DRAFT COPY

PLAN COMMISSION – July 9, 2012

          The Town of Hubbard Plan Commission meeting was called to order by the Chairman Kenneth Schulz on Monday, July 9^th 2012 at 7:30 PM at the Town Hall in Neda with the following present:  Plan Commission members, Chairman Kenneth Schulz, Daniel Guenterberg, David Feller, Lisa Koch, Jeffrey Nehls, Morris Schwandt and Christine Wendler; Town Board Supervisor James E. Persha, Town Clerk Naomi Kriewald, Scott Nuttelman representing Menards and members of the public as shown on the sign-in sheet.

          Following verification of the publication and posting of the meeting notice and the posting of the Agenda a motion to approve the minutes of the January 30^th Plan Commission meeting was made by Dave seconded by Lisa and carried.

          A Site Plan Review for expansion of Menard’s existing facility in the Town of Hubbard to include new manufacturing and distribution facilities, specifically a Truss Plant, Reload and Cross Dock and a Bagging Plant was done by the Plan Commission.  Scott Nuttelmann explained the plan.  They are planning to put in their rail spur at this time so that they can get materials for the truss plant in by rail. The expansion will add approximately 100 jobs and a $10 million dollar investment. The proposed buildings will look very similar to the block plant but will be considerably smaller.  They will extend the east berm further to the east to a point near the truss plant and build a new retention pond on the east end for the east side of the ridge. They will cover all the drive areas with concrete for dust control. The areas where the trusses and blocks are stored will remain gravel.  They plan to use the excess dirt from digging the new retention pond and the rail spur to raise the berm at the corner of Oliver Creek and County Road S and some will be used at the southwest corner of the site.  They may also put a little dirt on the far side of Oliver Creek.  They will not be adding any entrances to the site. They will be adding another employee parking lot near the truss plant. From their records they have about 50 trucks a day at the present time with the existing block plant and they anticipate an increase in truck traffic by about 50%.  Leonard Laufenberg expressed his concern about how the excess water will be disbursed from the detention pond on the east side and especially when they increase the amount of concrete and whether it will flood adjoining land.  James Smaglick shared this concern because he owns the adjoining land and he is concerned about flooding on his land.  Scott replied that they will have to go through all the proper channels in getting this approved.  Chairman Schulz expressed his appreciation to Menards for allowing the local fire departments to use their retention pond as a source for water to be used in fighting fires in the area. They have used this site numerous times for large and small fires.  Heidi Warczytowa complained about the amount of truck traffic and lights on the property and the lack of trees planted on the berms as compared to the statements made about the conditions, estimated truck traffic and number of lights at the original hearing.  Jim Smaglick expressed concern about 15” pipes coming out of the retention pond on the east side.  The water will come directly onto his property with no erosion control and no direction where the water will go from there.  He is afraid it will turn that corner of his land into a wetland.  Scott felt that Jim has a legitimate concern and offered to meet with him after the meeting to discuss it.  He said if there is a problem that they are causing, they will definitely address it.  He said their plans have been submitted to the DNR and they will regulate how the stormwater is controlled and what rules they have to follow.   

          Discussion was then held by the Plan Commission.  Morry asked for a timetable for this project.  They must go to the State with their plans but they hope to complete it in time to open this new plant next spring.  Dan commented in regard to the drainage from this site, this water has always gone down to the people living at the lower end of the drainage district.  Dave commented that he feels there is no more water coming from this property now than came from these fields before. The Town has no jurisdiction over the water issues, the Dodge County Planning Department and the DNR control them.   Scott said if Jim would give them the right to do some work on his property, they would certainly do it. He said they will work with Jim if he will work with them but they cannot do anything until they get the approval from the DNR.

          Dave said he would make a motion to approve this conditionally and that the drainage issues must be worked out with the DNR, the Drainage District and Jim Smaglick.  Morry commented that the water is going to go somewhere and that must be worked out with the landowner and the DNR. The motion was seconded by Christine and carried with all Plan Commission members voting aye. 

            A Public Hearing was called to order for a Conditional Use Permit application by Ruby Gentz, Owner; New Frontier Land Surveying, Agent; to allow the creation of a 1.75+/- acre parcel to contain an existing farmhouse and accessory building on land located in the GA:General Agriculture Zoning District on parcel #022-1116-1323-000 located at N6369 Mine Road in Section 13 in the Town of Hubbard.    

          Carolyn Gentz explained that it is a part of a life estate plan.  Ruby explained that she wants to separate her house from the farm.  They will have a shared driveway.  Melvin Pankow asked if there is a reason why she is not including the barn on this parcel.  Ruby replied that she wants to live in the house as long as possible.  She wants to give the farm to her three children but wants to keep the house for herself. 

          A motion to recommend to the Town Board approval of the creation of a 1.75 acre parcel containing an existing farmhouse and an accessory building for Ruby Gentz was made by Jeff, seconded by Lisa and carried.  Christine Wendler abstained from voting. 

          Jeff Schickert was present for information.  He has a business selling heating pellets and his business is growing so he was asking what the restrictions are in the town and whether he could purchase a property in the Town of Hubbard.  He currently rents a shed in Iron Ridge but would like to purchase a property with either a barn or pole shed.  Christine asked what his business consists of.  Jeff replied that the pellets come in by the truckload and he stores them and sells them.  He says it is strictly a buy and sell business.  Customers pick them up or he delivers them.  He would like a 60 X 80 pole shed.  He estimates that he gets about 40 to 50 loads a year. He may want to build a house there too someday.  Dave suggested that he should find a property on a State or County road that can handle that type of traffic.  The zoning should be changed to Neighborhood Business but he would have to build a house before he could build a shed on this property. 

          Judy Strehlow is proposing to split her farm into four parcels and has already filed an application with the Dodge County Planning Committee.  She will have to apply for a Conditional Use Permit from the Town of Hubbard first.  The Clerk will contact her son Douglas and inform him what needs to be done.

          A motion to adjourn the Plan Commission meeting was made by Morry seconded by Christine and carried.

TOWN BOARD MEETING – July 9, 2012

          Following adjournment of the Plan Commission meeting the Town Board convened to consider the recommendation made by the Plan Commission.  The meeting was called to order by Chairman Kenneth Schulz with the following present:  Chairman Schulz, Supervisors James E. Persha and Daniel Guenterberg, and Clerk Naomi Kriewald.                                                                                                                      

          A motion to approve the Conditional Use Permit to create a 1.75+/- acre parcel to include the existing farmhouse and 1 outbuilding, requested by Ruby Gentz, was made by Persha seconded by Guenterberg and carried.

          A motion to adjourn was made by Persha seconded by Guenterberg and carried.

                                                                        Naomi Kriewald