Cady Zoning - Where Are We Now & What Can We Do?

I wanted to send out a message that lets the people of Cady know just where we are in the process regarding Comprehensive Zoning in the Town of Cady.

PRESENT

Currently, Cady is among approximately 245 towns (~19.5%) in Wisconsin that do not have comprehensive zoning. This data is from 2010, but in a call to the Wisconsin DOA, I was told that this is the latest data and these numbers have not changed significantly since then.

The Cady Plan Commission received a new draft Zoning Code and proposed zoning map from the WCWRPC on May 01, 2018. They reviewed it at the May 17, 2018 Plan Commission meeting, and voted to approve it and send it to the Town Board with a recommendation to have a Public Hearing and to have the Town Board adopt it afterwards... immediately afterwards if they wished. A Pubic Hearing was scheduled for June 21, 2018 and notice was published in the Sun-Argus on May 31, 2018.

WHAT'S NEXT?

According to Wisconsin state law, Chapter 60.61(4)(b), the Plan Commission and Town Board should now be allowing ample opportunity for public involvement. The adoption process for zoning is spelled out pretty simply in UW Steven's Point Zoning Ordinances guidance document. See the four (4) steps on page three under the "ADOPTION" section.

1. Plan Commission prepares a draft with assistance of legal counsel and advisory/consulting group.
• NOTE: this was completed 5/1/18
2. A public hearing is scheduled with opportunities for public participation prior to the public hearing recommended to ensure that the ordinance is understood and accepted by the public. 
• NOTE: The public hearing has been scheduled for June 21, 2018, but the only opportunity for public participation that we have been provided is an invitation in the notice of the public hearing: "Written comments on the draft ordinance and zoning map should be sent to the Cady Plan Commission c/o Clerk Shelly Ninneman at 283 CTY RD NN, Wilson, WI 54027. Written comments must be received before June 21, 2018"
• This is unfortunate, because it does not allow for comments to be made publicly, only privately to the Plan Commission through the Town Clerk.
3. In response to public comments, the Plan Commission may modify the draft zoning ordinance, or forward it to the Town Board to adopt. If significant changes are made as a result of public comments or recommendations from the Town Board, another Public Hearing must be held.
• This is why it is so very important that anyone who has an opinion on this proposed zoning code or proposed map, come to the Public Hearing on June 21. This is the primary opportunity that the town government has provided to the people of Cady to have input into the code.
• After this Public Hearing, the Plan Commission has the authority to either make changes or to move on to Item #4 below and submit the code to the Town Board.
4. The Town Board can now adopt the zoning code following another Public Hearing. After which, they will need to send it to the county for final approval.

To summarize, at a minimum, the next steps are:

1. Plan Commission Public Hearing, June 21, 2018
2. Plan Commission to submit final draft to Town Board
3. Town Board Public Hearing TBD following Class 2 Notice
4. Town Board to adopt code and submit to the County
5. St. Croix County to approve

WHAT CAN WE DO?

Right now, the people of Cady need to prepare for the Public Hearing. It is the only opportunity that we have been given to have any public input into this zoning code.

1. Reading the a new draft Zoning Code and proposed zoning map and ensuring that you understand it and what it means for you, your children, and for the Town of Cady.
2. List your questions and concerns and be prepared to bring them up to the Plan Commission. 
3. Tell everyone that you know who has any interest in the Town of Cady to do the same. People who do not voice any opposition or criticism to the Plan Commission or Town Board will be assumed to be in support of this.
4. Make sure that your questions are satisfactorily answered and addressed at the Public Hearing.
5. Make sure that the Plan Commission and Town Board members know exactly how you feel about the zoning code, or they will make assumptions about how you feel. Leave nothing to the imagination.
6. Pray for our town government that they will have the strength and wisdom to do what is right, in the eyes of God and those who have put their trust in them.

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (1Timothy 2:1-2)

You can also contact the Town Officials and Plan Commission by going to the Town website, http://townofcady.com/. Their phone numbers are published there. However, for your comments and concerns to be public, you will have to attend the Public Hearing on June 21 and speak out. It's the best hope that we have right now to keep Cady free.

God bless you, and may God bless Cady,