TOWN OF RIPON
PLAN COMMISSION
Public Hearing and Meeting
May 4, 2011
N8191 Douglas St., Ripon, WI 54971

The Plan Commission was called to order at 7:07 p.m. by Town Board Chairman Barry VandeBrink. Present were: Chairman Barry VandeBrink, Dan Johnson, Don Gloyd, Ralph Quinney, Bob Hilke, George “Skip” Wittler and Clerk Cindy Beier. Others present were: Betty Berens, Gary Wetzel, AnnDee Peth, Larry Semrow and Captain Howard Stibb
The minutes from April 6, 2011 were approved on a motion by Don Gloyd, seconded by George “Skip” Wittler.
The Plan Commission members were given the Oath of Office by Clerk Cynthia Beier.
Chairman VandeBrink appointed Supervisor Dan Johnson the new Chairman of the Plan Commission and George “Skip” Wittler as the Vice Chairman. Chairman VandeBrink assigned the following terms of office: Bob Hilke – 1 year, Supervisor Dan Johnson and Don Gloyd – each 2 years, George “Skip” Wittler and Ralph Quinney – each 3 years.

Public Hearing

The Public Hearing was opened by Chairman Dan Johnson at 7:15 p.m.
A Special Use Permit Application by Bryan Peth for the purpose of having a corn maze for the general public with admission charged and a free dairy farm tour was presented by AnnDee Peth, wife of Bryan. The property is located at W13826 Tri-County Road, parcel numbers T17-16-14-05-02-001-00 and T17-16-14-05-02-002-00 consisting of 12 acres. AnnDee Peth explained that the family is looking at generating more income but keeping with the farm theme to promote Agriculture in a clean, healthy and fun environment. The maze will consist of 3 separate mazes. A question and answer session followed.
Items addressed were as follows: Concessions, liability insurance, sanitation facilities, parking, the possibility of people petting animals, dates of the event, advertising and signage.
Public comments: Barry VandeBrink noted that if they intend to sell beverages, they will need to get a beverage license from the Town. He also stated that as a neighbor he doesn’t have a problem with them hosting a corn maze. Betty Berens noted that they hosted last years Dairy Farm breakfast and it was a very pleasant place.
The Plan Commission asked if they are planning on having this for more than one year and AnnDee Peth stated that they hope to. The Plan Commission suggested to amend the application to cover more than one year and to have it only reviewed each year.
The Public Hearing closed at 7:32 p.m.

Plan Commission

The Plan Commission was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Chairman Dan Johnson. All members present.
The Plan Commission discussed the conditions in the Town ordinance 4.13. An approved motion by George “Skip” Wittler, seconded by Don Gloyd to grant a Special Use Permit to Bryan Peth the applicant, for a corn maze and dairy farm tour located at W13826 Tri-County Rd with the following conditions:
1. No parking on Tri-County Road
2. Portable toilets will be provided by the Peth’s
3. Signage must conform to existing sign ordinance for the Town of Ripon
4. Peth’s maintain appropriate insurance
5. Special Use is granted subject to review annually
It was noted that the Farmland Preservation public information meeting had a good turnout of Town residents. The general consensus was that the farmers wish to continue in the Farmland Preservation program.
Ordinance revisions were discussed. It was suggested that some ordinances be removed from the Zoning Ordinance section. The Town Board will be looking for input from the Plan Commission as to which ones to be moved.
A revised contract sent by Jon Bartz of Martenson & Eisele via email was reviewed. Discussion followed. A motion by George “Skip” Wittler, seconded by Ralph Quinney to recommend to the Town Board to accept the amended contract number P10-1562 from Martenson & Eisle, attachment A for a cost of $8000, carried.
Ripon Lions Club is will again be asking for a Special Use Permit for a Tractor Pull and requesting a reduced application fee. The Town Board will need to address the request.
The meeting adjourned on a motion by George “Skip” Wittler, seconded by Don Gloyd.
Meeting adjourned at 9:22 p.m.


Respectfully submitted;


Cynthia L. Beier, Clerk