MINUTES

PLAN COMMISSION MEETING

OCTOBER 25, 2004 - 7:30 P.M. - 4017 COUNTY HWY JJ

The meeting was called to order by the Chair, Bill Hanson, at 7:30 p.m. The Secretary certified the notice had been posted at the Black Earth State Bank, Amcore Bank in Mt. Horeb, on the town web site and on the front door of the town hall; also published in the News Sickle Arrow and the Mt. Horeb Mail newspapers.

Members present: Bill Hanson, Marc Robertson, Barbara Grenlie, Marian Swoboda, Jim Elleson, David Stanfield, Donald McKay

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion was made by Jim Elleson seconded by Donald McKay and carried to approve the September 27, 2004 meeting minutes as amended.

"SMART GROWTH" COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

The meeting was devoted to a discussion on how best to proceed with the development of the "Smart Growth" Comprehensive Plan mandated by state legislation. The goals and objectives of the 1997 Land Use Plan were briefly reviewed followed by a lengthy discussion on how to involve the public. Donald Parrell former board chair and John Coffin a former board supervisor participated in the discussion. The Chair suggested starting with a public forum in January. The commission felt that would be a good starting point. Bill Rizzo, Community Resource Development Educator, Dane County UW-Extension was suggested as a facilitator/moderator.

Motion was made by Jim Elleson seconded by Barbara Grenlie and carried that the commission go ahead with planning a public meeting on January 18 and that the secretary call Bill Rizzo to see if he would be willing to be the facilitator.

The commission also drafted a flyer to handout at the November 2 election asking citizens to become involved in the process. Drafting a letter to be mailed with the 2004 tax statements also got underway. It was also suggested that something about "Smart Growth" be placed on the agenda of the annual meeting and that Vermont Voice and the town web site be used to get the "message out."

Setting up focus groups (discussion groups) was also considered. Whether such groups should be free forum or be asked to concentrate on one assigned program element was discussed. The question most frequently suggested was to find out what people think the most important issues will be facing the town in the next 10 years. The sources of information gathered would be used to develop a survey questionnaire to be sent to all citizens. Another public forum could then be used to present the findings.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion was made by Jim Elleson seconded by Donald McKay and carried to adjourn the meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m.

Marian Swoboda, Commission Secretary