Village of Holmen

Board Proceedings

June 23, 2005

 

President Chapman called the special meeting of the Holmen Village Board to order at 7:00 PM on June 23, 2005 at the Holmen Village Hall.  All members were present, except Hauser and Anderson who were excused. Also present was Village Administrator Catherine Schmit, Chief of Police Mike McHugh, Director of Public Works Robert Haines and developer Robert Thorud.

 

President Chapman turned the floor over to DPW Haines to address 12 specific issues raised in a written document (attached) that had been forwarded to the Village Board by resident Claudia Schneller. Issues included green space requirements, plat requirements, traffic flow and sidewalks. DPW Haines reported that the Village does have a green space requirement and that the developer is meeting that requirement by making a cash payment to the park development fund in lieu of land dedication as is allowed per Village ordinance. The Village had determined that no additional park space was required within the immediate area of the new development since two parks currently exist within a few blocks of the new development. Haines also reported that a new retention pond is being installed to handle storm water and that the existing pump house would remain. Haines informed those present that the highway buffer zone overlays the subdivision lots adjacent to the highway and that the property owners do have the right to improve the property in any way they wish. They are only restricted from placing a structure in the buffer zone area. Haines assured those present that all lots on the proposed subdivision plat meet Village size specifications, as do the streets, sidewalks, grade, drainage, etc. as reviewed by the Village prior to plat approval. Haines also assured those present that the existing sewer system could easily handle any additional demands placed on it by the subdivision. Haines reported that Viking Avenue is currently in the process of being resurfaced and traffic flow and speeds are not expected to be an issue associated with the new development as access to Sand Lake Road is provided in the development. Police Chief McHugh stated that all traffic is closely monitored by the department during all stages of development.  Haines also reported that upon inspection, there are not any sightline issues along Viking Avenue given the posted speed limit of 25 mph. Parking on the street near Viking Park will be evaluated. Haines stated that there may be additional traffic at the Hwy 35 and Hale Drive intersection however, any impact would be minimal. In addition, because Hwy 35 is a County roadway, the County would be responsible for addressing traffic control issues at the intersection. Haines also reported that sidewalks in Hale Acres would not presently connect to any sidewalks outside the subdivision.

 

President Chapman then opened the floor to address questions and concerns of those Village residents present. Mr. Dan Hammes asked whether sidewalks in the Hale Acres subdivision would be required and, if so, on which side of the street they would be installed. President Chapman responded that per Village ordinance the developer is required to install sidewalks on both sides of the street in a new subdivision. Mr. Hammes also questioned what would be allowed within the easement area of the overhead power lines along the northern boundary of the subdivision. Administrator Schmit stated that she had contacted the power company and they ask that property owners contact them directly to obtain information regarding what may be permitted within the easement area. President Chapman confirmed that the power lines were not going to be relocated. Mr. Hammes also expressed concern as to the amount of vibration the heavy equipment is causing when working near his home.

 

Mr. Ted Reorkohl asked that since there are no sidewalks in the adjacent Ponderosa Estates subdivision, the Village consider marking a pedestrian walkway along the edge of the streets.

 

Mr. Greg Christen of Christen Nursery expressed a concern that some of his large trees may overhang the adjacent property located in the Hale Acres subdivision. President Chapman stated that should it be a concern to the new adjacent property owner, Mr. Christen would need to deal directly with them

Board Proceedings

June 23, 2005

Page 2

 

in resolving any issue. Mr. Christen also expressed concern as to the grade of the adjacent development property and whether it may cause drainage issues on his property. Mr. Thorud arranged to meet with Mr. Christen at the property location the following day to resolve any concerns.

 

Ms. Claudia Schneller asked for clarification of the highway buffer zone, what would be allowed in that area and whether the developer was planning to install a berm along the highway as a sightline and noise buffer. Mr. Haines stated that the property owner can landscape and improve the buffer area if they wish, however no structure can be placed within that area. Mr. Thorud stated that he has no plan to install a berm along the highway buffer zone and is confident that the appearance of the subdivision from the highway will be acceptable. Ms. Schneller also stated that she did not feel that the Village development approval process and communication with Village residents adjacent to the development property was adequate. Trustee Proctor informed those present that all subdivision reviews follow a process of several monthly meetings that are all advertised, published, posted and open to all public attendance. As representatives of the Village residents, all Board members encourage public attendance and participation at Village Committee and Board meetings. There being no further questions or comments, President Chapman closed the floor to further discussion.

 

Motion by Proctor, seconded by Seitz to approve the Hale Acres Final Plat. President Chapman stated that the plat was unanimously recommended for approval by the Planning Commission. Carried unanimously.

 

Motion by Seitz, seconded by Allers to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 PM. Carried unanimously.

 

 

 

Catherine J. Schmit

Village Administrator/Clerk