Story originally printed in the Jackson County Chronicle or online at www.jacksoncountychronicle.com
Published - Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Survey results look bad for Farmington getting federal grant
The Farmington Town Board got good news and bad news at its regular monthly meeting from its recent survey to determine eligibility for a Community Development Block Grant.
When the board met July 14, 405 of the 790 households surveyed had responded to the survey, and the 51-percent response requirement to be eligible for funding was met.
Despite the current economic downturn, town residents are better off financially than reported at the 2000 census. The survey indicated 40.8 percent of the respondents were at moderate and low income, with 55 percent above that income level.
Three percent of the survey responses could not be determined. It is hoped more responses will be received in the upcoming weeks. In order for the town to be eligible for the grant, 51 percent of the respondents must be at the moderate and low income level.
Library land
The board also received an update on the proposed Mindoro Community Library. The family of Millie Mikkelson has accepted the town’s offer of $75,000 to purchase the property on Church Street. The title work has been completed, and the closing was set for July 16.
Library Friends
The board learned the Friends of the Mindoro Community Library organization has planned its 2009-10 schedule of free monthly activities, starting with a photo contest with entries due Aug. 24 and winners to be announced during Spanferkel.
John J. Koblas, writer and historian of western and outlaw lore, will be the featured speaker at the Sept. 28 meeting. Topics for future months include storytelling, Wegner’s Grotto, genealogy, Farmington’s disaster response plan, bluebirds and edible plants and herbs.
The group is also planning a Mindoro Business Showcase for Feb. 21, 2010. Events are open to the public and are held at Mindoro Elementary School the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Town plan
The board received an update on the town’s comprehensive plan from Plan Commission Chairman Tom Brindley. The commission was to meet July 22 to discuss the comments heard at the June 17 public hearing and draft a final resolution for the town board’s approval at its Aug. 4 meeting.
Other business
The board approved operator’s license applications for Trisha Abbott-Matthews, Lawrence Kreeg Saunders, Amanda Oliver, Jennifer Hatch, Anthony R. Paisley, Zachary Smith and William Pfaff, who was previously issued a temporary license.
A request from residents on Skoy Road for a “children at play” sign was approved. There are five homes with young children within a mile on Skoy Road, and residents are concerned about traffic and the children’s safety. The sign will be posted just past the intersection of Skoy and Schultz roads.
Bruce Stumlin’s request to rezone a 4.08-acre parcel with an 11.7-foot wide by 40-foot long access driveway from Cox Hill Road from Exclusive Agriculture to Agricultural District “A” was approved, with the condition that Stumlin obtains a driveway easement to accommodate the required 33-foot passage for emergency services vehicles. This would constitute a shared driveway to the remnant parcel and would need to comply with the shared driveway ordinance.
Dennis Mikkelson’s request for a variance to erect a 54-by-48-foot storage shed, which is larger than allowed on the 8.13 acre parcel at N9374 State Road 108 zoned Agriculture District “A”, received board approval. The building is 1,092 square feet larger than allowed without a variance.
The board also approved Josh Johnson’s request to rezone a 34-acre parcel along with one acre from a second parcel for a total of 35 acres from Exclusive Ag to Agriculture District “A.” An old mobile home has been removed from the property, located off Young Road, and Johnson plans to build a single-family residence.
At a special meeting of the Farmington Town Board July 2, the board adopted a resolution to extend from 10 to 30 days the town board’s reviewing time for county zoning ordinance amendments or changes in district boundaries proposed by La Crosse County.
The next regular meeting of the Farmington Town Board is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4 at the Farmington Town Hall. Agendas are posted online as well as at locations throughout the town.
All stories copyright 2006 Jackson County Chronicle and other attributed sources.