PLANNING, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Monday, August 4, 2008
Administrative Center – Room 3220
3:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Don Meyer, Tom Rauk, Don Bina, Robert Keil, Marilyn Pedretti, Dennis Manthei
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Beverly Mach, David Hansen (FSA rep.)
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Gregg Stangl, Jeff Bluske, Mary Meehan-Strub, Mary Jo Webster, Bill Jung, Charlie Handy, Chad VandenLangenberg, Karl Green, Mike Weibel, Steve O’Malley, Dick Berg, Dave Hammers, Patty Jackson Kelly, Maureen Freedland, Cheryl Stephen
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Committee Chair Don Meyer called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Bina/Manthei to approve meeting minutes of June 30, 2008. Motion carried unanimously; Mach and Hansen excused.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None requested.
PRELIMINARY PLAT – COTTONWOOD ESTATES, TOWN OF HOLLAND
Bill Jung gave an overview of the approval process as there are some new committee members. As the County Surveyor, he reviews the plat and it must comply with Chapter 18 of the County Code of Ordinances: Subdivision & Platting. A Preliminary Plat goes hand in hand with Chapter 21: Erosion Control/Land Disturbances, and cannot be approved unless it meets or exceeds both ordinances.
Several copies of the preliminary plat were made available for committee members viewing. Bill noted that it complies with Chapter 18 without any variances, and he also recommends approval. The only recommendation he has is to put the “do’s” and “don’ts” in the restricted covenants relating to Outlot 1 which will be a large common area shared by all 22 lot owners; noted restrictions would help with any future issues relating to land use of that particular area. The owner/developer, Dave Hammers, and Dick Berg, Land Surveyor/Engineer, were present to answer questions. Mr. Hammers noted that they are working on language for Outlot 1 usage, but welcomes additional input. Charlie Handy offered to assist him as he has suggested language as used by other subdivisions. Supervisor Rauk also noted possible language relating to garden usage and/or be more clear in relation to owner usage vs. public usage. MOTION by Manthei/Pedretti to approve as presented the Preliminary Plat for Cottonwood Estates, Town of Holland. Motion carried unanimously; Mach excused.
APPROVE THE EROSION CONTROL AND STORM WATER MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR COTTONWOOD ESTATES
Mary Jo Webster distributed a memo addressed to the committee dated August 4, 2008, that relates to the project, including suggested additions/amendments as part of the approval. She reviewed the erosion control plan and storm water management plan using a large map of the area, and in addition she reviewed each of the recommended additions/amendments as follows:
· Drainage easements need to be added to the Plat at the following locations: in between property lines: Lots 1 and 2, Lots 3 and 4, Lots 4 and 5, Lots 6 and 7, Lots 10 and 11, Lots 13 and 14 (including utility easement), and Lots 20 and 21; plus along the north property line of Lot 6; and in addition, all infiltration areas are to be included within easements.
· Verification that the required infiltration standards are being met within the indicated infiltration areas; if necessary, drainage easements are to be altered to meet the requirements.
· Language must be added to the plat indicating that the designated storm water infiltration areas cannot have the existing soils amended or altered in any way.
· All infiltration areas must be cordoned off during any adjacent construction to prevent machine/vehicle traffic from causing compaction. Any infiltration areas immediately below land disturbance shall be adequately protected from receiving any sediment.
· Information and design is to be provided on how Lot 7 will be protected from impacts of the infiltration area immediately to the north.
· The storm water maintenance agreement shall be independent of all other restrictions or covenants and shall comply with an approved inspection and maintenance schedule which shall allow for some type of financial means to provide for long term maintenance of storm water features.
· No land disturbance shall occur until after an onsite preconstruction conference that includes the owner or their representative, the erosion control plan designer, the contractor(s), and Land Conservation Dept. Staff.
· Additional measures, beyond those indicated in the conditionally approved plan may be required if potential for off-site impacts occur.
· Per County erosion control ordinance, a final inspection, including the owner or their representative and Land Conservation Dept. staff, shall occur at the end of the project. The permittee is also required to provide the Land Conservation Dept. with as-built plans for the road and any storm water facilities.
Mary Jo noted that if the above additions/amendments are included as part of the approval, the erosion control plan for Cottonwood Estates meets the erosion control requirements of Chapter 21 of the County Code of Ordinances; and the storm water designs as submitted exceed the requirements of Chapter 18 of the County Code of Ordinances. She recommended approval based on the above amendments, also noting it as one of the best conservation designs submitted, including limited land disturbance. Miscellaneous questions and discussion by some committee members. Discussion on need for subdivision steward, in particular for oversight of the common area. Also suggestion for an escrow account/owners’ maintenance fee to be used for long-term storm water maintenance; noted similar development in Town of Medary has an escrow account; Charlie offered to collect this information for Mr. Hammers. Supervisor Rauk suggested contacting the UW Extension agent, Karl Green, to assist with rain gardens or green space ideas. MOTION by Pedretti/Keil to approve as presented the erosion control plan and storm water management plan for Cottonwood Estates, including the above noted additions/amendments as requested by Ms. Webster. Motion carried unanimously; Mach excused.
UW EXTENSION WRITTEN REPORTS
The written UW Extension Reports were distributed; this included reports from 4-H & Youth Development, Family Living Education, Agriculture/Agri-Business, and Community Resource Development. Informational.
UW EXTENSION COMMUNITY RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT EDUCATOR PROGRAMS – KARL GREEN
Karl Green gave a PowerPoint presentation relating to UW Extension and his position as Community Natural Resource and Economic Development (CNRED) Agent. Highlights of his overview as follows:
· UW Extension is a partnership between local, state and federal dollars of which 40% is County funded.
· Facilitate education and collaboration efforts, including local leadership development and community problem solving.
· Work Plan as CNRED agent (past and present):
ü NR 216 regulations relating to urban storm water - educating the urban communities. Seven urban municipalities have formed an urban municipal storm water group and Karl is assisting with the education and facilitation of these group sessions. Thus far, two villages have formed a storm water utility. In addition, educating and assisting with creation of rain gardens and promoting the use of rain barrels. Also working on storm water pollution credits for the City of La Crosse and Town of Campbell.
ü Completed a First Impressions Study for La Crosse with City of Oshkosh
ü Prepared Community Development Preparedness Index Surveys for Holmen
ü Cost of Community Services Study for Town of Holland
ü Downtown Market Study for La Crosse
ü Renewable energy educator – in particular relating to cellulosic ethanol; currently organizing a tour.
ü Sustainability education – conserve energy
ü Community development work, including facilitation of some town comprehensive plans
ü Miscellaneous: assist Joint City/County Harbor Commission; various facilitations; created tax bill insert; and currently working with Targeting Working Lands Committee.
TARGETING WORKING LANDS COMMITTEE – POLICY DIRECTION FOR DEVELOPING A LAND EVALUATION AND SITE ASSESSMENT MODEL
Karl distributed information relating to “Policy Direction for Developing a Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model.” The Targeting Working Lands Committee was formed in March 2008, based on a grant from UW Extension, to create a process, in conjunction with GIS and scoring criteria, of creating land evaluation and site assessment model that would rank agricultural land characteristics based on various land use policies either existing in County ordinance or as stated within the County Comprehensive Plan. In order to assign proper ranking and priority scores, need policy direction as to how this model will be used by the County; staff is requesting the PRD Committee for input/direction. There are three (3) options/models to choose from:
1. La Crosse County uses the model to assist in creating an educational tool to further the debate on a Purchase of Development Rights Program to protect “working lands”.
2. Mississippi Valley Conservancy uses the model to assist in creating an educational tool to further their efforts to protect important rural land in the County.
3. La Crosse County uses the model to assist in making land use decisions, specifically pertaining to zoning decisions.
Discussion and questions followed. Pointed out that the handouts were not included with the agenda so committee members did not have time to review. Supervisor Bina expressed concerns relating to the formula. Staff noted the formula has not been determined as the Targeting Working Lands Committee could not come to a consensus, so it’s now before PRD for direction. Staff suggested Supervisor Bina become a member of the Targeted Working Lands Committee as there is an opening. Noted the main issue is the importance of Ag Land; the process is only a development tool to help with future decision-making. Lengthy discussion ensued. MOTION by Rauk/Manthei to defer the matter for 30 days. Motion carried on 4 to 1 vote; Pedretti-no. Supervisor Rauk requested information prior to the next meeting, to include a list of parameters as well as sharing insight as how the parameters are weighted differently, including some examples.
UPDATE ON GOLDEN VALLEY MOBILE HOME COURT VIOLATIONS
Chad VandenLangenberg, Code Enforcement/GIS Specialist, gave an update. He visited the Golden Valley Mobile Home Court on July 28; at that time there were five (5) zoning violations – 3 for the park owner to resolve and the other 2 had previously received citations so they received final warning. The old well was abandoned but the well house is still there. The Town of Greenfield is getting involved with some of the issues, such as tree trimming, brush pile, road quality, lack of management, etc. There is a town board meeting next week; they are considering non-renewal of the mobile home park permit until after the issues are resolved. Out of the original 10 citations issued, Chad dismissed 4 and 6 were found guilty by default. He will revisit the park in another 30 days.
DISCUSSION TO DETERMINE DAY/TIME FOR FUTURE COMMITTEE TOURS
Supervisor Rauk requested this agenda item for discussion. He relayed his concern with Friday tours as there is limited staff time for them to prepare their staff recommendations. MOTION by Rauk/Bina to move the zoning tour day to Wednesday mornings. Motion carried unanimously; Mach excused.
DISCUSS AND APPROVE LAKE ONALASKA PROTECTION & REHABILITATION DISTRICT MEMBERSHIP
Committee Chair Meyer noted Supervisor Burke has been a long-time member of the Lake Onalaska Protection & Rehabilitation District as she was a member of this committee at one time. Jeff Bluske noted per County Code of Ordinances, “1 person appointed by the County Board Chair with the approval of the County Board who is a member of the Planning, Resources and Development Committee or is nominated by that committee.” MOTION by Rauk/Keil to nominate Vicki Burke as a member of the Onalaska Lake Protection & Rehabilitation District representing the PRD Committee. Motion carried unanimously; Mach excused.
UPDATE ON STORM WATER MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE FOR LA CROSSE COUNTY
Gregg Stangl briefly reviewed as he sent a lengthy explanation within a memo addressed to the committee members in which they received prior to the meeting. The County and urban municipalities have worked on “public education, an outreach plan, public involvement and participation strategy which is currently being reviewed by DNR for their approval. Land Conservation Dept. staff is working on storm water management ordinance for the County; anticipate a public hearing in September with goal of having it approved by the County Board in November. Jeff noted the September meeting will be on Tuesday, Sept. 2nd as Monday is a holiday. Couple of the committee members expressed concern with the timing due to holiday and first day of school.
LA CROSSE COUNTY CODE ADDITIONS, REVISIONS AND AMENDMENTS
Charlie noted the information was sent with the agenda. The first step is to revise the zoning definitions as needed; next step will be revisions to zoning text, and final step will be new language additions in order to be in compliance with the County Comprehensive Plan. Plan to bring the first draft of the ordinance to the committee in November or December. Staff requested committee review and input relating to the definitions as distributed.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
No additional items requested other than what was already discussed in today’s meeting.
RECESS (5:17 p.m.)
MOTION by Keil/Manthei to recess until the 6:00 p.m. public hearing. Motion carried unanimously; Mach excused.
Disclaimer: The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next committee meeting.
Cheryl Stephen, Recorder