An Invitation to the WTA May 2008 Education Seminars
from
Thomas W. Harnisch, WTA Education Director

Wisconsin is one of the most highly industrial, agricultural, and tourism dominated states in the Nation. With that status comes legal, and environmental questions and concerns related to the competitive viability of the State of Wisconsin and its residents to meet the communication, energy, agricultural production, and waste disposal needs in 2008 and thereafter.

Related to that competitive viability, many Town and Village officials in Wisconsin have been, or are now being asked to locally address the siting and operation of communication towers, windmill turbines, solar units and other communication and energy facilities in the Town or Village. Other Town and Village officials have been or are being asked to locally address the siting of large agricultural operations and numerous types of waste disposal treatment or storage facilities. These local officials are being asked to protect the local property values, the local physical environment, and to not allow public and private nuisances and public costs to fall upon their community as a result of these facilities.

All of these facilities often can be, and will be described by those who locally oppose these siting and operation of these facilities as “Lulus” (locally undesirable land uses). Those local residents who oppose these facilities are often labeled “NIMBYS” (Not in my backyard). Those who locally support these siting and operation facilities are called PACERS (Persons Against the Community Environment and Resources).

Whatever the supporters or opponents are called, all Town and Village officials should understand their role should a new or expanded facility of these types be proposed for their Town or Village. Not understanding your proper role may cost your Town and Village, and its residents economic, fiscal and land use damage in the future. That is the purpose of this Seminar.

Thus, an invitation to all Town and Village officials from the WTA, to attend at least one (1) of four Seminars at four (4) locations in May for an exciting, unique and educational WTA Seminar. These Seminars are as follows:

The Wisconsin Towns Association, in cooperation with UW Extension Madison, the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, with welcomed assistance from the law firm of Reinhart, Boerner, Deuren SC in Madison will hold these Seminars throughout the State on certain of these “lulus.” (Locally Undesirable Land Uses)

MORNING SESSION

At the morning session I will, first, present to you a general legal overview on “Lulu’s” in Wisconsin.

Then, Pat Walsh, JD from the University of Wisconsin Extension, and Ray Roder, JD from the law firm of Reinhart, Boerner, Deuren, SC of Madison, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., (with a 15 minute break) will discuss wind turbines, solar units and cell towers. These energy and communication land uses are, today, highly controversial “lulus” in many Towns and Villages throughout the State. These two (2) attorneys will discuss the possible local ordinance authority that Towns or Villages have in controlling and regulating these uses, along with economic, environmental and other concerns of these uses when being proposed in Towns and Villages throughout the State. Both of these attorneys are experienced environmental attorneys, with both having past experience as Wisconsin Assistant Attorney Generals. I look forward to hearing from both of these excellent attorneys.

AFTERNOON SESSION

At 1:00 p.m. Richard Castelnuovo, attorney for the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection will speak on the siting and operations of large agricultural operations in Wisconsin. He also will discuss the local ordinance authority that Towns or Villages cam have in controlling and regulating these, often controversial, land uses. Again, Richard Castelnuovo is an excellent attorney who understands both the State and local role in the siting and operations of these large agricultural operations. Attorney Castelnuovo has and continues to be on the front line of the agricultural land use siting issues.

Finally, I will discuss the siting and operations of landfills, incinerators, hazardous waste operations and demolition sites in the Towns and Villages. I will discuss the State and local ordinance authority that Towns and Villages have in controlling and regulating, again, these often controversial agricultural operations along with the State regulatory control of these operations in Wisconsin.

CONCLUSION

I believe these sessions on these land uses should be attended by at least one (1) Town or Village official from each Town or Village in the State. Your Town and Village will, I strongly believe, benefit highly from your knowledge gained and your participation in these sessions. Also, Town and Village Plan Commissioners should be asked to be in attendance. Both the morning and afternoon sessions will be on and at the following four (4) days and four (4) locations:

2008 MAY EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS

Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Deer Valley Lodge
401 W. Industrial Dr.
Barneveld, WI 53507
Located less than 30 minutes west of Madison, WI or 12 miles east of Dodgeville, WI on HWY 18/151.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Liberty Hall

800 Eisenhower Dr.

Kimberly, WI 54136

Located one block east of the HWY 441/CE interchange.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

The Plaza Hotel & Suites

1202 W. Clairmont

Eau Claire, WI 54701

I-94, exit HWY 37 north, go ½ mile, located at the intersection of US 12 and HWY 37.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Stoney Creek Inn

1100 Imperial Ave.

Mosinee, WI 54455

Located just off Interstate 39.

AGENDA

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Registration

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Thomas W. Harnisch – WTA Education Director – “Lulu” Overview.

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Attorney Pat Walsh of UW Extension Madison and Attorney Ray Roder – Madison - discussion on windmills, solar panels and cell towers.

10:30 a.m. –10:45 a.m. Break

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Attorney Pat Walsh of UW Extension Madison and Attorney Ray Roder discussion on windmills, solar panels and cell towers.

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Richard Castelnuova of the Department of Agriculture discussing siting of large Agricultural operation.

2:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Break

2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Thomas W. Harnisch – WTA Education Director – Discussion on landfills, hazardous waste sites and demolition sites.

3:15 p.m. Adjourn

Link to Registration Form