Minutes

TOWN OF VERMONT Plan Commission SPECIAL MEETING

June 5, 2006 – 7:30 p.m. – 4017 County Hwy JJ

CALL TO ORDER AND POSTING CERTIFICATION

The meeting was called to order by Mark Sherven at 7:30 p.m. Marian Swoboda certified the meeting notice had been posted at the Black Earth State Bank, Amcore Bank in Mt. Horeb, on the front door of the Town Hall and on the town website, www.townofvermont.com; also published in the News Sickle Arrow and the Mount Horeb Mail.

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

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Mark Sherven stated the purpose of the meeting to be further work on the comprehensive plan.

DISCUSSION WITH NEIL DIXON

Neil Dixon provided a written summary of the Transfer Development Rights issues and reviewed it. TDR is done by "negative easement" or deed restriction and the PDR moves permanently. Language will be added to the comprehensive plan to allow for future consideration of TDR in the event the Towns Association and the County should agree on a policy that is workable for the Town of Vermont.

Neil reported that he found no plans to update any transportation corridors in the Town of Vermont. He referred the commission to Mayor Dave’s proposal for light rail on his website. No information was available as to possible access restrictions on Hwy 78.

Neil believes the town has authority to develop a process for approving new town roads. There was discussion of ways to recoup costs in wear and tear due to development or limit impact by posting weight limits during spring thaw.

DISCUSSION OF RIDGETOP BUILDING

Marion Swoboda presented a proposal which was discussed. There was a consensus to avoid specific restrictions and to develop ways to educate prospective home builders. Jim Elleson proposed language to be added to the comprehensive plan. It was agreed to include positive reasons for building below the ridgeline.

Approval of minutes

The minutes of the last special meeting were approved.

NEIL DIXON ASSIGNMENTS

Neil will research demographic trends using data such as building permits and site approvals. There is also a need to establish the total number of PDR existing as of 1985. He has more than 180 hours remaining on his internship.

NEXT MEETING

The next special meeting will be on July 6, 2006 at 7:30 pm.

RECOGNITION

The board recognized the service of Marion Swoboda and Mark Robertson on the Plan Commission, eight years each. Marion also served 5 years as Town Clerk and one year as Deputy Clerk.

Adjournment

Moved by Mark Sherven seconded by Mark Robertson and carried to adjourn the meeting at 10:30 p.m.

Johanna Solms, PC Secretary in training.