Economic Development Committee

01/23/12 Minutes (56 KB)

Members present: Marty Krueger, Peter Murray, Dave Riek, Don Stevens, Joel Gaalswyk, Joan Smoke

Members absent: Gerald Lehman

Others present: Kathy Schauf, Bill Brown, Gloria and Don Larson, Bill Mertens, John McKenna, Rick Livingston, Gene Dalhoff, Alan Anderson, Ken Lucht, Brentt Michalek, Brian Simmert

The meeting was called to order and certification of Open Meeting compliance was given at 6:30 p.m. The agenda was approved on a motion by Stevens, second by Riek. Motion carried.

The minutes from prior meetings were approved on a motion by Gaalswyk, second by Smoke. Motion carried. Krueger abstained.

Public Comment
Bill Mertens: Applauded the Economic Development for the work that was done regarding the County Forst property near Spring Green. Acknowledged that stakeholders were heard and and their comments were received.

Communications
No communications.

Business Items

Rails and Trails progress.

Trails

Update by the Trails Sub-committee. Donna Stehling, sub-committee member sent comments to chair Krueger suggesting that the Sauk Prairie Conservation Alliance has been comparing their Friends documentation with their mission and objectives. They hope to obtain further information from the Department of Natural Resources as they obtain further understanding as they look toward becoming a part of the trails process.

The process of developing a trail from Sauk City to Badger is in the hands of the Department of Natural Resources. Their next step is to arrange the meeting of interested parties as they pertain to trail development.

Rails

Ken Lucht, Wisconsin and Southern Railroad shared information regarding the partial sale of Wisconsin & Southern to WATCO Companies. Main priorities that WSOR have are the maintenance of an independent position that allows for full service. There will be no impacts to the rate structure or service plan. The acquisition will allow for expansion of WSOR due to the acquisition. State administration has no concerns regarding the transition. Wisconsin’s economy is still paramount in the planning of both WATCO and Wisconsin & Southern. The importance of localized rail service was highlighted.

Alan Anderson, provided a Pink Lady Rail Transit Commission opinion of the purchase and Gene Dalhoff, Executive Director of the Sauk County Development Corporation commented on the transaction. Lucht responded to a question regarding the purchase of the UP line. The appraisal of the line has been done and is in the hands of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. They will develop a figure for a value that can be used for negotiations with the UP. The lease with the UP has been extended. Krueger, updated the committee on meetings with Dane County and his hopes that the state will move forward with the acquisition of the UP line.

Discussion and work toward policy recommendation for community forest.
Motion by Murray, second by Smoke that the property know as the Sauk County Community Forest located in the Town of Spring Green be recommended for inclusion in the County Forest program as defined by State Statute 28.07 Public Forests; excluding the following properties from– areas of the Community Forest identified in the attached map , exhibit I as A, B, C, and D; and that other County properties be left out of the recommendation at this time pending further study; and that the recommendation be passed on to Property and Insurance Committee. Motion carried with one opposed.

It was noted that areas that are not included can still be managed from a forestry standpoint, and can be included at a later date. The committee also discussed combining recommendations for all of the properties into an overall property plan.

Discussion of process to address long-term issues associated with Highway 12 corridor development.

Simmert updated the Economic Development Committee on the Highway 12 corridor plan. Committee discussed county involvement and the plan for moving forward discussions amongst stakeholders. A list of potential stakeholders will be developed for consideration at the next meeting.

Next regular meeting: Joint meeting with Sauk County Development Corporation at 6:00 p.m., and then break out to separate meetings. Monday, February 27, 2012.

Preliminary agenda items:

     1. Process for Highway 12

     2. Process for landfill.

Motion by Murray, second by Smoke, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Donald Stevens
Economic Development Committee Secretary