DOA Website

TOWN OF UNION - COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING COMMITTEE

2/25/09

Union Town Hall – Highway 82

Attendance:

Committee Members - Frank Messeberg, Chuck Butcher, Kathy Nett,  Pat Haney, Paul Basunny, Marcy West.  Absent: Ray Liska and Sherry Johnson.

Audience – Bob and Mary Kretche, Gladys Janecek, Elaine Fronk, Sandy Haney, Mark Bartlein.

Agenda:

1.      Approvals: Confirmed agenda was properly posted – three public locations and local newspapers.   Reviewed January notes -  Motion by Frank; second by Pat to approve – unanimous.

2.      Discussion of Economic Development Element Continued. 

·         Bob K. did a thorough list of Amish businesses and discussion continued of some that others new of and added to the list.  Definition of a business and who should be listed?  Frequent changeover would make it difficult if not impossible to keep updated.  How far of a range or just reference the basic services most use in La Farge & Hillsboro i.e. banks, clinics, realty offices.  Decided to put a list of businesses that are in T. of Union the Plan as an appendix and note that it is dated – just a snapshot of what exists in 2009.  Basic services will be noted in the narrative of Economic Development chapter.  Kathleen offered to format a Business directory for the packet that new residents would get.

·         Kathleen found quote from T. of Milford Plan that she liked and Goal Statement in this chapter: “Promote and encourage small businesses that match the rural character.”

·         Discussion of recreational economic development opportunities…Unanimous hope that the county park land is not opened to ATV/dirt bike trails; Goal should be to promote fishing, hunting and recreation that matches the Towns resources; Camping/campgrounds would be an option.

·         Survey/Open House indicated the Town should start a Farmers Market but group feels it would make more sense to support the Hillsboro Market that already exists.  If any new growers move into the Town we could make sure they know markets exist to sell i.e Hillsboro, St Joes Ridge, Viroqua etc.

·         Promote area events – Chesky Den, Kickapoo Country Fair, La Farge 4^th of July, Kickapoo Valley Reserve Winter Festival etc. could have ripple effect for economic development and attractive quality of life.

Potential Conflicts with Economic Development?

·   Opposition to business that is out of rural character

·   Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO): would definitely create conflict per survey results.  Plan should make sure the Town Board has authority to hold a public hearing if one is ever proposed and reference County & State Ordinance.

·   Recycling Center of commercial level was already proposed and Town Board dealt with.  Setting of size restrictions and authority of Town Board would allow for negotiation process.

Housing Element Discussion

1.      New Building Inspector assigned by the State met with Town Board.  Significant discussion regarding septic systems in the Amish community.  If any drains or pipes are installed it has to meet code.  Cannot have grey water coming out of the house.

·         Enforcement of septic codes still seems to be an issue – especially when there is a transfer of ownership.  Marcy spoke with County Zoning Administrator and he indicated the Plan should reference the County ordinance to cover the issue.  Vernon county does apply for grant funding for people who meet the financial qualifications and need to replace a system.

2.      Building Codes should be referenced including Codes about Alternative Building “Green Building” that was brought up at the Open House.

·         Bob supports requiring basements as in Code.

·         Reminder to address driveway access issues.

·         Discussion of whether there should be an “impact fee” on seasonal trailers; some become an eyesore to neighbors.  Elaine has seen reference in other Towns that if a trailer is on site for ___ # of consecutive months it needs to be moved.

3.      Minimum Acreage Requirement discussed again.  No clear consensus among committee; majority of survey respondents support some minimum setting (pointed out that was a minority of residents that responded); Open House attendees were split and committee is clearly split.  Marcy will discuss with state DOA staff and organizations to see if there is an acceptable model.

Housing Element discussion will continue at next meeting.

Next Meeting – March 25, 2009 starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

CANCELED

Please take notice that a Public Hearing will be held by the Town Board of the Town of Union, Vernon County Wisconsin, on Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the shed located at E.15520 State Highway 82 (east of the Union Town Hall approximately one mile, near the intersection of Short Lane and State Highway 82), at which time the Board will hear comments before considering adoption of the Town Comprehensive Plan.

Adoption of the plan follows several years of work by the Town, in cooperation with the Planning Committee and UW-Madison.  The plan addresses the nine elements and includes a series of maps, goals, objectives, policies, and programs to guide development to the year 2035, in accordance with the requirements of Section 66.1001 of the Wisconsin Statutes.  The Town Board, at a regular Town Board meeting, will consider enacting an ordinance to formally adopt the plan.

 Copies of the Town Comprehensive Plan are available for review on-line at the website https://mywebspace.wisc.edu/sventura/Kickapoo-Plans (case sensitive), at the Lawton Memorial (La Farge) and Hillsboro Libraries or by contacting the Town Clerk, Elaine Fronk, at 489-3512.  Written comments will be accepted until 5:00 pm December 18, 2009.  Any questions, written comments, or requests for copies of the plan should be directed to Elaine Fronk, Town Clerk,    E. 16278 St John’s Ave, Hillsboro WI. – or – This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Written comments will be addressed at the public hearing and will be given the same weight as oral testimony. 

 The purpose of this hearing is to gather public opinion on the Town Comprehensive Plan described above.

 Dated the 16^th day of November, 2009

Elaine Fronk, Clerk – Town of Union

Meeting Notice

Town of Union

The Town Union Comprehensive Planning Committee will meet on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the Union Town Hall (15175 Highway 82).  Committee members will review comments from Open House and make final changes to Draft Plan; Consider recommendation for Union Town Board to Adopt the Town of Union Comprehensive Plan; discuss schedule for formal public hearing in compliance with Wisconsin State Statute Chapter 66.1001(4); discuss other issues. Members of the public are welcome and encouraged to attend.