Badger Oversight Mangement Commission - Planning and Land Use Subcommittee

PLU Minutes (47 KB)

FINAL

Minutes of the BOMC Planning and Land Use Committee Meeting
January 13, 2011

Those in attendance: Steve Schmelzer, Laura Olah, Frank Olah, Randy Poelma, Bill Wenzel, Don Hammes, Craig Karr. Also Terre Carlson, Sauk Prairie Star.

CHECK-IN

Randy Poelma:
- The Ho-Chunk Nation is reviewing the latest FOST.
- No news concerning land transfers.

Frank Olah:
- Frank asked the Merrimac Town Board to post the “Clingman” property. No known issues during the deer season.

Laura Olah:
- Encouraging DNR to consult with HCN concerning landfill.
- Town of Merrimac Landfill Siting Committee continues to negotiate with the Army concerning landfill issues. Town debating whether to ask for resources for technical support. Town requested a public hearing on landfill.
- The Army has requested exemptions to groundwater standards at landfill. Laura urges more well testing in Summer Oaks and Inspiration Dr. area.
- Recent groundwater tests found exceedances for DNT. More testing may be needed at Water’s Edge.
- No news concerning proposed Municipal Water System.
- Public comment period on Environmental Assessment for Landfill Expansion ends January 27.






- Laura had previously questioned whether building deconstruction at BAAP was harmful to bat populations. DNR bat expert shared that no evidence of bats utilizing BAAP buildings. Laura suggests landowners consider building bats houses – especially near the river. Frank wonders if the underground pipeline running from the River Pump Station to the Filtration Plant could serve as hibernating resource for bats. Craig will ask DNR to appear at future BOMC meeting to discuss Bats at BAAP.

Don Hammes:
- Don raised the question of what is being pumped to the Wisconsin River from the MIRM or the wastewater treatment facility. He plans to write to the DNR for more information and will share results with the committee.
- Don continues to be concerned about impacts to original sedge meadows as result of changes to natural hydrology from water diversions, clay borrow pits and landfill operations.

Steve Schmelzer:
- DNR expects to deliver a letter concerning the future of Building 200 to the Army, prior to the upcoming BOMC meeting.
- Staff changes at DNR include new Secretary, Deputy Secretary and Executive Assistant. Mark Aquino returns to South Central Region. New organizational structure in the Parks program whereby field positions report directly to the Central Office, rather than to the Regional Office.

Craig Karr:
- Recent meeting with DNR Administration resulted in assignments for follow-up on BAAP funding for necessary inventories/surveys and assignments of staff for master planning. Plans are for inventory work in 2011 and begin master planning in 2012. Committee urges inventories to cover all of BAAP property rather than just DNR lands. Forest Recon recently completed.
- Robert Krauss has asked the Conservation Congress to urge DNR to include dog sledding, dog carts, dog trials, dog training areas, dog shows, and dog fitness training facilities at Badger.
- Another person has also urged incorporation of a shooting range at Badger in future developments.

Bill Wenzel:
- Shared information on potential consolidation of Sauk County Planning and Zoning with the Land Conservation Department. At this point it is unknown whether this could impact support to BOMC.
- No meetings scheduled concerning rail issues.

OLD BUSINESS

Don Hammes proposed the Planning and Land Use Committee identify “standing items” on every agenda that deserve our constant attention until they are resolved.
Committee discussion resulted in a suggestion that these “standing items” instead be part of the BOMC agendas. Bill Wenzel agreed to put this topic on the January 20 BOMC agenda.
A draft list of “standing items” includes:
- The reservoirs.
- The River Pump Station and Clingman property.
- The landfill and clay borrow pits.
- The rail line.
- The sewer system.
- The road system.
- The electric transmission lines.
- Remaining infrastructure (both above and below ground).
- The cemeteries.
- USDA Dairy Forage expansion plans.
- The master plan.
- The proposed municipal water system.
- Historical preservation.

NEXT MEETING

The normal rotation would call for the next meeting to be on March 10.
However, Craig will be out of town. Craig will send out alternate dates.