The June 14, 2023 Town of Oulu regular board meeting was called to order by Jonathan Hamilton, Chair at 6:45 p.m. at the Town Hall.
Roll Call: Members present: Jon Hamilton, Ed Burhans, Adam Mattson, and Marjorie Lahti, treasurer. Absent: Diana Reijo, excused. Town employee: Mike Davidson
Approval of Agenda: Motion by Mattson, second by Burhans to approve the agenda as printed and posted. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
Consent Agenda:
Approve general fund vouchers 13940-13965 ACH 583-587
May 10, 2023 Regular Board Meeting, May 10, 2023 Highway Committee Meeting, May 20, 2023 Special Board Meeting & June 3, 2023 Special Board Meeting
Motion by Mattson, second by Burhans to approve the consent agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
Treasurer’s Report: – General/ARPA – $161,464,52 Tax $111,588.56
Plan Commission Report: Fred Strand
The Committee reviewed the Public Participation plan template provided by the Northwest Regional Planning Commission and completed it for our use. The Public Participation Plan is provided as a separate document.
Recommendation: Approve the Public Participation Plan for the process of updating the Comprehensive Plan.
Bayfield County Housing Presentation and Proposal: Kelly Westlund, Bayfield County Housing Specialist, presented information about housing needs in the County, and actions the County has taken and are considering to increase housing in the County.
There are two County owned tax-foreclosed parcels in the Town at 4955 Eastview Road. The County has offered them for sale without receiving any bids. The County wants to know if the Town is interested in supporting the development of housing on these parcels or if the County should place these parcels back up for sale.
We also discussed other housing and community needs, including a Community Center at the Town Park and the development of an adjacent housing project.
Recommendations: The Board should advise the County that the Town is supportive of the development of housing on the two tax-foreclosed parcels. The Town supports:
The County contracts to build on speculation and sells to private buyer on the open market. The property returns to private ownership and generate tax revenue.
The County gives or sells the parcels at a reduced rate to a developer, contingent upon construction of new housing within 24 months. If no such development occurs, the parcels reverts to County ownership.
The County gives consideration to proposals form other individuals, organizations, or the Town for alternative uses which would be beneficial to the community.
The Town suggests that the east parcel is suitable for one or two single family houses or a duplex, and that access to the parcel be from Muskeg Road.
The Town recommends that the County determine if the west parcel contains enough land suitable for building as the parcel contains a significant amount of wetlands.
The Board approves and sends the letter drafted by the Commission to the County.
Additional Recommendation: The Board should consider in the future appointing a Special Com-munity Center and Housing Development Committee.
Chairman’s Report
2023 Recycling Grant - $3017.29
2023 Election Security Grant - $750
Park Update – trails and park mowed, water passed testing, pump casing has been painted, and electrical wiring on well needs to be repaired
Road Maintenance – culvert on Erkkilla Road has been replaced, Oulu Pioneer Road Pro-ject will be repaired by the end of the month. The flood damage on W Colby Road has been repaired
Community Groups:
Bonnie Nelson – Oulu Park
Jonathan Nelson – Apology, sheriff’s department, and meeting notice
New Business:
Comprehensive Plan Public Participation Plan:
Motion by Burhans, second by Mattson to adopt the Comprehensive Public Participation Plan as presented by the Plan Commission. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
Housing and Options with Bayfield County:
Motion by Hamilton, second by Mattson to support the recommendations of the Plan Commission as presented on the two County owned tax-foreclosed parcels in the Town at 4955 Eastview Road. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
Set Dates for Next Meeting/s:
June 16, 2023 Special Board Meeting, 12:00 p.m.
July 5, 2023 – Special Board Meeting – Closed Session – 8:00 a.m.
July 12, 2023 - Regular Board meeting, 6:45 p.m.
Adjournment:
Motion by Mattson, second by Burhans to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Marjorie Lahti, Clerk Pro Tempore