4.10.23 REGULAR BOARD MEETING

VILLAGE OF ORFORDVILLE

Regular Board Meeting

Monday, April 10, 2023  7:00 P.M.

Orfordville Village Hall

Main Board Room

CALL TO ORDER

                Village President Dennis Burtness called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  Present were President Burtness, Chuck Boyce, Beth Schmidt, Cami Myers-Alstat, Nikki Tuffree, Terry Gerber, and Jason Knox. Also present were Zach Knutson, Chief Jeremiah Burdick, Librarian Sarah Strunz, DPW Director Nick Todd, and Clerk Sherri Waege.

AGENDA VERIFICATION

                Clerk Waege verified that on April 7, 2023, copies of the agenda were delivered to the President and Trustees; and posted at the Village Hall, Library, Bank of Brodhead, and the Orfordville Post Office.  There were no additions made to the agenda.

MINUTE APPROVAL

                Motion by Gerber, seconded by Boyce to approve the March 27, 2023 minutes. Motion carried.

CITIZENS WISHING TO BE HEARD

                None.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

                None.

NEW BUSINESS

                Planning Commission Recommendation for variance for Zach Knutson of Mill Valley Subdivision.  President Burtness explained that the retention pond had to be moved back from Highway 213, which resulted in smaller adjoining lots.  The lots involved are 37,38, and 39.  Zach Knutson explained that he included lot 36 in the request, but has decided to withdraw the request for now.  Knutson will come back once he has a footprint for the lot.

                Knutson is asking for a rear setback of 21 feet and front setback of 20 feet.  Current ordinance requires a 25 foot setback.  Knutson explained that two story homes would work on the lots; however, they would prefer to build ranch style homes on those lots.

                Boyce explained that he had two questions:  1. Boyce’s question on Lot 36 is a moot point as Knutson has withdrew the variance request and 2.  How will the runoff from the subdivision be handled with the homes going up?  Knutson explained that there is a drainage easement between the lots in place which was designed to handle the runoff.

                Knox brought up the possibility of future sidewalks being put in.  Knutson explained that sidewalks were discussed when the plat was approved.   Knutson further explained that the ditches would have to be removed and built up for sidewalks.  Knutson added that the board at that time, agreed that sidewalks would not be required as to keep the rural look of the subdivision.

                Myers-Alstat explained that she lives on S. Richards Street where the new curb and gutter was installed.   Myers Alstat further explained that the new curb and gutter did cut into the front yards of the properties.  Myers Alstat wondered how that would be handled if the three lots were already being allowed to be closer than the 25 feet.  Knutson explained that there is a Right of Way in place if that were to happen down the road.

                Myers-Alstat asked how close the rear of the homes would be to the retention pond.   DPW Director Todd explained that the pond is approximately 10-15 feet from the lot line.   Knutson explained that the drainage pond was designed to drain to the north, so an overflow is unlikely.

                Motion by Gerber, seconded by Tuffree to approve the Planning Commission recommendation to grant variances for Lots 37, 38, and 39 to be allowed a rear yard setback of 21 feet and front yard setback of 20 feet.  Roll Call Vote-Boyce, Schmidt, Myers-Alstat, Tuffree, Gerber, Knox, and President Burtness-all YES.  Motion carried.

                Schmidt asked what types of homes are planned for the lots.  Knutson explained that they will be zero step entries ,with full basements, and three foot wide interior doorways.  Schmidt explained that that type of housing has been discussed at Economic Development, as some older residents in the Village prefer that style of housing which is not currently available. 

DEAPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS

                Boyce asked where the two new pedestrian lights were going.   DPW Director Todd explained that he would like to put one on Clark and W. Beloit Street, and also at E. Church Street and N. Main Street.  DPW Director Todd further explained that he will have to work with Frontier to relocate a pole for the sign at E. Church Street and N. Main Street.

                Librarian Strunz thanked the Community Engagement Committee for putting on the Spring Fling/Easter Egg Hunt. Librarian Strunz explained that it was a great event for the library.  The library received $483.00 in donations which help offset the cost of the new outdoor lights.

                Motion by Tuffree, seconded by Schmidt to approve the Department Head Reports.  Motion carried.

VOUCHERS

                Motion by Knox, seconded by Gerber to approve the vouchers with a check range of 35589-35620.  Motion carried.

ADJOURN

                Motion by Knox, seconded by Gerber to adjourn at 7:40 p.m.   Motion carried.

                                                                                                                                Submitted by,

                                                                                                                                Dennis Burtness

                                                                                                                                Village President

                                                                                                                                Sherri Waege

                                                                                                                                Village Clerk