Avon Hills Initiative Executive Committee Meeting March 26, 2008

Present: Karen Bobeldyk, Peter Dwyer, Steve Plantenberg, Bill Fahrney, Tom Kroll, Rachel Peterson, Mitch Anderson

CASH 51 Update

Mitch Anderson presented an update on CASH 51.  He said that the county is committed to 8 foot shoulders over 6 foot shoulders for an extra $250,000, but are still looking for funding.  Construction should begin in 2009.  Steve makes a motion to endorse the 8-foot shoulders, Karen seconds: motion passes.

CAPX2020 Update

Peter attended meetings regarding the possible routes.  Although the freeway would be the preferred choice, there is an issue in Avon: there is not enough room between the freeway and the lakes.  Options would be burying the cable for that portion, which is very expensive, or building very high towers and stringing the cable across the lake, which would require lights on the towers and would not be taken kindly by neighbors.  There are also issues to consider involving the “important bird area” distinction of the Avon Hills.  They will not go through towns or developments, they hope for approval next spring and construction 2 years after the completion of the Monticello line.  The cost is estimated at $1.5-2 million per mile.

The next step: propose the AHI invites the CAPX officials and township planning boards to the next executive meeting, April 30^th, in Avon, to discuss specific engineering requirements and issues.

History Museum update

Allan is not present, but Bill says the project is on schedule.

Comp Plan

Bill reports that the final meeting was mild, and the vote was unanimous.

Other business

Tom reported that legislative lobbying is occurring for green woodlands (tax breaks for undeveloped land).  The governor has already signed the “non-controversial” tax bill which allows 35% reduction on taxes if land is undeveloped.  Green Acres is also being revised significantly.