Committee Members Present: Gaalswyk, Cassity and Netzinger
Committee Members Absent: Lehman, Ashford
Others Present: Mark Steward, Mary White, Marty Krueger, and others.
Due to the fact that this meeting was not properly posted the items listed for discussion will be discussed at the July 8, 2008 Committee meeting.
According to the County Corporation Counsel the public hearings may be held but the Committee cannot make any decisions. The public hearing will be held for information only. These items will be decided at the next meeting scheduled for July 8, 2008.
Chairman Cassity called the public hearing to order at 9:30 A.M.
The first item to be heard was a petition to change the zoning of property from Resource Conservancy - 35 to a Commercial Zoning District for David Hutter. The area to be rezoned contains 0.96 acres more or less. The land affected by the proposed rezone is located in Section 15, T11N, R6E, Town of Baraboo, Sauk County, Wisconsin.
Brian Simmert, Planning and Zoning Planner, gave a brief history and recommendation of postponement until further additional information regarding highway safety could be obtained. The Committee was reminded that they cannot make a decision today.
The Committee questioned when the Highway 12 project for this area would be done. Simmert responded with probably 12 years. What grounds were needed for the Committee to deny this request was discussed. Adjoining conservation easements were discussed. It was noted that there are wetlands on the property and setbacks were reviewed.
David Hutter, applicant, appeared in favor. Amount of wetlands was discussed. He stated he will lose approximately 4 units due to wetlands. The Town's Comprehensive Plan has been amended to show this rezoning. Traffic was discussed. The applicant stated that there would be more traffic coming from the Willow Motel than out of the mini-storage units. 40-50 units are proposed. He stated that most of the traffic would be on nights and weekends not during peak travel time. He felt a single family home would cause more traffic than the storage units. The house is abandoned and will be burned down on July 31, 2008.
Paul Hasheider, Town of Baraboo supervisor, appeared in favor. He stated that the town has approved the rezoning. The size of the lot was discussed.
Kyoko Achibald appeared in opposition. She was concerned because the safety issues. The Highway 12 bypass will not be happening soon. She stated that the corner is a beautiful place and mini warehouses can be put in many other areas.
Brian Farr appeared in opposition. He stated he was not aware of the Town's meeting because he would have liked to be there. The property is surrounded by Baraboo Range. DOT highway time intervals were discussed. He talked of many accidents that have taken place on this corner. He suggested requiring a "blow-by" lane. He thought the traffic would be heavier than the owner was suggesting. He was also concerned about flooding and runoff.
Seeing no one else wished to speak, the public portion of the hearing was closed at 10:35 A.M.
The Committee took no action, This item will be put on the agenda for the next meeting.
The next hearing was a petition to change the zoning of property from Resource Conservancy - 35 to a Recreational - Commercial Zoning District for the Mid-Continent Railway Historical Society, Inc. The area to be rezoned contains 41.86 acres more or less. The land affected by the proposed rezone is located in Section 2, T11N, R5E, Town of Freedom, Sauk County, Wisconsin.
Simmert gave the staff report and recommendation of approval. The property is in the floodplain as well as wetlands.
Don Meyer, Manager of the Mid-Continent Railway Museum, appeared in favor. He stated that they needed new buildings on the site. Existing buildings and new structures were discussed. Most of the buildings were in the flood fringe of the Baraboo River.
David Baumgarten, Town of Freedom Chair, appeared in favor. The Town has approved the request. Netzinger stated this rezoning brings the property incline with present use.
David Wantz appeared in favor. He owns property adjacent to the museum. He stated this museum brings money into the area.
Cassity suggested the manager of the museum meet with the County Economic Development Committee as well as the Arts and Culture Committee.
Seeing no know else wished to speak, the Chairman closed the public portion of the hearing at. 10:55 A.M..
No decision will be made until the next meeting.
Motion by Gaalswyk, seconded by Netzinger to adjourn. Motion carried, 3-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Ashford, Secretary
Notes by Mary White.