HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning & Zoning Committee - Minutes - 2/18/2016
Page 1 of 5 ZC Planning and Zoning Public Hearing and Meeting – February 18, 2016
MINUTES
BAYFIELD COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMITTEE
PUBLIC HEARING AND PUBLIC MEETING
FEBRUARY 18, 2016
1. Call to Order of Public Hearing: Chairman Rondeau called the public hearing to order
at 4:00 pm.
2. Roll Call: Bussey, Pocernich, Rondeau, and Strand – all present. Jardine – Absent.
Others present were: Jennifer Croonborg-Murphy-AZA, Josh Rowley-AZA, and Krystal
Hudachek - Secretary.
3. Affidavit of Publication: Croonborg-Murphy showed the audience the affidavit of
publication and the certified mailing receipts.
4. Public Comment - for issues not already on the agenda [3 minutes per citizen]
Paul Norris, spoke in opposition to the Bayfield County application for a yurt. He handed
a petition to the committee for the file. Concerns about parking, proximity of the yurt,
septic issues (the privy is located uphill from surrounding wells), nuisance, and possible
trespassing. (See Exhibit A)
Jo Bailey, spoke in opposition the Bayfield County application for a yurt, her lot abuts the
lot where the yurt is going to be placed. Concerned that there is no management plan on
file, no plans to reseed or replant the property, there will be a loss of biodiversity, and
does not enhance the forest use. (See Exhibit B)
Gail Chattfield, spoke in opposition to the Bayfield County application for a yurt,
expressing concerns about who will maintain the latrines, noise, bears, fires, and the
costs of maintaining a yurt site. (See Exhibit C)
Christine Engfer, spoke in opposition to the Bayfield County application for a yurt, she
explained that the initial letter that was sent to the surrounding residents does not
address the yurt only a rezone but the rezone will ultimately lead to being able to put a
yurt on that parcel. It was not until the town meeting that the reason for the rezone was
to be able to have a yurt on the parcel.
Susan Radtke, spoke in opposition to the Bayfield County application for a yurt, she
expressed concerns that the yurt is already purchased. She is not necessarily opposed
to the yurt, she would like it in another location (handed a map to the committee
members). She explained that at the town meeting, Croonborg-Murphy stated that the
committee could take action on the rezone without the input from the town. Radtke also
stated that Bodine is not telling the truth about the project, that he should be looking at
different sites, that this particular site is not the only place for the yurt. Radtke also
offered having the site at Big Top Chautauqua.
Dee Kittleson, spoke suggesting that the committee hold action on the rezone. Talk to
Jason to see if there are alternative sites for the yurt.
Page 2 of 5 ZC Planning and Zoning Public Hearing and Meeting – February 18, 2016
5. Review of Meeting Format – Chairman Rondeau explained the procedure of the
meeting. He asked everyone who wished to speak to fill out a form; and stated they will
be asked to come forward and speak into the microphone.
6. Minutes of Previous Meeting(s): Rondeau stated the minutes are from the January
21, 2016 meeting.
Strand motioned to approve, Pocernich seconded. No further discussion.
Motion carried.
7. Public Hearing:
A. Bayfield County Forestry, owner and Jason Bodine, agent (Bayview) –
Rezone F-2 to F-1 [a 10-acre parcel (part of Tax ID #6671) described as the NE
¼ of the SW ¼ of the NE ¼, in V. 8 P. 381 Section 32, Township 50 North,
Range 4 West, Town of Bayview, Bayfield County, WI]
Bussey noted that it is almost impossible to talk about the rezone without talking
about the yurt that the forestry department is wanted to place on the parcel that is
being rezoned. Bussey opened up the conversation to be able to discuss the
yurt.
Jason Bodine, Bayfield County Forestry, spoke in support. This site was chosen
for the recreational opportunities that are already in place (trails, etc.). There is
access to the site by a town road that is maintained and plowed. Service vehicles
would be able to use this road in case of an emergency. This is rugged country.
There is access to other trails from this site. There is a nice view of the lake
which other sites do not have, not that the view of the lake is the most important
point but it is an added bonus. This parcel is about a ½ mile wide. It is going to be
in close proximity to other buildings on surrounding parcels. If it was a “move it or
lose it” then the department will consider a different location for the yurt, but then
will lose the access road and they expenses will increase to be able to put in
another access road. Bussey asked if the location on the north side (sugar bush)
of the road has been considered. Bodine answered yes but then they would lose
the access road. Bodine went on to explain that this idea is similar to what the
Porcupine Mountains have, there is minimal maintenance on the yurts, and it
won’t cost the department a lot to maintain. They will mark property boundaries.
Bussey asked about the long range plan of the forest, if it will change. Bodine
answered no, they will still manage the forest like normal. The forest can be
managed and still have recreational opportunities that coincide with the
management plan. There will be a timber sale that is within 200 feet of the yurt.
Strand asked if there were alternate sites on County Land. Bodine stated some
of the ski hill is on the County’s land. If the yurt is moved and the parking lot of
the ski hill is used as a trail head then they have to deal with traffic from the ski
hill, it may become confusing to people that want to use the yurt.
Dee Kittleson spoke stating that the yurt is for people that want to be in the
wilderness (primitive) and this site may not be the best location as you can hear
the noise from Big Top.
Page 3 of 5 ZC Planning and Zoning Public Hearing and Meeting – February 18, 2016
Paul Norse spoke in opposition, concerned about creating a different use of the
property, increase in traffic, and that there are no concerns for neighboring
property owners.
Jo Bailey spoke in opposition, that there are no plans for reseeding or replanting,
they were promised that would happen. There were unexpected issues with
Houghton Falls and it is hard to address after the fact. The committee and
forestry should get advice from the BRC.
Christine Engfer spoke in opposition, stating that there are alternative sites to
the West of the power line and the County should look into those sites. At the
proposed area any emergency vehicle that needs to get there can’t.
Bill Bailey spoke in opposition, stating that Jason explained they are looking for
a business with little maintenance, which is not how one runs a business. The
County should look into the wind test site at the top if the hill. The access to that
site is better even though Jason said it is not. The Sugar Bush road would be
another option. County Forestry does not need to be in the hotel business.
Susan Radtke spoke in opposition, explaining that the rezone is the start of the
process of allowing the yurt to be placed there. If the yurt does not go there will it
be rezoned back to the original zoning? (Silence tells her everything). Why
residents were not allowed input? If there was a public meeting maybe the
residents would have bought into the idea. People don’t buy land there to have a
campsite in their back yard. Jason did not tell the truth, there has to be other sites
available.
File Report: Croonborg-Murphy stated there is a copy of the town board
approval form as the original was given back to the town to be able to use when
they make a decision at their next meeting. It is indicated that the town tabled
action on this item.
Discussion ended.
B. Bayfield County Forestry, owner and Jason Bodine, agent (Cable) – Rezone
F-2 to F-1 [a 10-acre parcel (part of Tax ID #9119) described as NW ¼ of the SE
¼ of the NE ¼, in V. 128 P. 114, Section 30, Township 43 North, Range 7 West,
Town of Cable, Bayfield County, WI from Forestry-2 to Forestry-1]
Jason Bodine, Bayfield County Forestry, spoke in support explaining this
concept is the same as item A. It is 650 feet to the Telmark property, half mile to
the nearest building, and 500 feet to Birke trail, located at the trailhead for the
Northland Ski Club and the club support this.
File Report: Croonborg-Murphy stated the town approved contingent that the
short term rental wording be removed. Croonborg-Murphy stated that these
need to be permitted as a campground so the short term rental wording is
obsolete.
Discussion ended.
8. Adjournment of Public Hearing:
Page 4 of 5 ZC Planning and Zoning Public Hearing and Meeting – February 18, 2016
Pocernich made a motion to adjourn, Bussey seconded. Motion carried.
Adjourned at 5:08 pm.
9. Call to Order of Planning and Zoning Committee Meeting: Rondeau called the
meeting to order at 5:08 pm.
10. Roll Call: Bussey, Pocernich, Rondeau and Strand –all present. Jardine – Absent.
Others present were: Jennifer Croonborg-Murphy-AZA, Josh Rowley-AZA, and Krystal
Hagstrom - Secretary.
11. Business:
Bussey asked that the committee deal with item B first. Committee agreed.
B. Bayfield County Forestry, owner and Jason Bodine, agent (Cable) – Rezone
F-2 to F-1 [a 10-acre parcel (part of Tax ID #9119) described as NW ¼ of the SE
¼ of the NE ¼, in V. 128 P. 114, Section 30, Township 43 North, Range 7 West,
Town of Cable, Bayfield County, WI from Forestry-2 to Forestry-1]
Bussey motioned to recommend to full County Board. Strand
seconded. Bussey asked about the zoning of the surround property. Rowley
stated F-1. Bussey stated this is going from forestry to forestry. This area has
become a mecca for silent sports and commends the Forestry Department.
Pocernich questioned whether these applications were spot zoning or not.
Strand noted that this is not spot zoning since it is from forestry to forestry.
Croonborg-Murphy agreed and noted that the parcel can still be used for
forestry uses. No further discussion. Motion carried. (Approve – Bussey,
Strand, and Rondeau. Opposed – Pocernich)
A. Bayfield County Forestry, owner and Jason Bodine, agent (Bayview) –
Rezone F-2 to F-1 [a 10-acre parcel (part of Tax ID #6671) described as the NE
¼ of the SW ¼ of the NE ¼, in V. 8 P. 381 Section 32, Township 50 North,
Range 4 West, Town of Bayview, Bayfield County, WI]
Bussey motioned to postpone to next meeting. Pocernich seconded.
Bussey stated having this experience be available on Country land is important,
he likes the use of the Ashwabay ridge as it furthers the Counties commitment to
enhance opportunities on the ridge, but the County should come up with an
alternative site. Note that conditions could be placed on the conditional use
permit. Pocernich disagreed, look at what happened at Houghton Falls, the
County should not be looking at renting out yurts, where did this even come from.
Strand noted that he is on the forestry committee and that this was discussed at
a meeting, approved and in the budget. Bussey amended motion to postpone
until the forestry department is ready with alternative sites. Strand seconded. No
further discussion. Amended Motion carried.(4-0) Original Motion carried. (4-
0)
Agenda Review and Alteration
Page 5 of 5 ZC Planning and Zoning Public Hearing and Meeting – February 18, 2016
C. Committee members discussion regarding matter of the Planning and
Zoning Department.
Pocernich asked of Schierman is still looking into the UDC contract. He will keep
asking until he hears more.
Strand asked to be excused from next month’s meeting.
12. Monthly Report
Strand motioned to receive and place on file, Pocernich seconded. No further
discussion. Motion carried.
13. Adjournment
Rondeau called adjournment at 5:30 pm.
Prepared by KMH on 2/19/2016; given to JCM 2/22/2016
Approved by JCM on 2/23/2016
Sent to ZC on 2/23/2016
Final Approval on 3/17/2016 cc: (after final approval)- (8) Supervisors, Cty Admin./Clerk, DNR, Web
k/zc/minutes/2016/#2 February