Planning, Zoning & Land Records Committee


DATE: April 11, 2006

Committee Members Present: Gaalswyk, Sprecher, Ashford, Lehman, and Wiese.

Others Present: Lance Gurney, Mary White, Lester Woolever, Steve Pate, and Pat Dederich.

Chairman Wiese called the meeting to order at approximately 9:00 a.m. and compliance with the open meetings law was certified.

Motion by Ashford, seconded by Sprecher to approve the agenda with the addition of Mr. Lester Woolever, Town of Woodland Chair, who had requested to address the Committee.
Motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Sprecher, seconded by Lehman to approve the March 28, 2006 meeting minutes.
Motion carried 5-0.

Communications. Mr. Lester Woolever addressed the Committee. He stated that Mr. Harvey Schmucker had received a conditional use permit to operate a saw mill. Now, it looked like he was going to be assembling small cabins without getting his property rezoned or at least a public hearing. Mr. Gurney stated that it was his understanding that Mr. Schmucker was going to be assembling the cabins to be sure they fit together properly and was then disassembling them to be shipped. These structures were not actually for sale on the property. Mr. Gurney stated that if the property was rezoned other commercial uses could use the site. The Town Board felt the owner should go back to the Board of Adjustment for a different special exceptions. Different conditions could then be put on the property. Mr. Gurney will review the file and report back.

Mr. Sprecher asked if the County was going to address the issue of large animal livestock operations. Mr. Gurney stated that Mr. VanBerkel considered it in the County's best interest to adopt a local ordinance. Setback distances were discussed. Mr. Sprecher wanted to see something done on a County level that supported state codes. Large operations vs. small operations were discussed.

Mr. Steve Pate, MIS, Mapping Department, appeared. He stated that the LIDAR and orthophotography program were delayed again. Discussion followed on contract penalties.

Mr. Pate stated that he had been notified by Building Services that the Mapping Office was not to be left open when staff was not present. Arrangements had been made with the Treasurer's Office to unlock the office if a surveyor needed to access records. Alternatives were discussed.

He also stated that his department was able to assist the Sheriff's Department in locating a missing person. He then reviewed the previous month's activities and issues as well as upcoming activities and the budget report.

The Committee reviewed the voucher list. Motion by Lehman, seconded by Sprecher to approve the vouchers for the Mapping Department in the amount of $178.04.
Motion carried, 5-0.

Mr. Pat Dederich, County Surveyor, then appeared. He described a problem he found with certain tie sheets not being scanned. This problem goes back to the previous County Surveyor. Discussion followed on using a summer intern or LTE to bring these records up to date. Paper copies vs. electronic copies was discussed. Mr. Sprecher was interested in the amount of time this would take. Mr. Dederich responded he wasn't sure but he did have money in his budget for this. He stated that he eventually wanted surveys and tie sheets to be available on-line but this problem needed to be resolved before then. Mr. Gurney stated that an LTE would be hired to do work in the Register of Deeds, Treasurer's, Mapping, Planning and Zoning Office and could possibly fill in the Surveyor's Office also.

Mr. Gurney stated that there was WLIA money available and a proactive approach should be taken to bring these records up to date. Mr. Dederich then distributed a resolution recommending an increase in payment and additional specifications for the payment program for maintaining monument section corners. The re-monument program was discussed. Motion by Ashford, seconded by Sprecher to approve the resolution.
Motion carried, 5-0.

Resolution will be reformatted and will go to the County Board on April 18, 2006.

The Committee then discussed an invoice from Grothman and Associates for straightening a monument. A tie sheet was also submitted. Discussion followed on maintaining a corner vs. setting a corner. Mr. Gurney stated this should be included in the resolution submitted.

Mr. Gurney then gave an update on the clustering ordinance. A meeting was held with DATCP staff and it was felt they should either approve the ordinance or decertify the County. The ordinance should be going to the County Board in May. The farmland preservation working group will be meeting next week.

The next item for discussion was Form #1 of the 2007 budget report for the Planning and Zoning Department. Output, outcome and efficiency measures were discussed. Mr. Gurney was looking for guidance from the Committee on what to include in the report. Further discussion on this matter will be held at the next meeting. Ms. Ashford requested a listing of staff and responsibilities. Staff efficiencies were discussed.

The animal situation in Excelsior was briefly discussed.

The Town of Honey Creek Comprehensive Plan was completed last year and it was decided at that time that Leland and Denzer should have their own "master" plans. The Town had not approved the contract yet but did approve the budget. Motion by Ashford, seconded by Lehman to approve the planning contract.
Motion carried, 5-0.

Mr. Gurney stated the Committee would review Form #1, get a department report for first three months of 2006 and would hold a public hearing at the next meeting. He stated that the County had received a grant for comprehensive planning for nine communities. He will be contacting communities to see if they wish to work with the department or a private consultant. He plans to cluster communities together in groups of three.

The next meeting is scheduled for April 25, 2006.

Motion by Gaalswyck, seconded by Ashford to adjourn.
Motion carried, 5-0.
11:45 A.M.

Respectfully submitted: Judy Ashford, Secretary