TOWN OF CONCORD
PLAN COMMITTEE MINUTES
JUNE 24, 2008

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by the Chairman Dave Janquart with Jim Gilbert, Rhonda Leader, Carol Hoffmeister, and Sally Williams present. Dave led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. Sally Williams stated that the meeting had been properly posted. Jim Gilbert moved to accept the minutes of the May 27 meeting, seconded by Dave Janquart and carried.

Jim Stern, N5683 Pioneer Rd., requested approval to expand an existing A-2 area from 1.5 acres to 2.2 acres. This would accommodate a new building, a building extension, and additional parking for his existing lumber business. Carol Hoffmeister questioned whether or not the neighbor to the north had any objections to this expansion. Jim Stern explained that he had purchased the land from that neighbor in order to expand his A-2 area to the north. The neighbor was aware of that and does not have a problem with the expansion. Jim Gilbert made a motion to recommend approval of Mr. Stern’s proposal to the town board seconded by Sally Williams and carried.

Jim Gesell, W2245 CTH B, requested a lot split and rezoning to create a 2 acre A-3 building site off of his 17.8 acre A-1 parent parcel. The proposed building site is non-prime ag land. Rhonda Leader moved to recommend approval of the lot split and rezoning to the town board, seconded by Carol Hoffmeister and carried.

Daniel Fregien, N6032 Grey Fox Trail, requested a conditional use permit to erect a Post Frame building which will exceed maximum building height restrictions. It was noted that any deed restrictions imposed by the Grey Fox Trail subdivision had expired last fall. County zoning, however, allows for a maximum building height in R-2 areas of 15 ft. Mr. Fregien’s proposed building will be approximately 26 ft. All members of the Committee had seen the site and Mr. Fregien noted that the property slopes up from the road and then slopes back down behind the house. The proposed building will be about 200 ft. from the road where the grade is much lower than the grade of the house. The area is also surrounded by mature trees. With this in mind, the excess elevation should be minimally visible or not visible at all to neighbors. Carol Hoffmeister was concerned about setting a precedent. Sally Williams stated that a precedent has already been set in that there is a pole building across the street from Mr. Fregien, right along the road and clearly visible, which appears to be even taller than 26 ft in height. After further discussion, Sally Williams made a motion to recommend approval of the proposal, seconded by Jim Gilbert, Dave Janquardt – yes, Rhonda Leader- yes, Carol Hoffmeister – neutral, motion carried.

In new business, Dave Janquart brought up a discussion of impact fees. The building inspector, Tom Marks, was confused regarding the new impact fee ordinance. His interpretation of the ordinance was that he needed to charge the impact fee of $750 for any improvements. Town attorney, Mr. Levi had explained to Dave and Tom in a conference call that “improvements” as defined at the beginning of the ordinance refer to only a new home or the creation of a new residence (ie.: splitting an existing home into a duplex). Replacement of an existing home or any other improvements (pools, sheds, air conditioning, etc.) are not subject to the impact fee. Additionally, outbuildings exceeding a certain size would also be subject to the impact fee. Dave thought that the Plan Committee may want to review the minimum outbuilding sizes for which impact fees are currently charged and amend them if appropriate.
With no further business, Jim Gilbert moved to adjourn, seconded by Dave Janquart and carried. The next meeting of the Plan Committee will be held on July 22, 2008.

Respectfully submitted,
Sally Williams, secretary