PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

2006 WCCA PRESIDENT PHIL GAUDET

Happy 2006 to all. With the new year brings new members to the Executive Board. Congratulations to Scott Godfrey who was elected to the 2nd Vice President/Legislative Chair position after serving for several years as the Southern District rep. Mark Stewart of Rusk County was the other candidate for 2nd Vice President who I would like to thank for his interest in serving on the WCCA Executive Board and I would encourage Mark and anybody else to serve on the Board or other subcommittees of the Board next year. Replacing Scott as the Southern District rep is Brian Cunningham of Sauk County. In the East Central District, Doug Depies of Outagamie County replaces Lesley Roll who is also from Outagamie. In the West Central District, Rod Elsinger of Eau Claire County is replacing Doug Clary of Chippewa County. Thanks to Lesley and Doug for serving on the Board for several years. Duane Greuel of Wood County is the 1st Vice President/Program Chair for 2006.

This year DNR has stated they will be forming a Advisory Committee to review and recommend changes to NR 116 which deals with floodplain zoning. I am recommending 3 WCCA members to serve on the Advisory Committee. They will be Mark Stewart of Rusk County, Matt Heyroth of Brown County and a Mississippi River County member. To help address different floodplain zoning issues across the State a member from a Lake Michigan County, a Mississippi River County and a "inland" County were recommended. The Committee should be starting this spring or early summer. If you have issues with NR 116 please inform these members so they can express the concerns to the DNR in the Advisory Committee.

The DNR is still discussing with the WCCA NR 115 subcommittee a concept or idea for 115 that focuses on impervious areas as the main factor in dealing with Shoreland zoning. This is only a discussion and no new draft of 115 has been completed yet. Toni Herkert of the DNR will be giving a presentation at the spring conference and can give you the latest information at that time. I believe this idea is a great improvement over the previous drafts of NR 115. The key will be how this idea is worked into the draft of NR 115.

The Wisconsin State Legislature has been very busy for the last year and continues to put out many new bills related to County Administration of codes. Starting early last year and up to this point the legislature has drafted over a 1000 bills. It has been a challenge for the Executive Board to keep track of all the bills related to WCCA and to take positions on them in a timely manner. A number of bills are similar to ones proposed in recent years and bills on subjects we have not seen before are being introduced. If you have comments on bills please get them to your district reps who can share them with the Executive Board. Thanks to Duane Greuel for keeping track of the legislation last year and lets hope the current session ends soon.

Duane Greuel has put together a good agenda for this spring's conference. One of the topics will be on conflict resolution from a UW-Extension Professor which is a skill we can all use and try and improve every year. Todd Ambs the Administrator of the DNR Division of Water will also be speaking at the conference. Duane has also put concurrent sessions on the agenda to give you more options for which topics you would like to listen to. If you have not attended the business meeting at the conference in the past please do so. This is a good opportunity to share your opinions on the "nuts & bolts" of how WCCA operates. I encourage you to attend the conference not only for the topics on the agenda but to get together with your counterparts and exchange your experiences.

I hope all goes well this year in your County and hope to see you at the spring and fall conferences. Don't forget to use the new and improved discussion board on the WCCA website if you have questions or would like to discuss or share ideas with other members.
 

EAST CENTRAL DISTRICT 

     Representative Doug Depies

I would like to introduce myself as the newly elected representative for the East Central District. I can’t believe all the time and effort it takes to campaign for an unopposed political position.

The East Central District would like to thank Lesley Roll for all her hard work as our district representative for the last couple of years. Lesley already misses it and said she is more than willing to replace me at any executive board meeting I cannot attend.

The East Central Zoning Administrators met on January 13th at the Sheboygan County Courthouse. Tony Bellovary, GIS coordinator of the Bay-Lake Regional Planning Commission, gave a power point presentation to the group. His subject was the long term hydrologic impact assessment (L-Thia) GIS model developed to provide estimates of changes in runoff, recharge, and non-point source pollution resulting from past or proposed land use changes.

We also met on February 10, 2006 in Waupaca County to listen to Matt Jansen from Department of Commerce discuss POWTS inspections. The meeting was well attended and we were actually able to receive 3 free credits from the Department of Commerce.

Our next meeting is to be a joint meeting with the Northeast District scheduled for March 10th at Kelly Lake. We haven’t specified what the topic of conversation will be at this time.

S&B is requesting comments on 3 current POWTS components manuals and 2 proposed manuals. See a letter of explanation and the manuals at http://commerce.wi.gov/SB/SB-PowtsProgram.html#Component

 West Central District Report
            Representative Rod Eslinger

On January 11, 2006, Eau Claire County hosted the west central district meeting at the Eau Claire County Courthouse. Seventeen district members attended. Each county present gave a brief update of their status on comprehensive planning. An administrative assistant training seminar was planned for February in Chippewa County. Other topics discussed were: 2006 meeting dates, memberships dues, DNR Regulatory Reform Committee, NR 115, DATCP livestock siting regulations, computer software and BOA training. At the end of the meeting, elections were held and I, Rod Eslinger of Eau Claire County was elected president and Doug Clary of Chippewa County was elected secretary/treasurer. Doug, thanks for serving as our district president for the last 3 years (2003-2005). Great job, Doug!!!

First things first, I’m Rod Eslinger and I was elected as the west central district president for 2006. I have been in the zoning business since 1995. I learned the ropes in Pierce County (95’ to 97’). Then I moved north to St. Croix County for 7 ½ years (97’ to 04’) and earned my stripes. Now I’m the ZA for Eau Claire County. I live in Chippewa Falls with my family: my wife Deanne and our two children, Emma (4) and Evan (almost 2). My hobbies include hunting, fishing, golfing and hanging out with friends and family.

UPDATE: Administrative Assistant Training Seminar
The west central district sponsored an Administrative Assistant Training Seminar on February 22nd at the Chippewa County Courthouse. Three guest speakers’ covered a variety of topics relating to the daily duties of our assistants. Keith Zehms, Eau Claire County Corporation Counsel, gave a presentation on the public records law, creating a defensible public hearing record and confidentiality of public records. Jean Joyce, Wisconsin Department of Commence, gave an update on the Wisconsin Fund Program and laws. Pat Malone, UW-Ext agent from Trempealeau County, presented on the open meetings law, public hearings and taking meeting minutes. It was nice opportunity for the support staff to get out of the office and meet their colleagues from other counties.

NEW Land Division Ordinance for Wisconsin’s fastest growing County – St. Croix
On January 1, 2006 St. Croix County’s new Land Division ordinance became effective with some significant changes. One such change being embraced by the development community is the addition of standards to allow Conservation Design Development (CDD). These standards will allow developers to increase the density in a development by clustering building sites on smaller lots with common facilities and open space. The benefits are a win-win by allowing developers to be creative on more challenging sites and by providing the County with development that will both conserve open space and protect unique natural landscapes. The ordinance was written in-house with assistance from West Central Regional Planning Commission and was based on features found in several existing ordinances throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. The ordinance can be viewed by visiting www.co.saint-croix.wi.us.

The next WCZA meeting is March 8th, 2006 in Chippewa County.

See you at the conference. Rod

LIVESTOCK SITING RULE (ATCP 51) ADOPTED

The livestock facility siting rule, ATCP 51, was adopted into law on February 23, 2006.  The siting rule sets the standards and processes local governments requiring conditional use permits (CUP) for livestock facilities must use.  For a copy of the rule and other materials, please visit the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection website at http://www.datcp.state.wi.us/arm/agriculture/land-water/livestock_siting/siting.jsp

The effective date of the rule is May 1, 2006 for local governments and some farms, and July 1, 2006 for farms that are small businesses.  A small business is defined as having fewer than 25 employees or less than $5 million annually in sales.  Counties and Towns with zoning ordinances requiring CUPs for livestock expansions must update those ordinances to include the ATCP 51 standards by November 1, 2006.  By May 1, 2006, counties and towns with zoning ordinances requiring CUPs should pass a resolution 1) expressing the intent to update the ordinance by November 1, 2006 and 2) indicating that the county or town will be using the state siting standards and processes in the interim.  Counties and towns with no existing CUP requirements for the siting of livestock operations may adopt a siting ordinance, using the state siting standards, at any time.

If your county requires CUPs for new and expanding livestock facilities, you need to take action now!  If you do not have county land use zoning, please forward this information to any towns with town zoning in your county who may be affected. 

If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Heaton-Amrhein at jennifer.heaton-amrhein@datcp.state.wi.us or at 608-224-4613.

WCCA SPRING CONFERENCE
Stoney Creek Inn-WAUSAU 3/30 & 3/31/06

AGENDA

THURSDAY, March 30th

7:30 - 8:00 AM Registration

8:00 - 9:00 AM Federal, State & County Wetland Regulatory Relationships: Overview of jurisdictions, regulations and permit procedures. Chris Knotts-U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Byron Simon-WDNR Water Regulation Specialist

9:00 - 10:00 AM The Future of Onsite Waste Disposal in Wisconsin: (1 credit hour)
Professor James Converse-UW Madison

10:00-10:15 AM BREAK

10:15-11:00 AM WDNR & County Water Resource Relationships: Overview of the Federal Clean Water Act, groundwater & drinking water resources, fishery protection, lake and river protection. Todd Ambs-WDNR Water Division Administrator

11:00-12:00 AM

CONCURRENT SESSION A
Methods & Procedures for Prosecution of Zoning Violations Through Circuit Court:
Bernard Bult-Marquette County Corporation Counsel

CONCURRENT SESSION B
County Prosecution of POWTS Violations Through Circuit Court Using Small Claims Process: (1 credit hour)
Peter Kastenholz-Wood County Corporation Counsel

12:00 - 1:00 PM LUNCH

1:00 - 1:15 PM POWTS Vendor Presentation

1:15 - 2:15 PM Preparing For Conflict: Professor Tom Cadwallader-UW Extension

2:20 - 3:20 PM

CONCURRENT SESSION A Department of Commerce ( 1 credit hour)

#1 Wastewater Technologies & Products: Mike Beckwith-Plumbing Product Reviewer
#2 A+0 POWTS Procedures: Matt Janzen-Wastewater Specialist

CONCURRENT SESSION B Department of Natural Resources

#1 NR115-Introduction to Proposed Impervious Surface Concept:
Toni Herkert-Shoreland Zoning Program Manager
#2 NR116-High Priority Items: Gary Heinrichs or other Floodplain Planner

3:20 - 3:30 PM BREAK

3:30 - 4:30 PM WCCA Business Meeting

5:00 - 6:00 PM Cash Bar

6:00 - 7:00 PM Dinner – Followed by Hospitality Room


FRIDAY, March 31st.

7:00 – 8:00 AM Breakfast Buffet

8:00 - 9:00 AM State agency updates

#1 Department of Commerce: Roman Kaminski-POWTS Program Manager
#2 WDNR: Gary Heinrichs-Program & Planning Analyst
#3 UW Extension: Anna Haines-Center for Land Use Education
#4 DATCP:

9:00 – 10:00 AM WDNR Water Resource Regulatory Updates:
Mary Ellen Vollbrecht-Section Chief of Rivers & Habitat Protection

#1 Chapter 30 Overview & New Tools for Permitting
#2 Navigability discussions
#3 OWHM issues
#4 Wetlands
#5 Road projects

10:00 - 10:15 AM BREAK

10:15 - 11:00 AM County Workforce Development Project: Eric Olson-UW Extension Center for Land Use Education

11:00 - 12:00 AM

CONCURRENT SESSION A (1 Credit hour)

Round Table Discussion on POWTS Maintenance Fees & Their Collection:
Brown County: Bill Bosiacki-Zoning Administrator
Manotowic County: Pete Tarnowski-Code Administrator
Sheybogan County: Kevin Stange-Zoning Administrator
Fond Du Lac County: Wendy Giese-POWTS Manager

CONCURRENT SESSION B

Internet Tools for Planning Conservation & Environmental Protection: Dana Lucero-WDNR Land Use Planner

To Download registration form CLICK HERE

REMEMBER:
The membership renewals are due, along with any updates you might have for the membership directory. A copy of the membership renewal form can be found on this web site or click here. Please forward all directory changes to Mary Greenman – the sooner the better!

  NEWS FROM THE NE DISTRICT (NEWCCA)

     Representative Duane Haakenson 

On January 6, 2006 NEWCCA met at Cheney’s Supper Club in Laona with the meeting being hosted by Florence County. Duane Greuel from Wood County was the speaker and he spoke on AB449. After much discussion most counties were not in favor of this bill due to lack of funding and lack of staff. At the business meeting it was decided that Ross Fugill from Department of Commerce would  conduct a training session for 3 continuing education credits on February 21, 2006. The course was titled “Powts Inspector-Code Refresher.” About 25 people were able to attend. 

On February 3, 2006 NEWCCA met at Cheney’s Supper Club in Laona with the meeting being hosted by Forest County. Renee Powers, Plat Review Administrator for the Department of Administration, was the guest speaker. Renee discussed the differences between condominiums, subdivisions and certified survey maps. Water issues were also discussed.

On March 10, 2006 Langlade County will host a joint meeting between NEWCCA and ECWCCA at Kelly Lake in Oconto County. Speakers will be Jim Burgener and Justin Cavey from Marathon County, to speak on Non-Metallic Mining Reclamation and Matt Stohr from Wisconsin Counties Association will speak on Legislative issues. A wonderful feast of chicken, tenderloin tips, and fish will be had by all to close out our meetings for this season!

Southern District Report 

      Representative Brian Cunningham

On February 24th, Duane Steiner (DCOM Wastewater Specialist) presented a nice refresher course on POWTS for the Southern District.

   South East District Report

     Representative Michelle Staff

On February 24, 2006, the south east district met at the Waukesha County Administrative Center in Waukesha. Matt Jenson (DCOM Wastewater Specialist) presented a refresher course for our district. We would like to Thank Matt on this long overdue refresher course.

Following the presentation from the Department of Commerce, a regular district meeting was held. We discussed items presented at the WCCA annual meeting, current legislation, and we had a brief discussion from membership about the morning presentation.

I would like to thank Andy Buehler from Kenosha County for representing our district while I was on maternity leave. My son was born on January 11, 2006 and was 10 pounds 6 ounces. Andy will also be representing our district at the Spring Conference. Thanks again Andy.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at michelles@co.jefferson.wi.us

North West District   

    Kevin Krause

    No Report

Central District

 Dustin Grant

 No Report

WCCA Legislative Report:  as of Feb. 23, 2006

2005-2006 Introduced Assembly Bills