JULY 21, 2008—8:00 P.M.
Chairman Jim Boland called the meeting to order and the temporary secretary read the minutes from the June 30, 2008 meeting, after two amendments Greg moved to approve the minutes, Kat seconded and the minutes were approved.
Mary Ellen Schutz of Gentle Editing gave a presentation concerning her ability to do the writing and editing of the comprehensive plan at a cost running between $3,500 and $5,000. She is currently helping the town of Blue Mounds which is using the Town of York plan as a model. She would need a 25% retainer.
The next item was a presentation from Pam Andros appearing or Brian Standing from Dane County Planning. Brian had estimated that if the County would be doing the work the cost would be between $11,000 and $12,000. She stated that the whole process is working to get the plan sent to the State and she felt that because we don’t have a grant from the State it will make the approval process easier.
Bill Rizzo from UW Extension felt that we need to be as inclusive and broad as possible when including people in the Town. It is necessary to find a way to include people in the plan and the Commission should be ready to implement what the people want.
Next there was a discussion on cell towers. Verizon has been knocking on doors to seek approval. The owner can say “no”. Pam Andros was questioned about wind power and she stated there is nothing before the County on this topic at this time.
The next item had been posted as an addendum in three places to the agenda and was action on a temporary stay for subdivisions in the Town. Attorney Mark Hazelbaker presented the Ordinance Amendment creating a moratorium on land use plan amendments, subdivision plats and certain rezonings. Mark talked about conflict with the Faga development in the Town. This moratorium would have a definite ending date of 180 days after the Comprehensive Plan is approved by the County. There was discussion and then Kat moved that we recommend the Ordinance Amendment Creating a Moratorium on Land Use Plan Amendments Subdivision Plats and Certain Rezones to the Town Board, Sherry seconded. With a roll call vote the approval was unanimous.
Next was a discussion/action item on public participation at meetings. It was felt that individuals only need to register for rezones, CUPs and a public hearing. It is important that the speaker address the Commission with their ideas. It was stated that there needs to be some structure and a need to allow suspension of the rules. No decision was reached.
Hiring of a secretary was next on the agenda, there were two applicants Amelia Williams and Darius VanFossen. Mr. VanFossen had to leave early. Mike moved to postpone the item of hiring a secretary to the next meeting, Sherry seconded, motion passed.
The Plan Commission members discussed getting their emails and it was decided that Ann should tell Bruce of Cedar Creek Web Design to set this up under Town of Cross Plains Plan Commission. It was also decided to list the phone numbers of the Commission members, although Kat still worried that individuals would call only certain members and not everyone on the commission. All members decided to have their phone numbers listed on the website.
Jeff Baylis mentioned that the Plan Commission should prepare a public input document that the Town Board must pass. Bob Bowman brought up the topic of how the Town’s Land Use Plan will interact with the County and he felt that the County will still have authority to go against what we do. Amelia Williams wants things coming before the Commission whether drafts or other papers available for all to see prior to the meeting. She also wants to be on an email list.
Jim Boland had a letter from Tom Gilbert about a meeting on August 4 for Town Board or Plan Commission members since he will be gong he wanted someone on the Commission to go. The next meeting will be August 18. Tom moved to adjourn Mike seconded at 10:55 p.m. Ann E. Walden, Temporary Secretary