear. Banter, hostilities, and bullying from the audience are tolerated, and perhaps encouraged, not only during the time reserved for “Public Input,” but throughout the meeting. At times the very vocal audience becomes abusive, rude and threatening in tone. Maelstrom seems to have become the new normal. Questions on the accuracy of some of the township’s official minutes have been informally raised in the community—and the people’s business suffers.
Of course Greenwood Township is free to conduct its business as it wants. I expect that I will continue to call it as I see it and The Tower News can choose to publish my accounts, or not.
Corrections:
My coverage of the June 14, Greenwood Town Board meeting, published above, incorrectly states, “Supervisor DeLuca’s contention was that Ankrum was a fire fighter, and thus a township employee and that the zoning ordinance prohibited more than one township employee to serve on the Board of Adjustment. Township Clerk Sue Drobac serves on the Board of Adjustment and remains on the board as its sole township employee.”
In fact, Ordinance 46-13 creating the Greenwood Board of Adjustment, states: “No elected officer of the Township nor any employee of the Board of Supervisors shall serve on the Board of Adjustment.” Minnesota statute 394.27 governs the creation of county board’s of adjustment, and thus also governs the Greenwood Board of Adjustment through Greenwood Ordinance 46-13.
Sue Drobac does not vote as a member of the board of adjustment and only serves the board as its clerk. Drobac is an elected official of Greenwood Township, serving as the township’s clerk, a paid position. Prior to his removal, Howard Ankrum served on the board of adjustment, and because he is also a firefighter, and in turn an employee, is not eligible to serve on the board of adjustment.
I would like to extend apologies to Greenwood Township, Ms. Drobac, Howard Ankrum and The Tower News’ readers for my error, which I sincerely regret.
• • • • •
I would also like to extend another apology to Greenwood Clerk, Sue Drobac. From a closing note where I stated, “Questions on the accuracy of some of the township’s official minutes have been informally raised in the community—and the people’s business suffers.” Tower News readers might infer that I was being critical of Clerk Drobac’s efforts in documenting the actions of the Greenwood Town Board through the minutes she records. This was not my intention!
It is my opinion that Ms. Drobac faces a considerable challenge in recording the minutes and I maintain that it is unfortunate she has to work under the chaotic conditions currently experienced at Greenwood Town Board meetings. Ms. Drobac has efficiently moved into her role as clerk and has trained and worked diligently to become accomplished at her job. I apologize to Ms. Drobac and The Tower News’ readers and sincerely regret the ambiguity of my statement.
— Tony