Public Hearing – Monday, August 22, 2011 – 7:00 pm – Linn Town Hall

Chairman Weiss called the public hearing on an amendment to the 2025 Comprehensive Plan to order. Present were Chairman Weiss, Supervisors Jones, Woods, Allis, Holden, Clerk Polyock, Atty. Schiltz.

Chairman Weiss went over the steps that will be followed:

1. Mr. Trossen will make his presentation
2. Those in favor will have 3 minutes to speak – 1 st those who submitted cards will be called upon then those from the audience
3. It will be read into the record of any in favor
4. Those opposed will have 3 minutes to speak – 1 st those who submitted cards will be called upon then those from the audience
5. It will be read into the record any opposed
6. The public hearing will be closed
7. The Board will have the opportunity to ask questions.
8. The Board will decide if the amendment is appropriate

Mr. Trossen wishes to expand his existing business and put up an accessory structure.

Those in favor:

• Wayne Peters, Hebron, Ill.-the building has been there 75 years and the building looks good
• Jesse Healy, Linton Rd-she owns a business, so knows what it is like. He is just trying to expand his business, so does not know why an objection. John is here year around.
• Richard Mell, Maytag Rd, Lake Geneva- he is trying to build a small building. If he does not get this, he may not be in business. He has tried and needs this to survive here year around.
• Allan Polyock, Bissell Rd-small business is the backbone of this country. We need more business in this town.
• Dan Giffen, Lincoln Ave-he is in full support. John has been very supportive to everyone and has done a nice job with his property.
• Jack Stahulak, Fairview Rd-try to kick the guy in the foot
• Jim Tostrud, Kenosha, WI-has known John for a long time and he is a great family guy. I travel over 40 miles to get to his business and have a safe place to keep my boat.
• Dave Creighton, Williams Plaza-If he is not here, it will be an inconvenience. He opens for people when closed if necessary.
• Ken Schenk, Lakeview Park Drive-John is a reputable small business.
• Matt Bruezk, Chicago, Ill.-He is president of Bass Club and John helps them. They bring dollars to the Town of Linn.
• John Dickett, Abbey Springs, Fontana-He drove from Il to support John as a loyal customer.
• William Weber, Maple Ridge Rd-not asking to put up a Wal-Mart, just wants to put up a building
• Daryl R, Geneva Ave- He has three boats and would love to have a place to put them.
• Ashley, Oakrest-They are nice people and not to let them do this is not right. We need him to keep the store open.

Attorney Schiltz stated there were several separate correspondence and a petition with approximately 185 signatures.

Those against:

• Atty. Stephen Koch represents some property owners in the Town of Linn- Trossen has not complied completely and attached what is necessary for this amendment. He stated that cluster commercial development is not designated in this area. The comprehensive plan states it should not be in an accommodating manor. The Plan Commission denied the request.
• Stu Bieber, Sunnyside Ave-He respects Mr. Trossen however, he is opposed. He owns two properties and is afraid the property value will be diminished, it may lead to more commercial in this area and set a bad precedence, this is a garden spot in Walworth County so why change it, and plan commission turned it down.
• Richard O’Connell, Linnwood Ave- not off season storage, he is telling about putting in radios, so this is a bigger business
• Kathy Murray, The Birches-spent 2 ½ years working on Smart Growth Committee, amendments need to be done on a non-accommodating basis, not as each person needs it
• Vince Divensenzo, Birches Dr-this goes beyond matters of intent. The decision isn’t about the intent, but rather coming into the middle of a residential area and makes a huge business. He has a business that is successful. You must separate personal from business issues. It will set a bad precedent.
• Jean Mahlebashian, Lakeview Park Dr and Glenmore Ave-concern for safety on Linn Rd., most small repair would be during the summer season.
• Roger Clement, Linn Rd-has lived close to the launch for 40 years. Worried increased traffic from potential service. Nothing against John in his attempt to run his store, but what he is asking for is forever. Maybe a different business may come in.
• Jack Vacca, Center St.- lives 1 block from the launch, all points already made, he wants to keep it a quiet neighborhood
• John Notz, Countryside-he walks Linn Rd and aware of traffic. Helped draft letter from Conservancy
• Jim Happ, 700 Club- likes John but does not believe what he wants is small

Atty. Schiltz stated correspondence, Lake Geneva Conservancy letter, testimony of Stephen Koch and signatures on petition all part of the record.

John Trossen then spoke. He stated the packet has soil samples and land use included. Regarding the in/out $10, the boat launch people send people to the store when launch parking is full. He would bring less traffic on the road as he only has 1 ½ acres of land which is a small area. It is not a new business as he has been installing fish finders, etc. already. One-third of the building is for personal need.

Questions from Board Members: none

Allis/Jones motion to close the public hearing. By voice vote all aye.

Allis/Woods motion to deny the application.

Woods – changing the comprehensive plan on where you want commercial development. Once the plan is changed and makes it commercial it will always be that. An amendment must be done in a non-accommodating mode, so you do not change for one person.

Jones-If there is business room for expansion, we need to look at how to expand. Need to look carefully.

Allis- The personal service they give to the neighborhood is great. What is the precedence for other properties? What is the hardship on all – may solve one issue and create others. Have been hearing personal pleas, but nothing compelling to change this.

Holden-Have to look to the future and do not know if something happens to John. We are not taking away his ability to add residential.

Weiss-This is very challenging. In the comprehensive plan the business was grandfathered in. We are not taking anything away, he still has his business. My question is, would we change it if that business was not there.

Roll call vote: Jones – yes

Woods – yes

Allis – yes

Holden – yes

Weiss – yes

Woods/Allis motion to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Polyock, CMC/WCMC