The Sawyer County Zoning Committee discussed point of sale inspections for septic systems at their meeting on June 19. Actually the issue was only talked about in passing. Much more time was spent on the failures of the Carmody program which tracks septic inspections. The data base is so bad that reminder cards have not been sent for over a year. The county is in danger of losing the Wisconsin Fund program which pays for septic replacement based on need. The committee members were not aware of the seriousness of the problem. Further discussion of septic system registration will be on the August agenda.

June Monthly Report

Barron County

Barron County Administrator Duane Hebert has resigned to accept an offer from Winona County, MN. The Executive Committee is now discussing what should happen next. The options include hiring a new County Administrator, election of a County Executive, hire a County Coordinator or go back to Committee system.

Barron County held the first meeting of a Recreation Work Group. This committee is looking at upgrading county owned parks, trails, shooting ranges, boat landings and other county owned property. A lengthy discussion also centered on the county's total lack of tourism promotion. When asked if I had any comments I stated "Realtors are interested in tourism and recreation promotion because it brings in new potential buyers." The committee plans on meeting, at minimum, on a monthly basis.

The Chetek and Weyerhaeuser-area school boards voted unanimously to approve a resolution to consider consolidation-making them one step closer to approving a merger between the two school districts.

Bayfield County

According to the last Bayfield County Comprehensive Planning Agenda, meetings were scheduled for June 23 and 24. However, I find no agendas posted on the website. I assume they have been cancelled. Considering their last meetings concerned land use questions, it may be taking some time developing answers.

Burnett County

The Burnett County Comprehensive Planning Committee covered a lot of ground this month. They insist they are on target to have the plan approved by January 1. They have a Northern Cluster meeting to update citizens scheduled for June 22 from 6-9 pm at the Government Center. The Southern Cluster meeting is June 23 at the same time and place. Feel free to attend either meeting. The next meeting of the Comprehensive Planning Committee is July 6.

Rusk County

The Chetek and Weyerhaeuser area school boards voted unanimously to approve a resolution to consider consolidation-making them one step closer to approving a merger between the two school districts.

Sawyer County

The Sawyer County Zoning Committee agenda for June 19 lists ... Continued discussion on septic system inspection at time of sale and discussion on the Carmody program and enforcement of the pumping requirements. The saga will continue.
In a Letter to the Editor of the Sawyer County Record, the Sawyer County Lakes Forum is urging the Sawyer County Zoning Committee to get tough on non registered and failing septic systems without using point of sale as a trigger. This is the same position urged by the Realtors® Association of Northwestern Wisconsin.

Washburn County

The Spooner Advocate has been asking the Washburn County Economic Development Corporation for justification of not allowing the public to participate in their meetings. The entire article can be found here. (Free registration required to read entire article.) Washburn County Economic Development Corporation (WCEDC) President Chuck Jenkins responded to some questions in an Open Letter to the public here.

Other Information

The Wisconsin DNR Board is expected to vote on new Shoreland Regulations (NR 115) at their June 24 meeting. Basic outline of changes can be found here. Unlike past proposed changes these changes are not expected to meet with major opposition. New impervious standards are the most controversial with the elimination of the 50% rule being the most welcomed.

The Wisconsin DNR Board is expected to vote on new Shoreland Regulations (NR 115) at their June 24 meeting. Basic outline of changes can be found here. Unlike past proposed changes these changes are not expected to meet with major opposition. New impervious standards are the most controversial with the elimination of the 50% rule being the most welcomed.

Barron County held the first meeting of a Recreation Work Group. This committee is looking at upgrading county owned parks, trails, shooting ranges, boat landings and other county owned property. A lengthy discussion also centered on the county's total lack of tourism promotion. When asked if I had any comments I stated "Realtors are interested in tourism and recreation promotion because it brings in new potential buyers." The committee plans on meeting, at minimum, on a monthly basis.

Washburn County Economic Development Corporation is on the defensive for their position they are not subject to the Open Meeting Laws. They no longer post agendas or make minutes of meetings available to the public. I have a hunch this issue will not go away quietly.

All RANWW Brokers are being encouraged to enroll in the Broker Involvement Program. Contact me for more details!

The Spooner Advocate has been asking the Washburn County Economic Development Corporation for justification of not allowing the public to participate in their meetings. The entire article can be found here. (Free registration required to read entire article.) Many very interesting questions are asked with no answers in sight.

Barron County Administrator Duane Hebert has accepted the position of Administrator in Winona County, MN. While Mr. Hebert certainly has his detractors, he has always had an open door policy with me to discuss issues of concerns to Realtors® and Builders.

Last year Barron County dismanteled the Parks/Recreation/Forestry Department. That decision has come under fire by many who believe tourist related services should be promoted not diminished. A "Work Group Meeting" is scheuled for June 4 to discuss this issue.

In a Letter to the Editor of the Sawyer County Record, the Sawyer County Lakes Forum is urging the Sawyer County Zoning Committee to get tough on non registered and failing septic systems. This is the same position urged by the Realtors® Association of Northwestern Wisconsin.

The Sawyer County Zoning Committee agenda for June 19 lists ... Continued discussion on septic system inspection at time of sale and discussion on the Carmody program and enforcement of the pumping requirements. The saga will continue.

May Monthly Report

Barron County

The Barron County Comprehensive Planning Committee continues to make rapid progress towards meeting the January 1, 2010 deadline.This month they take up the Draft Utilities and Community Facilities Element and Economic Development Element. A meeting with the Town Association is also being planned. This meeting will focus on Town land uses and how they will integrate into the County Land Use Goals.

The Barron County Zoning Committee had a relatively uneventful Information Meeting for proposed ordinance changes. A decent size crowd of about 20 was there to keep the committee "honest". A few minor revisions were made to the minor revisions being proposed. The Home Occupation permit language was clarified to allow for internet based businesses.

Bayfield County

The Bayfield County Comprehensive Planning Committee keeps pace with their timetable of completion. The next meetings will be May 27th and 28th. These meetings will focus on existing and future land use. Always the most controversial subject in a Comprehensive Plan. The May 27th meeting is at the Visitors Center from 6-8 pm. The May 28th meeting is at the Grandview Town Hall from 6-8 pm.

Bayfield County Zoning Committee is considering changes to the Camping Ordinance. The proposed changes can be obtained from the Zoning Department if you are interested in the details.

Burnett County

A meeting in Burnett County was held to discuss solutions to the local foreclosure problem. A report of this meeting can be found in this article from the Burnett County Sentinel. If you choose not to read the entire article it basically says that state and local government has no control over the problem, can't legislate solutions but will have a series of meetings to discuss it anyway, to look like they are doing something.

The Burnett County Comprehensive Planning Committee cancelled their last planned meeting. With the deadline looming that is not a good sign. Not critical ... but not a good sign.

Rusk County

The Rusk County Comprehensive Planning Committee has not met since December. I am assuming the questionnaire results are being tabulated. There has not been a meeting since the questionnaire was sent out to property owners.

Sawyer County

The Sawyer County Zoning Committee discussed point of sale mandatory septic inspections. The Realtors® Association had the position of opposing mandatory septic inspections at time of sale. Instead endorsed Sawyer County actively pursue a program to identify non registered and failing systems. No decision was even close to being made on this issue. Further discussions will be held in the future.

The Sawyer County Zoning Committee held a Public Input Meeting on the issue of short term rentals in residential zones. Traffic, parking, noise and parties are common complaints. There was no outcry or attempt to ban them but rather how can they be controlled with minimum restrictions.

Washburn County

The Washburn County Board of Supervisors voted 12-8 not to approve the proposed Comprehensive Plan. I guess next year we will find out what happens when a county refuses to comply with the Comprehensive Planning mandate. It could be interesting.

The Washburn County Zoning Committee is proposing changes to the Subdivision Ordinance. No objections to these changes were raised by Realtor® members.