December 7, 2009
PLAN COMMISSION
Mike Weinkauf called the meeting to order at
Jon Schattner, Zoning Administrator, and Betty Novy, Planning Secretary, were also present.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Joseph moved, seconded by Johnson to approve the
Public Hearings:
Petition to rezone
from M-4, Quarry District, to A-2, General Farming and Residential District II,
Property Address:
Applicant/ Owner:
Sharon Kelley
Tax Id#176031903027000
Schattner reported the parcel is adjacent to the Parkview Sand and Gravel operation and noted it was inadvertently designated M-4, Quarry District, at the time the Parkview parcel was zoned that way even though the 1.33 acre parcel has been in residential use since before that time. The Land Use Plan already depicts the parcel residential, so no change in the Land Use Plan is required.
Sharon Kelley addressed the Board. She stated the parcel has had a home on it since the early 1960s. She is seeking re-zoning now because she is selling the property and finds that buyers have a difficult time obtaining financing because of the incorrect zoning designation.
No other individuals appeared for the public hearing.
Action Items:
Petition to rezone
from M-4, Quarry District, to A-2, General Farming and Residential District II,
Property Address:
Applicant/ Owner:
Sharon Kelley
Tax
Id#176031903027000
Schattner recommended approval of the rezone for the following reasons:
Johnson moved, 2nd by Beere to recommend approving rezoning of 31740 Washington Avenue to “A-2, General Farming and Residential District II” for the above stated reasons. Motion carried.
Presentation of
storm-water utility districts: Chris
Stamborski, P.E., R.A. Smith National, Inc.
Chris Stamborski and Gary Raasch of R.A. Smith National
reported on formation of storm-water utility districts for several different
municipalities in Racine and Waukesha counties.
Stamborski noted municipalities are looking at storm-water utilities as a
funding mechanism to address drainage problems.
He most recently completed a study for the Town of
Weinkauf reported Rochester has four different watersheds: Eagle Creek, Fox River, Honey Creek and Long Lake. It was noted that Eagle Creek and Fox River watersheds contain some parcels already designated as part of Racine County Drainage Districts. It was further noted that a recent annexation attempt by the Norway-Dover Drainage District is one of the reasons for renewed interest in this topic. Stamborksi indicated one of the main goals of Town of Raymond’s district was to prove that the Town is being responsible for its own drainage to the point where it can opt out of County assessments.
Weinkauf questioned whether studies must be performed on each individual watershed before a drainage district is formed. Stamborski indicated creation of a district does not necessarily require that studies be done ahead of time. He stated a map must be drawn depicting the boundaries of the district(s) and the municipality must prepare a resolution that specifies a rate structure for a residential equivalent unit (REU). A public hearing must be held before final action can be taken.
Determination of the rate structure was identified as the most difficult part of forming a district. Rates must be tied to the amount of runoff generated by a parcel and must be based on a defensible system. There was question on whether a flat rate per parcel could be assigned. Stamborski reported on Raymond’s choice of a rate structure. They based it on impervious surfaces, but maintained an option to charge flat rates. The flat rate portion is currently zero, but the option is there to utilize if necessary. They charged $7.00 per REU to raise an annual budget of $100,000.
It was noted that storm-water utility rates are not like taxes because even tax exempt properties are charged. Setting up the district equitably is the biggest challenge. Calculating impervious surfaces on each parcel is the most equitable way of structuring fees, but it is possible to structure fees on both impervious and pervious surface areas to make up the charge.
Stamborski recommended putting the data together and running several scenarios. This allows the municipality an opportunity to look at the data and make a determination of whether a certain scenario seems fair to all property owners. Different scenarios can be experimented with until a fair one is found. He also recommended creating a list of circumstances for which people can gain credit, such as internal drainage systems that allow a parcel to take care of its own drainage.
The Village could be one entire district, or districts could be partitioned depending on watershed with a base unit rate and then an additional rate based on watershed. Stamborski indicated it is ultimately a matter of what seems fair to residents. Costs should be spread out so that rates are not extreme for any one individual.
Discussion followed regarding several defunct drain tile systems that are adversely affecting properties throughout the Village. Stamborski stated including tile system repair as a function of a storm-water utility district will be a policy decision. A question the municipality will have to answer is “At what size does the Village want to get involved”? Under this scenario, Stamborski suggested easements be required if tile systems are running through private land.
It was noted that most drainage issues can be funded by a utility. However, no mechanism exists to address flow from adjacent municipalities.
Beere noted vehement opposition at the Norway-Dover Drainage District annexation hearing. Stamborski noted accountability is a major issue with drainage districts.
Stamborski was questioned on costs to create a district. He indicated engineering costs for the Town of Raymond totaled $30,000. The Village’s land area is one-half the size. A rough estimate of $15,000 was given, but it was noted that further consideration would be required before a formal proposal could be given. He was unable to comment on legal costs and noted that conceptual agreement should be pursued before going too far on the project.
Stamborski and Raasch were thanked for providing the information.
Joseph moved, 2nd by Tamblyn to adjourn at 8:00 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty J. Novy, CMC
Clerk-Treasurer