Town of Bell Planning Commission Minutes

Wednesday Aug. 4, 2021

Meeting called to order at 4:30 p.m.

Commissioners present: Greg Weiss, Dave Tillmans, Jackie Eid

Community members present: Nancy Moye, Roger Lindgren, Justine Broderson, Phyllis Peri, Kurt Nelson

June 2, 2021 meeting minutes motion to approve Dave Tillmans, second Greg Weiss. Unanimous

Correspondence/Updates:

Matt Hipsher is working with Randy Lund on an engineering drawing for the Hwy 13 crosswalk.

Email correspondence concerning the sidewalk ordinance was noted.

Public Comments: None

Scenic Byway Grant: Justine Broderson talked to us about grant possibilities. She presented proposal ideas. We also learned there is a new grant by Tony Evers directed at tourism and safety.

Moreland: Class A Special Use Short Term Rental Recommendation to Town Board to approve. Motion by Jackie Eid, second by Greg Weiss. Unanimous

Comp. Plan survey and amendments: will take necessary steps to adopt plan as written. Also see if the survey results can be put on the website.

Crosswalk Cty C and Superior Ave.: Spoke with Paul Johanik Bayfield County Highway Commissioner. Bayfield County follows D.O.T. guidelines. There is no permit application to fill out. A letter requesting a crosswalk needs to be submitted to Paul Johanik and he will take it to committee for approval. The Town is responsible for the costs ie: paint, signs, and maintenance.

Sidewalk Ordinance: It was determined Section 1, the first paragraph defines why we have this ordinance.

Sidewalks and parking are related to one another when designation as to where a sidewalk starts is missing. Cement parking curbs would help prevent vehicles from pulling to far forward onto a sidewalk.

Stripping has recently been done on Superior Ave. Parking and sidewalks are now better defined.

We found we were missing a Section regarding enforcement.

It was decided to present this to the Town Board for direction as to how to proceed with updates, additions, and corrections.

September meeting date: September 8, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. at the Town of Bell Community Center.

Motion to adjourn Greg Weiss, second Dave Tillmans. Unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 5:59 p.m.

Notes: We had a round table discussion prior to calling the meeting to order. The following are some of the discussions.

When using a wheelchair the width of a sidewalk is important also edging on a narrow sidewalk that is raised.

Surfaces that are to soft are hard to navigate. Properly constructed boardwalks are not a problem. Deep gravel can be a problem.

It is important to refer to and talk about “us” as a community. Try and come together.

Parking and sidewalks comingle.

Main Street Plan that was put together, use it as a beginning guide.

We are experiencing growing pains.

How do we try and solve current issues and have it fit with the plan.