Consideration and Action on Preliminary Plan by Yer Yang and Ge Vang. Chairman Fetterly commenced discussion on the preliminary plan by Yer Yang and Ge Vang to rezone 15 acres from A-1 (Ex) Agriculture to the following three residential lots: Lot #1, 9.63 acres, RH-3; Lot #2, 3.11 acres. RH-1; Lot #3, 2.25 acres, RH-1; at 4901 County Highway N in Section 33 Town of Sun Prairie.

Yer Yang and Ge Vang presented their preliminary plan, with the assistance of Mr. Birrenkott, and handed out a revised plan and answered questions as to the specifics of their plan and their desire to have their family live close to them. The revised plan showed lot #1 with 40,000 sq ft, R-1; lot #2 with 13.0 acres, RH-3; and lot #3 with 40,000 sq ft, R-1. Mr. Birrenkott pointed out that this plan differs from previous plans in that the lot sizes have been reduced and an effort has been made to reduce the impact on prime farmland by for instance creating lots where old barn foundations lay. It was also discussed, that Dane County had approved the proposed driveway access and there was general discussion of the land in question.

Chairman Fetterly then distributed the Land Evaluation Analysis of Soil Management Units (LESA) of the subject land. The Analysis was done on the application as originally submitted to the Plan Commission. The analysis for proposed lot #1 showed a score of 65. The analysis for proposed lot #2 also showed a score of 65. The analysis for proposed lot # 3 showed a score of 80.6. The analysis for proposed lot #4 showed a score of 89.3. When the analysis of all the proposed lots was combined the weighted score was 80.5 which demonstrates productive farmland that would dictate against development per the Town’s Comprehensive Plan (see Appendix E subparagraph E subparagraph 2).

Chairman Fetterly then stated that he did not like the proposed plan because of its effect on prime farmland and because of its location off of Highway N. Other members also concurred. It was then discussed, that the Cottage Grove/Town of Sun Prairie joint ad hoc committee was discussing creating a business corridor that would encompass the land in question. Mr. Birrenkott then expressed his belief that the soil maps used for the LESA analysis were not very accurate and that the process was unfair. Chairman Fetterly then explained the Dane County soil maps were what the Plan Commission had to work with unless Mr. Birrenkott could come up with more accurate maps. Ge Vang then expressed his frustration at his neighbor’s ability to rezone to allow a photography business and his inability to rezone so as to allow space for his family to build homes. Member Stang then suggested that perhaps the proposed plan could be modified to include only the proposed lots with the lower LESA numbers so as not to adversely affect prime farm land. Member Meyer then stated that he did not have a problem with proposed lot 1 (the old foundation) but he did have a problem with proposed lot 3. Much discussion then ensued as to possible modifications of the proposed plan and that perhaps building a duplex on proposed lot 1 would satisfy everyone’s needs and concerns. There was then discussion of the maps in the appendix of the master plan.

Motion by Stang/Williamson to give preliminary approval to the preliminary plan to rezone from A-1 (Ex) Agriculture the proposed lot 1 as R-3A and to rezone from A-1 (Ex) Agriculture the remainder of the land as A-2 at 4901 County Highway N in Section 33 Town of Sun Prairie with the following conditions: (1) that a minimum of 2 acres be placed in a conservation easement, and that there be deed restrictions for no further residential development. The motion carried with five ayes, one nay, and one absent.

Next Agenda. It was noted that the following items would most likely be on the agenda: (1) public hearing and action on Kirk Blaska’s application; (2) second public hearing and action on application #8879 [Lowery/Veith/Benesh/Kohn]; (3) preliminary plan of Kennan Crothers; (4) Mr. Steinhoffer; and (5) residents on Bailey Road intending to purchase land from Mr. Thurston.