Plan and Review Commission — Agenda packet

Town of Spider Lake Plan and Review Commission Meeting MINUTES January 2, 2025 at 6:00 pm and by Zoom MINUTES 1. The meeting was called to order by Chair Delaney at 6:00pm. PRESENT: Chair Delaney, Commissioners: Sheldon, Becker, Smith (Zoom), and Haueter (Zoom). Zoning Administrator Mike Gardner was also in attendance. 2. Becker moved to approve the agenda; Smith seconded b y. Motion carried. 3. Becker moved to approve the Minutes of the December 4, 2024 P&RC Meeting; seconded b y Haueter. Motion carried. 4. Zoning Administrator’s Report. The month has not been overly busy. Inquiries are increasing ly complex and require additional time. Regarding the North Star Camp permit status, the State has reviewed and issued permits. The Town has requested that these permits be included in the Town LUP application package. a. 2024 Year-End Permit Summary – number and types of permits seem consiste nt over the years. Highest total valuation in 2025. 2023 has highest accessor ies buildings (24), largely due to snow load collapses. Chair Delaney will verify th e 2020 valuation numbers. b. Permit applications i. LUP 25-01 - T-Mobile Cell Tower Modifications – Requesting equipment upgrades, with no chang e in height. Removing 5 pieces of equipment Smith moved to approve permit Fullerton Engineering to add/remove equipment on tower; seconded by Becker. Motion carried. ii. LUP 25-02 – Nelson – Accessory structure -Becker moved to approve LUP; seconded by Sheldon. Motion carried. iii. DM 25-01 - Bay Ridge24 LLC - demolition of three structures. Sheldon moved to approve the demolition permit; Smi th seconds. Motion carried. c. Notices and anticipated activity – ZA Gardner attended a conference on wetlands. Very informative; introduct ory but useful, and a great refresher. He will attempt to compile and circulate a list of some of the resource materials provided 5. Comprehensive Plan Update – Review of Plan Draft REV05 a. Text and Recommended Edits b. Implementation Plan - Discussion c. Timeline, Milestones and Next Steps – Information and Discussion DISCUSSION ON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Differing views from the Commission on whether the document ‘flows’ well. It would benefit from a single reader to remove some of the clauses that provide a lot of detail. Majority felt it was useful to have extra detail if the Intro and Exec Summary was all that was read. Smith: The Introduction and Executive Summary has the task of summarizing the 85-page document in 8-10 pages. Shifted to discuss the implementation plan specifically. Generally agreed to segregate and highlight the action items to be considered in 2025-2026. All other Town of Spider Lake Plan and Review Commission Meeting MINUTES January 2, 2025 at 6:00 pm and by Zoom action items that are labeled as “ongoing” should remain and be considered in later years to be focused on. February 19, 2025 is the proposed public hearing date, and the draft document will be available for public review for 30 days. Notice will appear in the Jan 15, 2025 Sawyer County Record. 6. Any other business that may come before the Commission for Discussion. No items were raised. 7. Sheldon moved to adjourned; seconded by Smith. Motion carried. Respectfully Submitted, Tim Sheldon, Vice Chair, Plan & Review Commission January 3, 2025 Town of Spider Lake Zoning Report January 2025 Date Permit# Name Address Descrip1on Construc1on Cost Total Sq Ft Fee 1 / 2 Sacia Accessory Structure addi2on inquiry 1 / 3 LUP 25-02 Nelson Permit follow up 1 / 6,7,8 Adson Accessory Structure inquiry 1 / 7 Proulx Split zoning inquiry, future plans 1 / 7 LUP 25-01 Geci Tower upgrade permit follow up 1 / 9, 13 North Star Camp 24047 North Star Camp Rd Online mee2ng w/ representa2ves regarding ques2ons and concerns over Shoreline Preserva2on Agreement requirement, implica2ons 1 / 14 Brown Boathouse LUP applica2on review and WDNR Permit 1 / 16 Hein Call regarding Neumeier Rd property and private land easement 1 / 21 Becker Preliminary CSM review 1 / 20,21,22,29,30 Kastroski 12771N Nelson Rd Wilson LUP, rezone and demoli2on permit ques2ons regarding CSM and deed documenta2on 1 / 22, 23 Mersel Inquiry regarding deck railing replacement and UDC requirements 1 /24 Principe Phone conference regarding LUP applica2ons, plans and CUP alterna2ves Town of Spider Lake Comprehensive Plan 78 9. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN INTRODUCTION – THE PLANNING PROCESS The first eight sections of the Comprehensive Plan establish a twenty-year vision for the Town of Spider Lake as they describe the Town, integrate the values articulated by the 2023 Community Survey respondents and establish goals describing the desired future for the Town. Successful implementation of the Comprehensive Plan hinges on access to the required funding, personnel with the required expertise, essential supplies and technology and support from other governmental authorities, among other things. The implementation Plan translates the goals into a set of multi-year objectives and actions. Goals are broad, overarching expressions of desired future conditions. Objectives are statements that are measurable benchmarks the community works to achieve. Actions are steps and resources needed to meet the objective and should have clear, measurable steps with a responsible party and timeframe assigned. Actions which appear as ‘Ongoing’ in the Implementation Plan are required to perform the general municipal obligations of the Town. Actions with a specific date and timeframe are projects which are either new or a change to the current operating process. These actions have been highlighted to indicate specific focus in the early years of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan will be reviewed regularly. Changes in community sentiment, safety standards, or environmental conditions may warrant adjustments to policies, ensuring the policies acknowledge the diverse perspectives of the community and reflect the majority view for action. The Implementation Plan contains objectives and actions which may take multiple years to complete, with some objectives dependent upon others. The intent of the Plan & Review Commission and the Town Board is to review the Implementation Plan actions and progress annually during the summer period. The previous year’s progress will be reviewed, along with emerging actions and activity. Goals and objectives for the coming year should be prioritized and this guidance used to create action plans for the Town’s committees. These proposed plans should then be incorporated into the Town’s annual budget for approval each November. THE PLAN Overarching Goal The overarching goal of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan update is to continue the work begun decades ago to preserve the unique Northwoods Character of the Town and to protect the irreplaceable woodlands, lakes, waterways, open spaces, and dark night sky for future generations while respecting the right of individuals to use land and area resources. In addition, the Plan will acknowledge and value input from the Town’s property owners, acquired through a survey conducted in the fall of 2023. DRAFT Town of Spider Lake Comprehensive Plan 79 1. Natural, Agricultural and Cultural Resources Goal: Conserve, protect, manage, and enhance the Town’s Natural Resource Integrity in order to provide the highest quality of life for the Town of Spider Lake’s property owners and visitors. Implementation Target Responsible Party Objective 1: Protect surface and groundwater. Action: Ensure Town of Spider Lake Land Use Ordinance setbacks and impervious surface requirements are met for any new development. Ongoing P&RC Action: Monitor concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) activities in the area and ensure Ordinance 01-2024 enforced when appropriate. Ongoing P&RC Objective 2: Protect area lakes, rivers, wetlands, and stream shorelines. Action: Encourage lake associations to monitor surface water quality, support employment of staff funded by the lake associations to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (e.g., – Landing Monitors, etc.), and support grant applications. Ongoing Town Board Action: Educate and enforce lakeshore structure and usage regulations. Ongoing P&RC Action: Encourage lakeshore property owners to establish or expand natural vegetation shoreline buffers and to minimize maintained lawn areas and the application of lawn fertilizers. Ongoing P&RC Objective 3: Protect local forested areas and maintain forest ambiance. Action: Encourage and enforce Best Management Practices for timber harvest operations. Ongoing Town Board Action: Investigate ways to encourage logging buffer zones along clear-cut areas, and to provide forestry education materials to the community. Inform the community of location and timing of harvests before they occur if possible. Ongoing P&RC Objective 4: Maintain natural shorelines. Action: Educate the community by circulating the Town regulations and best management practices for Shoreline Management. Ongoing P&RC Action: Encourage visual aesthetics from the water (enforce signage and buffer zone regulations and encourage revegetation). Ongoing P&RC DRAFT Town of Spider Lake Comprehensive Plan 80 Implementation Target Responsible Party Action: Work with and support lake associations to identify and control aquatic invasive species (AIS) and to educate the public about AIS. Ongoing Town Board Objective 5: Maintain existing Town roadway ambiance Action: Understand and enforce uniform signage regulations (State, County, Town). Ongoing P&RC Action: Allow vegetated buffer zones along Town roadways if deemed to be ‘Firewise’ and not a hindrance to road maintenance. Ongoing Town Board Objective 6: Maintain dark skies for public enjoyment. Action: Promote and enforce outdoor lighting regulations and design standards. Ongoing P&RC Action: Review Dark Sky International principles and determine whether the Town’s Land Use Ordinance (Part I, Section 4.4) could be enhanced. 2025-6 P&RC Objective 7: Reduce human-made noise where possible to protect ‘Peace & Quiet’ within the Town. Action: Determine how the Town should regulate Noise/Nuisance issues in the community. 2025-6 P&RC 2. Demographics Goal: Fully engage property owners in Community Stewardship. Implementation Target Responsible Party Objective 1: Better understand the composition, values, needs, emerging issues, etc. of the community of Spider Lake. Action: Continue to survey the community—full-time, seasonal, business to help inform Comprehensive Plan updates. Periodic P&RC Action: Maintain the Town governance structure and encourage community participation on Town committees. Ongoing P&RC Objective 2: Encourage community participation in Town government. Action: Encourage community to phone or email Town supervisors. Ongoing Town Board DRAFT Town of Spider Lake Comprehensive Plan 81 Implementation Target Responsible Party Action: Better understand skills and experience of community members. Ongoing P&RC Action: Develop volunteer opportunities to utilize the skills and experience of community members and raise awareness of opportunities with volunteer organizations serving the community. Ongoing P&RC 3. Housing & Housing Trends Goal: Support a range of housing units to meet the needs of existing and future residents, both year-round and seasonal. Maintain the Low-Density Development and Peace and Quiet by preserving the sense of community of our residential neighborhoods. Implementation Target Responsible Party Objective 1: Support housing to meet the needs of persons of all income levels and physical abilities. Action: Thorough permit application reviews. Ongoing P&RC Objective 2: Encourage high quality construction and repair or maintenance of existing structures. Action: Enforce Land Use Ordinance and UDC (Uniform Dwelling Code) requirements. Ongoing P&RC Objective 3: Encourage Sawyer County to strengthen monitoring for septic systems. Action: Review and update Town of Spider Lake dwelling compliance with septic system inspections. Periodic P&RC Objective 4: Ensure short-term rental properties do not impair the sense of community of our residential neighborhoods or Northwoods Character. Action: Determine how the Town should regulate short-term rental (STR) properties. Possibilities to consider include requiring registration, limiting STR density in residential areas, tiered regulatory framework (casual vs full-time STR operation), requiring STR owners to educate renters about local ordinances, monitoring, and enforcement of ordinances, etc. 2025-6 P&RC DRAFT Town of Spider Lake Comprehensive Plan 82 4. Transportation Goal: Ensure an efficient and safe road system and foster multi-use transportations systems (i.e., the trails) which accommodate the interests of community while preserving the Natural Resource Integrity of the Town. Implementation Target Responsible Party Objective 1: Develop and maintain roads to meet the Town’s current and future needs and safety requirements. Action: Maintain a Five-Year Road Plan with criteria for decision-making. Ongoing Town Board Action: Evaluate Town roads on an annual basis according to Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating (PASER) evaluation methods. Ongoing Town Board Objective 2: Support recreational trails in the Town and surrounding area. Action: Collaborate with recreational advocacy groups and other stakeholders to explore, create, expand, maintain, and integrate recreational transportation modes. Ongoing Town Board Action: Work with recreational organizations to ensure appropriate signage is provided for all trails. Ongoing Town Board Action: Encourage public safety education and awareness of multi-use roadway systems. Ongoing Town Board Objective 3: Ensure recreational participants on water and on land respect the Natural Resource Integrity, Sustainable Outdoor Recreation, and Peace and Quiet of the Town. Action: Enforce Town recreational ordinances, working with County and DNR law enforcement and/or Town appointed officials. Ongoing Town Board Action: Update the To w n ’s boating ordinance to help maintain the To w n ’s natural resources with sustainable outdoor recreation while respecting peace and quiet by restricting enhanced wakes and prohibiting use of a boat as a dwelling. 2025 Town Board Action: Educate property owners of ordinances and local practice by providing materials to make available to visitors (e.g., a ‘Neighbor Notebook’ or Spider Lake Information Guide). This material should also be available on the To w n ’s website. 2025 P&RC DRAFT Town of Spider Lake Comprehensive Plan 83 5. Economic Development Goal: Ensure a business climate compatible with Sustainable Outdoor Recreation and the Natural Resource Integrity of the Town. Implementation Target Responsible Party Objective 1: Encourage businesses that maintain the Peace and Quiet of the Town. Objective 2: Ensure that future business development is compatible with the natural character of the Town. Action: Monitor Conditional Uses per the Land Use Ordinance. Ongoing P&RC Action: Review commercial signage and outdoor lighting for compliance with ordinance requirements. Ongoing P&RC Objective 3: Encourage accommodation providers to educate guests of local ordinances. Action: Provide Resort, B&B, and short-term rental owners with information to provide to their guests. 2025 P&RC Objective 4: Encourage business owners to interact with the Town. Action: Provide opportunities for open dialog with Town officials and service providers. Ongoing Town Board 6. Utilities & Community Facilities Goal: Maintain and enhance community facilities and services which contribute to the overall improvement of the community. Implementation Target Responsible Party Objective 1: Maintain Town involvement in the planning and coordination of utilities and communication services to efficiently serve existing and future development. Action: Review long-range plans of utility companies to identify impacts they might have on the Town, and plan for future expansion. Ongoing Town Board Action: Support expansion of cellular, broadband, and high- speed internet service within the Town. Ongoing Town Board Action: Support structural design, location, and service standards for communication towers to reduce negative visual impacts. Ongoing Town Board Objective 2: Minimize the environmental impact of future utility expansion. DRAFT Town of Spider Lake Comprehensive Plan 84 Implementation Target Responsible Party Action: Ensure that future transmission and distribution lines follow existing utility lines/easements through the Town, and support burial of these lines where possible. For above ground lines, best management practices including ‘Integrated Vegetation Management’ for right of way maintenance should be required of the utility. Ongoing Town Board Objective 3: Provide quality cost-effective Town facilities and services which meet the existing and future demands of residents, property owners and visitors. Action: Ensure the Town Hall, Fire Department, and Roads buildings are maintained and assessed for capacity and functionality to accommodate anticipated future requirements. Ongoing Town Board 7. Land Use Goal: Planned and orderly development consistent with the Northwoods Character of the community. Implementation Target Responsible Party Objective 1: Ensure the Land Use Ordinance is appropriately protecting the resources and aesthetics in the community. Action: Review and update the Land Use Ordinance to maintain the Town’s Northwoods Character while addressing needs within the community. 2025 P&RC Action: Enforce the Land Use Ordinance as required when violations are identified. Ongoing P&RC Objective 2: Promote positive environmental practices which protect natural resources. Action: Encourage protection of forests and farmland. Ongoing P&RC Action: Encourage lower-density residential development which minimizes effects on the Environment. Ongoing P&RC Action: Clearly define ‘high-density development’ for the Town of Spider Lake and determine when Environmental Impact Assessments are to be required. 2025 P&RC Objective 3: Encourage and educate landowners about tools for protecting and conserving land. DRAFT Town of Spider Lake Comprehensive Plan 85 Implementation Target Responsible Party Action: Make information available to private landowners on conservation easements, land management contracts, donations/bequests, life estates, etc. Ongoing P&RC Objective 4: Avoid practices that would result in land use conflicts with environmental factors. Action: Educate developers and builders on the Town’s requirements and environmental regulations/best practices. Ongoing P&RC 8. Intergovernmental Cooperation Goal: Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with local, state, and federal jurisdictions where appropriate. Implementation Target Responsible Party Objective 1: Coordinate and share community services when and where appropriate. Action: Continue mutual aid agreements for fire and emergency medical services and establish new agreements to share services when mutually advantageous. Ongoing Town Board Objective 2: Work with Sawyer County, the U.S. Forest Service, and utility companies to manage visual impacts. Action: Communicate clearly and often, especially with County Forestry Dept to recommend use of buffers where appropriate, and with utility company to bury power lines and employ Integrated Vegetation Management within easements. Ongoing Town Board Objective 3: Share and learn from others’ Comprehensive Plans. Action: Provide a copy of this Comprehensive Plan to Sawyer County, adjacent municipalities, and the U.S. Forest Service. Ongoing Town Board Objective 4: Keep abreast of developing regulations from Sawyer County and the State of Wisconsin. Action: Attend state and county Towns Association meetings and training. Ongoing Town Board Action: Review pending or enacted changes in appropriate Committees to understand impact to the Town and take action if required Ongoing Town Board DRAFT Welcome to the Town of Spider Lake The Town of Spider Lake is in the heart of Wisconsin’s Northwoods. Our wildlife is abundant, our lakes pris=ne, and our forest is beau=ful. On moonless nights you can see the Milky Way. If you’re really lucky, you may even see the Northern Lights. Frequently, you can see all the night sky has to offer reflected in calm water. Residents and visitors enjoy a wide variety of outdoor ac=vi=es on the Town’s many lakes and in the Chequamegon Na=onal Forest. Many ac=vi=es, such as fishing, cross country skiing and mountain biking are world class. Both the Birkebeiner Trail and the CAMBA mountain biking trail system cross the Town, and those who enjoy snowmobiling and riding ATVs will also find many trails to explore. While limited motorsports are allowed on some lakes, other lakes are dedicated Quiet Lakes. The Town of Spider Lake has something for everyone who enjoys the outdoors! Our Town Governance The Town of Spider Lake (TOSL) is governed by the Board of Supervisors. Supervisors are elected by the residents of the Town, and are responsible for promo=ng the health, safety and well-being of the Town’s ci=zens by: • Establishing services required by the ci=zens • Establishing ordinances by which the ci=zens and visitors agree to abide • Assessing property values, crea=ng an annual budget, establishing the tax levy and collec=ng taxes • Overseeing the ac=vi=es of all Town commiXees and the Plan and Review Commission. Our Town Comprehensive Plan Originally created in 2002 by 25 Town of Spider Lake (TOSL) community members – and updated periodically - our current Comprehensive Plan: • Defines the unique quali)es which make up the “Northwoods Character” that we, as ci=zens of the TOSL, value in our community. • Ar=culates how the “Northwoods Character” represents a valuable asset to our community. • Represents our community’s vision for the development of our natural, social, and economic resources over the next 20 years. • Contains a wealth of informa)on about our Town and the significant factors affec=ng the quality of life for its residents. It includes informa=on such as demographics, housing trends, natural resources, land use and the Town’s implementa=on plans. The Town of Spider Lake includes: Our Town Ordinances and Resolu@ons The Town of Spider Lake (TOSL) Ordinances and Resolu=ons implement the vision laid out in our Comprehensive Plan. They enable and support the Northwoods character we cherish. Specifically, they: • Provide a framework to guide the Town government, property owners and visitor ac=vi=es within the Town. • Balance the rights of the community with individual property owner rights. • Are "complaint-based", meaning if neighbors are not bothered by a resident/owner’s ac=vi=es, there is no need to complain. • Are adopted and administered by the TOSL Board of Supervisors, except for Land Use Ordinance 17-88, administered by the Plan and Review Commission (PRC). • Differ in certain areas from County or State zoning requirements. Our Town Departments The Town of Spider Lake (TOSL) operates several departments to serve the community including: • Zoning and Building • Health and Safety • Roads • Facili=es and Solid Waste • Finance and Insurance Our Town Zoning The Town of Spider Lake oversees regula=ons regarding changes to homes (See the Uniform Dwelling Code) and changes to property and shorelines (see the Land Use Ordinance 17-88). o A year-round popula=on is roughly 345 in 2020 o Roughly 1000 dwellings in TOSL, with roughly 200 occupied year-round o Land use which is predominantly forestry and preserving this and our pris=ne lakes is a priority These departments can be reached at: Spider Lake Town Hall 10896 W Town Hall Rd Hayward, WI 54843 Phone: (715) 462-3977 Our Town’s Unique Characteris@cs What differen=ates the Town of Spider Lake from other Wisconsin towns? • The Town of Spider Lake has its own Land Use ordinance including shoreline regula=ons which are more restric=ve than the Sawyer County or WI State Statues. Enforcing these ordinances protects the natural resources of the town and gives the town a dis=nc=ve Northwoods character look and feel. • Boaters must observe a 10 mph speed limit at all =mes with the excep=on of 11AM-3PM on Clam Lake, Ghost Lake and parts of the Spider Chain of Lakes. During these hours in these areas, waterskiing and higher boa=ng speed is allowed. • There are designated routes and trails for ATV/UTV and snowmobile use. The Town’s roads are not open to ATV/UTV traffic unless specified in Ordinance 01-01. AT A GLANCE Everything listed here is on the Town’s website. On the website you’ll find the most up-to-date information. Visit www.townofspiderlakewi.gov Please do your part to keep the Town of Spider Lake safe for people and wildlife, and its lakes and forests clean and free of invasives. THINGS TO KNOW Solid Waste / Recycling • Located behind the Fire Department building west of Town Hall • HOURS SUMMER: (May 15 through October 15) Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday 10 am-4 pm. YEARROUND: Saturdays 10 AM-4 PM • Accepts garbage at $5 per bag and recyclables with no charge. More details on town website. Boating • Speed limit of 10 mph on all lakes (making them ‘Quiet Lakes’) • EXCEPT for: 11 am to 3 pm on the Spider Lake Chain (except Fawn), Lower Clam and Ghost Lakes where higher speeds are permitted (see Ord. #02-2024 on website for specifics). • All other Wisconsin boating regulations apply. ATV and Snowmobiles • Town supports ATV use on the County-wide trail system. Please see the Sawyer County Snowmobile and ATV Alliance website (www.sawyercountyalliance.com) and download the TrailTrekker app for trails. • ATVs are not permitted on Town Roads or on State Hwy 77. • See Ord. #01-01 on the website for specifics. Zoning / Land Use • The Town of Spider Lake has village powers and administers its own land use/zoning ordinance. • Land Use (Building) Permits are required. • Details and Application Forms are on Town website. Road Issues • For road issues contact Road Superintendent Don Fogal, by text or phone at 715-418-9969. Fire / Fireworks / Burning • Fireworks permits are required by the Town and issued by the Fire Department. See the Town website. • Burn permits are required (annually) by the DNR. They are free and can be applied for on the DNR website (www.dnr .wisconsin.gov and search for Burn Permit) Noise / Nuisance • The Town falls under Sawyer County’s Public Human Health Hazards Ordinance. • For noise or nuisance complaints, please contact the County Sherif Dispatch: 715-634-5213 Shorelines / Lighting • Statewide 35’ riparian setback followed; please do not mow/disturb except within your 30’ view corridor. • Outdoor lighting should be shielded, with light directed downward to avoid unnecessary glare. More questions? • Visit the Frequently Asked Questions section on the Town website (under the Community tab) to see if it might be answered. Or… • Go to the ‘Contact Us’ tab on the Town website (lower right side of the page) and let us know what’s on your mind. Or… • Call the Town Hall at 715-462-3977 and leave a message - - we’ll get back to you! Enjoy the Outdoors- Responsibly! EMERGENCY DIAL 9 1 1 ROAD ISSUES 715-418-9969 CLERK / TOWN HALL 715-462-3977