Lawton City Council Minutes

 

September 16, 2003

 

 

The Lawton City Council met in special session on Tuesday, September 16th, at the Lawton City Clerk’s office.  Mayor Martin Shorman called the meeting to order at      6:00 p.m.  Council members present: Tony Bengford, Jeff Nitzschke, Terry Masching and Arlan Kolker.   Absent:  Mary Beth Schorg.  Many visitors, including Dale Peterson, were present.

 

The purpose of this meeting was to hold a public hearing regarding the proposed annexation of property currently belonging to Dale Peterson and others.  In order to avoid creating an “island” by having only his property annexed into the city, Mr. Peterson included property from three other landowners in his annexation proposal.

 

No written correspondence either for or against the proposal was received prior to this hearing.  Hearing was opened by Mayor Shorman at 6:05 pm.  A 5-minute limit was set for anyone wanting to speak either for or against the proposed annexation.

 

Discussion followed regarding possible fencing issues, lot line changes, state right-of-way, flood plain, tax increases, increased noise levels and loss of view should the annexed property be developed.  Attorney Metcalf and Mr. Peterson were able to provide answers to all of the questions asked.  It was determined that property taxes would raise slightly, about 3%, if the properties were to be annexed into the city limits.  This was according to information provided by Julie Conolly, Deputy Assessor with Woodbury County.

 

If annexed into the city, Lawton would be the emergency responders.  Currently, this area is in the Bronson Fire District.  Peterson assured those present he has no immediate plans to develop the property in that area, thereby making many of the concerns unwarranted.

 

With no further comment from the audience, Masching moved to close the hearing.  Nitzschke seconded.  On roll 4-0, carried.  A decision from the council on whether or not to annex this property as proposed will be made at the regular October meeting.

 

Motion to adjourn meeting was made by Kolker, seconded by Nitzschke.  On roll, motion carried 4-0.  Meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m

 

 

 

Patricia L Washburn

Lawton City Clerk