Plan Commission — Minutes

Town of Vienna Monday, August 11, 2025 Plan Commission Minutes The Town of Vienna Plan Commission meeting was called to order on Monday, August 11 , 20 25, at 7:00PM by Plan Commission Chair, Cate Heath. Commissioners Steve Herbrand, Joe Henry, Matt Shefchik, Jim Koch, and Clerk Kathy Clark were present. Also present were 10 attendees from different areas. A list of attendees will accompany the minutes. Recite the Pledge of Allegiance Public comment: Heath asked if anyone had a comment. Clark reminded attendees that public comment would be limited to 5-minutes each. Attendee Larry Kaseman - Stoughton, handed out an 11-page Testimony on Data Centers. His purpose was to ask the town to seriously consider not allowing the QTS Data Center to be built in Vienna because the cost would be too great, and it only would benefit a few people. Kaseman also pointed to the negative impacts on resources and the environment. Attendee Megan Roman – Monona, stated that Data Centers cause pollution, use a lot of water and energy and are not good for rural Wisconsin. Tax Revenue is important but is better for the community when it causes people to move out due to noise and large buildings built around the current area. Resident Jenny Sweat – Stated based on past meetings, it is her understanding that QTS has requested to rezone 615 acres from Agricultural to Commercial for the Data Center development. Sweat would like to see the town not change the zoning at this time. If it presented later, more information will be needed on electricity use and how it impacts others. Attendee Diane Karls – Stated that QTS is trying to set the timeline for changing the current comprehensive plan under review. Karls cautioned the board to follow the towns plan first before reviewing any request from QTS Resident Jim Koch – Referenced an editorial article on Data Centers that have been built in other places. Koch stated data centers use a tremendous amount of electricity. A shut down nuclear site was just activated again to accommodate a Bitcoin company. Clark reminded everyone Koch was speaking as a resident and not a commission member. Approve the minutes: Motion by Henry, second by Shefchik to approve the minutes for the July 14, 2025, Plan Commission meeting. Motion carried (5-0). Discussion and possible recommendation for approval to adopt Resolution 2025-1 Amendment to Comprehensive plan: Heath stated this does not include any language regarding a data center, this is the adoption of the Comprehensive plan that has been in the works since 2023. Kodl explained this version includes all requested changes, such as duplicated language, new ordinances added for ATV Road Access and Solar Panel farms. Also, commercial development was removed from the ETZ area along the interstate and the tenure for land ownership to create a split or build on the land was revised from 20 years to 10 years. Dane County planning staff is still reviewing the final draft for any typing errors or missed language removal. This will be completed and ready for a public hearing date to be set at the next board meeting on August 18, 2025. Kodl noted that all the meetings and changes are noted on the Dane County website for Vienna, including the completed draft and proposed new Land Use Map. Clark displayed the site online and attendees noted the link shown. Some questions were addressed and discussion followed. Once the board reviews the final draft plan and land use map, a date will be set for the Public Hearing to be held. This process will allow open discussion and address letters/comments received regarding the plan. Post cards will be mailed to all residents, notices will be mailed to all surrounding municipalities and a publication noting the day, date, time and location of the public hearing date so everyone is notified. Motion by Koch, second by Henry to adopt Resolution 2025-1 Amendment to Comprehensive Plan. Motion carried (5 -0) Adjourn: Motion by Herbrand, second by Shefchik to adjourn. Motion carried (5-0) Meeting was adjourned at 7:45pm. Prepared by: Kathleen Clark, Clerk Note: These draft minutes are subject to approval at the next Plan Commission Meeting.