Plan Commission recommends deleting vehicle-storage restriction from T & R Recycling conditional use permit

The Village of Lake Hallie Plan Commission voted April 14 to recommend that the Village Board delete item "f" from Appeal #2007-012, a condition in T & R Recycling’s 2007 conditional use permit that prohibited storage of inoperative motor vehicles.

Staff presented the issue as a conflict between the original permit language and the current village ordinance. "The conditional use permit does not allow inoperative motor vehicles," said the staff member (Mr. Clary), noting the ordinance text does not mention inoperative junk vehicles. Owner Travis Rowan told the commission the site holds required state permitting, has a groundwater run-off plan and "complies with two (2) state inspections yearly." Public comment in the meeting record noted there was no apparent eyesore at the premises.

Commissioner Rusty Volk moved to recommend deletion of item "f" — which in the permit reads, "Storage of inoperative motor vehicles, equipment, or machinery, is not allowed under this permit and subject to Section 70-128 of the zoning ordinance." Pat Spilde seconded the motion and a voice vote carried. The recommendation now goes to the Village Board for final action. The meeting record does not show the Village Board’s response or a staff recommendation beyond the briefing provided at the commission meeting.