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September 26, 2006 Special Electors Meeting
Special Electors Meeting of September 26, 2006 Chairman Jeff Long called the meeting to order at 7:42 p.m. Also present were Supervisors Jay Christgau and David Schuenemann, Clerk/Treasurer Lois Smith and 124 signed guests. Town Zoning Issue: Chairman Long began by giving a brief history of the town zoning starting in 1960. At that time the Vilas County Zoning was not as restrictive as the town’s zoning and re-districting was tried in 1978 but failed. Now Vilas County Zoning has become very sophisticated. We use them for sanitary permits and other permits. Colleen Swanson explained the responsibilities of the zoning committee of April 2006. They compared the town zoning to county zoning. Taxpayer Diane Muir requests they explain what the differences are. Some of them were the permit fee, setback for buildings and establishment of new lots. The committee felt the town zoning should be upgraded or their recommendation would be to adopt the county zoning. Discussion ensued regarding condominiums being formed from the breakup of resorts. Chairman Long explained what the Smart Growth requirements would be and since we are 88% stated owned, is it still necessary to continue with town zoning when the county zoning is in place? It is up to the voters here tonight to make this determination. A hearing was held in July 2006, but was not well attended, so therefore the reason for this special meeting. Discussions ensued on pier regulations, sign regulations (this is a town responsibility; not county), and other ordinances in town unrelated to zoning. MOTION/MARILYN WITTIG: To table this issue to a later time, possibly next spring. MOTION FAILED DUE TO NO SECOND. MOTION/LOU MILEUSKI: SECOND/JOHN SCAPES: To honor the zoning committee recommendation and op out of local zoning as of 12/31/06. Discussion on motion: Whether committee came up with any glaring issues that could cause some improvements in local zoning. MOTION/ED THRALL: SECOND/JOHN SCAPES: To vote by paper ballot. A stand up vote was done: 11 yes, 96 nays. MOTION FAILED. Discussion continued on opting out of town zoning as of 12/31/06. Taxpayer Marilyn Gabert was concerned about what was happening to condominium developments and what it could mean to the town in the future. Call for the question by Ned Pierce. Stand up vote was taken. 76 yes, 16 nays and 16 abstained. MOTION CARRIED. Police Officer Position: Chairman Long reviewed the current police officer position and the purpose of the position for the town and how Dennis Westphal was hired. He introduced Vilas County Sheriff John Niebuhr and the sheriff told of the good working relationship they had with Dennis. He felt that community oriented policing does work and that there is probably a lower crime rate in BJ than other townships in Vilas County. Dennis was always very helpful in assisting and working with Vilas County law enforcement. Sheriff Niebuhr offered his assistance in selecting and advertising for the position if the citizens agree to hire an officer to replace Dennis. However, Vilas County cannot replace the officer in the interim. It’s a feat to cover Vilas County mileage other than what is currently being done. Three squad cars cover all of Vilas County in an eight-hour shift. The west side officer covers BJ, PI, AV, Plum Lake and Lac du Flambeau. The average response times depend on the incident. They also assist when asked for the State Patrol in traffic-related enforcement. DNR Warden Mike Mackenzie stated the State is short 90 state patrol positions. Our BJ officer has assisted outside of BJ for state and county, when requested (called mutual aide). Chairman Long stated when hiring Officer Westphal, they were looking for a person who was an EMT and also had involvement with a fire department. He was not just hired to write traffic tickets. Officer Westphal worked well and supported all facets of organizations and volunteer groups in BJ. The cost has been $80,000 per year or $22.62 per $1000 of value for BJ taxpayers. He felt that the image and quality of Officer Westphal was the envy of neighboring communities. Taxpayer Bob Wittig suggested maybe we try not hiring for one year and then review the position. Officer Westphal wore a lot of hats over the years for the community. K. Bjork informed the group of Officer Westphal’s assistance when son was lost in the woods. Lou Milewski felt not continuing the officer position would be a step back for the town. Bob Vogel stated having a police officer improves youth in the area and the intangibles are immeasurable. Urges the community to continue with the position. Chairman Long stated the benefits package will be different for the new officer and at this time the town would not hire until 4/15-5/1/07. MOTION/COLLEEN SWANSON: SECOND/WALTER PASKIET: To replace and keep the police officer position for the Town of Boulder Junction. A standing vote was taken and there were 95 yes, 9 nays and 4 abstained. MOTION CARRIED. MOTION/TOM SOMMERFIELD: SECOND/JOHN SCAPES: To adjourn the meeting at 9:16 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully submitted, Lois J. Smith Clerk/Treasurer