Ordinance amending and adding various setback and fence provisionsORDINANCE NO. 250, THIRD SERIESAN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND ADDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE CITY CODE RELATING TO DEFINITION CHANGES, SIDE YARD SETBACK REVISIONS, AND FENCE PROVISIONS, AMENDING PORTIONS OF CITY CODE SECTION 11.03, Subd. 2, SECTION 11.12, Subd. 1 AND, SECTION 11.35, 3.b., AND SECTION 11.50, Subd. 6.B., AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE CITY CODE CHARTER 11 AND SECTION 11.99 WHICH, AMONG OTHER THINGS, CONTAIN PENALTY PROVISIONSTHE CITY OF LUVERNE DOES HEREBY ORDAIN:SECTION 1. That City Code Section 11.03, Subd. 2, "Definitions" be amended as follows: 19. "Dwelling" – Any building that contains one or two dwelling units used, intended, or designed to be built, used, rented, leased, let or hired out to be occupied, or that are occupied for living purposes. 20. "Dwelling Unit" – A single unit providing complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. That a new definition No. 68 be added, and existing definition No’s. 68 through 75 be renumbered as definitions No’s. 69 through 76, as follows: 68. "Townhouse" – A single-family dwelling unit constructed in a group of three or more attached units in which each unit extends from foundation to roof with open space on at least two sides.SEC. 2. That City Code, Sec. 11.12. R-1 Low Density Residential District Subd. 1 and Subd. 2 A be amended in their entirety as follows: Subd. 1. Purpose. The primary purpose of this district is to accommodate low density single-family and two-family dwellings and townhouses where public utilities are available and important natural features (wetlands, woodlands, floodplain areas, etc.) can be preserved. Under certain conditions, attached dwellings are intended to be permitted. Subd. 2. Permitted Uses. The following uses shall be permitted within the R-1 Low Density Residential District:A. One and two family dwellings and townhouses of a least 800 square feet of ground floor space with a minimum of 24 feet in width, a minimum 24 feet in length, a minimum 3-foot rise over 12-foot distance pitched roof, and a minimum 6-inch eave, all of which rests on a permanent foundation of wood or concrete material erected in accordance with Minnesota Uniform Building Code requirements. SEC. 3. That City Code, Sec. 11.35, 3. b. setbck minimum requirements for R-1, R-2, & R-I districts be amended as follows: R-A R-1 R-2 R-I b. Side 15 ft. Each Side: Each side: Each side: 5 feet 5 feet 5 feetSEC. 4. That City Code, Sec. 11.50, Subd. 6. B., Yard Regulations, Paragraphs 5 through 8 be amended in their entirety and that Paragraphs 9 and 10 be added as follows: 5. All fence installations shall be processed with a fence permit application. No permit fee or inspection will be required. The application shall contain: (a) Site plan, including lot dimensions, with structure locations (including setbacks).(b) Location of proposed fence with heights.(c) Description of materials used for fence.6. No fence shall exceed six feet in height, from the front of the house to the back lot lines, and along back lot line. No fence shall exceed four feet in height from the front of the house to the front lot line, and along front lot line. No fence or other obstruction shall block the view of traffic. Fences erected, or other obstructions on corner lots must maintain a 25 foot (from corner in location) and along the street side, a clear view triangle. No fence shall exceed three feet in height in the "clear view area." It shall be the responsibility of the property owner of a fence to provide access for reading meters by means of an unlocked gate or relocation of the meters or reading devices to an accessible location. 7. The City of Luverne does not dictate which side of the fence must be "finished." No fences shall be constructed of light-weight materials such as chicken coop wire, barbed wire, or bamboo. Not withstanding the preceding sentence, chicken coop wire may be used for vegetable gardens located within the perimeter of rear or side yards. Products manufactured for other uses such as plywood, corrugated steel, or fiberglass panels are prohibited as allowed fencing materials. 8. The property owner is responsible for locating property lines. Property pins may be located at each corner and should be located before a fence is erected. Property dimensions and street right-of-ways may be obtained from the Building/Zoning Official. The owner may also hire a surveyor to locate the property lines, and this is recommended if the location is in dispute. The City of Luverne does not survey properties, or represent a guarantee of lot dimensions or corner locations. Fences must not encroach on adjacent properties. Maintenance of both sides of the fence (painting, mowing, etc.) should be considered when determining placement. It is the responsibility of the fence owner to maintain the fence.9. The City of Luverne does not settle property line disputes between neighbors, including, but not limited to disputes over placement of fences, hedges, and trees. 10. The City does enforce proper setbacks, as required in other sections of this Code. Fences may be placed in easement areas only with approval of the City Public Utilities Department. SEC. 5. This ordinance takes full force and effect seven (7) days after its publication. (4-17)

ISD #2184 School Board meets March 27MARCH 27, 2003MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2184, ROCK COUNTY, LUVERNE, MINNESOTA. A regular meeting of the Board of Education, ISD #2184, was held in the MS/HS Media Center on Thursday, March 27, 2003, at 7:30 p.m. The following members were present: Don Bryan, Colleen Deutsch, Dan Kopp, Cary Radisewitz, Bill Stegemann, Steve Tofteland, and Becky Walgrave. Also present: Superintendent Vince Schaefer, Marlene Mann, Gary Fisher, Gordie Hansen, Jane Cote, Wendy Nath, David Meyer, Terrie Williams, Taylor Graphenteen, Steve Graphenteen, Katie Hemme, Betty Iveland, Jeanne Bowron, Johnna Ahrendt, Emily Crabtree, Cindy Arends, Karen Willers, Greg Antoine, Dianne Kennedy, Kari Lais, Dave Siebenahler, Tom Rops, Jason Phelps, Nancy Lange, several students, Matt Crosby, K101/KQAD Radio, and Lori Ehde, Rock County Star Herald.The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Dan Kopp. Mr. Schaefer began the meeting by requesting a moment of silence in support of those who are fighting the War in Iraq. Dianne Kennedy addressed the School Board in support of Head Volleyball coach Mary Jo Graphenteen.Administrative Reports were given.Motion by Stegemann, second by Radisewitz, to approve the consent agenda to include the minutes of the March 13, 2003, school board meeting and the Student Activity report showing the balances as of February 28, 2003. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Walgrave, second by Bryan, to approve payment of the district bills as presented in the amount of $922,643.73. Motion unanimously carried. Superintendent Schaefer briefly reviewed Policy 209 – School Board Code of Ethics. This was the first reading of this policy. Motion by Stegemann, second by Tofteland, to change the time of the April 10 meeting from 7:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Motion unanimously carried. Superintendent Schaefer reviewed the proposed Memorandum of Understanding with the Luverne Education Association regarding the placement of severance pay into a health care savings plan. Motion by Tofteland, second by Stegemann, to approve the Memorandum of Understanding. Discussion was held. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Walgrave, second by Deutsch, to accept the retirement of Jane Gropel as Discovery Time Preschool teacher effective at the end of the school year. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Walgrave, second by Radisewitz, that the assignment of Mary Jo Graphenteen as Volleyball Coach not be renewed for the 2003-2004 school year. Roll call vote was taken. Those voting in favor: Radisewitz, Deutsch, Bryan, Walgrave, Stegemann, Tofteland and Kopp. Those voting against: none. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Deutsch, second by Bryan, to accept the resignation of Dave Duffy as Head Wrestling Coach. Motion carried. Business Manager Marlene Mann reviewed the Pay Equity Report. Discussion was held. Motion by Stegemann, second by Bryan, to approve this report that was sent in as required in January 2003. Motion unanimously carried. Marlene Mann updated the School Board on revenues and expenditures to date. The district has received 53% of the budgeted revenues and has spent 64% of the budgeted expenditures as of February 28, 2003. She also reviewed in depth the Community Education Fund. Motion by Walgrave, second by Bryan, to approve the revised budget for 2002-2003. Motion unanimously carried. Committee reports were given. It was noted that there will be a School Board work session on March 31 at 7:00 p.m. to review Policy 209 – School Board Code of Ethics. It was questioned when the School Board meeting time would change to 8:00 p.m. Discussion was held. It will be placed on the next agenda to hold all regular School Board meetings at 7:30 p.m.The upcoming meeting dates were reviewed. Motion by Stegemann, second by Radisewitz, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried. Dated: March 27, 2003William Stegemann, Clerk(4-17)

LEDA Amended Business Subsidy Policy hearing set for April 22NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGNOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Luverne Economic Development Authority will hold a public hearing commencing at 4:00 P.M. Central Standard Time, on Tuesday, April 22, 2003, in the City Council Chambers located on the second floor of City Hall, 203 East Main Street, Luverne, Minnesota, to consider adoption of an amended Business Subsidy Policy. All citizens are encouraged to attend the hearing, ask questions, and/or give comments. Any citizen may also submit written questions or comments prior to the hearing by addressing them to the Economic Development Director, PO Box 659, Luverne, Minnesota 56156.Anyone needing reasonable accommodations or an interpreter should contact the City Clerk’s Office, 203 East Main Street, Luverne, MN (507) 449-2388.Glen W. GustPresident(4-17)

Services for John Rozeboom will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 18, at American Reformed Church in Luverne. The Rev. David Sikkema will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 17, at Engebretson Funeral Home in Luverne with the family present from 7 to 8 p.m. Visitation will resume one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. Burial and military honors will be at Pleasant View Cemetery in Valley Springs, S.D.John R. Rozeboom, 76, Luverne, died Monday, April 14, 2003, at Hospice Cottage in Luverne. Memorials are preferred to the Hospice Cottage in Luverne. Engebretson Funeral Home, Luverne, is in charge of arrangements.

Howard W. Tuff, 81, Luverne, died Saturday, April 12, 2003, at Apple Valley Health Care Center in Apple Valley.Services were Thursday, April 17, at Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne. The Revs. Maurice Hagen and Dell Sanderson officiated. Burial and military honors were at Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne. Howard Tuff was born to Alfred and Esther (Bly) Tuff on July 21, 1921, on the family farm in rural Hills. As a boy he attended country school and helped on the farm. He graduated from Jasper High School, Jasper, in 1940. He attended Nettleton Business College in Sioux Falls, S.D. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He entered active duty on Nov. Nov. 20, 1944, and served as Sergeant First Class in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater during the Japanese occupation. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 26, 1946. He returned to the Luverne area and worked for Crescent Electric of Sioux Falls as a salesman. He married Pearl Hamann on Sept. 20, 1952, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Luverne. They moved to Pipestone in 1960. He worked as bookkeeper for Rural Electric Association. They moved back to Luverne in 1965 when he retired due to his health. He moved to Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne in 1994. Mrs. Tuff died on Dec. 7, 2001. He moved to Apple Valley shortly after her death. Mr. Tuff was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne where he also taught confirmation classes. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion and Paralyzed Veterans’ Association. He was involved in helping establish the provisions for handicapped parking in Luverne. The North Central Chapter of the PVA honored him for his many years of legislation work on behalf of the handicapped in Minnesota. His efforts helped to establish the handicapped license plates, parking privileges and tax laws for all handicapped.He was an avid reader who also enjoyed crossword puzzles and playing cards. He loved meeting new people and sharing conversation.Survivors include one son, Allen (Pam) Tuff, Apple Valley; one daughter, Marilyn Tuff, Eden Prairie,; two grandsons, Adam and Sean Tuff; one sister, Ruby Garrow, Sioux Falls; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Tuff was preceded in death by his wife, Pearl. Engebretson Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.

Friday night Ray and Lois Nelson attended the G.E.P. production of "On Golden Pond."Jim and Bea La Rock, Elk River, have been spending some time in the home of their son, Dan and Marie La Rock, to help with the care of their granddaughter, Allison Marie. Dan’s brother, Brad, spent the weekend here to get acquainted with little Allison. State Line Presbyterian Church, rural Ellsworth, friends were guests at Mae Top’s home on Wednesday. They were Gladys Schwarz and Margaret Pommer, Ellsworth, Ruth Meester and Katie Reemts, Rock Rapids, Iowa, and Mildred and Vi Klosterbuer, Luverne. Cliff and Vi VanWyhe returned home last Wednesday after a two and half week vacation spent in Branson, Mo. Last Friday Steve, Marilyn, Justin and Amber VanWyhe, Travis Arends and Cliff and Vi VanWyhe drove to Bloomington. On Saturday afternoon they attended Heather VanWyhe’s Doctor of Chiropractic graduation at Northwestern University Health and Science. Her family threw her a graduation party in the party room at Heather’s apartment building. Joanne Goehle and Dorothea Hamann, Luverne, drove to Ruthton Friday to attend the grade school operetta, "The Emperor’s New Clothes." Elliot Carmany, grandson of Joanne, had a part in the production. Wendell and Kathryn Erickson and Dick and Audrey Heidensen motored to Viborg, S.D., Saturday night to attend the Barbershop Quartet and Men’s Chorus performance. Sheldon Norton, Omaha, Neb., was an overnight guest Sunday in the home of his grandparents, Sheldon and Ellie Sandager. He works at a Cargill firm in Omaha. Don and Edyth Briggs returned to Hills last Monday after three weeks of vacation visiting relatives and friends in Mesa and Sun City, Ariz., Seal Beach, Calif., and Sidney, Neb.Wilmer and Betty Elbers returned home last Friday night after a visit with their daughters and families, Peggy at Charlotte, N.C., and Nyla at Myrtle Beach, S.C. Sunday dinner guests of the Elbers were Darwin and Kim Elbers and family, Sioux Falls, Tom and Tyler Walker and family, Luverne, and Cheryl Elbers and family, Valley Springs. Paul and Joyce Dohmen, Columbus, Neb., and Rueben Vestlie, Luverne, were Sunday dinner guests in the home of Martha Lindrud. Neal and Kathy Hoyme and Katie, Pierre, S.D., spent the weekend in the home of his parents, Howard and Lois Hoyme. Eric and Wanda Hoyme and family joined them for dinner on Sunday. Jo and Floyd Wulf, Herrick, S.D., had been to Larchwood, Iowa, to attend a family gathering and stopped Sunday for a short visit with the Sheldon Sandagers. Mitchell and Madison Elbers, Valley Springs, spent Sunday in the home of their grandparents, Wilmer and Betty Elbers. Vic and Fran Sandager returned home Thursday after spending a month vacationing in Green Valley, Ariz. Jim and Mollie Sandager of West Des Moines, Iowa, spent the weekend here and Vic accompanied them home. Saturday morning Ray and Lois Nelson attended the memorial service for Dr. Robert Keitel at First Presbyterian Church in Luverne.

After the weather we experienced last week it made me wonder what state has the motto of "The Land of Infinite Variety!" It doesn’t make much difference whose motto it is as we have the real thing. Last Monday morning when we awoke and looked out of the window the landscape was covered with a beautiful white blanket of snow. What a difference a week made! Today when I looked out I decided it is definitely "Green Up Time." When I looked at my lawn I could hardly believe it was a bright, beautiful emerald green. My curiosity got the best of me so I had to have a tour out of doors. To my surprise my strawberries are up. My winter onions are ready to eat and the rhubarb is peeking through the ground and of course, I also saw a few weeds peeking through. Spring is definitely on the way. However, I don’t think I would put the snowblower or the scoop shovel away. It might be a good time to check out the lawn mower to see if it is ready and willing to start its summer job of mowing the lawn. Even so, we could still have a few more flakes of snow — so guess we had better be prepared for whatever happens in this land of infinite variety.Congratulations to Dena Korthals who makes her home at Tuff Home in Hills. She will celebrate her 100th birthday from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 20, at Steen Reformed Church. She is the mother of Steen resident Henrietta Huenink. Happy Birthday to her. Laura May Bosch who recently underwent knee replacement surgery was released from Luverne Hospital on Wednesday and returned to her home to recuperate. Welcome home!Melba Boeve, Karen Ramaker, Mildred Paulsen and JoAnn Paulson attended the Dinner Theater at Drivers Restaurant in Beaver Creek Thursday evening. Thursday evening there will be a Maundy Thursday worship service at 7 p.m. at Steen Reformed Church.Art and Henrietta Boeve and Dick and Gert Hup attended a quartet program at Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, Saturday evening. There were three quartets from Des Moines, Iowa, Arkansas and George, Iowa. Many of you will probably remember the Ambassador Quartet who performed in this area for many years. One of the quartets was made up of some of the quartet member’s children. The Southwest Easter Brunch for the Reformed churches is at 9:30 a.m. Friday in Steen Reformed Church. George Bonnema from Luverne will show slides of his mission trip to Chiapas, Mexico. An open house bridal shower for Heather Bonnema, daughter of Lowell and Glenda Bonnema, is at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in Steen Reformed Church.Sunday dinner guests in the Melba Boeve home were her children, Brian Boeve and family, Sioux Falls, and Ron and Cheryl Hup and family of Hills. Bonne (Aukes) Shalesky, Scottsdale, Ariz., left Wednesday for her home in Scottsdale after spending a week visiting in the home of her parents, Orrin and Bernice Aukes. Jo and Joyce Aykens left Saturday morning for Sully, Iowa, to attend the wedding of Kyle Punt and Sheila Rendoud. Kyle is the son of the Rev. and Mrs. Roger Punt who served in Steen Reformed Church for several years. Others from Steen attending were Ron and Linda Van Ruler, Harold and Corrine Niessink, Matthew Boeve and friend Andrea Roth. Steen Senior Citizens had their April meeting in the Steen Community building on Monday afternoon. It was postponed from last week due to the weather. Orrin and Bernice Aukes were Sunday dinner guests in the Orlie and Linda Aukes home where they enjoyed an early Easter dinner together. Guests were Steve and Nancy Willers and Sheila and Dustin, Fairmont, Lisa Telford and Taylor and Jeff Aukes and a friend, Sheila, all from Sioux Falls. Forty passengers from Hills, Beaver Creek, Steen and Luverne communities boarded a bus Friday evening for Pipestone to hear the Al Opland Singers concert at the Fine Arts Center. They enjoyed a delicious dinner together at Pipestone prior to the concert. Thursday afternoon Bertha and Bill Bosch, Mildred Keunen, Mary Jo Suzie, Henrietta Huenink, Joan Hoogeveen, Melba Boeve, Cena Mae Tilstra and Jo Aykens attended the Hills United Reformed Church volunteer luncheon honoring the volunteers of the year.On Thursday afternoon there was a luncheon at Mary Jane Brown Good Samaritan Center in Luverne in appreciation of their volunteer contributions. Those attending from Steen were Bill and Bertha Bosch, Mildred Keunen, Jo Aykens and Cena Mae Tilstra.I am having a hard time believing that Easter Sunday is this week. I think it was that eight inches of snow that got to me and made me think winter was still with us. Now that the grass is coming up green, our landscape is completely changed and I am hoping my attitude will be, too. Even with the Lenten service with Easter music I think I have still been waiting for winter to come. Somehow it just doesn’t seem like spring. However, we had better get our Easter outfits soon as Sunday is the day!Perhaps it was the mood I was in but when I read this poem titled "Easter Forever" written by Sterling P. Bueck, it got me into the Easter mood. I hope if any of you are having the same problem it will help you also. Quote:‘"Easter is coming, or is Easter here?Should not Easter last to the end of each year;through every year; throughout continuous years?For Christ Jesus gave both his toil and his tears.Through his miracles he caused blind people to see,He quickly quelled the waters of the sea.Christ relieved many people from pain.He gave his own life to be cruelly slain.He was put in a grave, three days to remain.Easter Day He arose and visited friends.Days later, went up to where life never ends.I hope this will help us to remember that death is life, and God is good and all things shall be well. The bitter days shall cease in warmth and light and peace.The winter yields to spring. So let us all rejoice and sing!"Have a Happy Easter!

Villagers went on an outing this week to Rock Rapids. Signe hosted the event. Our purpose was to see her daughter’s new venture of opening the Mulberries Market on Main Street in the center of town. We could have spent hours looking at the many gifts, antiques and collectibles Sylvia and Lillian have for sale. There were articles just like the ones we had in our homes, prompting discussion of bygone days. Some of us even made a purchase while we all enjoyed homemade sweet rolls the ladies serve in their coffee area. We chose a great day to be outdoors for it was beautiful weather. Dave and Alta’s son, Miles, of the Denver area, is visiting this week. That means we can enjoy Miles’ music. Ten minutes before the dinner bell rings Miles is at the piano or organ. As the first melodies can be heard in the hall, apartment doors open and villagers proceed to the dining room for we don’t want to miss a single one. Miles also leads our weekly sing-along. We did not stump him, for every song we suggested, he played. We sang well with such good accompaniment. The Olson family met on the patio and the community room with family and friends on the weekend. Arnold T. was shocked to receive a letter in the mail for a traffic violation for parking in Hennepin County. The citation was addressed to Arnold Sidney Thorin at this address. He’s being charged with failure to pay a traffic violation for parking in a prohibited area until snow could be removed. The problem is Arnold has not been out of Hills. He’s seeing the sheriff and if he cannot straighten out the issue Arnold said he’ll just collect the Honda the citation was issued to. Isn’t it strange there are two Arnold Sidney Thorins?It was Arnold S. who received a newsletter from his daughter Joan’s project, Mano a Mano. Now the name is Spanish for hand to hand and began as a way to bring health care and public education into impoverished Bolivian communities, In 2002, 700,000 pounds of medical surplus were gathered and delivered to Bolivia bringing care to more than 100,000 countrymen. Joan and her husband, Segundo, were here this weekend to pick up the medicine bottles we’ve saved to be reused in Bolivia and to wish Arnold a happy birthday.The big Jack Rabbit bus in our parking lot was picking up passengers for the Opland Singers concert in Pipestone. Caroline finished her second quilt since moving here. We had Red Day. A day when everyone was to wear red. The Apostolic Singers once again entertained us. Sarah’s daughter, Judy, provided treats. The peer helpers from H-BC came to assist with bingo. Signe requested not one young man to sit by her, but one on each side. Clint Rozenboom did a great job of calling the numbers. Carolyn’s great-grandson’s are visiting from their home in Alaska.I’ll keep you posted.

10 years ago (1993)"The H-BC Board of Education put their decision on hold until their April 26 meeting at which time they will award the elementary building project." 25 years ago (1978)"Harlan VanWyhe, an H-BC student, was one of 92 students from Minnesota and South Dakota High Schools to participate in a Science and Math Enrichment Program at Southwest State University at Marshall. Harlan participated in the math program."50 years ago (1953)"As a result of a slight legal entanglement between Martin Township and the Village of Hills, one of the findings showed that through an oversight about six years ago, Martin Township inherited Jacobson Park — without realizing it. Also as an outcome of the matter, it was tentatively found that Hills Village will have to maintain the streets adjoining the Qualley land, once known as Outlot 11." 75 years ago (1928)"The Caesar class recently had a Latin translation contest. The winner of the contest, which consisted of translating Caesar’s exploits into English, was Mildred Rogness. As a prize Miss Anderson presented Mildred with a pink carnation."100 years ago (1903)"A man that in these days of activity is kicking because he can’t get work, ought to be kicked out of the community. Farmers are paying as high as $30 a month and yet there are a number without help."