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TOWN OF ROCHESTER Link to Town Board Meetings
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Link to Town Board Meetings |
August 6, 2007 PLANNING COMMISSION 6:30 p.m.
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. with Paul Beere, Bob Willard, Maureen Eckert, Brian Wanasek and Chris Johnson present.
Betty Novy, Secretary, was also present.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes. Bob Willard moved, 2nd by Maureen Eckert to approve minutes of the July 2, 2007 meeting. Motion carried.
Gravel Pit Permit Renewal Application Racine County Public Works: Academy Road
Dennis Orlando and Pat Nolan addressed the Commission. Dennis presented an updated operations plan for the gravel pit and an exhibit which identified different operational phases of the pit. Phase one had been filled with two to three feet of topsoil; Phase 2 was under restoration with two to three feet of topsoil expected by Fall of 2008; Phase 3 is expected to be restored by Fall of 2010. Restoration will progress in each phase area from south to north. 8.9 acres are currently being mined, used for storage and/or loading of trucks. Gravel is sometimes mixed with recycled asphalt on site for use in shouldering projects. Operations occur primarily May through October. A berm is present on the north end of the gravel pit and “No Trespassing” signs are posted around the entire disturbed area. The access gate is also locked every night. Whenever complaints are received about trespassing, a special attention request is put into the Sheriff’s Department. All slopes will be restored to a minimum 3:1 slope. Slopes will be adjusted to match the existing grade on all sides as each area is restored. The County does not intend to mine into the water table. Each area will be restored as they accumulate enough good topsoil. They plan to continue mining for many years as there is still much more material in the land. Mining and restoration will progress from east to west. The west end of the parcel terminates at least 500 feet east of Heritage Road.
Bob Willard moved, 2nd by Chris Johnson to recommend renewal of the gravel pit permit for Racine County Public Works. Motion carried.
Application for variance to construct a 19.75’ high, 60’ x 96’ pole barn at 2527 Beck Drive; Variance request is to exceed the 17’ building height limit, exceed the number of accessory structures allowed on the premises, and expand an existing nonconforming agricultural use. Owner/ Applicant: Gary & Amy Beck Location: 2527 Beck Drive/ Tax Key No. 014031901017000; 27 acres
Gary Beck addressed the Commission. Gary explained this variance is necessary due to residential zoning of his farm. The farm has been in continuous operation since before it was zoned residentially. Agricultural use is “grandfathered” or a legal non-conforming use in this instance. He recently lost use of alternative storage space for farming equipment. Construction of the pole barn will allow his farm machinery to be kept inside and out of public view. The proposed pole barn will be shorter than the existing barn and will be blocked from view from most neighbors because of this. Gary reported on contact with his neighbors. No objections to the pole barn were stated. It was noted multiple buildings are necessary for successful farming operations. Construction of the pole barn will allow the applicant to continue farming at this location.
Brian moved, 2nd by Maureen to recommend granting the variance request to exceed the 17’ building height limit, exceed the number of accessory structures allowed on the premises, and expand an existing nonconforming agricultural use. Motion carried.
Application for conditional use to operate a therapeutic riding center to improve quality of life for children/ adults with disabilities through the use of equine assisted activities. Owner: Curtis & Jennifer Pape/ Applicant: Willow Creek Ranch, Inc. Location: 2623 Maple Road/ Tax Key No. 014031904002010; 5 acres
Jennifer Pape and Hally Arzola addressed the Commission. The therapeutic riding center is proposed as a seasonal program, possibly starting in October. The center will be operated as a non-profit corporation with a minimal charge for participation. Donations will be solicited from the community. Volunteers will be utilized to assist patients on the horses. The center and instructors will comply with North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) policies and procedures.
There are thirteen centers of this type in the State of Wisconsin. The closest is located on Hwy. 20 and Britton Road. There are 137 children on the waiting list for this facility. Equine assisted therapy has been successful in treating patients with autism, traumatic brain injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, etc. It is not known exactly why it works, but patients appear to respond to rhythmic movements of the horse. These movements facilitate visual orientation, attention and focus. Patients can experience increased body awareness, trunk stability, postural alignment, balance responses and midline orientation.
The facility would service a maximum of three patients at a time, with two to three volunteers assisting each patient. It is required that therapy take place within an enclosed or fenced riding arena. There will be one indoor and one outdoor arena.
It was noted that Racine County expressed concern about the ability for the Papes’ septic system to handle use of the property this way. Chris Johnson suggested use of a handicap accessible port-a-pottie from Pat’s Sanitary for seasonal operations. Based on success of the facility, an increased septic field may be required to service installation of a handicapped accessible restroom in the Papes’ home in the future.
Hours of operation were discussed. Beginning hours will be 9:00 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, with weekday hours considered between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. at some point in the future. Jennifer indicated she talked to her neighbors about operating the facility. There were no objections.
Maureen Eckert moved, 2nd by Bob Willard to recommend approval of a conditional use permit application to operate a therapeutic riding center to improve quality of life for children/ adults with disabilities through the use of equine assisted activities at 2623 Maple Road with the following conditions:
Motion carried.
Other business. Due to the Labor Day holiday, the September meeting was rescheduled to Tuesday, September 4, 2007 at 6:30 p.m.
Bob Willard moved, 2nd by Brian Wanasek to adjourn at 7:21 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty J. Novy, CMC Clerk-Treasurer |