Cadott Village Board; Storage boxes are for storage, not for living in

Clerk Sandy Buetow (center) explains to the Cadott Village Board what proposed ordinances mean to residents, during a regular meeting Oct. 18. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

Storage boxes are becoming more popular at private residences, for not only stashing things away, but also as modifi ed housing. However, the Cadott Village Board wants to stipulate what people can use the portable storage units for, discussing the matter at a regular meeting Oct. 18.

“We’re trying to get ahead of things,” said village president Anson Albarado.

With the proposed passing of Ordinance 2021-8, within the village, residences could have a 10 feet wide by 10 feet high, by 20 feet long POD or MOD, which is designed to be used for temporary storage of personal property.

“I get that you don’t want all these in town, but in some sense, they actually look nice,” said trustee Eric Weiland. “I don’t completely agree with people not being able to use this.”

“I think what it’s trying to do, is not let people live in them,” said clerk Sandy Buetow.

Weiland said he would like to see permits issued on a case-by-case determination, instead of an ordinance.

“I’m not a fan of it,” he said.

Trustee Randy Kuehni says he can see having a storage unit if someone is out in the country, but that he doesn’t want one on Main Street. He also said the village would open a can of worms if one permit is approved and another is not.

With three of the trustees absent that meeting, it was agreed to wait before making a decision.

The board did pass Ordinance 2021-9, which requires a zoning and building permit for construction of residential sports courts. The courts are specified as a dedicated hardsurfaced area for playing tennis, basketball, shuffleboard or other similar sports.

When applying for a permit, applicants must provide court dimensions, as well as site, lighting, landscaping and fencing plans. The courts can only be located on rear or side yard areas.

Bart Chapek, trustee, says it makes sense to have an ordinance to that effect.

“If you’re going to build something there, you need a permit,” said Chapek.

Members also agreed on moving forward to establish an ordinance on lead service replacement.

“We don’t have anything in our current ordinance on that,” said Buetow.

The board also approved adding language stating where the ward boundaries are in the village, as it is not specified in the current ordinance.

“It will stipulate which side is Boundary 2,” said Buetow.

Also approved, was the purchase of a new sewer jetter, for a cost of $78,960, if reasonable financing can be obtained from a local bank. Rolly Tichy, director of public works, says the jetter is something the village has to have and that it will take up to 10 weeks to get the new machine.

“It is so close to picture perfect from the new one to the old we have,” he said. “There is nothing out there used.”

Members also agreed on a three-year maintenance contract with Bowmar Appraisals, for $8,200 the first year, increasing $100 over the next two years.

“It did go down in price, because they said it wasn’t a reevaluation year,” said Buetow. The board also approved a transient permit for Evah Hamilton to set up a food truck at Baby Bloomers Daycare, but, if the truck goes well, she wants to set up at the park.

“Sure is nice to support our local spots already that are paying taxes,” said Chapek. “But, I don’t see a reason to deny it, though.”

Kuehni pointed out that Hamilton is a local, who pays taxes on her childcare business, to which Chapek said he hadn’t thought of it that way.

Brought up before the board by Buetow, was that the Booya Days Committee mentioned wanting to install a sound system on Main Street, to play Christmas music or for parade announcements. Tichy says the last he heard, the committee wanted to put a speaker system on the Leiser Furniture building.

“If they put it on their own business, does it even really need to be approved?” asked Weiland.

Buetow agreed to find out more before the board moves forward.

Tichy and Buetow also spoke about a resident who requested that the village post additional speed limit signs on Main Street, citing concerns of speeding. Tichy says there is a sign on each end of that street.

Because the limit is 25 mph in municipalities, unless otherwise posted and no other residents have commented, the board agreed not to increase signage.

As a notice, Trick-or-Treating hours are set from 4-6 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 31.