DATE: March 30, 2005
The Baraboo Range Commission met in a special session at 8:30 AM, March 30, 2005 at the Sauk County West Square Building in Baraboo, Wisconsin.
Members present: Ashford, Hartmann, Kowalke, Persche, Steinhorst, Turnquist and Wenzel.
Also present: Dave Tremble, Sauk County Planning and Zoning, and Audrey Parker.
Chairperson Ashford brought the meeting to order at 8:30 AM., and asked members to review the meeting agenda. Motion to adopt the agenda as presented by Steinhorst, second by Hartmann. Motion carried.
Ashford asked members to review minutes from the February 23, 2005 meeting. Motion to adopt the minutes by Persche, second by Kowalke. Motion Carried.
Ashford asked members to review minutes from the March 8, 2005 meeting. Motion to adopt the minutes by Persche, second by Hartmann. Motion Carried.
Communications:
Tremble read a communication from Yoyi Steele regarding the dedication ceremony for the Baraboo Hills Important Bird Area, which will be held on Sunday May 15.
Tremble distributed copies of a communication from the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Planning Association, regarding the proposed Assembly Bill 265, requiring the recording of the sale of development rights with local register of deeds, and the payment of recording fees.
Public Comment:
None
Staff Report:
Tremble reported on the status of the Don Adams easement acquisition, and recent County Board action.
He reported that the BRPP easement resolution remains with the Planning, Zoning and Land Records Committee, which directed staff to return the resolution to the County Board for action. Tremble reported that the Nature Conservancy is also discussing the purchase of an easement on the agricultural portion of the property.
Tremble reported that the Carl and Patricia Barrett easement resolution was approved by the Planning, Zoning and Land Records Committee, and will go to the County Board for approval on April 19th. Tremble reported that the property will be sold by the Barretts and the easement will actually be purchased from the subsequent land owner, Charles Elliott.
Tremble reported that John and Betty Waldinger easement closing is scheduled to be conducted on April 28th, and that a boundary survey is needed to define the Baraboo Range National Natural Landmark boundary.
Unfinished Business:
Members reviewed the draft of the 2004 Annual Report, and agreed to bring comments back at the next meeting.
Tremble reported that he had not received approval of draft BRPP Plan amendments from WisDOT legal counsel, but had been reassured by Jim Thiel that the draft language would be reviewed.
Tremble reported that he had not received confirmation from WDNR regarding the use of state Stewardship Program funding on any Baraboo Range properties, but that Stephanie Brouwer of WDNR had received our preliminary application materials and was having them reviewed by other staff.
New Business:
Tremble reported that he had distributed a map and other information to people interested in the creation of a permanent memorial to Roger Shanks, following a preliminary investigation of several locations at the Merrimac Preserve in the Town of Merrimac. A return visit later in the spring will be scheduled, and BRC members are welcome to attend., for the final site selection.
Tremble reminded members that the Sauk County observance of Earth Day will be on Sunday April 17th, again at the Rock Springs Community Center. There will be a Baraboo Range Protection Program exhibit, along with other Sauk County Planning and Zoning Department information.
Turnquist moved to convene a closed session, pursuant to s. 19.85 (1)(e):
"Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session." for the purpose of discussing negotiations with private landowners. Second by Persche. Motion carried unanimously.
The Commission convened in closed session.
The Commission returned to open session immediately following the closed session.
The next regular session is scheduled for Wednesday April 27th at 8:30 a.m.
Motion to adjourn by Turnquist, second by Kowalke. Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 9:40 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Dave Tremble
Sauk County Planning and Zoning