HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning & Zoning Committee - Minutes - 5/18/2023Page 1 of 8
Planning and Zoning Committee Public Hearing and Meeting – May 18, 2023
MINUTES
BAYFIELD COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMITTEE
PUBLIC HEARING AND PUBLIC MEETING
MAY 18, 2023
1. Call to Order of Public Hearing: Chairman Rondeau called the public hearing to
order at 4:00 pm.
2. Roll Call:Pocernich, Ray, Rondeau, Silbert, and Strand – all present.
Others present were: Director-Ruth Hulstrom, Franki Gross-Secretary.
3. Affidavit of Publication: Hulstrom stated the Affidavit of Publication was fulfilled.
Published Tuesday, May 2nd, and Tuesday, May 9th, 2023.
4. Public Comment - Chairman Rondeau stated at this time, we'll open a meeting for
public comment limited to 3 minutes per citizens. If you wish to speak, make sure you
come forward. Make sure the microphones are on. The little red light will come on.
State your name so we have it for the record.
Toni Holly spoke as the daughter of an adjoining neighbor, Rodger Hultman, in
opposition to the Rezone application for Draft. Ms. Holly read a letter from her father
and submitted it to Gross for the record along with a letter from another neighbor,
Manthy Major, who also is in opposition to the Rezone request so an RV park can be
permissible.
Lois Palmer, resident of the Town of Clover stated she is opposed to the Rezone
application based on concerns for water consumption, wastewater management, and
turning Agriculture zoned land into anything other than farmland.
Beverly Steele had a question on point of order and asked if the Chairman said the
public comment was for anything not listed on the agenda. Rondeau confirmed that
was correct.
Gus McCellulan stated he is opposed to the application for the Rezone. He stated he
would be willing to talk if they are interested in selling the property.
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. Public Hearing:
A. Frank & Brenda Draft are petitioning for a zoning district map amendment. The
parcel is a 23.02-acre parcel (Tax ID #35671) described as NW 1/4 SE 1/4 less
V.212 P. 414 and less that part lying S of Touve Rd desc in Doc # 2021R-590624,
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Planning and Zoning Committee Public Hearing and Meeting – May 18, 2023
Section 20, Township 50 North, Range 7 West, Town of Clover, Bayfield County,
WI from Agricultural-1 (Ag-1) to Residential-Recreational Business (R-RB).
Hulstrom gave a summary on the application due to the applicant not being
present to answer questions.
Rondeau asked three times if anyone would like to speak in support. No one
spoke. Rondeau asked three times if anyone would like to speak in opposition.
Beverly Steele, Chairman of the Town of Clover Board, and representative
member of the TPC spoke in opposition. The Town’s infrastructure can’t support a
campground or RV park and voted unanimously to recommend denying this
application. The TPC meeting had over 30 attendants in opposition and would like
the Committee to understand how the Town feels about this request.
Toni Holly spoke in opposition, voicing concerns about the protection of natural
resources and stated she personally is offended that the applicants failed to show
up at any of the meetings to answer any of the questions anyone had.
Lois Palmer spoke in opposition to the Rezone request stating concerns of noise
and light pollution.
Gus McClellen spoke in opposition to the request of Mr. & Mrs. Draft. Mr.
McClellen stated he is on the Town’s Fire Dept and the Draft’s never reached out
to the Dept in any way to date for inspections or guidance or anything.
Discussion ended.
B. Abraham Ray requests a conditional use permit to operate and construct Cement
& Concrete Products Mfg., (Sales, Storage) consisting of a commercial garage (30’
x 40’) with a lean-to (10’ x 40’) to be used for masonry and concrete business for
equipment, tools and some material storage / with some personal storage of
vehicle and ATV. Property is two (2) parcels. Parcel #1 is an F-1 zoning district;
a 19.9–acre parcel (Tax ID# 26980); described as E ½ of the NW 1/4 SW 1/4 in V.
738 P. 166; and Parcel #2 is an F-1 zoning district; a 14.38–acre parcel (Tax ID#
26981); described as W ½ of the NW 1/4 SW 1/4 in V. 1058 P. 130 less S ½ SW
1/4 in V. 1058 P. 129, both parcels are in Section 21, Township 48 North, Range
9 West, Town of Oulu, Bayfield County, WI.
Abraham Ray explained what he is asking for in his request for a Conditional Use
Permit and that he is present to answer any questions the Committee may have.
Mr. Ray has owned and operated Ray’s Masonry for 22 years and would like to
expand by building a garage & lean to.
Rondeau asked if anyone would like to speak in favor of the proposal three times.
No one spoke. He opened the floor for opposition and repeated it three times. No
one spoke.
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Planning and Zoning Committee Public Hearing and Meeting – May 18, 2023
Discussion ended.
7. Adjournment of Public Hearing:
Silbert made a motion to adjourn, Strand seconded. Motion carried. Adjourned
at 4:16 pm.
8. Call to Order of Planning and Zoning Committee Meeting: Chairman Rondeau
called the meeting to order at 4:17 pm.
9. Roll Call: Pocernich, Ray, Rondeau, Silbert, and Strand –all present.
Others present were: Director Ruth Hulstrom, Franki Gross, Secretary.
10. New Business:
A. Frank & Brenda Draft (Clover) are petitioning for a zoning district map
amendment. The parcel is a 23.02-acre parcel (Tax ID #35671) described as NW
1/4 SE 1/4 less V.212 P. 414 and less that part lying S of Touve Rd desc in Doc #
2021R-590624, Section 20, Township 50 North, Range 7 West, Town of Clover,
Bayfield County, WI from Agricultural-1 (Ag-1) to Residential-Recreational
Business (R-RB)
Silbert motioned to deny the Rezone for Frank & Brenda Draft based on
Zoning Ordinances, the vote and decision of the TPC and in which there were 4 or
5 goals & objectives listed, primarily the preservation of agricultural land, the
resolution from the Town to Deny, and I would like all 4 of the reasons from the
Resolution to be included in the Motion (see below), relevant public input, the
community and general welfare and economic impacts of the proposal, and
consideration of the Departments file report and site specific findings, mainly that
there is a stream. Ray seconded. Strand clarified that Silbert meant that it would
be a recommendation to the full county board to deny. No further discussion.
Motion carried. 5-0
Town of Clover Plan Commission (4) reasons: (1) The Town of Clover Future Land
Use Map shows this property and all abutting property as A-1. Rezoning to R-RB
is inconsistent with the 2003-2023 Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map,
adopted in Ordinance No 9/16/03-1 on September 17, 2003. (2) A rezoning of this
parcel from A-1 to R-RB would be spot zoning. Spot zoning should occur only
when the rezoning is in the public interest and not solely for the benefit of an
individual property owner. (3) The petitioner has indicated that the reason for the
petition is for “future campground/resort.” The Town of Clover Comprehensive
Plan on pages 3-14 and 3-15 states: “Oppose additional developments of resorts,
marinas, and golf courses.” The rezoning and proposed land use is inconsistent
with the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. (4) A goal in the Comprehensive Plan on
page 7-11 is to “Preserve and protect farmland and agricultural activities in the
town.” Rezoning is inconsistent with the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.
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Planning and Zoning Committee Public Hearing and Meeting – May 18, 2023
B. Abraham Ray (Oulu) requests a conditional use permit to operate and construct
Cement & Concrete Products Mfg., (Sales, Storage) consisting of a commercial
garage (30’ x 40’) with a lean-to (10’ x 40’) to be used for masonry and concrete
business for equipment, tools and some material storage / with some personal
storage of vehicle and ATV. Property is two (2) parcels. Parcel #1 is an F-1
zoning district; a 19.9–acre parcel (Tax ID# 26980); described as E ½ of the NW
1/4 SW 1/4 in V. 738 P. 166; and Parcel #2 is an F-1 zoning district; a 14.38–acre
parcel (Tax ID# 26981); described as W ½ of the NW 1/4 SW 1/4 in V. 1058 P. 130
less S ½ SW 1/4 in V. 1058 P. 129, both parcels are in Section 21, Township 48
North, Range 9 West, Town of Oulu, Bayfield County,WI.
File Report: Hulstrom gave a summary of the applicant’s request. The Town
recommended approval of the request with conditions that no change to the
location of the garage & lean-to will occur without notification & review from the
Towns Planning Commission & Board prior, and periodic review of the Special Use
Permit by the Town to ensure compliance with conditions and the Towns
comprehensive plan.
Strand motioned to approve the conditional use permit to operate and
construct Cement & Concrete Products Mfg., (Sales, Storage) consisting of a
commercial garage (30’ x 40’) with a lean-to (10’ x 40’) with 2 conditions placed by
the Town (see below) based on the Town Board recommendation, it’s consistency
with the Town & County’s comprehensive plan and the economic benefits.
Pocernich seconded. No further discussion. Motion carried. 5-0
Town of Oulu’s conditions: (1) No Change to the location of the garage and lean-
to is allowed without review by the Town Plan Commission and approval of the
Town Board. (2) The Town may periodically review the Special Use Permit to
assure compliance with the permit conditions and the Town’s Comprehensive
Plan.
C. Jeremy & Mindy Mueller (Orienta) – request a special use permit for Hobby
Farm, Farm Animals consisting of: (1 turkey, 6 chickens, 5 beef). Property is
comprised of two parcels, both zoned Forestry-1. Parcel #1 a 40–acre parcel (Tax
ID# 26001); described as NE ¼ NW ¼; and Parcel #2 is a 40–acre parcel (Tax ID#
26002); described as NW ¼ NW 1/4, both parcels are in Section 20, Township 49
North, Range 9 West, Town of Orienta, Bayfield County, WI.
File Report: Hulstrom spoke and gave a summary of the request and the property
in question. Hulstrom stated that the only areas of concern for the Department are
maintaining the 25-foot setback for any structures from top edge of the eroded
bank of the non-navigable stream and the proximity of the pasture area to the road.
The Department suggested additional vegetation be added adjacent to the road to
screen the pasture area from the road. Ray asked if the screening was what the
Department felt was needed because of people hunting from the road or if there
was another reason. Hulstrom stated that screening was mentioned only as an
option for whatever actions the Committee deemed appropriate given that it’s a
hobby farm in a primarily forestry district.
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Planning and Zoning Committee Public Hearing and Meeting – May 18, 2023
Pocernich motioned to approve the Special Use Permit for a hobby farm
allowing for 2 turkeys, up to 12 chickens, and up to 6 beef cattle including all
existing structures related to the proposed hobby farm use to include a chicken
coop (6'x6') with attached mesh wire fenced area and garage (16'x20') with lean-
to (12'x20') connected to a pasture area on 40 acres as described. Silbert
seconded. Silbert asked Pocernich if he would be willing to amend his motion so
the Mueller’s wouldn’t be restricted, having 80 acres to work with, and can allow
15 poultry, 6 beef cattle, up to 4 rabbits, and a combination of 2 sheep, goats,
lambs, or pigs. Pocernich asked what the definition is of a hobby farm. Hulstrom
read it word for word from the ordinance definitions stating a hobby farm is the
keeping of farm animals or livestock (including but not limited to llamas, alpacas,
pigmy goats, ponies, pot belly pigs, ostrich, turkeys, geese, chicken roosters, etc.)
for commercial or personal use in a zoning district other than Ag-1 or Ag-2 and
excluding up to six (6) chicken hens. Silbert, after hearing the definition of a hobby
farm, withdrew his request for an amendment to the motion. Ray suggested as an
alternative amendment to allow 1 additional animal unit which translates roughly to
1000 lbs. of animal live weight. Silbert seconded the amendment motion. No
further discussion. Amended Motion carried. 5-0 Original Motion carried. 5-0
Agenda Review and Alteration
11. Other Business
D. Minutes of Previous Meeting (April 20, 2023)
Strand had one correction in the verbiage of the minutes and that was under item
5 C., the Dalbec Conditional Use Permit application, and the word distinguished
needed to be changed to extinguished.
Strand motioned to approve the minutes of the April 20th meeting. Silbert
seconded. No further discussion. Motion carried. 5-0
E. Discussion and Possible Action regarding Shipping Containers
Hulstrom spoke and stated the Dept has been in contact with Corp Counsel and
discussion regarding placing a moratorium on shipping container placement due
to the issues arising in Iron River and request from the Committee to research
methods for addressing shipping containers. Hulstrom stated that clarification is
needed on when and where placing a shipping container is appropriate. Corp
Counsel John Carlson spoke and stated that there’s not a lot of regulations
regarding shipping container placement and usage. Carlson said there is potential
for shipping container placement & usage to go out of control so addressing
standards & regulations now vs later is important. Placing a moratorium makes
sense at this stage, commented Carlson, but the details need to be discussed and
how crafting the language moving forward relays the direction the County wants to
take. Rondeau asked how long Carlson recommends placing a moratorium in
order to develop language for standards on shipping containers. Carlson stated a
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Planning and Zoning Committee Public Hearing and Meeting – May 18, 2023
minimum of 6 months. Hulstrom stated another option during the moratorium
would be to have a temporary permit in which the applicant is fully aware that they
would be subject to the standards following the moratorium and could be negatively
impactful on the placement and/or usage of the shipping container. Strand
commented that he views shipping containers in the usage differently, whether
commercial or personal, and thinks the ordinance language should reflect as such.
Silbert thinks a moratorium for 8 months is reasonable to place but thinks a
temporary permit option is going to be a problem. Rondeau commented that to
have a temporary permit option should not be included in a moratorium placement.
Strand commented that he thinks the problem lies with the public’s aesthetic
perception of shipping containers. Carlson asked if he understood what the
Committee wants is 8 months absolute moratorium. Pocernich respectfully
disagrees and thinks there should be a temporary permit option subject to whatever
standards are placed at the end of the moratorium. Pocernich asked if shipping
containers would be able to be used as residences and mentioned the 2 listed uses
of shipping containers and shipping container/storage container facility. Hulstrom
clarified the usage standards. Ray was under a different understanding and
interpreted the use as a storage facility made from shipping containers. Hulstrom
clarified the understanding of the Department was that the shipping
container/storage container facility was a location where shipping containers are
held temporarily. Pocernich stated he thinks interpretation vs clear definition of
usage is important to be addressed. Ray stated that he thinks a temporary permit
option is acceptable during the moratorium. Silbert thinks that if a temporary permit
is allowed during the moratorium that it be limited to one shipping container.
Carlson stated that there are several issues that need to be addressed in crafting
the language. There was a comment from the audience but was not heard due to
there being no microphone and they weren’t recognized by the Committee and
allowed to speak.
Silbert moved to suspend the rules and allow for public input. Ray
seconded. Pocernich added that it is limited to the storage container discussion
only. Motion carried. 5-0 Audience member spoke but spoke from their seat and
wasn’t heard. Rondeau closed public comment.
Silbert motioned to place a moratorium on shipping containers for a period
of 8 months during which the Department and Corp Counsel will develop
parameters & develop standards for permitting shipping containers and allow a
temporary placement permit of one shipping container per parcel. Strand
seconded. Motion carried. 5-0
F. Discussion regarding Sec. 13-1-26, non-shoreland substandard lots of
record
Hulstrom stated the Department was asked to review 13-1-26 non-shoreland
substandard lots of record and the issue of updating language to allow more people
to build. The Ordinance language has existed for the entirety of the life of the
Ordinance. A non-shoreland substandard lot or contiguous lots of record which is
or are served by a public sanitary sewer and which is or are at least 7500 sq. ft. in
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Planning and Zoning Committee Public Hearing and Meeting – May 18, 2023
area and 50 ft. in width at the building line. Hulstrom also stated that a building
permit for the improvement of a lot having lesser dimensions than those described
in the Ordinance, shall be issued only after the granting of a variance by the Board
of Adjustment. Hulstrom stated she asked for Corp Counsel guidance in this
matter and what can be done. Carlson stated that if there were contiguous lots we
can’t require the property owner to join them to meet the requirements to build.
Ray asked why. Carlson replied that the Supreme Court says no they are to be
considered stand alone are only required to meet property line setbacks. Carlson
also stated that he needs to look at the language to see what areas need updating.
Pocernich moved to suspend the rules and allow for public input. Silbert
seconded. Motion carried. 5-0 Mike Furtak spoke and summarized the situation
that caused the Ordinance to be questioned. A permit was issued to a person for
a 30 x 80 pole building on an adjoining property the person purchased in 2020 to
his residence where he has a Special Use Permit for a home-based business.
Covid hit and he scrapped the project. In 2023 the person applied for the same
permit he was issued in 2020, only a smaller building, and was told he needed to
apply for a Variance from the BOA at a cost of $800. Furtak stated he got to looking
at all the properties in the Iron River area that was served by the Sanitary District
and the majority fall under the definition of a substandard lot of record and therefore
unbuildable. Furtak stated he called Douglas & Sawyer Counties, and they have
no size requirements for lots if they can meet setbacks for the structure. Furtak
stated it makes sense if the property owner can meet setbacks, they should be
able to build, especially in a time of housing shortages. Furtak passed out an
example of a survey done back in the day when things were done approximately.
Silbert asked if what is asked to build plays into the requirement of a Variance.
Carlson stated no, it’s outdated Ordinance language and an option would be to
eliminate the 50’ minimum width. Furtak mentioned that the thing to think about is
the idea that these lots already have houses on them and when someone can’t
tear down their house and build a new one, while abiding by setbacks, there is a
problem. Ray stated he supports the idea of updating the language to fit the needs
of the public. Carlson advised that the requirement of being in the Sanitary District
be included in the language update to be able to have a buildable substandard lot
of record and strike all the rest of the language. Strand concurs with all the
discussion taking place on this subject. Strand stated he would like to see this
come back as an action item soon. Carlson stated the Committee will have it to
them next month along with the moratorium. Silbert asked Furtak to explain a
statement he made about applying for a Variance being a long drawn out &
expensive process. Furtak described the process as taking months, assuming you
meet deadlines for submission and mailings. Furtak also stated that these are
$800 bucks a crack and the public shouldn’t have to be subject to an unjust
requirement when it can be simply & justly updated. Hulstrom noted that she
doesn’t believe that the June meeting deadline for publishing can be met so the
Committee should anticipate receiving the Ordinance updates by the July meeting.
Rondeau closed public comment.
G. Committee Members discussion(s) regarding matters of the P & Z Dept.
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Planning and Zoning Committee Public Hearing and Meeting – May 18, 2023
Hulstrom stated that the Department has worked through all the backlog of
meeting documents. Also, the permit review & issuance process is taking about 3
to 4 weeks. Hulstrom asked if the Committee had any thoughts about offering a
virtual option for the meetings. Rondeau stated he thinks it should be in person
and Pocernich thinks virtual is fine. Strand, Ray & Silbert think virtual should be
available. Hulstrom stated she knows everyone is tired of talking about
boathouses but would like to update the Committee on what she has learned by
reaching out to other Counties and learning about their definitions and language
for permitting. The Committee is interested in learning what the Dept learned.
Strand asked the status of the Department acquiring additional staff and Hulstrom
replied there is an offer to a potential candidate, and we are waiting to hear back
from them. Pocernich asked the status of bunkhouses and ADU’s. Hulstrom
replied the Department hasn’t had an opportunity to do the necessary research to
provide the Committee with recommendations related to bunkhouses/ADU’s due
to other priorities needing to be addressed, but it has not fallen by the wayside and
the Department continues to look into the matter as time permits.
12. Monthly Report/ Budget and Revenue
Hulstrom stated the Committee should have received the monthly report for April
2023 in their packet in Dropbox.
Ray motioned to receive and place on file the monthly report for April 2023.
Pocernich seconded. No further discussion. Motion carried. 5-0
13. Adjournment
Rondeau called adjournment at 5:33 pm.
Prepared by FIG on 5/26/2023; given to RH 5/30/2023
Approved by RH on 5/31/2023
Sent to PZC on 5/31/2023
Final Approval on 6/15/2023
cc: (after final approval)- (8) Supervisors, Cty Admin, Clerk, DNR, Web
k/zc/minutes/2023/May