PLANNING, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Monday, October 29, 2007
Administrative Center – Room 3220
4:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: George Hammes, J. Terry Hanson, Tom Rauk, Don Meyer, Don Bina, Bob Keil
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Brian Kapanke
MEMBERS ABSENT: David Hansen (FSA rep.)
STAFF & GUESTS: Jeff Bluske, Gregg Stangl, Mary Meehan-Strub, Mike Weibel, Bill Jung, Charlie Handy, Mary Powell, Jody Roesler, Samantha Calkins, Cheryl Stephen
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Committee Chair George Hammes called the meeting to order at 4:01 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Hanson/Meyer to approve minutes of October 1, 2007. Motion carried unanimously; Kapanke excused; Hansen absent.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None requested.
SHARED EASEMENT REQUEST - ROESLER PROPERTY, TOWN OF GREENFIELD
Bill Jung reviewed. He noted representatives of the Roesler family, Jody Roesler and Samantha Calkins, were present to answer questions. Copies of the Certified Survey Map were distributed. Bill noted during Highway 33 reconstruction, the State DOT removed existing driveways and replaced them with a gravel frontage road with one driveway for the three (3) lots/landowners; reason for the change pertained to safety reasons. Per County ordinance, this is not allowed unless approved by this committee. The three parties have met with an attorney who has prepared a driveway maintenance agreement. The Town of Greenfield and County staff approve of the shared driveway easement. MOTION by Hanson/Meyer to approve, as presented and per the Certified Survey Map, the shared driveway easement for the Roesler property located in the Town of Greenfield. Motion carried unanimously; Kapanke excused.
UPDATE ON DUTCH CREEK FISH KILL EVENT
Gregg Stangl reviewed as follows:
· The Land Conservation Dept. has placed water quality monitoring stations along various locations on Dutch Creek that is located south of Bangor; Dutch Creek is about 9.5 miles long and is a Class II trout fishery and classified by DNR as an exceptional water resource.
· On September 21st, there was an intense thunderstorm in late afternoon with large amounts of rain.
· Ten (10) hours after the storm, water testing in one particular area showed levels of fecal contamination, including low oxygen levels. During one particular time, it was estimated that for approximately one (1) hour, there was no oxygen at all which resulted in a large fish kill.
· DNR and Village of Bangor were notified on September 22nd. The fish kill was estimated at 2,000-2,500; some fish did survive.
· Based on the timeframe of the occurrence, the source of the contamination was located. The location has approximately 600-head heifer operation that does not have a manure storage facility; they were using stock piling method. Because the crops had not been cleared, the stock pile was over flowing. There were some temporary berms that were created to try to contain the stock pile, but those gave way and contents ran down to the stream.
· The landowner could be fined by DNR at a cost of $26.25 per fish.
· Determination: (1) the landowner with this large of operation needs a manure storage facility, (2) Land Conservation Dept. will continue water quality monitoring/testing, and (3) need to spend more time with the farmers and hold them more accountable. Supervisor Bina also suggested better records, not only relating to type of animal, but number of animal units per farm.
SET SPECIAL MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARING FOR FINAL DRAFT OF UPDATE TO THE LA CROSSE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Charlie Handy noted the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee has finalized a draft of the County Comprehensive Plan. The steering committee has held various open houses these past two weeks, and the next step is to hold a countywide public hearing. Following this public hearing, there is 30-day requirement for public review period before final approval by the County Board. The steering committee would like to hold a public hearing and joint meeting with this committee for sometime in November. The plan is to get County Board approval in January, 2008. Supervisor Hanson noted there was a suggestion to have the Executive Committee review the final plan vs. this committee; he disagrees and said it should come before this committee. After some discussion, there was general agreement to hold the public hearing on Monday, December 10th, followed by County Board review and discussion.
REVIEW 2008 BUDGETS FOR REGISTER OF DEEDS, PLANNING, ZONING, SURVEYOR, LAND CONSERVATION, AND UW EXTENSION
Steve O’Malley reviewed each of the departments’ budgets under this committee jurisdiction:
Register of Deeds – No significant changes other than increase in salaries and benefits; he also decreased revenues based on real estate market trend.
Land Conservation – For first step in developing a Stormwater Management Plan, included $50,000 for Consulting Fees and $12,920 for Public Information which will be covered by Land Records Fund Balance. Noted increase in DNR expenses, but also grant funded. Also same increase in salaries and benefits as other departments. Supervisor Bina suggested dues be included for Wisconsin Land & Water Conservation Association (WLWCA). O’Malley said he looks to the department head for leadership on this, though action on Board floor could include it.
UW Extension – No significant changes other than increase in salaries and benefits.
Zoning, Land Information and Surveyor – A listing of revised Zoning Fees was distributed; most all were increased; the permit fees do not cover actual costs; revenue from such also depends on the economy. Supervisor Bina expressed concern of raising fees; this may cause more non-compliance; the County is a public service. Jeff Bluske said he compared the fee structure with other comparable counties. Request to share this information with the County Board for their November meeting.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
None presented.
RECESS (5:00 p.m.)
MOTION by Hanson/Keil to recess until the 6:00 p.m. public hearing. Motion carried unanimously; Kapanke excused.
Disclaimer: The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next committee meeting.
Cheryl Stephen, Recorder