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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2014 (46) Resolution No. 46 (2014) RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ST. CROIX COUNTY ST. 0 " "` Y'NTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO APPLY FOR A 2015 LAKES PLANNING GRANT 1 WHEREAS, Bass Lake and Perch Lake are important water resources used by the public 2 for recreation and enjoyment of natural beauty and are the two "Outstanding Water Resources" 3 in St. Croix County; and 4 5 WHEREAS, St. Croix County recognizes the need for responsible and long-range 6 planning to better manage their lakes, their watersheds, and their uses; and 7 8 WHEREAS, there is a grant available through the Department of Natural Resources to 9 update and develop lake management plans; and 10 11 WHEREAS, St. Croix County Community Development Department will serve as the 12 fiscal agent and administrator of the grant; and 13 14 WHEREAS, the Bass Lake Rehabilitation District and the Town of St. Joseph, along with 15 other supporting organizations will be responsible for the 33% financial commitment for the 16 Lake Planning grant. 17 18 THEREFORE, be it resolved that the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors authorizes 19 the Community Development Department to act on behalf of St. Croix County to submit an 20 application to the Department of Natural Resources for a$27,125.00 grant to update and develop 21 lake management plans for Bass Lake and Perch Lake. 22 23 FURTHER be it resolved that the Director of the Community Development Department, 24 is authorized to request $27,125.00 from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources under 25 the"Lake Management Grant Program,"to develop a Bass Lake Management plan update and 26 develop a new lake management plan for Perch Lake; and 27 28 FURTHER be it resolved that the Community Development Department shall comply 29 with state rules for programs, may perform force account work, and shall comply with 30 obligations under the grant. Legal—Fiscal—Administrative Approvals: Legal Note: None Fiscal Impact: There will be no additional out-of pocket costs for St. Croix County. The Community Development Department will contribute in-kind contributions for grant administration, financial administration and serving as fiscal agent. The 33% matching funds for the grant will come from the Bass Lake Rehabilitation District,the Town of St. Joseph,the Sportsmen's Alliance and the Friends of Perch Lake. Please see supporting resolutions. 6 Cott .a, Cox, C or or t o� 'ounseli 1 1/. /2014 T <ut a attsen, rin<uace I irector I I✓� 2014 Pa rick ` 6 np'son, COUnty (im—Inis /2014 11/20/14 Adopted 11/20/14 Community Development Committee APPROVED RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Daniel Hansen, Vice Chair SECONDER: Jill Ann Berke, Supervisor AYES: Ring, Berke, Hansen, Achterhof, Leibfried Vote Confirmation. Age e: Ding„ 'SUperviso° I 1/24/2014 St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Action: Roll Call -Vote Requirement— Majority of Supervisors Present ........ ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jill Ann Berke, Supervisor SECONDER: Christopher Babbitt, Supervisor AYES: Schachtner, Babbitt, Novotny, Sjoberg, Kilber, Nelson, Berke, Ostness, Larson, Hansen, Kiesler, Brinkman, Peterson, Anderson, Achterhof, Leibfried, Peavey EXCUSED: Agnes Ring, Stephen Nielsen This Resolution was Adopted by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors on December 2, 2014 Cindy Campbell, County Clerk LAKE PLANNING GRANT RESOLUTION RESOLUTION OF BASS LAKE REHABILITATION DISTRICT, St. Croix County, Wisconsin. WHEREAS, Bass Lake is an important resource used by the public for recreation and enjoyment of natural beauty and it is one of two "Outstanding Water Resources" is western Wisconsin; and WHEREAS, a study and examination of Bass Lake was conducted and published in 2009 entitled the "2009 Bass Lake Management Plan" which has led to a better understanding of its preservation and has promoted the public health, comfort, convenience, necessity, and public welfare; and WHEREAS, we recognize the need to examine our progress toward the goals established in the "2009 Bass Lake Management Plan" and ensure that we continue the holistic long-range planning to better manage the lake, its watershed, and its use; and WHEREAS, we are qualified to carry out our responsibilities of the planning project. IT IS THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT: BASS LAKE REHABILITATION DISTRICT will provide matching funds for the Department of Natural Resources "Lake Management Planning Grant" being sponsored by the St. Croix County Community Development Department; and HEREBY AUTHORIZES John Coughlin, Chair of the Bass Lake Rehabilitation District to: take the necessary action to provide matching funds of$2000.00 from the budget of the Bass Lake Rehabilitation District. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT BASS LAKE REHABILITATION DISTRICT will meet the obligations of the planning project including the prompt payment of our$2000.00 commitment to planning project costs. We understand the importance of a continuing program for Bass Lake and intend to proceed on that course. Adopted this 10th day of November, 2014. By a roll call vote of_5_in favor _0_against and_0_abstained. m By: John M. Coughlin Chair, Bass Lake Rehabilitation District November 12, 2014 To: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources RE: Lake Planning Grant—Bass Lake/Perch Lake, St. Croix County Dear Sir/Madam: Bass Lake and Perch Lake are in St. Croix County in the Town of St.Joseph. Both lakes have been designated as an "Outstanding Water Resource" by the DNR.These lakes are precious natural resources for St. Croix County. Additionally,the largest riparian owner on Perch Lake is St. Croix County. Homestead Parklands is a significant county resource that has Perch Lake as its focal point.The Sportsman's Alliance of St. Croix County has an interest in seeing this resource protected. The Sportsman's Alliance has supported the Bass Lake Rehabilitation District in the past as it developed and adopted its Lake Management Plan in 2009 and is now supportive of the updating of that plan. Additionally, we believe Perch Lake is in need of a Lake Management Plan, which it currently does not have. The Sportsman's Alliance, by unanimous vote,will support this effort with a financial commitment as matching funds in the amount of$500.00 for the Department of Natural Resources "Lake Management Planning Grant" being sponsored by St. Croix County Community Development Resource Management Department. I, Kyle Kulow, President of the Sportsman's Alliance, will take the necessary action to provide the$500.00 matching funds from the budget of the Sportsman's Alliance. The Sportsman's Alliance fully supports the St. Croix County's application for a Lake Management Grant for these two lakes. We recommend that the Department of Natural Resources consider favorably the application of the County for a DNR Lake Management Grant for Bass Lake and Perch Lake. Sincerely, Kyle Kulow President—Sportsman's Alliance November 18, 2014 To: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources RE: Lake Planning Grant—Bass Lake/Perch Lake Dear Sirs/Madams: The northern portion of Bass Lake is in the Town of Somerset.The lake is nearly fully developed yet has been designated as an "Outstanding Water Resource" by the DNR.This lake is a precious natural resource for the Town of Somerset.The Town has an interest in seeing this resource protected. The Town of Somerset fully supports the Bass Lake Rehabilitation District's Vision/Goal Statement found in its "2009 Bass Lake Management Plan". BASS LAKE REHABILITATION DISTRICT VISION/GOAL Bass Lake Rehabilitation District is a proactive force to improve and protect the environmental quality of Bass Lake and its immediate watershed and assure its use for recreational purposes for this and future generations while maintaining its designation as an "Outstanding Water Resource'. Its focus will be to monitor environmental conditions, diagnose threats and deficiencies, and conduct programs to eliminate threats,correct deficiencies and make desired lake quality improvements. BLRD residents will become model stewards of this precious resource. The Town of Somerset understands that St. Croix County Community Development Resource Management Department is applying for a combined Bass Lake and Perch Lake DNR Lake Planning Grant and that the Bass Lake Rehabilitation District,The Town of St.Joseph, the St. Croix County Sportsman's Alliance, and other entities are partnering in this regard. The Town of Somerset recommends that the Department of Natural Resources consider favorably the application of St. Croix County Community Development Resource Management Department for a DNR Lake Management Planning Grant. Sincerely, Ed Schachtner Town Chairman—Town of Somerset I Hudson Rod, Gun and Archery Club, Inc. Letterhead Date Marty Engel Senior Fisheries Biologist Baldwin Service Center 890 Spruce Street Baldwin, WI 54002 RE: Lake Planning Grant - Bass Lake/Perch Lake, St. Croix County Dear Marty: Bass Lake and Perch Lake are in St. Croix County in the Town of St. Joseph. Both lakes have been designated as an "Outstanding Water Resource" by the DNR. These lakes are precious natural resources for St. Croix County. They are valued by the members of this Club. The Club supports the updating of the plan for Bass Lake. Additionally, we believe Perch Lake is in need of a Lake Management Plan, which it currently does not have. We request that the Department of Natural Resources grant the application of St. Croix County for a DNR Lake Management Grant for Bass Lake and Perch Lake. Sincerely, Rick Persinger, President Agnes Ring Chairperson, Community Development Committee St Croix County Government Center 1101 Carmichael Road Hudson WI 54016 Subject: St. Croix County, River Way Mitigation Projects, Citizen Participation Plan Dear Agnes: Thank you for your time discussing the River Mitigation Project Plans in general and in particular the Ted & Renata Mackmiller Perch Lake public access proposal. We discussed many items and I wanted to put some of what we discussed in writing to share with the Committee, staff and to keep open the lines of communication during this project selection process. The current conditions at the unmanaged, unregulated public access on the south shore of the lake and along the Town of St. Joseph (TSJ) right of way are deplorable and unsustainable. The TSJ, through many different boards including time I spent on the Town Board have been unable and unwilling to put together a comprehensive resource management plan for this beautiful natural resource called Perch Lake. The existing parking lot, swimming area/public access, road right of way and boat landing have operated as an unsupervised, unregulated free for all for many, many years. Several generations of people, both local and some not so local have come to use and sometimes abuse the south end public access/swimming area/boat landing. As you know and as we discussed, the number and type of activities occurring at this location has continued to grow. In my opinion, the types of uses in order of frequency are, I.Swimming, 2.Floating, including inflatable devices and different types water craft, 3.Fishing, both shore fishing from the ROW and boat fishing, and in no particular order, picnicking, scuba diving, dog training, sun tanning, and just to party. When the County Park known as Homestead Parklands on Perch Lake was first proposed back in 1995-96, 1 believed and I think many people thought that the problem with an unregulated public access were solved. The beautiful beach, trails and facilities would become the managed public lake access area. In reality however, when given the choice between a paying a small fee to use the managed public resource or using the free, unmanaged, unregulated public access many people choose the later. There are many reasons why people make the choice they do in regards to accessing the lake either through the County Park or from the current Town public access/ROW. In my opinion the cost to use the County Park comes into play only in a very small number of situations. In my opinion there are two primary reasons that the Town public access/ROW gets significant public recreation use. I have no way to verify this information but I believe that ease of access is the main reason many people choose to access Perch Lake from the south end. It is easier not to pay a fee, and it is easier to park in the Town parking lot and walk a few hundred feet to the entry point. It is also more convenient if you are inclined to break the law and cause a disturbance in regards to alcohol consumption and loitering to do that in the unmanaged access location. The fact that the area is not managed and laws are not enforced and restrooms are not even provided consistently from year to year could lead users/abusers to believe that there is no problem with acting anyway they want. Unfortunately, there is a significant minority of users who do just that. Not only is the Town road less safe, the surrounding property owners and lake users are forced to be exposed to the offending activities but perhaps most important, the degradation of the water resource is significant. How will this situation change if the Ted and Renata MackmillIer project moves forward? That, I believe is the question which needs to be discussed and addressed before moving forward with this proposal. For anyone to think that Ted and Renata's beautiful lake front property minus their house and developed for boat access only will be any different than what exist now at the Town access without significant management changes is kidding themselves. That discussion needs be held. Not just in meeting rooms or among yourselves. The public and local residents need to be brought into the discussion and decision making process. Please open up this discussion. On a final note, as a resident, and a lake and park user, the issue of the private access/driveway known as 53 rd needs to be discussed. It is our driveway and my neighbors and I use it and pay upkeep, maintenance and taxes. I note that in the May presentation material for this project the listed limitations included (Removal of House, Road Safety, Handicapped Access, and (53rd street possible concerns). In subsequent presentation material provided to you the (53rd street possible concerns) point has been removed. What happened? What were the concerns and how have they been addressed? The residents do have concerns and we would like the opportunity to discuss them. Thank you for your consideration. Patrick Collins 1309 53rd/private access Hudson, WI cc: Community Development Committee Community Development Department LAKE PLANNING GRANT RESOLUTION RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF ST.JOSEPH, St. Croix County, Wisconsin. WHEREAS, Perch Lake and Bass Lake are important resources used by the public for recreation and enjoyment of natural beauty and they are both "Outstanding Water Resources" is western Wisconsin; and WHEREAS, a study and examination of Perch Lake and an update of the existing Bass Lake Management Plan will lead to a better understanding of its preservation and will promote the public health,comfort, convenience, necessity, and public welfare; and WHEREAS,we need to examine these two unique resources and ensure that we develop holistic long-range planning to better manage these lakes,their watershed, and their use and at the same time include this plan in the Town's Comprehensive Plan and Natural Resource Inventory Plan; and WHEREAS,we are qualified to carry out our responsibilities of the planning project. IT 15 THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT: THE TOWN OF ST. JOSEPH will provide matching funds for the Department of Natural Resources "Lake Management Planning Grant" being sponsored by the St. Croix County Community Development Department; and HEREBY AUTHORIZES Dan Gavin, Town Chair, to act on behalf of the TOWN OF T.JOSEPH to: take the necessary action to provide matching funds of$3000.00. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the TOWN OF ST. JOSEPH will meet the obligations of the planning project and meet the financial obligations under this grant including the prompt payment of our$3000.00 commitment to planning project costs. We understand the importance of a continuing program for Perch Lake and Bass Lake and intend to proceed on that course. Adopted this 131h day of November, 2014. By a roll call vote of in favor against abstained. B Chair,Town of St.Joseph