MINUTES

TOWN OF VERMONT PLAN COMMISSION MEETING

MARCH 27, 2006

The meeting was called to order by the Chair Barbara Grenlie at 7:30 p.m. The Secretary Marian Swoboda reported the meeting notice had been posted at the Black Earth State Bank, Amcore Bank in Mount Horeb, on the front door of the Town Hall and on the town web site, www.townofvermont.com: also published in the News Sickle Arrow and the Mount Horeb Mail.

Members present: Barbara Grenlie, Marian Swoboda, Mark Sherven, Donald McKay, Marc Roberson and Bruce Ellarson. Members absent: Jim Elleson

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion was made by Mark Sherven seconded by Donald McKay to approve the meeting agenda. Motion carried.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion was made by Donald McKay seconded by Mark Sherven to approve the February 27, 2006 meeting minutes as amended. Motion carried.

DISCUSSION WITH JANET EVERSON

The purpose of the discussion was to find out how many potential development rights remain on the Janet Everson property. A review of town records showed her farm contained 180.700 acres on January 1, 1985 with five potential development rights (PDR). Three parcels along with 3 PDR were sold after1985 leaving two available at the current time.

Motion was made by Donald McKay seconded by Marian Swoboda to confirm that Janet Everson currently has two PDR along with her grandfathered house on her farm located in Sections 26, 35 and 36 in the Town of Vermont. Motion carried.

DISCUSSION WITH MARCELLA AND GARY CUSHMAN AND ETHEL MAY JENSON

The above named family members appeared before the commission seeking support for their proposed plans to preserve and maintain the Cushman family farm on County Tk J. Ethel May Jenson recently obtained a cheesemakers license from the state and hopes to open a cheese factory on the family farm along with the transfer of her current bakery selling both cheese and baked good on site. A log cabin would be built for her mother, Marcella Cushman, on the trailer site currently occupied by her brother Gary Cushman and family. The trailer would either be relocated or a new home would be built for Gary elsewhere on the property. Gary would continue to be a part of the family farming operation.

Motion was made by Donald McKay seconded by Bruce Ellarson to support the Cushman's plans for maintaining the family farm on County Tk J. Motion carried.

DISCUSSION WITH MICHAEL SMITH

As a follow-up to Mr. Smith's application for home site and driveway approval reviewed by the commission during a site visit on August 27, 2005 a copy of his offer to purchase the 10 acre parcel was provided to the commission. After reviewing the status of the application,

Motion was made by Donald McKay seconded by Mark Sherven to place this item on the April meeting agenda for further consideration noting that the purchase of the land must be completed before approval can be granted, that a new map must be submitted showing the proposed driveway and home site location with required measurements along with a driveway construction and soil erosion plan. Parcel lines need to be clarified and the number of potential development rights determined. Motion carried.

DISCUSSION WITH MARIAN SWOBODA

Motion was made by Barbara Grenlie seconded by Bruce Ellarson to appoint Donald McKay temporary Secretary for this discussion. Motion carried.

Marian Swoboda appeared before the commission to bring the members up-to-date on her plans to subdivide her land. There are two potential development rights plus a grandfathered home on her property. According to county ordinances a lot containing 35 net acres or less in area must front on a public street with a minimum frontage of 66 feet. She said one 66 foot strip has been purchased and the second is in negotiation. However, if she is unable to purchase the second strip one of the parcels will be accorded more than 35 acres in area bringing her application in compliance with both county and town ordinances. According to a letter received from Norbert Scribner, land divisions that create new land parcels of greater than 35 acres are currently not subject to the 66 foot rule. The town land use plan says "Each zoning parcel must front on a public road for at least 66 feet or to comply with county ordinances." The commission did not reach consensus on the matter.

PLAN COMMISSION POLICIES AND PRACTICES

The March 4, 2006 draft was read and discussed. While some changes were suggested no action was taken.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m.

Marian Swoboda, Commission Secretary