Plan Commission — Minutes

Regular November Plan Commission Meeting Minutes Tuesday, November 7th, 2023 The in-person meeting was posted on September 27th, 2023 at the Bayfield Town Hall bulletin board and the town website. A zoom link was provided. Commission members present were: Chairman Chuck Finn, Jim Steffenson, Dennis Clark, Robert Feyen, and Robert Meierotto. Clerk Kelly Faye was also present. Carol Fahrenkrog was excused. Annalisa Bermel was absent. Chuck Finn called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM. Public Comment: Mark Tregilgas, of 87550 Skyview Road was in attendance. He stated that he has lived at this address for the past nine years. For the past 2-3 years he has had problems with noise from barking dogs at a neighboring property. The neighboring property owner, located about 1,700 feet away started a dog kennel business which includes a fenced area in her yard. Tregilgas stated that he believes the location of his home, which located higher than the kennel business, allows the noise to go up as if in an amphitheater. He claimed that he is representing at least 17 other residents in the neighborhood that has signed a “statement of concern”. They are concerned about maintaining the enjoyment and value of their property. Tregilgas stated he contacted Bayfield County Zoning in early August and has called the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Department non-emergency line 10-12 times. He noted that a representative of the Bayfield County Zoning Department visited the site seven weeks ago and confirmed the property owner is operating a kennel business, which without a Conditional Use Permit, is violation of the Bayfield County Zoning code. Satellite maps of the area were distributed to the Plan Commission members. Tregilgas asked for consideration of his concerns if the Conditional Use Application comes before the Plan Commission in the future. He stated that he would move if it comes to that but worries that he would need to disclose to any potential buyers that they have a barking dog problem. Discussion took place related to the concerns. Plan Commission members thanked Tregilgas for sharing his viewpoint. Communications and Correspondence: Finn brought up the upcoming workshop for Zoning and Planning Officials at the Sevenwinds Resort and Casino in Hayward on November 29th. Finn and Steffenson expressed week and she would register in advance. Discussion and possible approval of minutes of the Regular Plan Commission Meeting of October 3rd, 2023: A motion was made by Clark, seconded by Steffenson, to approve the minutes. Motion carried. Update from Bayfield Area Trails: It was noted that the new Pikes Creek Trail has grown slippery but that adjustments to prevent this would not be made until Spring. OLD BUSINESS Update on Short-Term Rentals in Town of Bayfield: campground cabins, fire inspections, etc: Chairman Finn stated that Bayfield County is struggling with Short-Term Rentals regulations. It was noted that the town may not get answers about how to deal with campground cabins until Bayfield County finalizes their own policy. Discussion took place about the various types of Short-Term Rentals including RVs, boats, and cabin structures. It was suggested that the Plan Commission should look back at the minutes from when the Apostle Islands Campground expansion was approved to verify how many cabins were approved by the town and Bayfield County Zoning. Discussion and possible action on recommendation to the Bayfield Town Board related to hiring individual to cover Plan Commission Secretary and Short-Term Rental application processing duties, and designation of duties for each: Discussion took place related to the Plan Commission Secretary job opening and the fact that nobody has yet applied. It was noted that the former secretary Amy Sherrard, who recently relocated of the state, has expressed interest in completing some work remotely. It was agreed that though it is preferable to have a local resident working with the Plan Commission, it would be helpful to have Sherrard assist with those duties she can do remotely, especially the processing of Short-Term Rental applications. NEW BUSINESS Discussion with Alessandro Hall-Bayfield County Assistant Zoning Administrator related to Bayfield County Comprehensive Plan updates and current issues: Finn stated that he invited Hall to attend the meeting but he was unable to do so. He did, however, send an email update that was provided to the Plan Commission members which included the following… ”-There will be a public hearing on November 14th at 6:00 PM where the full county board will review a draft of the comprehensive plan. The meeting will take place in the county boardroom in Washburn. -The department is currently in the process of transitioning to a new permitting software, which we hop will help streamline our review and make the application process less burdensome for the public. One anticipated feature that may be of interest to the Town of Bayfield Planning Commission is the ability to opt into receiving an email notification for every permit issued within your town. -The department is planning on initiating a comprehensive zoning code rewrite next year, which we anticipate completing in 2025. -The department received approval for two new staff positions. A new joint position shared between the Planning and Zoning and the Public Health departments will focus on short-term rental permitting (zoning permits, health department licenses, inspections, and compliance issues). We also anticipate a new full-time office staff joining our team early next year. -The department has struggled to permit, manage, and enforce issues related to RV placement across the county. To better address the complaints and concerns we’ve been hearing from the public, our department has begun having preliminary discussion on how to update the RV section of our zoning ordinance. At our next Planning and Zoning Committee Meeting (November 16th at 4 PM in the County Board Room) some initial ideas will be presented to the committee. I also want to reiterate my belief that the county and townships should be strong partners on zoning issues. I’m sorry I am unable to attend tonight’s meeting but am hoping we can connect soon to discuss the Town of Bayfield’s planning ideas and goals and figure out ways to collaborate in the future. If there are specific zoning issues or subjects that the Town is interested in, I’d be happy to find a time to have a more in-depth conversation. And please let your fellow commissioners know they are welcome to reach out to me at any time with questions, concerns, or ideas. All my best, Allesandro” Monthly update on status of objectives in Comprehensive Plan Section: Infrastructure, Community Services and Facilities: This issue was tabled for a future meeting. Set date for next Plan Commission Meeting: Tuesday, December 5th, 2023, 5:30 PM. Minutes submitted by: Kelly Faye, Clerk