Minutes

Town of Rock Elm Elmwood, Pierce County, Wisconsin MINUTES Town Board Meeting – Monday, July 7, 2025 Meeting called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Chairman Tim Bates. Others present: Matt Holcomb, Supervisor; Chris Thibado, Supervisor; Dawn Churchill, Clerk; and 12 residents and 4 non-residents. Motion to approve the agenda was made by Chris Thibado, second by Tim Bates, motion carried. Public Input Is there any financial assurance, as an LLC can just walk away? Had conversation on bonding and other financial aspects. Is this ordinance defendable in court? Do we need to get more/different lawyer input? Comment that there is not enough on water quality and testing in the ordinance. Board chair noted that testing will continue. Will water testing be done yearly? Discussion on availability and cost and possible other facilities to do testing. Should the CAFO be responsible for the cost of testing? How will dead animals be disposed of? Do they have an incinerator, as burial is not permitted? Town Board and CAFO/Operations Ordinance committee to address written public comment received prior Teresa gave an overview of the ordinance and the Board was given information on two alternate attorneys that could be contacted for input on the ordinance. Public comment on who will enforce and pay for the enforcement of the ordinance? The Board and committee stated it is unknown at this time. Tim went through written public comments; reviewed and summarized. There were six comments received by residents and three received by non-residents, with one received with no signature. These documents will be posted on the Pierce County website for anyone to view. The question of what constitutes a “nuisance” was brought up and it was suggested that one should reference state or county law for the definition of “nuisance”. Tim and Adam had discussion on fees and reiterated that these can be looked at at any time. Tim suggested that the fees in Section 15, number 1. be changed to “not less than $5,000 nor more than $10,000”. It was clarified that the application fee would be used to cover the cost of a 3rd party to review and write up proposal. The annual fee would be used to cover added costs in regards to time spent by personnel for the CAFO. Of the other townships that have existing ordinances, there have been zero CAFO applications received. The Town of Rock Elm is “going in blind” as far as what to expect. The committee will remove lines 19 & 20, Section 9, page 33. Public comment asking if Ridge Breeze needs to pay each town they operate in if there is an ordinance there? It was stated that yes, if that town has an ordinance they would. Tim stated that the Board needs more information on a financial surety bond. The committee will look at adding specific financial surety bond language to the ordinance. The committee will update the ordinance and the updated document will be posted on the Pierce County website when completed. Possibly set date for public hearing on this ordinance Tabled at this time. Motion to adjourn by Matt Holcomb, second by Chris Thibado, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Dawn Churchill, Clerk approved 07/08/25