Land Resources and Extension Committee - Regular Meeting

Have you ever listened to the recordings?

I guess that's fine. You should. You'll understand more. The PSC's got all the authority, right? Randy?

Yeah. Complaining, but that's all we can do.

They recommend, like, two of those. All right. Yeah.

a letter to them, just getting, like, asking questions. They have to respond to all my questions.

And once they do that, I can, you know, make a comment. Do you have a lot of your constituents calling?

It doesn't restrict at all. It's way out in the north of the county, so. Okay, so yeah, you're right. either way farther south or... Okay. I got one gentleman who's the first one who calls me. Literally, it cuts across his house. Like, seriously? And then it bends. I don't know how many acres he has. It was kind of funny. I was talking, like, he goes to his house at the same time. We're up on the other side. It's just something is not right. I don't know though.

9 o'clock on the order of the Land Restrictions and Extension Committee on Tuesday, August 25th.

Yes, we are. All those in favor of agenda as... We have a previous meeting of August 13th, which I do not believe has been amended. Move. Moved by Pelton.

Second.

Second by Alexander. To approve the draft minutes of the August 13th meeting, any corrections, discussion? No. All those opposed, same sign. Minutes approved. Public comment. Do we have any public here that wish to comment that aren't a part of the public hearing? Yes, sir? We're checking. Okay, you can, during the process, we'll have public comment for that. Thank you. All right, seeing no other public comments,

Thank you, Mr. Chair. We're happy to introduce Sidney Kerman, who started with us yesterday as our new conservation agronomist. And I've asked Sidney just to do a brief introduction of himself.

I got it. I got it. Okay.

Yeah. Hi, everybody. So I'm Sydney. I just started yesterday. I'm the new conservation agronomist. I just came over from Washington State. It's been a fun journey to get here. My prior experience, my last job, I was working as an agronomist at a private company and Prior to that, I was a soil conservationist at the NRCS in Rhode Island, so I have some conservation background. And My education is kind of a mix of agronomy and agroecology. I did my master's abroad, actually. One year in Denmark, one year in France. I did my thesis in Finland, so it was really mixed experiences, and I think it'll serve me well here. I'm looking forward to interacting with all the different people and touching all the different aspects of agriculture in this area, getting to learn all about it. And yeah, nice to meet everybody.

Thank you. Thank you, Sydney. Just a couple other staffing updates. As you know, Jackie Pyre had resigned from the county, our conservation educator. We are doing second interviews to fill that position here in the next, I think, coming up next week. And then also we received a resignation from our watershed coordinator, Mitch McCarthy. So his last day with the county will be September 11th. And we'll have more to share as we work to fill that position as well. Couple of just staffing updates. Also attached to Granicus was the fall edition of the Sauk County Steward, which is our department's newsletter, which comes out twice a year, once in the spring, once in the fall. We like to share just updates on various projects, such as the Sauk County Farm, and our cost share programs and whatnot, so check it out, and we'll do our best That's something that I think the department enjoys putting together because it's a great opportunity to showcase the county and to showcase the work that's getting done. And then the last communication I have is that we were awarded a $320,000 transportation alternatives program grant for the Great Sauk State Trail for the North Freedom to Rock Springs segment. So as we're working right now to connect the trail from where it currently terminates in the town of Merrimack up to Devil's Lake and around and then up to Baraboo, We were just awarded this DOT grant. We found out this week, or last week, that we were successful in our grant application, so you'll be seeing a resolution coming through here in the next meeting or so to accept that money, and that allows us to do the planning for that trail link basically going west from Baraboo to Rock Springs, so we're very excited about that. I will that's what I have for communications today.

Thank you Yeah, we have vouchers this meeting in the amount of forty eight thousand twenty five dollars and sixty seven cents and

A couple of items to note, there were some cost sharing agreements there that we're looking for your approval on, as well as I believe there were some payments for our comprehensive plan as that continues through its process. So I would ask for your support on that.

Can I just ask a question?

For the cost share at the bottom, what was that exactly for? I'm just curious.

Let me think once. Do you know, Becky? Go ahead, Becky.

That was for a closure of a manure pit.

I'm sorry. Manure storage. Manure storage. Okay, perfect. Thank you.

Thank you for that.

Move to approve the vouchers.

Motion by Pelton.

I'll second.

And by Greenwood to approve the vouchers for the amount of $48,025.60. Seeing none, all those in favor of approving the voucher, take a five by saying aye. Aye. All opposed? Approve. 6B, resolution to authorize participation in the county conservation aid grant program.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. This is our annual request for your support. We apply for these conservation aid funds through the DNR. It's a matching grant, and we do build that match into our budget, and we've used these dollars for any number of projects over the years. I'm trying to think. The most recent one, I believe, was the North End Pier on Lake Redstone that we replaced. So we look forward and would ask for your support of this resolution.

What kind of habitat enhancement are you doing?

It really, it's written in there to give us as much flexibility as possible. This is a grant that we share between both Parks and Recreation and Land Conservation. So we try to alternate year by year, sometimes focus on parks, sometimes focus on land conservation. So it could be for assistance on the land conservation side. Or it could also be for our county properties as well if we want to do something at the Sauk County Farm or any of our other properties.

You don't have anything designated right now specifically?

No, it's really to give us the most flexibility when we apply for these. How much is it? It's $2,490, I believe. All right. I'm sorry, $2,245. There, now I got it, yep. All right, motion to approve. Second.

We've got a motion by Pepper, a second by Putnamer. Approve a resolution to authorize participation in the county conservation aid grant program.

Any questions or discussion on the motion?

All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed, same sign. 6C, Sauk County Zoning for the Chapter 7 Comprehensive Rewrite Overview.

Thank you. I'm going to turn this over to Cassandra for a brief review and kind of an update of where we're in process. Before I do that, though, just know that we are on track. We've gotten through our review with the TOLUS, which is our outside legal help, along with our Corporation Counsel's Office. You will be seeing that come to public hearing at our next meeting on September 10th with the goal of getting this to the county board at the September county board meeting. So there's been a lot of effort and I don't wanna steal any of Cassandra's thunder, but just to let you know that we have removed the scenic corridor language per your direction from a few meetings ago. So that has basically been taken out of this comprehensive rewrite just so that you know. But otherwise I'll turn it over to Cassandra.

So this update is just to keep everything on your radar. The fully reviewed and updated draft is available on the website as well as been emailed out to all the towns and is available to the public. Along with that finished draft that anyone can review, we've updated the memo to also reflect that. We also did a full summary update video. It's about like 35, 40 minutes long. But if you just want to watch the video for a summary of the update, you can do that. It's also publicly available as well as all our other videos. And they're all linked on this memo, which is also publicly available. You'll also see that we added in a summary of the public engagement we've been doing over the past year For both yourselves and the public if they have any questions But otherwise we will just be taking any additional comments or questions as they come in and like Tim said The public hearing will be September 10th Any questions?

I just have one question about the accessory dwelling. I remember there's some language about dependency and such, so does it have to be somebody who's dependent on that household, or is it just you can have a friend live in that accessory dwelling?

So the dependency living arrangement language is in our current ordinance, but that's been removed in the new proposed, so it's just general accessory dwelling, anyone you would like to say. That's what I wanted to confirm. Okay, perfect, thank you.

That's correct

Yeah, and for that conservation tour on the 16th, we'll just meet in the parking lot downstairs. So we'll have a vehicle ready, and we'll plan to go as a group right away at 9 a.m. So we'll see you down there for that, and hopefully you have good weather.

Yeah, if you're going to be late or can't make it, just send me a text or something. What time is that?

Oh, 9 a.m. 9 a.m., yeah, 9 a.m. Normal time in the basement, huh?

So that second meeting in September is on Wednesday instead of Tuesday.

Correct. That's to adjust for the Wisconsin counties conference. OK. Yeah, so a little thank you for pointing that out. Becky had to remind me of that just the other day. So yes, we're off our usual Tuesday for that one.

All right, well, we've got a two-minute break.

So the next LRE meeting is on the 8th? 10th. 10th? 10th. All right. So we're moving it from the 8th to the 10th? No. No.

That's our normal meeting.

22nd to the 23rd. Oh, 27th to the 23rd. All right.

Is that the 23rd, same day we have the open house, right? Correct.

Like that here? It's in the library.

Library. That's where the trail is. It's on the trail, but it's the open house for the race.

And that's at the library, right? Yeah.

Okay.

There is no meeting on the 8th, then.

The 10th is our normal Thursday.

That's the same day as the meeting.

It is 9.15. I'm calling to order the public hearing portion of the Sauk County Land Resources Environmental meeting. 9 o'clock, or 9.15, sorry. I'm going to introduce myself. I'm Peter Kinsman. I'm chair of Land Resources Section District 5. If the rest of the committee could introduce themselves along with staff.

BRIAN PEPPER, VICE CHAIR, REPRESENTING SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 25.

SCOTT ALEXANDER, REPRESENTING THE 27th DISTRICT IN SAW COUNTY. JEFF SEDERSTROM, DISTRICT 19, CITY OF BARABOO.

BERNADETTE GREENWOOD, REPRESENTING DISTRICT 21.

BRACK PELTON, DISTRICT 3.

RANDY PUTCOMMER, CITIZEN COMMITTEE MEMBER FOR CONSERVATION PURPOSES.

Becky Meyer, Land Resources and Environment staff.

Tim Cabot, Land Resources and Environment staff.

Amber Ryan, LRE staff.

Thank you, I'll now go through to ask questions of staff based upon the information that is provided. The applicant will then be allowed to give testimony, then the town will be allowed to give testimony, then those willing to speak in favor of the request, those wishing to speak in opposition to the request, then those wishing to appear as interested parties may appear. Then I will ask three times if anyone else wishes to speak on the matter. Speaking from the audience is not allowed because we must identify those speaking on the recording equipment. There are registration slips on the side table, and those wishing to speak must sign a registration slip and present it to staff. Please limit your speaking time to three to five minutes. Once all those wishing to speak have done so, the chair will close the public portion of the recording of the request that the committee will go into deliberation. Once the committee makes its decision, it will go immediately onto the next case. Would the staff please read the notice for Petition CURC-26-E?

Please take notice that the Land Resources and Extension Committee of the Sauk County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on August 25th, 2026 at 9.15 a.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard in the county boardroom at the Sauk County West Square Building in the city of Baraboo to consider petition CURZ-26-8, a petition from Otter Creek Barn LLC to consider a conditional use permit pursuant to statute 7.0 3 1 parent to parent e for an eating establishment with alcohol liquor or malt beverages and statute 7.0 3 5 parent 3 parent e for a recreational facility outdoor. Lands affected by the proposed conditional uses are located in part of the southwest quarter, northeast quarter, and southeast quarter, northwest quarter of section 15, town 10 north, range 6 east, town of Sumter, Sauk County, tax parcel identification number 034-0170-0500.

Please consider a request from Melissa and Dan Ziegler, agents for Otter Creek Barn LLC, hereafter referred to as the applicant requesting conditional use of permit for an eating establishment with alcohol, liquor, malt beverages pursuant to S.7.031, parent 2, parent E, and for recreational facility outdoor pursuant to S.7.035, parent three, parent E, of the Sauk County Zoning Ordinance. The applicant and property owner has owned the property since 2025 according to Sauk County records. The applicant previously applied for and was granted a rezone to recreation commercial zoning. They're looking to operate a wedding and event space in a former dairy barn on the property. The current zoning is recreation commercial. The zoning will remain the same. Relevant plans include the Town of Sumter Comprehensive Plan and the Sauk County Comprehensive Plan. The surrounding area is characterized primarily by agriculture and recreation commercial. And I'm gonna jump through some of these just so they're not too repetitive. So the standards and criteria for conditional use. The establishment, maintenance, and operation of the proposed use may not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, or general welfare of the occupants of surrounding lands. The findings were the owner operator will be onsite during all events to address any concerns. They will be available to guests during the week as needed. They will take care of the cleaning and maintenance of the building and property. A parking lot will be created to provide necessary off-street parking for guests. They plan to install a vegetative buffer to shield the new parking lot from adjacent landowners. B, the use will be designed, constructed, and operated and maintained so as to be compatible and be appropriate in appearance with the existing or intended character of the general vicinity and that such use may not change the essential character of the area by substantially impairing or diminishing the use, value, or enjoyment of existing or future permitted uses in the area. Staff findings, the existing structure, both interior and exterior, will be modified to accommodate for the new use as a wedding venue. A vegetative buffer will be installed to shield new parking lot from adjacent landowners and to limit any visual impacts. The proposed use does not appear to diminish the character of the surrounding lands as this property is adjacent to another permitted wedding event facility to the north. The overall secluded nature of the property should not greatly impact the character of the general vicinity or future permitted uses in the area. The property owner and operator will maintain the property and be available to the guests during the events. In reviewing the conditional use, the agency shall consider the following 7.156 , A, the erosion control potential of the site based on topography, drainage, slope, soil type, and vegetative cover, and mitigation of erosion potential. Staff findings, the majority of the site is vegetated and developed and the proposed disturbance area is located in a crop field that is regularly disturbed. The erosion potential of the site is relatively low as there are minimal slopes in the area to be developed for a parking lot. An engineered erosion control plan will be required to mitigate any potential runoff that does occur. A land use permit will be required under the Sauk County Erosion Control and Stormwater Management Ordinance. B, the prevention and control of water pollution including sedimentation and the potential impacts on floodplains and wetlands. Staff findings, the west side of the property has mapped floodplains and wetlands associated with Otter Creek. The existing barn is located 300 feet east of Otter Creek. The topography between the venue and these features is low sloped and well vegetated. The new parking lot area will be located on the east side of the existing barn and will have a limited impact on the floodplain and wetland. wetlands in the area. An engineered erosion control plan will be required to mitigate any potential runoff that does occur. The land use permit will be required under the Sauk County Erosion Control and Stormwater Management Ordinance. See whether the site has adequate utilities including, if necessary, acceptable disposal systems, staff findings. The property owner is working with a licensed plumber and DSPS to install a code-compliant septic system on the property. They will apply for permits as deemed necessary. The site has power and uses a shared wall with the Abbey at Otter Creek across the street. D and E, whether the site has access to roads and highways and has suitable ingress and egress. The staff findings, the property has existing access to Yankee Drive, which appears to be adequate. F, whether the site is designed to minimize traffic congestion and potential effects on traffic flow, staff findings. The applicant has provided a proposed parking plan with space for 165 parking stalls. The proposed parking area and number of stalls meets the requirements of Subchapter 6, parking and loading of the Sauk County Ordinance. In reviewing, the agency shall consider the following secondary standards for SDOT 7.035 Recreation Facility Outdoor. One, proposed lighting installation shall integrate every reasonable effort to mitigate the effects of lighting on surrounding properties. Staff findings, the applicant states that they will meet the provisions of this ordinance to mitigate the effect of light on neighboring properties. Two, hours of operation, including hours of night lighting, shall be specified as a condition of the condition of use. Staff findings, the applicant states they wish to operate from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. for events. Plan Commission Town Recommendation. On August 10th, 2026, the Town of Sumter Plan Commission met and forwarded a recommendation to the Town Board. On August 10th, 2026, the Town of Sumter Town Board met and recommended approval as provided in Exhibit D. Land Resources and Environment Staff Recommendation. Based on the information provided and the analysis of S.7.151, Parent 5, and Parent 6, and S.7.053, the Sauk County Zoning Ordinance, staff submits that the application meets the standards and requirements for a conditional use permit to be approved. The department recommends approval of this application. Should the Land Resources and Extension Committee choose to approve the conditional use permit, staff would recommend that the following conditions be considered. General conditions that apply to all conditional use is approved per S.7.153.5. A, the establishment, maintenance, or operation of the proposed use may not be detrimental to or endanger the public health. safety, or general welfare of the occupants of surrounding lands. B, the use will be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained as so to be compatible and appropriate in appearance with the existing or intended character of the general vicinity, and that such may not change the central character of the area by substantially impairing, diminishing the use value, or enjoyment. Recommended conditions that apply to Petition CURZ-26-8. C, a conditional use shall be established and constructed in accordance with the plan's specification and information provided as part of the record to the Land Resource and Extension Committee on August 25th, 2026. D, the property owner shall apply and be issued a land use permit by the department pursuant to Sauk County Code 7.153 land use permit review and procedure standards. The land use permit is required to initiate the change in use to begin operation after all other conditions have been satisfied. E, the property owner shall apply for a land use permit for any new structures built upon or otherwise placed on the property. Any new additions or changes in plans must be submitted to the Sauk County LRE for review and approval prior to construction. F, the property owner shall work with a licensed plumber and DSPS to permit and install a code-compliant septic system. G, the property owner shall include stormwater and erosion control plans in their land use permit from Sauk County LRE pursuant to the Sauk County Erosion Control and Stormwater Management Ordinance. H, a vegetative buffer shall be installed to meet all standards listed in S.70.042 of the Sauk County Ordinance. I, the all-weather driveway and parking spaces shall be maintained as needed. No parking shall be permitted on the town of Sumter Road. J, the hours of operation for the event space shall be from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. K, the lighting shall be installed to mitigate the effects of light pollution on surrounding properties. L, all permits required by the Town of Sumter, Sauk County Environmental Health Department, and State of Wisconsin shall be provided to Sauk County LRE staff upon request. Permits required by Sauk County Environmental Health shall be provided to the Sauk County LRE prior to the land use permit being issued for the change in use to begin operation. Failure to comply with the standards and conditions of this conditional use permit may result in revocation of said permit and other order for removal of any structures or discontinuance of any thereby permitted by the conditional use permit by the Land Resources and Environment Committee of the Sauk County Board of Supervisors. And if a conditional use is not initiated by securing a land use permit within 365 days of approval, the conditional use is considered void unless an extension is requested and granted by the zoning administrator prior to the original expiration date. Should the use or activity cease for 365 days or more after first being established on the property, the use will be deemed to have been terminated. The committee, based on the findings of fact and conclusion of law subject to the staff analysis and the conditions noted herein, staff recommend approval of this application.

I just have one question. I always have a question, I guess. So it's for a wedding venue. So my question is, if you wanted to have a meeting, it's not a wedding, is that acceptable with this conditional use permit? Like if you just had a group of people that wanted to get together for a meeting?

Yes.

That's right, because we talk about wedding venue and the bride and groom, but I'm assuming it's because it's for an establishment, an evening establishment, like where it's for all. Yes. Okay, thank you.

Any other questions? Thank you. Would the applicant, Dan or Missy Ziegler, please come up? Please state your name and address.

Good morning. Dan Ziegler, S7767, Stones Pocket Road, North Freedom. All right. I had to type something out, because otherwise I would just stumble over words.

I'm sorry.

My name is Dan Ziegler. I would propose use for the for the retired dairy barn located on Yankee Drive. Our vision is to create a seasonal indoor space with seating for 300 to 350 people. It would include a private bar, service areas, catering and other service areas, indoor men's and women's bathrooms. We also intend to create an outdoor event area that could be used for additional space during indoor events as well as for outdoor weddings. The proposed building holds specific sentiment value with myself and my family. In the 1950s, a small group of Cistercian nuns originating from Switzerland built milk cows in the retired dairy barn, or milk cows in the dairy barn. Um, in 1978, my parents moved from Dane County to Yankee drive where they rented the farm farmland and began their dairy herd there. They raised me and my four sisters there until 1984 when they purchased the farm where my wife, Missy and I currently operate along with our two sons, Marty and Mitch, and sometimes with the occasional help from our daughter Allie, when she's home from college or national guard. Our family continued to rent the monastery farmland until 2024 when we purchased it after the Sisters of Valley of Our Lady decided to move and sell the property. Missy and I wanted to take the necessary measures to preserve some of my family's history and the legacy of the property as this barn also was one of the largest at the time in South County when it was built. As our sons plan to prepare and take over the family dairy, this would be an opportunity for us to diversify the farm. As all of you know, agriculture is facing many economic difficulties. We see this as a way for us to include our children into the family farm without the need for a larger farm expansion. Family farms that once dotted the countryside are now few and far between as there are only two dairy farms left in the township of Sumter, us being one of them. We have discussed the proposal with our township and we've gotten their approval. We have gone through the process of creating an engineered parking plan with consideration to the surrounding watershed, a vegetated buffer, and a suitable access to the roads. We have talked about the awareness of good things that we'll bring to the community with economic benefits and creating jobs, the money staying local, and the tax revenue, just to name a few. The social and cultural benefits of having a new gathering place gives people a reason to meet within a historical atmosphere and a rural background. It would bring lots of positive energy to a building that has been kept silent and should be restored and remembered. It would also build partnerships with other local businesses to help each other grow and stay strong. Between the restaurants, caterers, meat markets, flower shops, wineries and photographers are just a few examples to build upon. We also have a good connection with the Abbey at the Otter Creek as to be working together and not competition with one another. Between lodging and amenities the Abbey has to offer combined with our proposed space would be complimentary to each other and the community. Thank you.

We have a representative for the town of Sumter, Tim Covey.

Tim Colby, Town of Sumter Chair, E10-913 Growth Road in North Freedom. In considering this conditional use permit, we used our comp plan and the plan commission voted 5-0. The town board voted three to zero. And considering effects on neighborhood, I think the number one thing was the 10 to 11, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. timeline. It seems that weddings nowadays don't last like they used to. They used to go till one in the morning. Now everything's kind of moved up since hardly anybody milks cows anymore. They don't have to go home and milk. The Highway 12 and Highway C intersection had a safety project done a number of years ago, and it's turning out real well. That will be the main entryway to get to the venue, was US 12 to the new intersection to Old Bluff Trail. Old Bluff Trail is our number one road in our township. We only have 23 miles of roads. Since what happened when Badger came in, that really limited that. So Old Bluff is our number one and it's always our best maintained road that we have. I think that's really all I have. It's been a joy to work on something positive. So, thanks.

Any questions for the town rep? All right, thank you very much. All right, I have two people wishing to register in favor. Mary Ann Marks of 7746 Panama Road, Sauk City, Wisconsin. I can't wait, sorry. And Marion, David Marks and Marianne Marks, same address, both registering in favor. Do we have any, no more slips? Seeing no more slips, are there any additional people that wish to make public comment on this conditional use permit? Any additional public comment? Any additional public comment? Public comment is closed. Does the committee have any additional questions for staff for the applicant?

I didn't hear, maybe because I wasn't paying attention close enough, but does it meet ADA requirements?

I'd refer to the applicant on that question.

It'll meet ADA requirements? Yes. Any other questions?

I move to approve.

Could you frame it in the resolution?

We have the resolution. I move to approve resolution CURZ-26-8 to authorize Oh, I see. With the conditions set forth by staff based upon the findings of the fact and conclusions of law subject to the staff analysis and recommend conditions as noted within the staff report.

Second.

A motion by Supervisor Greenland, seconded by Supervisor Pepper. Any questions, discussion on the motion?

Seeing none.

Before you have the motion for petition CURZ-26-8, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed, same sign. Motion passes. Thank you. Good luck to you.

Have fun.

I move to adjourn. Now we can go up to the UW campus and see what the hell thing a shit show that's turned out to be.

I would imagine.

I forgot to bring my gun for self-defense. Who was the one that decided to have this meeting at the campus?

Thank you.