Last Tuesday night, June 1, 2010 was a busy night for the Plan Board and the Public Works & Protection Committee. We had a Plan Board Meeting and a Public Works and Protection Meeting. Both committees were jammed packed with items that will affect the Village you live in.
First of all, at the Plan Board meeting last Tuesday the Board looked at changing two ordinances regarding animals. The first is how animal adoption agencies and kennels are approved. Right now the two can be put in industrially or commercially zoned areas without further review by the Village. Two of those facilities have been recently opened, and while there were only a handful of complaints, some of them prior to opening, my office has received none since they opened. However, staff of the Village thought it might be better to have boarding kennels be approved through a conditional use permit in those areas. I traveled near those kennels purposefully for two solid weeks, going by at different times of the day and night. I never heard a bark or a mew. As a matter of fact the times I went I couldn’t locate a dog or a cat outdoors. If there is a problem you should contact me at 492-2301.
What does that mean? The owner of the kennel would have to come to the Village and ask if they could put in a kennel in a certain area. They mentioned that this would end possibly incompatible use problems, such as a kennel next to a daycare. It was pointed out, however, that all existing businesses are grandfathered in as legally non-conforming uses, meaning they can stay where they are.
The next item included putting a conditional use on pet stores. This wasn’t quite as easy. I asked several questions such as “what is a pet”. Does it include fish . . . ferrets . . . gerbils . . . turtles? Or, is it just cats and dogs? The change was referred back to staff for further study and a further recommendation to the committee at their next meeting.
The issue of kennels needing a conditional use permit will be forward to the Village Board for final action next week. By the way, with a conditional use permit, I believe the neighbors of the proposed business would be alerted through this process.
WHAT A PAIN
I know that the residents of Ashwaubenon endure a lot of inconvenience because we have the Resch Center and Lambeau Field on our doorstep. There are a lot of decathlons, marathons and special celebrations, like LZ Lambeau. Combine that with the usual football games, Resch Center activities, etc., and there can be some real inconvenience on your part. I have heard from some of you who have some legitimate concerns and we are working to try and solve those, but the chances are these types of activities will continue. We will attempt to minimize the impact on you, but just in case you are inconvenienced thank you.
You may be wondering why I am saying this. Well, last Tuesday night we approved the closing of Oneida Street from Potts Ave. to Lombardi Ave. and Armed Forces Way between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sept. 9th, 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sept. 10 and 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sept. 11th. Try to pick an alternate route if you can. It is quite a long time until September, so we’ll give you another heads up. Thanks.
BANNING SMOKING
The Village will be enforcing the smoking band instituted by the State of Wisconsin beginning in July for public places, such as bars and restaurant. The Village Board has already banned smoking in all Village structures and last Tuesday the Public Works Committee suggested that it also be banned in all Village vehicles and on any property where it is posted.
A suggestion to ban it on all Village property hit a snag. The Park Board had split views because the parks are outdoors and some members felt that there should be areas where smokers could exercise their individual right to smoke. More information is contained on this topic in the front page story.
ALCOHOL
The Village issued 69 alcohol licenses, some just beer, others wine, and some beer, wine and liquor. K-Mart has requested a beer license. Do you think the Village has enough liquor outlets or should the Village grant one to K-Mart (don’t be surprised if similar stores aren’t far behind)? Tell me what you think by writing to me at maubinger@ashwaubenon.com, leave me a message on the webpage under the president’s blog (http://www.ashwaubenon.com) or call me at 492-2301. Tell me what you think.
Next week there will be more news about your Village. Until then have a great week.