By Sara Quam
A small piece of property was annexed into the city of Luverne after a public hearing Tuesday.
Darold Laabs' property is mostly in Luverne, but a .3243 acre parcel is an "island" of township land surrounded by property in the city.
The city of Luverne wanted the land annexed to prevent problems if the Laabses would happen to sell the land to someone who doesnÕt care for it as well as they do.
City Attorney Don Klosterbuer said that because township land falls under different regulations for building codes, weed control and garbage collection future use of it would be in the city's control.
Councilman Keith Erickson said, "I think we should be consistent, and thatÕs why IÕm in favor of the annexation."
Laabs, who lives on Fairview Drive, said he didnÕt object to having a final piece of his property annexed into the city, but that he was concerned about his taxes increasing.
Another part of his property was annexed and it increased four times in assessed value. He asked the City Council to use caution when looking at his taxes next year.
Property values are determined by the assessor, but property owners can approach the City Council with clarifications or complaints during a meeting of the Board of Review.
Municipal liquor
The council passed a resolution in opposition of the sale of wine for off-premise consumption in outlets other than the municipal liquor store. Legislation is being proposed that would open up wine sales in grocery and convenience stores.
Blue Mound Liquor Manager Rich DeSchepper said he thought the legislation would open up the market to more underage alcohol sales.
"The pop-wines are very popular with kids. They'll have much more exposure," DeSchepper said.
Mayor Glen Gust said, "I do have a little background on this because I happen to be on the Minnesota Grocer's Board."
He said that the law would make sense in metropolitan areas where there are fewer municipal liquor stores but that rural legislators won't support it and that it won't likely pass.
"I think we don't need to do anything. Why deal with something that's not going to happen? It's a waste of time and effort," Gust said.
Councilman Jim Kirchhofer said he believed that it was appropriate for the council to present its side of the issue before it's voted on rather than after.
DeSchepper said that Blue Mound Liquor doesn't allow anyone inside the doors unless they're 21 years old, and all clerks are of legal drinking age. He said that the Municipal Beverage Association fears that underage clerks and salespeople wonÕt be as diligent.
The council acknowledged that liquor sale spot checks in Luverne haven't shown illegal sales in the past.
Lewis and Clark
Utilities Director Red Arndt gave the city an update on the project. He said that federal funding will determine how fast the Lewis and Clark Rural Water System is completed.
But even with high federal dollars, Arndt reminded the council that water won't come to Luverne for 12 years. "I want to remind people not to get discouraged. It takes a lot of money and it looks like nothingÕs going on, but it's a long-range plan and we will see results."