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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApproved 02-06-2018 CSZC MinutesGRANT COUNTY CONSERVATION, SANITATION, & ZONING COMMITTEE MEETING February 6, 2018 9:00 a.m. Grant County Board Room (#264) Lancaster, Wisconsin The Grant County Conservation, Sanitation & Zoning Committee meeting was called to order on February 6, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. by Dwight Nelson, the Conservation, Sanitation, and Zoning Committee Chairman, in the Grant County Board Room #264, 111 S. Jefferson St., Lancaster. Board members present: Dwight Nelson, Mark Stead, Lester Jantzen, Grant Loy, Dale Hood, Roger Guthrie, and Gabe Loeffelholz. Others present: Lynda Schweikert, Annette Lolwing, Kevin Lange, Justin Johnson, Brad Digman, Lexi Straka, Joe Schmelz, Bob Keeney, Greg Cerven, Dan Goltz, Deanna Steines, Mark Borchardt, Jeff Jackson, Madeline Gotkowitz, Kris Wubben, Bernard & Elaine Keller and John & Jolly Mitchel. See Attachment for others present at the meeting. Certification of Open Meeting Law Annette Lolwing sent the agenda to Karla Schwantes and Linda Gebhard to post in the Administration Building and at the Courthouse, also sent an agenda to Bob Middendorf, WGLR, and was posted in the front of the Ag Service Center Building. Media notices were sent to Karla Schwantes, Linda Gebhard, Herald Independent, Tri County Press, Platteville Journal, Muscoda Progressive, and the Boscobel Dial. Approval of Agenda Motion by Dale Hood, seconded by Lester Jantzen to approve the February 6, 2018 agenda. Motion carried. Approval of the Minutes Motion by Grant Loy, seconded by Gabe Loeffelholz to approve the January 2, 2018 minutes. Motion carried. Review & Accept the Bills Motion by Roger Guthrie, seconded by Gabe Loeffelholz to accept the bills. Motion carried. Public Hearing for Conditional Use Permits Chairman Nelson opened the Public Hearing: #CUP 18-003 Larry Bambrough, Muscoda Twp. is requesting a Conditional Use Permit on PIN: 042- 00109-0000 of +/- 1.102 ac. to allow for an accessory structure before a principal structure, Chapter 3.06 (2) (i) of the Grant County Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. The town of Muscoda did not impose any conditions on this permit. In Favor: Muscoda Twp., approved the request on December 12, 2017. In Opposition: None In Interest: There was 3 people that called in for informational purposes only. Applicant Rebuttal: None Committee Discussion: Mark Stead asked what the structure was going to be used for. To store personal equipment at this time. Larry plans to add living quarters to the shed for a shouse at a later date. Chairman Nelson closed the Public Hearing: Motion by Mark Stead, seconded by Lester Jantzen to approve the Conditional Use Permit to allow for the accessory structure before a principal structure, Chapter 3.06 (2) (i) of the Grant County Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. No conditions were placed on #CUP 18-003. Motion carried. Discussion & Possible Action on Subscribing to High Speed Internet Lynda reported that back in 2013 when the Sanitation and Zoning were merged with the Land Conservation Department an internet line was installed. The standard internet line is extremely slow and does not meet the needs for what we do. Our contract with TDS expires in 2018. Deanna Steines, IT Department, suggested that we go with either 50M or 100M fiber internet and will also need a static IP address to connect with the Administration Building. At this time we are at 1M or 2M coming into the building. Motion by Roger Guthrie, seconded by Mark Stead to go with the 50M for a 5 year contract of $466.00/month along with a $9.99/month for a Static IP address. Motion carried. Zoning and Sanitation Report Lynda presented the Zoning and Sanitation report. The 2017 fees totaled $1,945.00, compared to the 2018 total fees of $2,975.50, an increase of $1,027.50 from 2017. Several Zoning and Sanitation Permits have been coming in to the office. Also noted that on January 18, Lynda was asked to speak in front of the Assembly committee on licensing reform due to the religious waiver exemption and how that relates to the need to have a sanitary permit. We believe that the amendment to assembly bill 483 will clarify that septic systems are not included in the religious waiver. If water is going in to the residence the water should be treated coming out of the residence. Hopefully be voted on this month. There are no Board of Adjustments scheduled. Lynda reported that 106 1st time citations were issued. Of those 106 citations, 59 have been cancelled as they have since come into compliance. Those 47 who failed to come in to compliance, they were issued a 2nd round of citations. Of those 47 from the 2nd round of citations; 2 are in compliance, 2 are working towards compliance, and cancelled 1 citation due to a house fire. Have had 1 person that plead “Not Guilty” to the 3 year maintenance citation, their court date is scheduled for February 16, 2018. Motion by Mark Stead, seconded by Lester Jantzen to accept the Zoning/Sanitation Report. Motion carried. Wildlife Damage Abatement Claims Program: Greg Cerven & Dan Goltz. Lynda reported that the Wildlife Damage Program is when landowners claim crop damage from wildlife. To be reimbursed by the state, landowners are required to meet certain management requirements. They are issued deer permits and must shoot 80% of their deer quota by September 15th when the deer are damaging the crops. Greg Cerven administers the WDACP, and Dan Goltz is the DNR Wildlife Biologist. Greg reported that there were 6 landowners that had filed claims and these 5 landowners; Clem Droessler, Dennis Haas, Ray Kirschbaum, Lynn Kirschbaum and Bob Waterman have met their hunting requirements. There was 1 landowner, Jeff Wernimont, which had his claim denied as he did not meet his quota objective. The appraised loss was $50,703.15. The claim payment for those 5 individuals amounted to $30,417.61. Motion by Roger Guthrie, seconded by Lester Jantzen to approve the 5 claims. Motion carried. Presentation on Groundwater Study: Mark Borchardt & Dr. Madeline Gotkowitz Mark Borchardt a research microbiologist with the USDA agriculture research service, and also has an infiltration laboratory service with the US geological survey. Title of the Talk was: Sources of Fecal Contamination in the Fracture Dolomite Aquifer in Northeast Wisconsin. He spoke about fecal and bovine contamination in our water source. Dr. Madeline Gotkowitz is a Hydrogeologist and works at the WI Geological and Natural History Survey, which is part of the UW extension. She gave a presentation of the similarities and the differences in land formations from SW Wisconsin to the NE Wisconsin area. To do a water study here in Grant County there needs to have a scientific objectable that is answerable. The cost depends on the study that it involves. Took a 5 minute break. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Groundwater Study Lynda brought forth a question before the committee asking; do you wish to pursue a groundwater study and to approve the staff to work with Mark and Madeline on a committee to develop a proposal for a groundwater study. A motion by Dale Hood, seconded by Gabe Loeffelholz to have Lynda go ahead and try to find information pertinent to our area for what we need for a study. Motion carried. Discussion and Possible Action on Establishing a Moratorium on CAFO’s Last month Lynda provided information to the committee: Regarding what would be required to develop a moratorium. A moratorium is not indefinite and cannot be longer than a year. It can then at that time be extended 6 months if need be. It does not apply to any facility that has an approved permit application. It does not apply to the current CAFO’s in Grant County that are already in operation and for those who have applications but also includes those CAFO’s that have been approved for permits. Can only apply to new applications. Does not stop DNR from going through their permitting process. Lynda contacted the DNR to see if there were any CAFO applications in the process at this time, there is not. It takes at least a year to get a CAFO permit. Prior to the meeting, Kris Wubben was granted 3 minutes to speak. She spoke about: what can we do to protect the local citizens and keep Grant County the way that it is with a good groundwater supply? Bernard Keller was granted 3 minutes to speak. He spoke of how he would like to see more prevention of contamination in our groundwater. Roger Guthrie stated that due to the lack of a motion; the committee should move on with the agenda. Discussion and Possible Action on Developing an Ordinance re: Ground Water Protection from Livestock Operations Lynda stated that it is the same question as last month, look into a ground water study. To see what a groundwater study identifies and if there is a problem. If there is a problem they will work to develop regulations to address issues that were identified through the groundwater study. Motion by Dale Hood, seconded by Lester Jantzen to postpone the decision on Developing an Ordinance re: Ground Water Protection from Livestock Operations. Motion by Dale Hood, seconded by Gabe Loeffelholz to wait and act on this after the groundwater study. Motion carried. SW Badger RC&D Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Update: Jeff Jackson Jeff Jackson, a biologist, is working with a staff of 6 individuals at RC&D. Jeff is focusing on the Aquatic Invasive Species, which include wetlands, and ditches. RC&D also has a grazing broker, and a forester on staff. Jeff will be focusing on publishing a monthly invasive species update in the area newspapers. He is working on a bait shop campaign, signage and monitoring at the boat landings. Working with the Friends of the Platte River to host a paddle day to look for invasive species. Jeff thanked the County for their support. SW Badger RC&D Dues Lynda mentioned that RC&D requests $2,500.00 for yearly dues. There is $200.00 in our budget. Motion by Lester Jantzen, seconded by Mark Stead to pay the $200.00 yearly dues. Motion carried. SAA Dues Lynda reported that the SAA dues are $125.00 and that is what is in our budget. There was no increase in dues from last year. Motion by Mark Stead, seconded by Grant Loy to pay the $125.00 yearly dues. Motion carried. Biennium Cost Share Priorities Lynda reported that she received 1 survey back on the cost share priorities. Lynda will share the results of the survey at next months’ meeting. County Cost Sharing Lynda reported that there are no County Cost Share Requests. Ending balance is $20,536.09. No Extension or Cancellation Requests. SWRM Cost Sharing 2017 DATCP Cost Sharing – Beginning/Ending balance is $9,718.45 None to report. 2018 DATCP Cost Sharing – Starting Balance: $51,000.00 from DATCP Lynda presented tentative approval request for 2018 DATCP Cost Sharing on a streambank protection project for Dan Pustina, Castle Rock Twp., $10,000.00. Motion by Lester Jantzen, seconded by Dale Hood to approve Dan’s request. Motion carried. Lynda presented tentative approval request for 2018 DATCP Cost Sharing on a streambank protection project for Grimm Living Trust, Castle Rock Twp., $9,619.25. Motion by Grant Loy, seconded by Lester Jantzen to approve the Grimm’s request. Motion carried. Ending Balance: $31,380.75 Storage Permit Approval – None to Report LWRMP Update Lynda reported that they held the 1st LWRMP (Land & Water Resource Management Plan) meeting in January. Approximately 1/3 of the people that were invited had showed up. A survey was developed and will be sent out to gauge the concerns of the public for what they want us to be working on for the next 10 years. The LWRMP is the guiding document that sets the goals and our priorities for applying for grant money and what the money will be spent on. The priorities in the last LWRMP were soil erosion, and water quality. Surveys may be found on the website, in the local newspapers, found in our office, and may also be emailed and mailed. March 7, 2018 will be the next LWRMP local workgroup meeting to assess the results of the surveys. The LWRMP needs to be approved by the committee in July, and then goes to the Land and Water Resources board in August. CSZD Administrator Report Lynda was granted approval for Dale, Grant, Lester, Mark, Lynda, Kevin, Erik, and Annette to attend the WLWCA conference on March 14 – 16 in Lake Geneva. Please provide an item to donate to the Information and the Youth Education committee. There will be 3 resolutions presented at the conference. Resolution 1A is the floor resolution that will replace resolution #1, Agricultural use value assessment protection and enhancement; resolution #2, Support for an increase in the payment in lieu of taxes (PILT) for county forest lands; resolution #3, support for wetland protection; and alternate resolution #1A, improve water quality while supporting Wisconsin agriculture. Lynda has sent out her request for articles to publish in the Annual Report. The 1st draft is due to the paper in March. Photo of the committee will be taken after the CSZC meeting. Lean Update Lynda reported that we had our 1st meeting in the office to work on our Continuity of services and Process Mapping project in the office. This is to document the individual responsibilities of staff members as to what they do on a day to day basis, and yearly tasks. We can utilize this document in case of an emergency. FPP Report Kevin reported that he has a voluntary Notice of Noncompliance with Farmland Preservation for Mike Farrell, Mt. Hope Twp. He chose to not have a DATCP approved NMP by the end of the year. Motion by Mark Stead, seconded by Roger Guthrie to approve the Notice of Noncompliance. Motion carried. Kevin reported that on January 8, 9, & 10th he, Erik, Brad, and Justin attend a training in Rothschild for continuing education to maintain their POWTS and Soil Examiner certification. Kevin reported that he mailed out invitations to the schools, and churches in the county to take advantage of our recognition for Arbor Day and for Earth Week. Kevin reported that the tree sale is ending on Friday, February 9, 2018. So far there are 80 customers, selling around 8,100 trees. NRCS Report – Joe Schmelz Joe reported that they are finishing up with obligating the first 2018 EQIP funds. The next EQIP application deadline date is May 18th. NRCS has expended the majority of the funds in the first round. There will not be any local workgroup funds available for cropland, pasture, forest and farmstead. There will also be no funds available for the state initiatives like energy, or the conservation activity plans. The May 18th deadline will only have a few initiatives available such as the soil health; cover crops etc., there will be the honey bee pollinator and grazing applications, and the RCPP’s. Joe reported that they are currently taking CSP applications. National announced the closing of the CSP application period on March 2nd. There will be some rule changes in this next CSP sign up. Not able to take any renewal applications for CSP. There will be 9,000 to 10,000 acres that will be expiring in Grant County. Joe reported that they have an Ultima contracted office assistant hired. Jennifer Wilkinson started January 8th. Did receive an offer for a pathway student for an intern program. Michelle Cliff, 1st year summer intern will be starting May 28th. FSA Report Gabe Loeffelholz reported that Gary Northouse has been reelected for another 3 year term. The 2018 program signups are going on now. Forestry Report – Chrissy Shaw – No report. RC&D & WI Land+Water Report – Dale Hood Dale reported that RC&D met a couple of weeks ago. They presented Gene Hausner with a plaque for his 50 years of service in agriculture in the state of Wisconsin. Their guest speaker for the day was Eric Allness, the Assistant State Conservationist for NRCS. Motion by Mark Stead, seconded by Lester Jantzen to adjourn to March 6, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. Motion carried. Respectfully Submitted by Annette Lolwing for Lester Jantzen.