Lonsdale approves school addition but wants a new sign

 

A public hearing started the evening's agenda for the Lonsdale City Council. Wold Architect Eric Linner represented Tri-City United Schools in requesting approval of a conditional use permit (CUP) and gave a PowerPoint presentation on the plan to add three new classrooms to the Lonsdale Elementary School. He said the project would start within 30 days of approval from the council and they hoped to have the classrooms occupied by MEA break in October. There were no public comments at the hearing.

The council was in favor of adding more classrooms, but had an issue with the wood sign that is currently in front of the school. The city's planning & zoning commission recommended a new sign that looks more consistent with the building's exterior, and the council agreed. 

"The sign looks run down," Mayor Tim Rud commented.

Linner said the school's facility planning committee said their desire was to get rid of the sign and not spend additional money to replace it.

"It's a new building and I think it's appropriate to have a sign," Councillor Cindy Furrer replied, to which the council agreed.  

The council approved the (CUP) with the condition that a new, permanent freestanding sign be installed in place of the existing wood post sign. City Administrator Joel Erickson said he would contact TCU Superintendent Matt Helgerson who was unable to attend the meeting, to discuss the condition.

City supports fireworks

Pastor Howard White, the Lonsdale Area Chamber of Commerce (LACC) board treasurer, and Firefighters Shannon Morsching and Jeff Smisek requested support for the July 3 fireworks display. Specifically they asked for approval of the fireworks application and permit, the closing of Idaho St. S, and $1,250 to cover insurance costs and land rental. 

Furrer said that since the city hadn't budget for the expenditure, she thought the money raised at the community dinner should cover the costs.

Councilman Kevin Kodada said he thought it was a great opportunity to promote the city and since the Chamber did most of the work already, he felt contributing $1,200 was minimal. 

Rud thanked the Chamber for all the work in raising $8,000 for the fireworks and suggested the requested funds come from the Lonsdale Liquor store, an enterprise fund that is likely to benefit from the event. He also asked that parking be addressed.

The council agreed and Smisek promised one of the best firework displays yet.

The next meeting of the council is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 25.

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