PLANNING, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Monday, March 3, 2008
Administrative Center – Room 3220
2:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: George Hammes, J. Terry Hanson, Tom Rauk, Don Meyer, Don Bina, Brian Kapanke, David Hansen (FSA rep.)
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Robert Keil
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Jeff Bluske, Gregg Stangl, Mary Meehan-Strub, Bill Shepherd, Mike Weibel, Charlie Handy, Brian Fukuda, Bryan Jostad, Linda Opland, Cheryl Stephen
GUESTS PRESENT: Jeff Brudos, Tim Dienger, Marc & Sue Schultz, Vicki Burke, Stan Hauser, Earl Pedretti, Sue Cejka, Tom Donovon, Sean Gavaghan, Fred Schomburg, Shirley Lemke, Todd Wright, Howard Erickson, Francis Brown, Greg Yakle
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Committee Chair George Hammes called the meeting to order at 2:01 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING
Re Ordinance to Amend ss 16.07(1), 16.16(1), 16.93(3)(e) and 16.21(1)(b)4. & 5.a. of the General Code of La Crosse County, WI, entitled “Floodplain Zoning”, more specifically adding the new FEMA and PL 566 Hydraulic Shadows Studies for Four Dams Extending into La Crosse County
Jeff Bluske gave an overview, including historical information, relating to the proposed amendments to the County Floodplain ordinance. This Ordinance is an upgrade of the present Floodplain Zoning Ordinance required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The primary changes are to add the new Flood Insurance Rate Maps, and maps and studies related to several structures in the Coon Creek area, including several structures in Monroe County, where the effects of the structures are extended into La Crosse County. The other changes are primarily housekeeping changes, except that FEMA now allows no increases in flood height in floodplain districts as opposed to the .01 foot which was allowed previously. The new maps will replace those that were created back in 1984. Last week, held public informational sessions relating to the new maps in which 200-250 citizens attended. Back in March-May, 2007, held public hearings in which citizens had 90 days to appeal; received 8 appeals and DNR approved all but 1. Miscellaneous questions by committee members. Jeff noted floodplain is determined by elevation and studies. Comments from the public:
§ Marc Schultz, W8155 County Road SB, Onalaska – spoke “in favor”; he thanked the staff and committee on behalf of the Onalaska Lake District.
§ Tim Dienger signed the attendance sheet and indicated “in favor” of the ordinance, but did not comment.
Committee Chair called 3 times for additional comments, hearing none, MOTION by Hanson/Bina to close the public hearing relating to proposed amendments to the Floodplain Ordinance. Motion carried unanimously; Keil excused. The public hearing closed at 2:19 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING – PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO LA CROSSE COUNTY’S DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2020
Town of Shelby request to include its newly adopted Town of Shelby Comprehensive Plan into La Crosse County’s Development Plan 2020
Jeff briefly reviewed. The proposed land use map was available for viewing. Committee Chair Hammes called 3 times for additional comments, hearing none, MOTION by Hanson/Bina to close the public hearing relating to proposed amendments to the adoption of Town of Shelby Comprehensive Plan into the La Crosse County Development Plan 2020. Motion carried unanimously; Keil excused. The public hearing closed at 2:20 p.m.
Town of Onalaska’s request to amend 992 acres (plus or minus) from Agricultural Preservation and Conservancy to Conservation Residential and Conservation Mixed Use
Jeff briefly noted the amendments as proposed. Large maps were available for viewing; the proposed individual parcels were indicated in yellow. Committee Chair Hammes noted whatever plans are more restrictive, the County or the town plan, that will be the one that the County will use for recommending petition denial or approval. Jeff noted the County plan will be used for regulating the zoning code and the towns can use their plans for any proposed amendments. Comments from the public:
§ Vicki Burke, W8349 North Shore Dr., Onalaska – spoke “in opposition” not only for herself, but on behalf of Gary Fisher, a resident of the Town of Onalaska, who also put together a packet of information for the committee. Vicki noted that motivation and economic benefits for the town should be considered; these questions were asked at the town’s public hearing and were not answered. A road study done in 2003 was mentioned by the town chairman. She questioned town meeting procedures; also concerns relating to groundwater and impact on roads.
§ Stan Hauser, W5890 County Road S, Onalaska (town chair) – spoke “in favor”. If there is a road concern, should bring that before the County; road study in 2003 states “not over capacity”. The amendment does not create house lots; the process would allow a change to their zoning; impacts on roads, water, or economics are unknown. Held numerous informational meetings and a public hearing.
§ Earl Pedretti, W7752 County Road ZN, Onalaska – spoke “in favor”. He noted the town meetings and public hearing; it was approved by the Town Planning Committee and approved by the Town Board. If there is not a PDR Program in the Master Plan, it states the need to shift to Plan B which is part of the plan; most of the soils are not true farmland and classified as type 4 soils. Currently classified as Transitional Ag Land. His request for reclassification is currently surrounded by housing developments.
§ Sue Cejka, N5630 Theron Court, Onalaska – spoke “in opposition”, based on same reasons as stated by Vicki Burke, including concerns relating to safety, health, and welfare of the town residents. She submitted a letter for committee consideration.
§ Tom Donovon, W6482 Birchview Drive, Onalaska – spoke “in opposition”. He expressed concern with lack of due process; also noted overwhelming opposition at the public hearing. He read a letter from his wife Jean who is also “in opposition”; the Town of Onalaska residents worked hard in forming a comprehensive plan; this board is doing whatever they like. Please consider everyone’s futures.
§ Sean Cavaghan, W3798 Loging Road, Onalaska – spoke “in favor”. There is a process for change and this lengthy process has occurred, noting the many meetings and public hearing. Their land is currently surrounded by development; it’s a difficult area to continue to farm; farming is not best use for this land; they are willing to work with the town, the Village of Holmen and the County as to what is appropriate for that use.
§ Fred Schomburg, W3796 Loging Road, Onalaska – spoke “in favor”. As a farmer, farming does not belong in that particular area.
§ Marc Schultz, W8155 County Road SB, Onalaska – spoke “in opposition”. His comments relate to Brice Prairie portion of the amendments. The amendments are not in the public interest, not supported by findings in the plan, and if adopted, will need to construct better roads, stormwater and sanitary sewer & water infrastructure and will be beyond the capability of the current tax base; La Crosse County will be responsible for portion of these costs; consider real costs relating to the amendments.
§ Todd Wright, W8200 County Road Z, Onalaska – spoke “in favor”. Is owner of one of the pieces of property. In 2005, he was approved by the County Board to put in 50 lots on the corner of Z and ZB, but the town board requested delay due to their planning. The land is currently zoned Transitional Agriculture. All proposed lots would be 1.5 acres or more and also meet or exceed sanitary codes; the area is already surrounded by development; more residential lots should increase the tax values; and there is a need as several are waiting to purchase.
§ Francis Brown, N5889 State Road 35, Onalaska – spoke “in favor”. Noted the original plan was approved in 2005, and in the past 3 years, nothing has been started on paid development rights; landowners have rights.
§ Shirley Lemke, N5706 Lake Park Drive, Onalaska - signed the attendance sheet and indicated “in opposition”, but did not comment.
§ Vicki Burke noted the following residents’ letters:
- David & Barbara Gates – support amendment for the Severson farm
- Nancy Way – in opposition
- Howard Kelly – in opposition
- Ron Amble – in opposition
- Kevin Keeno – in opposition
- Joan Johnson – in opposition
- Ralph & Elizabeth Hanson – in opposition
- Michael T. Berkley – in opposition
§ Jeff read one letter from the Village of Holmen, stating they spent more than 18 months in developing the village’s comprehensive plan, noting investment and areas of mutual interest with adjoining towns. The village is opposed to any change to the Town of Onalaska plan that is not in alignment of the village’s comprehensive plan; opposed to areas of residential development that were designated as agricultural or blufflands conservancy; opposed to any development of area with a slope excess of 12%; opposed to residential development without municipal water, sewer, stormwater and streets built with the village’s minimum standards, including curb and gutter; and opposed to cluster developments. In conclusion, the Village is in opposition of the Gavaghan LLC plan amendment.
§ Town Chair Hauser expressed concern of accepting letters; are you sure who wrote them? He also noted recent annexation of land on County Road D to the village, which was bulldozed flat and bunch of homes put in there – clearly opposition of what is stated in the village’s letter.
Supervisor Meyer asked Bill Shepherd if the committee should consider all of the letters as noted. Bill said this is not like a court proceeding; it’s up to each member of the committee. Committee Chair called 3 times for additional comments, hearing none, MOTION by Hanson/Rauk to close the public hearing relating to proposed amendments by the Town of Onalaska to the County Development Plan 2020. Motion carried unanimously; Keil excused. The public hearing closed at 2:56 p.m.
(Break from 2:56-3:06 p.m.)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Hanson/Meyer to approve minutes of February 4, 2008. Motion carried unanimously; Keil excused. Supervisor Meyer questioned status of MOU for boundary agreement between Town of Hamilton, Village of West Salem, City of Onalaska, and La Crosse County. Charlie noted the Village of West Salem has not acted on this.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None requested.
ADOPT ORDINANCE AMENDMENT CHAPTER 16 OF THE GENERAL CODE ENTITLED FLOOD PLAIN ZONING BY ADDING NEW FEMA AND PL566 HYDRAULIC SHADOWS STUDIES AND AMENDING ss 16.07(1), 16.16(1), 16.19(3)(E) AND A6.21(1)(B)4. AND 5.A.
MOTION by Hanson/Rauk to recommend to the County Board the approval of the amendments, as presented, to Chapter 16, Floodplain Zoning Ordinance. Jeff noted these maps have to be adopted before April 2, and would like to request the County Board to suspend their rules and adopt the ordinance at its first reading on March 20. Committee Chair Hammes said this should be so noted on the County Board agenda. Motion carried unanimously; Keil excused.
RESOLUTION RE ADOPTION OF AMENDMENTS TO LA CROSSE COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2020 FOR THE TOWN OF SHELBY
MOTION by Hanson/Bina to approve the resolution. Motion carried unanimously; Keil excused.
RESOLUTION RE ADOPTION OF AMENDMENT TO LA CROSSE COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2020 FOR THE TOWN OF ONALASKA FOR THE TODD WRIGHT PROPERTY
MOTION by Bina/Kapanke to approve the resolution. Miscellaneous questions and discussion. Conservation residential is considered 60% open and 40% developed. Supervisor Rauk expressed concern of inconsistency. Supervisor Bina called the question. Motion carried on 4 to 2 vote: Bina-yes, Kapanke-yes, Hammes-yes, Hanson-yes, Rauk-no, Meyer-no; Keil excused.
RESOLUTION RE ADOPTION OF AMENDMENT TO LA CROSSE COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2020 FOR THE TOWN OF ONALASKA FOR THE GAVAGHAN LLC PROPERTY
MOTION by Bina/Hanson to approve the resolution. Miscellaneous questions and discussion. Motion carried on 5 to 1 vote; Meyer-no; Keil excused.
RESOLUTION RE ADOPTION OF AMENDMENT TO LA CROSSE COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2020 FOR THE TOWN OF ONALASKA FOR 6 PARCELS – 462 ACRES
MOTION by Kapanke/Bina to approve the resolution. Miscellaneous questions and discussion. Jeff noted the Town Planning Commission and Town Board failed on all of these amendments; there is no consistency based on new law requirement that will be effective 2010 plan; not all of the information was provided and a lot of unknowns. MOTION FAILED on 3 to 3 vote: Kapanke-yes, Bina-yes, Hanson-yes, Meyer-no, Rauk-no, Hammes-abstained; Keil excused.
DISCUSS HISTORIC SITES PRESERVATION COMMISSION PROPOSAL AND STEPS TO ACCOMPLISH MOVING THEM TO OVERSIGHT OF PLANNING, RESOURCES & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Jeff reviewed the request by the Historic Sites Preservation Commission to fall under the jurisdiction of this committee versus currently under the Executive Committee. The historic designations relate to land and only in the unincorporated areas; they come to Zoning, Planning and Land Information Office for assistance with maps, etc., so the department is already working closely with this group. Supervisor Rauk
Page 5 – Planning, Resources & Development Committee Minutes of March 3, 2008
suggested to wait until after the election and after a new committee is formed; there was a request to look at the committee’s duties and functions and this request can be reviewed at the same time.
APPROVAL OF REGISTER OF DEEDS IMAGING PROJECT VENDOR
Bryan Jostad reviewed the RFP process. The Register of Deeds Office plans to convert real estate documents from 16mm real film to TIFF images. The imaging project will encompass documents dating back to 1963 through 1991. Three proposals were submitted and evaluated by a six-person evaluation team. Each proposal was evaluated on qualifications and references, scope of work, cost, interview and demonstration. Total possible points were 1,200. Evaluation points and costs as follows: Northern Micrographics - 869 points at cost of $69,360.86, Digital Scantronics – 984 points at cost of $38,408.00, and US Imaging – 1,025 points at cost of $52,936.00. Based on the highest evaluation score, the evaluation team recommends approval of US Imaging. Bryan noted the reasons why US Imaging received the highest score. MOTION by Rauk/Hanson to approve US Imaging as the imaging vendor for the Register of Deeds Office for cost of $52,936.00. Motion carried unanimously; Keil excused.
TARGETED RUNOFF MANAGEMENT GRANT FOR RICHARD AND RON OLDENBURG – GILL’S COULEE CREEK PROJECT
Gregg Stangl reviewed. The Gill’s Coulee Creek project is a DNR funded program that uses incentive payments to get landowners to install best management practices/conservation measures in areas that have poor water quality. The Oldenburg’s project will extend the reach of the water quality improvement work further down stream and compliment the efforts that have occurred upstream over the past 3 years. Total cost for the project is $150,000, of which $99,200 will come from DNR, $40,000 from NRCS and $10,800 from La Crosse County. The project will cover installation costs for cattle and machinery stream crossing, 3,800 feet of streambank riprapping and 4 grade stabilization structures. MOTION by Meyer/Kapanke to approve the targeted runoff management grant for Richard and Ron Oldenburg. Motion carried unanimously; Keil excused.
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM REPORT – GREG YAKLE, NRCS
Requested by Greg Yakle to hold over to the April 28th committee meeting due to his Supervisor wanting to attend; she was not available for today’s meeting. Committee members concurred.
DISTRICT 5 WACEC REPORTS BY MEMBERS WHO ATTENDED
Three members of the committee attended a one-day meeting of WACEC District 5, those members being Tom Rauk, Don Bina and Terry Hanson, who rode with Mary Meehan-Strub. Supervisor Bina noted it as a good meeting, noted top level Extension staff present and always good to meet with peer group. Supervisor Rauk noted this as his first-time experience with this group; it was very beneficial and would like to see more committee involvement with UW Extension; there are many resources available through UW-Extension that can be beneficial to the County. Supervisor Hanson noted good exercises, good informational meeting and always interesting.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
None requested.
RECESS (4:11 p.m.)
MOTION by Hanson/Kapanke to recess until the 6:00 p.m. public hearing. Motion carried unanimously; Keil excused.
Disclaimer: The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next committee meeting.
Cheryl Stephen, Recorder