Town of Germantown

Planning Commission Meeting

MINUTES

Town of Germantown Town Hall
N7560 17th Avenue
New Lisbon, WI 53950
October 13, 2021
6:30 p.m.

Present: Commission Chair Shannon Armel, Commissioners Keith Korbein, Gervase Thompson, Zoning Administrator Dick Martin, Mick McCormick, Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Michaele Korbein

Absent:  Commissioner Mick McCormick

Guests:  Brad Pavloski, Dorothy Ryan

Call to Order

Planning Commission meeting was called to order at the Germantown Town Hall at 6 pm.

Possible approval of meeting minutes.

Keith Korbein made a motion, seconded by Gervase Thompson, to approve the minutes from the September 23, 2021 Planning Commission Public Hearing and the September 23, 2021 Planning Commission meeting.  Motion passed 4-0.

Update and discussion on PUD list from the Pavloski’s

The list was reviewed and discussed as presented for status, remaining lots to be developed of what was approved, and expected completion dates. Additional notes not shown on the list include:  Sandpoint plat to be done after 1^st of new year; Bear Paw will have a revision coming of more land; and Island Lake they are still fighting the weather for grading.

Work session, discussion, and possible approval of Camping ordinance and camping fees from fee schedule.

Keith Korbein and Ken Jax went to Wisconsin Towns Association convention October 11 & 12 and reported on a legal cracker barrel discussion on camping ordinances.  Carol Nawrocki, an attorney from the Wisconsin Towns Association, told them there is nothing in Wisconsin State Statute that allows municipalities to regulate camping -it is not enforceable. Campgrounds are regulated separately; more than 2 campers is a campground.

So, the next step is to get a set of questions together to follow up with her on, such as:

-In where/what document in law does it say you cannot regulate camping?

-The camping ordinance was enacted to help avoid sanitation issues. Why can’t it be regulated based on sewage and public health and safety? 

-But yet you can have an ordinance to maintain public safety?

-Can and how this can be regulated through the Zoning Ordinance?

-Can Counties regulate camping?

-We do have village powers here -is there something that would allow us to regulate under that?

-Can you have “No Campers” at all in the Zoning Ordinance, but allow them via a conditional use permit?

-Shannon will call/email questions to Carol Nawrocki.

-Gervase will do research and check state rules in the statutes.

-The rest of the camping ordinance is on hold, pending what is found and brought back to the next meeting.

Adjourn.

Next meeting will be November 10, 2021 at 5:30pm.

Keith Korbein made a motion to adjourn  at 6:14 pm, seconded by Gervase Thompson.  Motion passed 4-0.

Meeting adjourned at 6:33pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Michaele Korbein

Deputy Clerk/Treasurer