Badger Oversight Management Commission - Planning and Land Use Subcommittee

Planning, Land Use September Minutes (28 KB)

In attendance: Richard Grant, Laura Olah, Frank Olah, Rick Walgenbach, Craig Karr, Randy Poelma, Steve Schmelzer, Don Hammes, guest Tim Miller (DNR, Parks).

CHECK-IN:

• Randy.
  • No news on Ho-Chunk Nation land transfers.
• Steve S.
  • Posting exterior boundaries of Parcels N, L, W.
• Laura.
  • TAP Committee of RAB informed members that DNR has approved an “industrial” classification of Parcel T and Settling Ponds which allows lower clean-up standards. This may not be the final decision.
  • Detections of Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in private wells. Follow-up needed.
  • Hank Kuehling (DNR) is willing to meet with the committee to educate us on DNR databases which might provide desired information about land use restrictions.
  • The committee should further pursue closure decisions that allow soil contamination to remain and the implications for future land uses.
  • The Army is seeking a permit for landfill expansion. This may impact clay harvesting from areas of the plant. Craig will try to find out if the committee (the public) can get information, and provide input, on this.
• Rick.
  • No news on decisions for new DFRC facilities. $1 million was earmarked in federal budget for this project. ARS would not likely begin project until all funding (perhaps $54 million) is obtained.
• Craig.
  • Private appraisals of recently transferred lands (DNR) are underway. This will determine the amounts for 2011 PILT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes).
• Don.
  • Asked about $1 million earmark in federal budget for new Dairy Forage facilities. Rick said USDA would not likely begin construction until all the needed funding (approx. $54 million) is available.
  • Asked when the 2-years of “no use” of the rail line will be.

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Student interns season has ended. 88 plant and 116 soil samples were taken. The Ho-Chunk Nation provided $12,000 for heavy-metal analysis of the samples.
2. Committee requests for funding from the Ho-Chunk gaming revenues earmarked for Badger and held by Sauk Co. have not resulted in any decisions. The BOMC Executive Committee is urged to address this issue to determine funding policy and process.

   Suggestions for the committee for future funding requests included a focus on mapping, funding for surveys and inventories needed by DNR for the master planning process and whether funds for be earmarked for a landowner/agency.

   Don Hammes urged DNR to apply for “Teaming with Wildlife” grants.

3. Parcel N/Clingman property.

   Richard Grant shared a resolution recently passed by the Town of Merrimac concerning suggestions for development of this property.

   Craig shared a compilation of written statements made by DNR over the years concerning intended uses of the property.

   There was discussion about whether the Planning and Land Use Committee should further deliberate future land uses for this land.

   There was discussion about signing of the lands and the potential for hunting.

NEXT MEETING:

Next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 9. This is a conflict for Bill Wenzel. Craig will work with Bill to find a date that works for him and share a proposed date with the Committee to respond to.

Agenda:

• Mike Casler, USDA. Report on student interns.
• Hank Kuehling, DNR databases.
• Request will be made to Joan Kenney to discuss Army databases and mapping reflecting land use restrictions.