Town of Blooming Grove Board Meeting Minutes – August 22, 2006

Chair Dwight Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. Board members in attendance were: Chair Johnson, Supervisor Berg, Supervisor Linzmeier, Supervisor Stube, and Supervisor Young.

Also in attendance were Clerk/Treasurer/Administrator Mike Wolf, Fire Chief Glenn Linzmeier, Deborah Sellers, and representatives from Yahara Quarry: Renee Burcalow, Tim Geoghegan, Joe Dolphin, and Tom Poad.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Chair Johnson asked if the meeting notice had been properly posted, and Mike Wolf said that it had been. The agenda was reviewed, and no changes were made.

2a. Yahara Quarry Blasting Concerns: Mike Wolf stated that on August 14 he met with City Alder Judy Compton and City Attorney Michael May. They indicated there are still many complaints from City of Madison residents regarding the blasting in the quarry. While they acknowledged that there is no way for the Town to lower the seismographic levels low enough to make a difference, they did want the Town to consider other options. Those options included using non-electrical charges, computer-assisted explosions, only blasting during certain times of the day, or restricting the number of blasts per week or per year.

Mike Wolf stated he talked with Ron Buchholz at the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, who has intimate knowledge of this issue. Mr. Buchholz stated that the State monitored virtually every blast over the past year at this site, and the quarry was well under the limits set forth by the state. He went on to say that from the State's perspective, the quarry was operating lawfully, and attempting to minimize complaints in good faith. He also stated that some neighbors in the affected neighborhood told him they got leaflets asking them to complain about the blasting even if they didn't feel it. Lastly, he said state statutes prevent blasting from sunset to sunrise, and that the quarry was always in compliance.

Tim Guegenheger of Yahara Quarry explained they have been working with the State Department of Commerce, Dane County , the City of Madison , and neighborhood associations to do what they can to minimize complaints. He stated that the data shows the blasting is well under state-imposed guidelines, and they have made reasonable changes to how they do business – including better communication of when blasting will occur. That said, they are at a point where there isn't much else they can realistically do to eliminate the complaints.

It was pointed out that the City will likely approve the development of land, including an apartment building, immediately adjacent (to the west) of the quarry.

The Town Board took no action.

2b. County Amendment regarding Bio-diesel fuel: Supervisor Berg made a motion to approve Dane County Ordinance Amendment #9 as presented, which will allow for Bio-diesel manufacturing facilities as a conditional use under A-B Agriculture Business District zoning. Chair Johnson seconded the motion, and it passed 5-0.

2c. Reconsideration of Regional Planning Commission: The Town Board took no action.

3a. August 8, 2006 Meeting Minutes: Supervisor Young pointed out that the vote to approve the July 25, 2006 minutes should be changed to reflect the fact that he and Supervisor Stube were not in attendance at that meeting. Supervisor Linzmeier made a motion to approve the July 25, 2006 Town Board meeting minutes as amended. Supervisor Young seconded the motion, and it passed 5-0.

3b. Vouchers: Chair Johnson made a motion to approve the vouchers as presented. Supervisor Berg seconded the motion, and it passed 5-0.

4. Public Comment: Deborah Sellers said the large “ Stoughton Road ½ Mile” sign on Highway 30 was the cause of excessive noise when trucks drive by it. Mike Wolf said he would contact the State about this concern.

Deborah Sellers wondered about the possibility of putting cameras in Thurber Park , or on the corner of Highway 30 and N. Fair Oaks Avenue .

Jean Stube expressed concern about how the ditchwork was done on Swinburne Drive . After some discussion it was agreed that she would meet with Tony Reigstad and Steve Gausmann as soon as possible on-site to discuss the concerns. Also, this issue will be placed on the next Town Board agenda.

Mike Wolf reported that Rocky Redepenning has decided to no longer work the cemetery for the Town. Mike said that Rocky told him he would drop off the material. Once the material is received, Mike will work with Tony Reigstad to make certain that these services continue to be provided.

5. Adjournment – Chair Johnson made a motion to adjourn. Supervisor Linzmeier seconded, and the motion passed 5-0 at 7:53pm.

Respectfully Submitted by Mike Wolf, Clerk/Treasurer/Administrator.