PLANNING, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Monday, December 1, 2008
Administrative Center – Room 3220
3:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Don Bina, Bob Keil, Beverly Mach, Marilyn Pedretti, Dennis Manthei (arr @3:31), and David Hansen (FSA rep.)
MEMBERS EXCUSED/ABSENT: Don Meyer, Tom Rauk
OTHERS PRESENT: Jeff Bluske, Gregg Stangl, Mary Meehan-Strub, Bill Jung, Mary Jo Webster, Mike Weibel, Charlie Handy, John Kaatz, Bryan Meyer, Steve O’Malley, Richard Berg, Tina Wehrs, Chris Papenfus, Scott Dunnum, Dave Harter, Cheryl Stephen
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Supervisor Don Bina called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m. Supervisor Dennis Manthei chaired the balance of the meeting starting at 3:31 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Mach/Keil to approve meeting minutes of October 27, 2008. Motion carried unanimously; Meyer and Rauk excused; Manthei absent.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None requested.
UW EXTENSION SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOP
UW EXTENSION SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOP
Mary Meehan Strub noted an upcoming workshop offered for UW-Extension Agents by UW Extension. The workshop is titled “Western District Sustainable Energy Workshop” scheduled for December 16th at Beaver Creek Reserve at Fall Creek, Wisconsin. UW-Extension is inviting committee members to attend with the Agents to expand their understanding of energy usage and sustainability. Those who wish to attend must get travel authorization from the County Board Chairman and Mary will coordinate the travel arrangements. Supervisors Bina and Mach expressed their interest in attending.
WISCONSIN ASSOCIATED COUNTY EXTENSION COMMITTEE (WACEC) ANNUAL CONFERENCE – PLANNING COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENTS
Mary noted June 14-16, 2009, as the Annual WACEC Conference to be held in La Crosse. The Conference Planning Committee would like two members of this committee to assist in the planning process. There is a half-day meeting in La Crosse in January and monthly teleconference meetings thereafter up until time of the event. Supervisor Bina volunteered.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW COUNTY SURVEYOR, BRYAN MEYER
Steve O’Malley introduced Bryan Meyer who is replacing Bill Jung who is retiring; the appointment requires County Board approval which will occur on December 18th. Mr. Meyer noted his background, including 30 years of experience in the private and public sector.
FINAL PLAT – GRAYHAWK, TOWN OF ONALASKA
Bill Jung distributed copies of the final plat to the committee members; he also noted the final plat was approved by Madison. As part of the plat approval process, the erosion control plan also needs approval.
Mary Jo Webster reviewed the erosion control/stormwater plan for Grayhawk Subdivision. There are six specific areas and 1 general issue that need to be addressed to provide adequate long-term erosion protection for Grayhawk Subdivision. No bond was initially required by the County as the Town of Onalaska is holding a 3-year bond to address erosion control, road stability, and stormwater practices. The following issues need to be addressed by June 10, 2009.
1. Reshape and stabilize the inlet to the culvert located under Grayhawk Drive at station 3+.
2. Stabilize the ditch along the front of lots 15 and 16.
3. Reshape, reseed and install Class II Type B erosion control mat in ditch along the southwest side
of Raptor Drive from station 1+80 to 3+50. Existing lower grade mat must be removed prior to
reshaping.
4. Reshape, remove woody debris, reseed and install Class II Type B erosion control mat along north side ditch of lot 18 and 19 shared drive.
5. Reshape rock along south side of shared drive originating at Raptor Drive cul de sac. Rock is to be placed along the toe of the ditch back slope to protect it from erosion. This section of rock lined ditch is to have a defined center flow line to prevent runoff from flowing down the driveway.
6. Reshape and install class I Type B erosion control mat along north side of Grayhawk Drive cul de sac to lots 6, 7 and 8 shared drive.
7. Repair and stabilize any areas impacted by the above items as well as any areas impacted by
relocation and burning of brush and grubbed trees.
Upon notification of completion of the above, the Land Conservation Dept. will do a final inspection. Richard Berg was present to answer questions. Shared driveways are the best option to reduce erosion. Also pointed out that Outlot 3 is deeded to the Conservancy as it is an unbuildable lot. Mary Jo and Bill recommended approval. MOTION by Keil/Pedretti to approve the Final Plat and Erosion Control Plan, including the above stated conditions, for Grayhawk Subdivision, Town of Onalaska. Motion carried unanimously; Meyer and Rauk excused; Manthei absent.
PRELIMINARY PLAT – MARVIN GARDENS II, TOWN OF ONALASKA
Bill Jung distributed copies of the preliminary plat to the committee members. Dave Harter as the owner and developer, as well as Richard Berg as the surveyor, were present to answer questions. Bill noted it complies with the County subdivision ordinance and no issues with the floodplain per the maps. No erosion control plan required though stormwater plan is required by the Land Conservation Dept. Mary Jo noted the following issues:
· One area that will require construction is the outfall of the drainage easement between lots 7 and 8. The discharge point is currently eroded. There shall be a rock chute constructed to meet technical standards. Upon completion, an as-built survey will be provided to Land Conservation Dept.
· Regarding an existing drop structure that is located in Outlot 1, this pipe structure is in very good condition, but there are trees adjacent to the riser that need to be removed. The developer may also want to consider installing a grate on the riser and at the end of the discharge pipe for safety reasons.
· Need to record the maintenance plan that will provide the long-term maintenance and made the responsible party for the maintenance of the rock chute and the existing drop structure. A copy of this recorded document is to be provided to the Land Conservation Dept.
Miscellaneous questions. Bill and Mary Jo recommended approval. MOTION by Mach/Keil to approve the Preliminary Plat for Marvin Gardens II, Town of Onalaska, including the Stormwater Plan and conditions as noted above. Motion carried unanimously; Meyer and Rauk excused; Manthei absent.
RESOLUTION RE APPROVAL OF THE PLAT OF FIRST ADDITION TO ROCKLAND CEMETERY and
RESOLUTION RE APPROVAL OF THE PLAT OF SECOND ADDITION TO ROCKLAND CEMETERY
Bill distributed copies of the two plats for consideration. The two plats are next to each other and located west of Rockland north of County Road U at the intersection of U & J. Cemetery Plats are required to have County Board approval, though the Town of Burns is noted as the owner and the approving authority. Scott Dunnum as the surveyor was present to answer questions.
MOTION by Keil/Pedretti to approve the resolution regarding the approval of the Plat of First Addition to Rockland Cemetery. Motion carried unanimously; Meyer and Rauk excused.
MOTION by Pedretti/Keil to approve the resolution regarding the approval of the Plat of Second Addition to Rockland Cemetery. Motion carried unanimously; Meyer and Rauk excused.
OUT-BRIEFING COMMENTS – COUNTY SURVEYOR
Bill Jung sent a 2 page final report to the committee and at this time added some final comments. All his maps are complete and filed; data input is done which is shared with County GIS Mapper and with Madison; bills are paid, deposits done and equipment inventory taken. A winter project is the scanning and imaging with the help of the County IT Dept., and of the 14 remaining projects, the new Surveyor can prioritize. Committee members commended Bill for his dedicated work for the County.
REVIEW AND APPROVE OPERATIONAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN LA CROSSE COUNTY AND THE UNITED STATES DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE - NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE
Gregg Stangl noted a copy of the agreement was sent to the committee members. Renewal is required every 5 years. The operational agreement defines the relationship and working arrangement between the two government entities. On many occasions the two agencies combine technical and financial assistance to accomplish soil and water quality improvement goals. Corporation Counsel has reviewed the agreement. Chris Papenfus of NRCS was present to answer questions. MOTION by Bina/Mach to approve the Operational Agreement between La Crosse County, Wisconsin and the United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service for the next 5-year period. Motion carried unanimously; Meyer and Rauk excused.
APPROVE DEPT. OF NATURAL RESOURCES TARGETED RUNOFF MANAGEMENT GRANT FOR THE GILL’S COULEE CREEK STREAM RESTORATION PROJECT
Gregg reviewed. A copy of the WI Targeted Runoff Management (TRM) Program grant award was sent to the committee members. The award of $149,800 is for the 3rd phase of the Gills Coulee Creek project to be used over a 2 year period. This project started in 2005; plan to finish the project in 4-5 phases which could take as long as 4-6 additional years. MOTION by Bina/Mach to approve the Targeted Runoff Management Grant in amount of $149,800 as designated for the Gill’s Coulee Creek project for grant period October 7, 2008-September 15, 2010. Motion carried unanimously; Meyer and Rauk excused.
APPROVE COST SHARE AGREEMENT FOR TRAVIS & LEANN KRAMER UNDER THE SOIL & WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Gregg reviewed as well as showed overhead pictures of the project area. This dairy farm is located in the Burr Oak Watershed in which the Burr Oak Creek contains high levels of phosphorus over the past few years and these numbers are increasing. The Land Conservation Dept. plans to focus on this area and work with the remaining 2-3 farms. The Kramers have agreed to a cost-share agreement that would fix the manure runoff from the barnyard and repair the gully by establishing a grassed waterway and rock lined outlet in its place. Total project cost is $39,500 of which 70% is State share and 30% County share. MOTION by Keil/Mach to approve the cost share agreement for Travis and Leann Kramer as part of the Soil & Water Resource Management Grant Program. Motion carried unanimously; Meyer and Rauk excused.
APPROVE EXTENSION REQUEST OF 2008 SOIL & WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT GRANT PROJECTS
Gregg noted that because of the approval of the Kramer project and due to cold weather conditions, etc., this work cannot be done in 2008, so he is asking for an extension into 2009 for the Kramer agreement and the same for Jim and Mary Ann Hemker Soil and Water Resource Management Project agreement that was approved by the committee in September. The Hemker project was started in the fall, but did not get all of the practices done, including the seeding. These extension approvals are required by the DATCP. MOTION by Bina/Keil to approve the extension of the Soil & Water Management Grants for Travis & Leann Kramer in amount of $27,650 and for Jim & Mary Ann Hemker in amount of $6,083.77. Motion carried unanimously; Meyer and Rauk excused.
DISCUSS POLICY FOR ENFORCEMENT OF SIGNS IN EXISTING ZONING ORDINANCE
Jeff Bluske reviewed this issue. Copies of adopted resolution by the La Crosse County Unit Wisconsin Towns Association and copies of letter from Cathy Brott, Chairperson of the Barre Park Committee, were sent to the committee members. Jeff noted the town erected a sign at the corner of County Road OA and a town road which does not meet setback requirements per County Zoning Ordinance. The town clerk at that time in the Town of Shelby and Town of Barre Park Committee member, Cathy Brott, thought towns were exempt. At the November 6th County Towns Association meeting, they approved a resolution requesting “an exemption for towns from any County permitting process to erect signs on municipal property pertaining to, but not limited to, roads, town halls, parks, subdivisions and 4-H.” The same resolution is requesting an exemption from permitting process for erecting recreational equipment on municipal property, but Jeff noted the County does not regulate that. Having two sets of standards for private and public sector would be hard to regulate or enforce. Options to consider: the town could apply for a variance or the County could amend the current Zoning Ordinance. Lengthy discussion followed. Currently, the Zoning Ordinance is being reviewed and revised based on the County Comprehensive Plan and will be coming to the committee soon. MOTION by Mach/Bina to direct staff to bring forth the signage portion of the Zoning Ordinance to the committee as one of the first priorities. Motion carried unanimously; Meyer and Rauk excused. Jeff noted that he could look at other comparable counties as to how they handle this matter.
DISCUSS POLICY FOR ANNEXATION RESPONSES
Jeff reviewed, noting the State Dept. of Administration has requested information from the Zoning, Planning and Land Information Office relating to annexation petitions; information includes parcel numbers, property owners, assessment and tax information, zoning, adjacencies, affects on land use plans, etc. In a letter that Jeff submitted to the State regarding the recent West Salem annexation issue, some officials read it as “taking sides.” Jeff noted that he tries to stay as neutral as possible in these matters as his office works with all 18 municipalities and really don’t care where the property ends up – the tax base stays the same; he offers information relating to the guidelines as set by the County Comprehensive Plan which is a County Ordinance. Discussion followed. Because of the timeframe that the State needs their information, in most instances would have to call a special committee meeting. General agreement by the committee members for the Zoning, Planning and Land Information Office to provide the State only the facts and remain neutral in annexation petition requests for information; in addition, copies of such letters should be shared with the Committee Chair.
SET POLICY FOR TOWN PARTICIPATION IN ZONING ORDINANCE REWRITE
Charlie Handy reviewed a handout relating to Zoning Ordinance review, its completion date, and options for policy direction by the committee. Because of the adoption of the County Comprehensive Plan, the plan is requiring the removal of Agriculture District A and Transitional Agriculture Districts, thus need to create new zoning classes and the amendment of existing zoning classes. Two options for consideration:
· Incremental conversion: initiated by landowners, less controversy, less initial staff time, clear understanding of the zoning requested, long term conversion (could take 20+ years), requires duplicative zoning classes in ordinance.
· Immediate conversion: initiated by County and towns, lot more controversial, more staff time up front, tough decisions as to which zoning class to use in some cases, short-term conversion (possibly 3-8 yrs.), less future rezoning requests, saves applicants fees, truth in advertising.
Lengthy discussion and concurrence on the following: 1) time needed for public participation, 2) need an end product that is acceptable to all, 3) need to call special committee meetings – quarterly or bi-monthly, 4) suggestion to breakdown by sections or municipalities, 5) offer sunset date, 6) get Towns Association input, 7) consider a presentation to the full County Board on the two options. Further discussion at the next committee meeting when, hopefully, all members will be present.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Charlie noted an upcoming Working Lands Workshop scheduled for December 10th at the Holland Town Hall starting at 8:00 a.m.
Jeff handed out copies of 2009 PRD meeting schedule, including agenda prep dates, zoning tour dates, including Board of Adjustment meeting dates.
Jeff introduced John Kaatz, Land Use Specialist, who replaced Ron Peterson.
RECESS (5:11 p.m.)
MOTION by Pedretti/Bina to recess until the 6:00 p.m. public hearing. Motion carried unanimously; Meyer and Rauk excused.
Disclaimer: The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next committee meeting.
Cheryl Stephen, Recorder