PLANNING, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Monday, April 28, 2008

Administrative Center – Room 3220

4:00 p.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Tom Rauk, Don Bina, Robert Keil, Beverly Mach, Dennis Manthei, Marilyn Pedretti, David Hansen (FSA rep.) 

MEMBERS EXCUSED:  Don Meyer         

MEMBERS ABSENT:  None

OTHERS PRESENT:  Gregg Stangl, Jeff Bluske, Mary Meehan-Strub, Mary Jo Webster, Charlie Handy, Bill Jung, Cheryl McBride, Steve O’Malley, Les Manske, Barb Kooiman, Sharon Hampson, Cheryl Stephen

CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

Committee Vice Chair Tom Rauk called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.

APPROVE OF MINUTES

MOTION by Keil/Bina to approve meeting minutes of March 31, 2008.  Motion carried unanimously; Meyer excused.  

PUBLIC COMMENT

None requested

APPROVE BID FOR GILL’S COULEE CREEK WATERSHED PROJECT – STREAM RESTORATION

Gregg Stangl distributed copies of the bid analysis for Gill’s Coulee Creek Stream Restoration Phase II project.  Because the DNR had placed Gill’s Coulee Creek on the list of impaired water bodies, the Land Conservation Dept. is eligible to receive state funding to implement stream restoration projects that will improve fish habitat and water quality.  The Dept. has applied for and received state grant dollars over the past three years.  This bid project is for a continuation of stream restoration.  Bids were solicited and seven (7) bids received which were reviewed and scored by a Review Team.  Criteria points were based on bid amount, past experience & qualifications, and deadline commitment.  The Review Team recommends approval of contractor Steve Leis based on lowest price and highest score of 100 points out of possible 100.  Miscellaneous questions.  MOTION by Bina/Keil to approve Steve Leis at a cost of $176,633.97 for Phase II of Gill’s Coulee Creek stream restoration.  Motion carried unanimously; Meyer excused.  Summary of other bidders:  Lepke at $181,508.30/score of 97; Antony at $184,075.69/score of 95; Niebuhr at $187,520.76/score of 93; Holtz at $289,905.50/score of 89; Nelson at $194,160.14/score of 87; Krammel at $293,595.63/score of 84.    

APPROVE CONTRACT FOR TRAVIS KRAMER BARNYARD RUNOFF CONTROL SYSTEM

Gregg reviewed, noting Travis Kramer operates a dairy farm in the Burr Oak Watershed in Town of Farmington.  This watershed has an unnamed stream which has water quality issues based on tests from the water monitoring program.  Mr. Kramer has agreed to participate in the County’s Soil and Water Resource Management Program by installing a barnyard runoff control system and a rock-lined waterway to prevent animal waste and sediment from entering the nearby stream.  Cost to do this work is estimated at $18,000; this is a cost-share assistance program in which typically 70% is paid by the County or there may be other available funds.  MOTION by Keil/Manthei to approve, as presented, a contract with Travis Kramer for barnyard runoff control system.  Motion carried unanimously; Meyer excused.

APPROVE CONTRACT FOR GERALD STORANDT FOR STREAM RESTORATION

Gregg reviewed, noting same situation.  Gerald Storandt also operates a dairy farm in the Burr Oak Watershed.  He has also agreed to participate in the County’s Soil and Water Resource Management Program by installing two cattle crossings, stream bank shaping and seeding, remote waterer, and stream bank protective fencing.  Cost to do this work is estimated at $15,000.  MOTION by Keil/Hansen to approve, as presented, a contract for Gerald Storandt for stream restoration.  Motion carried unanimously; Meyer excused.

APPROVE NON-METALLIC MINING RECLAMATION PLAN FOR LES MANSKE

Mary Jo Webster distributed a memo addressed to the committee, dated April 28, 2008.  She reviewed the area using a large map, noting it as removal of top soil as part of Phase I which is greater than 300 feet from a stream.  Mr. Manske is also requesting an expansion to a Conditional Use Permit.  Les Manske was present to answer questions.  As part of the reclamation plan approval, the following are required:

• All areas of disturbance shall be internally drained.
• Limits of phase one will be marked by setting a minimum of three steel fence posts to delineate the 300-foot setback from the stream.
• If at anytime the areas disturbed for the purpose of topsoil removal should not be internally drained, a stable berm is to be created within the phase one area to prevent any flow toward the adjacent stream.
• Area will be restored to existing grade and drainage by placement of clay material to substitute for the removed topsoil with a minimum of 8 inches of topsoil to be redistributed on the fill.
• Due to the nature of the soil being used as backfill, if production of crops is not 70% or greater of the original production level (100+ bushel/acre) sub-soiling to encourage infiltration may be required.
• This reclamation plan indicates that no more than one acre will be disturbed at any given time.
• A financial assurance is to be supplied in the amount of $230/acre and payment of the review fee of $200 is required prior to issuance of the nonmetallic permit. 

Because of flooding in August 2007, an area along the east boundary of the field was disturbed in order to remove debris; no application was made for a permit.  This site was never stabilized and as part of the drainageway restoration, the following are required:

• The drainage is to be reshaped to eliminate rills, and seeded and protected with erosion control matting which is to be completed by May 15, 2008.
• The owner shall contact the Land Conservation Dept. when the drainageway is completed.
• The owner is to monitor the site and perform any necessary repairs until the drainageway is protected with 70% cover of perennial vegetation.

Committee Vice Chair Rauk noted the nonmetallic mining reclamation permit and conditional use permit are on tonight’s public hearing agenda.  MOTION by Bina/Manthei to approve, as presented, including the above noted requirements, the nonmetallic mine reclamation plan and the drainageway restoration along the east boundary of the field for owner Les Manske.  Motion carried unanimously; Meyer excused.

APPROVE NON-METALLIC MINING RECLAMATION PLAN FOR LA CROSSE COUNTY

Mary Jo reviewed.  There is a bowl near Lake Neshonoc on County property that is used for disposal of lake dredging material.  The County would like to remove sand in order to make room for future dredging material, and would like to start on the northwest corner in one acre increments, though on a continuous basis until completed.  

Mary Jo distributed a memo addressed to the committee, dated April 28, 2008.  As part of the reclamation plan approval, the following are required:

• Removal of material shall take place in 1-acre increments starting at the northwest corner – depth of material removal shall occur in three-foot deep increments to insure that the cut slope is maintained at a 3:1.
• All areas of disturbance shall be internally drained.
• As the southern boundary is approached, a berm shall be constructed to maintain internal drainage.  This berm is to be stabilized immediately.
• Reclamation shall be sequential – some diversions may be required above the top of slopes to prevent concentrated flow.
• If areas in excess of 1 acre are proposed to be open for a single project, additional information may be required.
• La Crosse County shall be responsible for locating any pipe that may be within the boundary of the disturbed area.

Charlie Handy noted that because it’s located in the Village of West Salem, the County also needs an erosion control permit from them.  These sandy materials will be sold for project materials; this is not a moneymaker, but needed in order to make room for future dredging materials.

Committee Vice Chair Rauk noted the nonmetallic mining reclamation permit is on tonight’s public hearing agenda.  MOTION by Keil/Mach to approve, as presented, including the above noted requirements, the nonmetallic mine reclamation plan for La Crosse County.  Motion carried unanimously; Meyer excused.

WISCONSIN ASSOCIATED COUNTY EXTENSION COMMITTEE INC. (WACEC) ANNUAL CONFERENCE – JUNE 17-18, 2008 AT STEVENS POINT

Related information was sent with the agenda packet.  Mary Meehan Strub noted Travel Authorization Approval is needed from the Board Chair; registration deadline is May 6^th.  Conference title is “Cooperative Extension:  Gateway to the Future”.  

UPDATE ON HISTORIC SITES PRESERVATION COMMISSION PLACED UNDER THIS COMMITTEE

Jeff Bluske noted the Historic Sites Preservation Commission has requested to be under this committee’s jurisdiction vs. currently under the Executive Committee.  Barbara Kooiman, as commission vice chair, addressed the committee and reviewed the commission’s background and their duties/functions; it’s a better fit under PRD as historic designations are in the unincorporated areas which relate to planning and resources; she also noted that the commission is CLG certified which allows them to pursue state grants in which they have applied for and received for specific projects.  Committee Vice Chair Rauk noted a related ordinance is coming before the Executive Committee next week in which they will be making a decision. 

COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE AND TOUR DATES

Copies of 2008 meeting schedule and tour dates were distributed.  Jeff noted certain deadlines are required so these dates are based on those.  Supervisor Pedretti noted Monday and Thursday mornings are not good for her based on her Town Clerk duties.  MOTION by Keil/Pedretti to move the tours to Friday mornings.  Motion carried unanimously; Meyer excused.

SET POLICY FOR ZONING APPLICATIONS THAT DO NOT COMPLY WITH COUNTY AND TOWN LAND USE PLANS

Jeff noted due to adoption of town land use plans and the County Plan, there will be more dissention and challenges; a policy is needed.  The towns and County plans need to work efficiently as possible; state law indicates “have to be consistent.”  Charlie noted by state law, staff cannot deny applications and developers have the right to bring before a committee; staff can only provide accurate and good information.  Jeff noted decisions by the committee can only be based on what is seen during the tour and heard at the public hearing; anything heard before or after the hearing cannot be considered.  He also noted that some counties require zoning applications go to the towns first.  Committee Vice Chair Rauk requested continuous review by the committee, for staff to review with the Committee Chair prior to the next meeting, and for sometime in the near future, staff to bring recommendations and/or options back to the committee for future discussion and consideration.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

• Overview of financial information in the Land Conservation Dept., at the request of Supervisor Bina.
• Policy for zoning applications that do not comply with County and Town Land Use Plans.
• Wisconsin Land & Water Conservation Association membership/due, at the request of Supervisor Bina.

RECESS (5:18 p.m.)

MOTION by Manthei/Keil to recess until the 6:00 p.m. public hearing.  Motion carried unanimously; Meyer excused.

Disclaimer:  The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next committee meeting.

Cheryl Stephen, Recorder