AUTHORIZING THE CREATION OF ONE FULL TIME ASSOCIATE PLANNER FOR THE LAND RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE 2020 BUDGET

Background: There are a number of planning processes and projects on the horizon, some of which will span multiple years, not only for the plan development but for implementation as well.  Projects include, but are not limited to: County Comprehensive Plan, planning for future segments of the Great Sauk State Trail (Reedsburg segment, Baraboo/West Baraboo segment, surrounding townships, MOU with the DNR to being through Devil’s Lake, and potential land acquisition), White Mound Master Plan, Man Mound/Yellow Thunder Master Plan, Hemlock Park Master Plan, Strategic Plan for LRE Department, and Capital Improvement Plan.

While the Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan is still a work in progress, a need for further coordination with other units of government and non-governmental conservation and recreation organizations to plan further for enhanced cross-boundary recreational plans and projects is surfacing as a need.Professional planning staff is necessary to assist in carrying forward these types of plans and collaborative efforts.In addition, this individual will seek out and apply for grant opportunities to make the plans adopted by the County a reality.In order to apply for many grants, a planning document outlining the intentions of the County for any project is required.Without these plans, grant funding cannot be pursued.

The position will provide an opportunity for an individual to collaborate with other departments and other governmental and non-governmental entities in order to create a big picture idea or plan that is related to the various goals, objectives, and guidelines of Sauk County.  The Associate Planner will expand the County’s planning services through coordination of planning projects across municipal boundaries. The County has learned through recent plans and projects, the importance of these cross-boundary planning efforts and the County’s unique positioned to be able to support these types of planning efforts.  These projects contribute to economic development, expand recreational opportunities, conserve our natural resources and promote conservation, health, education, and more.  The position will improve our partnerships with other organizations and assist us in working together to address community needs and priorities.      

In addition, each of these planning efforts focuses on communication and collaboration with the public.  Opportunities for civic engagement are important to the planning process.  This individual would assist in leading those efforts.  Wisconsin statute requires Counties to plan for the future.  We implement and use these plans on a daily basis to support project, program, and policy decisions.  If we do not plan accordingly, we are providing a disservice to the public and may miss out on grant opportunities that would be beneficial to the County and its residents.