ARENA PLAN COMMISSION

JANUARY 3, 2005

PRESENT: Bob Murphy, Eric Drachenberg, Cheryl Schmidt, John Wright, Dave Lucey, Wayne Schutte, Mark Hottmann, Dee Swenson

OTHERS: Laurie Ziebarth, Barb Bodenstein, Terry Carney, John Halverson, Rod Anding, Brian & Shelly Anders, Phil Roberts, Steve Sawle, other township and nontownship persons

The meeting was called to order. Drachenberg moved to approve the minutes of the December 6 and December 13 meeting with the following amendment to the December 6 and December 13 minutes, “The Town of Arena will consider the adoption of a Planned Unit Development ordinance based on the Iowa County plan, tailoring the ordinance to the Town of Arena” ; Lucey seconded, motion passed.

1. Barb Bodenstein would like to rezone the commercial acreage she owns (3+ acres) off Helena Road to AR1, which adjoins the other AR1 acreage she owns. Schutte moved to approve the rezoning of this commercial acreage to AR1, Lucey seconded, motion passed.

2. Terry Carney would like to put a driveway on a parcel of land off Amacher Hollow Road and move a cottage onto the property. The cottage is 1028 square feet. Drachenberg moved to approve a driveway permit and building permit for Terry Carney contingent upon both the driveway permit and building permit meeting township standards, Schutte seconded, motion passed.

3. John Halverson presented a proposal for the land he owns with Vern along Hwy 14 and Coon Rock Road for those in attendance. The majority of the acreage is already zoned B3 (1982), 10 acres are zoned Ag. Halversons have proposed rezoning the total acreage to B2 with a conditional use for a mini-warehouse. A driveway on the west corner of the property, to be used jointly with John Rasmussen, has been allotted by the DOT. Concerns were expressed from those present about the additional traffic on Coon Rock Road and Hwy 14, infrastructure, devaluation of adjoining properties, changing rural landscape, commercial development adjoining the Village of Arena. Rod Anding reported when the B3 zoning was approved no driveway was to be allowed to Coon Rock Road. Halverson will table the matter until a later date.

4. Steve Sawle informed the group that financing was in place for the Equestrian Community. Sawles are ready to begin renovating the dairy barn. Sawle will be meeting with the Plan Commission Oversite Board on January 26, 2005. The Plan Commission discussed options for a Planned Unit Development Ordinance.

A special meeting will be held Monday, January 17, 2005 at 7:00pm to discuss Planned Unit Development with Amy Knox. The next regular meeting will be held Monday, February 7, 2005 at 7:00pm at the Town Hall. Swenson moved to adjourn, Schutte seconded, motion passed.