The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About06 Approved 06-5-2025 CSZD Minutes COMMITTEE MEETING June 5, 2025 9:00 a.m. Room #264, Grant County Board Room, Administration Building Lancaster, Wisconsin The Grant County Conservation, Sanitation & Zoning Committee meeting was called to order on June 5, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. by Joe Mumm, the Conservation, Sanitation, Zoning Committee Chairman in Room #264, County Board Room of the Administration Building. Board members present in the County Board room #264: Joseph Mumm, Gary Northouse, Larry Jerrett, Pat Schroeder. Adam Day was on Zoom. Brian Lucey, Excused. Others present in the County Board room; Annette Lolwing, Robert Keeney, Lucas Finley, Adam Reed, Keith Lane, Brady Bartels, Steve Smith, Roger Lange, Nick Lange, Nate Dreckman, Shane Drinkwater, Marvin Shirk, Kurvin Shirk, and Dan Dreessens. Zoom: Robert Keeney, Shane Drinkwater, Tonya White, Emily Schildgen, Ken Schweiger, Grant County Herald Independent, Dustin Logan, and GCZS. Certification of Open Meeting Law Annette Lolwing sent the agenda to the County Clerk’s office to post in the Administration Building, Courthouse, and on the County website. An agenda was also posted in front of the Ag Service Center Building. An agenda was also sent to Bob Middendorf, WGLR. Media notices were sent to the County Clerk’s office, Herald Independent, Muscoda Progressive, Boscobel Dial, Fennimore Times, and Bob Middendorf. Approval of June 5, 2025, Agenda Motion by Pat Schroeder, seconded by Gary Northouse to approve the agenda. Motion carried. Approval of May 1, 2025, Minutes Motion by Gary Northouse, seconded by Pat Schroeder to approve May 1, 2025, minutes. Motion carried. Review & Accept the May Bills Motion by Pat Schroeder, seconded by Larry Jerrett to accept the May bills. Motion carried. NRCS Report – Mike Adams Keith Lane read the NRCS report. NRCS update for the June 2025 CSZD Meeting. CSP – currently working on obligating all preapprovals by July 2nd deadline. We had significantly more preapprovals than expected so this has been our main focus. CRP – Anna with the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association is starting status reviews. She will be doing this workload for us again like she did last year to help alleviate some of the workload. EQIP – no update FSA Report – Emily Schildgen Emily Schildgen reported 1) Crop Reporting – is in full swing. Producers have until July 15th to get their spring planted crops reported. Emily reported that her office is 3 people short. Emily strongly suggested that producers call to set up appointments. Rain days are very busy in the office. FSA has been able to get a lot of producers in early to certify. 2) On May 12th CRP opened up the sign up for 2025. There is an option for a general offer and the deadline for that is tomorrow, June 6th. It was just a 3 week sign up period. With continuous offers the first batching deadline will also be tomorrow, June 6th. The FSA office can continue to take continuous CRP offers with the potential of a second and/or 3rd batching period. There is no guarantee that the continuous CRP will have a 2nd or 3rd batching period. In 2025 the 2018 farm bill has been extended. In the 2018 farm bill there was an acreage cap on the amount of CRP acres, and in the nation we are getting fairly close to that maximum acreage cap. There is no guarantee to get the acreage in at this point. That’s why they are doing the batches is so they don’t go over that acreage amount. Rental rates did decrease in 2025. FSA is seeing an average of about $30.00 less an acre across the state. 3) Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) – This program opened March 19, and the majority of the producers have signed up for that. They still have around 20% of their applications that are still out there. The deadline for this program is August 15, 2025. The payment is based on the 2024 crops that were reported on the producer’s crop reports. 4) On May 29th FSA had a program announced called emergency livestock relief program. This program is for 2023 and 2024 for people who had drought and wildfires. Back in 2023 Grant County did have a D3 level drought which will trigger payments for that. This program does not have any sign up by the producer. What the program did with the policy of how it was written that it looked at the 2023 livestock forage protection program application. So the pasture program that was done in 2023 for the drought it looked at the application for that, it paid on 35% of that gross payment. All the payments were in their computer system on Friday, May 30th. They only have 1 producer sitting in the system waiting for processing. 5) Again, the FSA office is short staffed by 3. One will be back after maternity leave at the end of August. With the hiring freeze there is no option to hire an additional 2 staff. Zoning/Sanitation Report Keith presented the Zoning/Sanitation report. Sanitation permits: January 1 thru May 31, 2025, there was a total of 47 sanitary permits reviewed. Just the month of May there were 8 reviewed. Compared to 50 sanitary permits reviewed in 2024 and 5 reviewed in May. Zoning permits: January 1 thru May 31, 2025, there was a total of 109 zoning permits processed. Just for the month of May there were 21 zoning permits processed. Compared to 2024 there were also 109 zoning permits processed, in just the month of May there were 23 zoning permits processed. There is no Board of Adjustments scheduled. Public Hearing for Rezones Chairman Mumm opened the Public Hearing RZ25-10 MAJK Corporation, Jamestown Twp. is requesting to change the zoning classification on PIN: 026-01342-0020 & 026-01359-0010 to change the zoning classification of +/- 44.80 ac. from A2 to R2 for a new residential development that would allow single family homes and duplexes/townhouses. In Favor: Jamestown Twp., approved on April 8, 2025. Dan Dreessens (Delta 3) In Opposition: None In Interest: Dan Dreessens mentioned that the Jamestown town board were all in favor of the residential development. Committee Discussion: None Chairman Mumm closed the Public Hearing. Motion by Gary Northouse, to recommend approval of the rezone request to the full County Board, seconded by Adam Day. Motion carried. Chairman Mumm opened the Public Hearing RZ25-11 Dennis Lamere, South Lancaster Twp. is requesting to change the zoning classification on PIN:056- 00211-0015 to change the zoning classification of +/- 2.96 ac. from FP to A2 for non-agricultural use. In Favor: South Lancaster Twp., approved on May 14, 2025. In Opposition: None In Interest: None Committee Discussion: Joe Mumm wondered if the buildings are really close to the property line in certain locations. Lucas stated that the buildings would be pre-existing. If it is an accessory structure that it meets the height requirements under 20 feet it can have the modified yard setback. Robert Keeney asked if there was an easement through the house yard to the buildings. Lucas stated that there is a 66’ wide easement already in place Chairman Mumm closed the Public Hearing Motion by Pat Schroeder, that the items are concurrent with all the conditions on the Farmland Preservation Worksheet and to recommend approval of the rezone to the full County Board, seconded by Gary Northouse to recommend approval of the rezone request to the full County Board, seconded by Gary Northouse. Motion carried. See Attachment A Worksheet Chairman Mumm opened the Public Hearing RZ25-12 Marlin Shirk, Lima Twp. is requesting to change the zoning classification on PIN:030-00218-0000(pt) to change the zoning classification of +/- 1.25 ac from FP to M1 (Light Industrial) for a wood shop. In Favor: Lima Twp., approved on April 16, 2025. Kurvin Shirk and Marvin Shirk. In Opposition: None In Interest: None Committee Discussion: None Chairman Mumm closed the Public Hearing Motion by Pat Schroeder, that the items are concurrent with all the conditions on the Farmland Preservation worksheet and to recommend approval of the rezone to the full County Board, seconded by Gary Northouse, Motion carried. See Attachment B Worksheet Public Hearing for Conditional Use Permits Chairman Mumm opened the Public Hearing #CUP 25-007 Kenneth Schweiger, Boscobel Twp. is requesting a Conditional Use Permit on PIN:006-00094- 0000 +/- 9.20 ac. to allow for an accessory structure before a principal structure is established under 3.07 (2)(a) of the Grant County Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. In Favor: Boscobel Twp. approved on May 6, 2025. Ken Schweiger. In Opposition: None In Interest: The township placed 1 condition on the Conditional Use Permit and that was to have a driveway constructed. Committee Discussion: None Chairman Mumm closed the Public Hearing. Motion by Gary Northouse to recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit with the condition that a driveway be constructed, seconded by Adam Day. Motion carried. See Attachment C Worksheet. Public Hearing for Ordinance Amendment Chairman Mumm opened the Public Hearing #25-01 Ordinance Amendment request to Chapter 315 Section 3.05 of the Grant County Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to set the minimum acreage requirement of the Farmland Preservation district to three acres. In Favor: None In Opposition: Nicholas Lange, was wondering if the county is going to revamp their Farmland Preservation Plan. Keith stated that the Farmland Preservation Plan was adopted in it’s current form 2 years ago and will then be reviewed again in another 3 years. It is a 5 year plan. Nick asked then why are you not following the plan? Keith stated that this goes into ordinance with the state and DATCP, then goes into our county ordinances on their level so they know what is going on in our county. Nicholas asked if we are going to allow residential structures on these parcels? In agricultural use…. Keith stated that as long as they meet the FP requirements. Nicholas asked if you allow those residential structures on these acreages who is to say that they stay farm and the primary use is agricultural? Robert Keeney stated that would be found in the certification of compliance. Keith stated that who is going to be out there monitoring these for compliance? Is this what you are asking Nicholas? Nicholas stated Yes. But you can be under farmland preservation and not ask for tax credits, Keith stated yes, that is correct. Nicholas asked so who is going to make sure that these small parcels are in compliance? Pat Schroeder, mentioned that the neighbors will notify the office if ag use is not being met. Pat Schroeder stated that we are not going to be compliance police. Joe stated that if they apply for the tax credit, there is a compliance check. Nicholas, otherwise there is no compliance check? If they are not applying for FP Credit – then No, there is no compliance check. Nicholas stated that if we are allowing for residential structures on these parcels it is pretty easily to say that they are no going to be farming it anymore. How are you going to regulated the rezones in FP? Keith stated that once the parcel splits are done they will be coming through our office for review of land use make sure that they are in the proper zoning district. But that doesn't mean we are going to pick up everyone. Lucas mentioned that we would have to look at thousands of parcels in our county to make sure that every parcel is in the exact proper zoning district. Nicholas asked if you are not currently zoned now in farmland preservation can you apply for it. Lucas stated that you would have to rezone into it in a farmland preservation planned area. Committee Discussion: Keith had no review on line. Chairman Mumm closed the public hearing. Motion by Gary Northouse, seconded by Adam Day to recommend it to move on to the full County Board. Motion carried. See Attachment D Worksheet. Chairman Mumm opened the Public Hearing #25-02 Ordinance Amendment request to Chapter 255 Sections 225-8 & 225-22 of the Grant County Private Onsite Waste Treatment Systems Ordinance to allow for the issuance of emergency repair permits. In Favor: None In Opposition: None In Interest: None Committee Discussion: None Chairman closed the public hearing. Motion by Pat Schroeder, seconded by Gary Northouse to recommend it to move on to the full County Board. Motion carried. See Attachment E Worksheet Vote on Changing the Definition of 3.02 (6) (1) Keith read the Definition of 3.02 (6) (1) 1)If the recorded access is a private road, it shall serve no more than four (4) single family dwellings, If a recorded access is a private road and already serves four (4) single family dwellings, no zoning permits shall be granted for construction of an additional single family dwelling or dwellings until the private road has been converted to a public road pursuant to procedures set forth in the Wisconsin Statutes. Motion by Pat Schroeder, seconded by Gary Northouse voted Yes, to leave the wording the same. Motion carried. Joe informed Nicholas Lange that he is not allowed to talk on agenda items of committee discussion. Zoning Structure Size Discussion Keith presented a packet of information for the construction of different structures. This was handed out for information only. Discussion of Revision of Unlimited Sanitary Permit Extension Keith reported that if you have a sanitary permit you can extend it forever. Keith wants to sync that with the zoning permits. If you have a sanitation permit that is with a zoning permit and it would be good for a 1 extension for both permits. Then you would have to reapply for both permits again. Keith also mentioned that on our Conditional Use Permits we have some situations where we have issued the Conditional Use Permits and nothing has been done and are just sitting out there as a crutch. Keith would like for the committee to think about putting time frames attached to the Conditional Use Permits. If they are not used in an X amount of months that they are null and void and they will need to come back and reapply. Cost Sharing: Beginning Balance $33,578.62/Ending Balance $31,978.62 Brady presented tentative approval request for county cost sharing for 2 well decommissionings for Chad & Gail Winkers, Ellenboro Twp., $1,000.00 & Greg Martin, Ellenboro Twp., $600.00. Motion by Gary Northouse, seconded by Adam Day to approve the Winkers and Martin’s well decommissioning requests. Motion carried. 2024 DATCP Cost Sharing Requests: Brady presented final approval request for 2024 DATCP cost sharing for 4 grassed waterways for Karen Yelinek, Clifton Twp., $8,095.11. Motion by Larry Jerrett, seconded by Pat Schroeder to approve payment. Roll Call vote: 5 Yes, 1 Excused, 1 Vacant. Motion carried. Brady presented final approval request for 2024 DATCP cost sharing for a Stream Crossing/Access Road for Doug Leibfried, Harrison Twp., $10,136.77. Motion by Pat Schroeder, seconded by Gary Northouse to approve payment. Roll Call vote: 5 Yes, 1 Excused, 1 Vacant. Motion carried. 2025 DATCP Cost Sharing Requests: Beginning Balance $59,842.61/Ending Balance $55,819.01 Brady presented a cancellation request for 2025 DATCP cost sharing for a grassed waterway for Lori and Bill Busch, Fennimore Twp., $6,348.65. Contractor told landowner that he could do the construction cheaper even without using cost sharing. Motion by Adam Day, seconded by Gary Northouse to approve the cancellation request. Motion carried. Brady presented a tentative approval request for 2025 DATCP cost sharing for a stream crossing for Mark and Renee Vosberg, Hazel Green Twp., $2,655.80. Motion by Pat Schroeder, seconded by Larry Jerrett to approve cost share request for the Vosberg’s project. Motion carried. Brady presented a final approval request for 2025 DATCP cost sharing for a grassed waterway for Karen Yelinek, Clifton Twp., $3,690.26. Motion by Gary Northouse, seconded by Larry Jerrett to approve payment. Roll Call: 5 Yes, 1 Excused, 1 Vacant. Motion carried. FPP Report – Brady Bartels Brady reported that they are going to discuss the extra-judiciary territory parcels that were found on the Certificates of Compliance. Landowners were claiming the tax credits when they shouldn’t have been. Steve Smith has been working on getting everyone’s certificate of compliance updated. Master Contract (5yr) DATCP Keith reported that this is our 5 year master plan through DATCP for cost share funding and for staff and support funding request. Our annual application was submitted this spring and was accepted. Motion by Gary Northouse seconded by Adam Day to accept the DATCP master grant contract. Motion carried. Storage Permit Approval – Brady Bartels Brady stated that there is going to be 1 storage permit approval for Tranel Family Farms. This is for a feed storage runoff system (leachate). Motion by Pat Schroeder, seconded by Adam Day to approve the feed storage permit. Motion carried. CSZD Report Keith went through a few of the highlights from the June overview notes that were handed out. Keith reported that Keith, Steve, Brady, DATCP engineer tech and an Iowa County Conservation Technician that attended the cricket from training. They are now qualified be the state to go out and do our own cricket frog inspections in the county. This includes that they can go out and do the cricket frog sweeps for the county highway department projects. Keith reported that himself, Brady and Steve went up to the Boscobel School Forest to plant trees for Arbor Day. There were grades K-4 that attended the day at the forest, about 200 kids. Those students went through forestry, invasive species, wildlife, fire, and NRCS joined and demonstrated the rainfall simulator. It was a great day interacting with the students. Keith mentioned that on June 19th that he and Steve will have Snap3 training at the Fennimore SWTC. Keith mentioned that there has been a complaint against the Roh sandpit in Muscoda. Keith, Lucas and Southwest Wisconsin Regional Planning met at the sand pit. Keith stated that the Roh sandpit is compliant with their NR135 and their conditional use permit. This is a new landowner that is adjacent to the sandpit that is complaining. There has been a new mine pit that has been applied for down in Paris Twp. Their application is with SWWRPC and has also put in a conditional use permit with the Grant County CSZD office. As of June 2, our first citations for sanitation and 1 citation for zoning have hit the court system. The CSZD will now start with the more recent issues hitting the court system Keith reported that the office has been on a lot of field visits and complaints. Variances for zoning in unique situations that don’t really fit into any of our categories. The next meeting is scheduled for July 3, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in the County Board room. Motion by Gary Northouse, seconded by Pat Schroeder to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Respectfully Submitted by Annette Lolwing