Planning and Zoning Meeting August 4 2026 Amended

Unofficial Minutes until approved by the Town Board VILLAGE OF FRENCH ISLAND LA CROSSE COUNTY , WISCONSIN VILLAGE OF FRENCH ISLAND PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY AUGUST 4, 2026 6:00 PM AMENDED VILLAGE OF FRENCH ISLAND TOWN HALL 2219 BAINBRIDGE STREET, LA CROSSE, WI 54603 1) Meeting Called to Order: Meeting Called to Order 6:00 P .M. August 4, 2026 2) Roll Call, Approval of Minutes & Verify Public Notice: Present: Commission Chairman Mitch Brohmer, Steve Hockenbery, Al Macha, Mike Stolpa, Mary Jo Werner and Secretary Joe Weitekamp Excused: Justin Kohls Chairman Mitch Brohmer called the meeting to order at 6:00 P .M. Mitch Brohmer requested a motion to approve the minutes from January 6, 2026. A motion was made by Al Macha, second by Steve Hockenbery to approve. Motion carried 6-0. Pursuant to law, written notice of this meeting was given to the press and posted on the public bulletin boards. Mitch Brohmer observed there wasn’t anyone present in the audience besides Benjamin Hanson, so he did not proceed to public forum. 3) Business: A. Review and Discussion of Petition No. 2026-01 Benjamin Hanson 2552 Island Park Rd., La Crosse, WI Petition for a conditional use permit to operate a taxidermy business out of a residential home at 2552 Island Park Rd., zoned Residential District “A” Benjamin explained that he has recently moved to the Village and in addition to being a server at the Freight House, he is an apprentice taxidermist specializing in preserving various wildlife. He has a viable LLC as verified by Mary Jo Werner. He is licensed by the Wisconsin DNR to perform taxidermy. He will fulfil all record keeping required by law. He will not be performing any hide tanning operations, nor will he be using any hazardous chemicals. He doesn’t anticipate much additional traffic because of the business and has space on his driveway for 4 vehicles. Benjamin indicated that all animal waste products will be frozen and placed into the trash dumpster on trash day to eliminate odors. Benjamin inquired about a sign for his business. He was told that he could have a sign no more than two square feet. Mitch Brohmer requested a motion to approve Petition No. 2026-01. A motion to approve was made by Joe Weitekamp, and a second by Steve Hockenbery. Motion carried 6-0. Recommendation for the Village of French Island Board to approve Petition No. 2026-01. B. Discussion and Possible action regarding review of Village Code of Ordinances Chapter 26 Signs Michelle Stahl provided background information that Dan Nelson from Castaway’s was investigating the possibility of an electronic sign capable of presenting multiple messages. He didn’t present any final plans, or detailed size or elevation. Dan offered to have messages from the Village of French Island presented on the board. Mitch indicated that the Village would not use a private sign platform to present messaging. Joe Weitekamp expressed concern that there are multiple businesses with entrances onto Clinton Street near the location of the sign. The distraction would add additional risk in a location where there’s already been a traffic fatality. The conclusion reached by consensus to leave the sign ordinance in place and have the board of adjustments review any submissions for signs made by Dan in the future. C. Discussion and Possible action regarding review of Village Code of Ordinances Chapter 14 Mobile Home Parks. Michelle Stahl provided background information that Cindy Gerke from Edward’s Investments inquired if there are any ordinances about Manufactured and Mobile Homes. There are two vacant lots that could accommodate Manufactured or Mobile Homes. Michelle provided a sample draft from the Village of Clear Lake Wisconsin ordinances to work from. After some discussion, Mitch requested Michelle to draft an ordinance for review and possible adoption for the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting next month. Michelle accepted the requested assignment. D. Discussion regarding the development and adoption of Village Ordinances related to Erosion Control, Stormwater Management, Shoreland, and Floodplain Zoning. Michelle Stahl provided background information that she was notified by the County Zoning that once the village incorporated, they can no longer provide zoning related to Erosion Control, Stormwater Management, Shoreland, and Floodplain Zoning. They offered to help for a while, but by January 1st 2027, the ordinance must be in place. Kristin Rankin from the Wisconsin DNR provided extensive information for drafting the ordinance. It was decided that the best approach was to form a committee to prepare a draft ordinance. Al Macha volunteered to build a committee and get to work preparing a draft ordinance. He will contact Justin Kohls for availability to assist the committee. 4. Public Request To Speak: Mitch Brohmer observed a couple who requested the opportunity to speak and ask a question. Mitch Brohmer requested a motion to enter into Public Comment. A motion to enter Public Comment was made by Steve Hockenbery, and a second by Al Macha. The Motion carried 6-0. Anne and Lonnie Simmons, 2601 Baumgardner Avenue, inquired if there was anything that could be done by the Planning and Zoning Commission to ease the 75- foot setback restriction from the high-water mark for building decks or structures. They were informed the setback is controlled at a state level, and neither the zoning commission, nor the board of adjustments can provide relief from the restriction. 5. MOTION TO ADJOURN: A motion to adjourn was made by Mike Stolpa, second by Steve Hockenbery. Motion to adjourn carried 6-0. Meeting adjourned 7:48 P .M. Respectively Submitted by Joe Weitekamp