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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-27-2014 Community Development Minutes MINUTES COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE March 27, 2014 6:00 PM Room 1281 Government Center 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, Wisconsin CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Attendee Name Organization Title Status Arrived Susan Gausman St. Croix County FSA Representative Excused Travis Schachtner St. Croix County Secretary Absent Agnes Ring St. Croix County Chair Present Richard Ottino St. Croix County Supervisor Absent Andy Brinkman St. Croix County Vice Chair Present Duane Russett St. Croix County Supervisor Present OTHERS PRESENT: Community Development Director Ellen Denzer, UW-Extension Family Living Agent Joan Sprain, UW-Extension Vista Erica Timmers Mabis and Recording Secretary Monica Lucht. GUESTS PRESENT: Benny and Susan Heuiser APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. February 27, 2014 6:00 PM The minutes of February 27, 2014 were accepted as distributed. RESULT: ACCEPTED PUBLIC COMMENT* None BUSINESS ITEMS 1. Resolution of Commitment and Support for Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) 2014-2018 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Award Cycle to Develop a County-Wide Comprehensive Bike and Pedestrian Plan Motion by Brinkman, 2nd by Russett recommending County Board approval of the Resolution Supporting WisDOT TAP application. Discussion. Denzer summarized that there is significant interest from communities in planning for a bicycle and pedestrian route and that an update to the Bike and Pedestrian Plan and the County's Bicycle Transportation Plan is needed. Community Development has been invited by WisDOT to enter the second round of the application process. It is a very competitive application and is only available every four years. Denzer explained the application and scope of work will include both transportation and recreational biking and pedestrian usage, and believes this resolution encompasses that. The application will be for $150,000. This will create a lot more flexibility and opportunities, and given the fact that the County will have the Loop Trail, which attaches the county to the urban area of Stillwater, chances are much greater in receiving the grant. Susan Heuiser, from the Bike and Pedestrian Trail coalition spoke and said that the Village of North Hudson has signatures pages indicating their support of the TAP application. The coalition and citizens are excited over what the Loop Trail will bring to western Wisconsin. She has done a lot of research and is amazed how much economic development that bicycling brings to a community and encouraged the committee members to talk to fellow Board members on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Chair Ring asked if what is referenced in the resolution combines two plans. The St. Croix County Highway Department would like two separate plans and is concerned about the language combining the two plans. This may have to be discussed by the Transportation Committee as well. Denzer answered that the WisDOT was contacted, and their response was that two plans were not needed. The money is federal transportation dollars from the Federal Excise Tax and can be used for improvements in all areas of transportation and recreation. WisDOT contacts feel one plan provides a more cohesive and coordinated approach and will not limit funding. The committee agreed that a conversation would need to happen with the Transportation Committee prior to the resolution going to the County Board. Chair Ring asked for a vote on the original motion. Motion carried. RESULT: RECOMMENDED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Andy Brinkman, Vice Chair SECONDER: Duane Russett, Supervisor AYES: Agnes Ring, Andy Brinkman, Duane Russett ABSENT: Travis Schachtner, Richard Ottino EXCUSED: Susan Gausman ANNOUNCEMENTS & CORRESPONDENCE Denzer recognized UW-Extension Family Living Agent Joan Sprain, and UW-Extension Vista Erica Timmers Mabis for winning the Rosalie Powell Financial Management Award at the Joint Council of Extension Professionals state conference in La Crosse, Wisconsin. This award is given to a team who has developed an outstanding educational program on some aspect of family financial management. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m. DATE OF NEXT MEETING - MAY 1, 2014 AT 3:30 P.M. IN HUDSON Respectfully Submitted: Monica Lucht