Planning, Zoning and Land Records Committee

Minutes (5 KB)

Committee Members Present: Lehman, Ashford, Gaalswyk, Nobs and Halfen.

Others Present: Mark Steward, Mary White, Kelly Felton, Brian Simmert, Lowell Haugen and Joe Fish.

Chairman Lehman called the meeting to order and compliance with the open meeting law was certified.

Motion by Halfen, seconded by Nobs to adopt the agenda. Motion carried 5-0.

Minutes of the November 23 meeting were not available.

Public Comment:

Joe Fish, Town of Excelsior Chair, appeared. He was looking for a report on a nuisance and junk ordinance. If there was still a time delay in adopting such an ordinance the town would adopt their own ordinance. Steve Sorenson was working with the junk violations in the township. Brian Simmert stated that the department was working on these subjects as components of the zoning ordinance rewrite. He anticipated that a good draft could be completed by the end of 2011. He stated the completed ordinance could be a year out. Burning activities in the town were also discussed. The person involved has been fined for junk but not burning. This would be a DNR violation.

Communications:

Simmert gave an update on the logging activity on the Waldinger property. He stated that staff had a meeting with Nelson Hardwoods and have come to an agreement. The property has been re-marked and sustainable logging practices were in effect. Harvesting was discussed, well documented and will be monitored to preserve the intent of the easement. They were not required to submit a bond but had signed a document that is binding. Halfen suggested that in the future bonds be required. This subject would be covered in the new ordinance because this matter may come up in the future.

The next item for discussion was department restructuring. Ashford reported on the December 2nd meeting. The recommendation of the ad-hoc committee was the merging of the Planning and Zoning Department and Land Conservation. The environmental health and parks departments will not be included in the merge. It is anticipated that more mergers will take place in the future. The committee will be meeting again to finalize the report which will go to the County Board in December.

The Committee then discussed a conditional use permit and PUD request by Robert and Susan Wickman in the Town of Troy. Simmert appeared and gave the background information and staff report. Other similar consolidations were discussed. Vice-Chair Ashford read the conditional use permit standards and conditions and the Committee responded affirmative. Motion by Gaalswyk, seconded by Nobs to approve the request. The Town of Troy has not approved this request yet. Motion carried, 5-0.

Motion by Ashford, seconded by Halfen to sign a resolution commending Mary White for 38 years of service in the Planning and Zoning Department. Motion carried, 5-0.

Discussion followed on increases to the department's fee schedule. The reason for the increase was to offset staff plan review, inspections and maintenance program expenses. Significant staff time was required by the maintenance program. It was noted that some counties charge fees for the program. Motion by Ashford, seconded by Halfen to approve the increases. The Committee wanted to add "within Shoreland Protection District" to Vegetative Buffer Removal and "includes filling and grading permit" included in Retaining walls. Farm consolidation fees were left on the schedule at this time. Motion carried, 5-0.

Simmert appeared and spoke about density policy. He suggested December 15, 2010 as a meeting on this subject. This will be part of the ordinance re-write. The Committee preferred to hold this meeting after the first of the year. The meeting will be scheduled for January 11, 2011. This policy will only affect exclusive ag. towns. The information they reviewed has not be presented to DATCP. Simmert stated that the density policy among the townships needs to be standardized to make enforcement easier. Base farm tract regulations were discussed.

The Planning, Zoning and Land Records Committee meeting schedule was briefly reviewed. Committee meetings will continue to be held on the 2nd Tuesday and 4th Thursday of the month. Changes could be made as necessary. Motion by Halfen, seconded by Nobs to approve the schedule as presented. Motion carried.

The departmental report was given by Steward. He reported on the WCCA meeting held in Rockton. Monthly activities and issues were briefly reviewed. Septage pumpers and disposal locations were discussed. Steward stated that there were state grants available to expand existing wastewater treatment plants. De-escalation training for staff was discussed.

Motion by Ashford, seconded by Halfen to adjourn. Motion carried, 5-0.

Respectfully submitted: Joel Gaalswyk, Secretary

Notes by: Mary White.