University of Wisconsin - Extension

UW-Extension's Local Land Use Planning & Zoning ETN series begins its 2001-02 programs on Nov. 15 with the program, "Local Regulation of Cell Towers."

The series features state, local government and private sector experts discussing land use issues of interest to local government officials, staff and citizens. Series hosts are Jim Schneider, University of Wisconsin-Extension Local Government Center specialist, and Brian Ohm, UW-Madison/Extension land use law specialist.

The Educational Teleconference Network (ETN) links speakers and participants at ETN sites in courthouses, libraries and other locations around the state. Statewide participants can ask questions and share ideas with the speakers and other listeners.

Sessions and dates are as follows:

-- Nov. 15, ¿Local Regulation of Cell Towers.¿ While demand for cellular phone services is increasing, communities have concerns over the siting of wireless communication towers. This program will briefly cover the federal law that limits local regulation of cell towers. It also will consider permissible local regulation and the industry¿s perspective on the issue.

-- Dec. 20, ¿Downtown Revitalization: Lessons Learned.¿ In this decade of Smart Growth, communities across the state are taking stock and re-evaluating investments in their traditional business districts. Communities actively involved in the process of downtown revitalization have learned much. This program will bring together community representatives and UW-Extension specialists engaged in downtown revitalization to discuss recent trends, successful strategies and lessons learned.

-- Jan 31, ¿Recent Relevant Case Law.¿ This program will highlight recent Wisconsin cases and attorney general opinions, as well as important federal cases, relating to land use planning and implementation.

-- Feb. 21, ¿Local Regulation of Livestock Operations.¿ While animal agriculture is one of the mainstays of the Wisconsin economy, the siting and expansion of farms, as well as residential and other development in agricultural areas, may raise concerns over such matters as odor, water quality and compatibility of neighboring uses. This program will consider, within the context of comprehensive planning, approaches to the local regulation of animal livestock operation.

-- March 21, ¿The Nonpoint Source Program Redesign.¿ The Department of Natural Resources, in cooperation with other state agencies and several advisory committees, has been developing new and revised rules to deal with the problem of polluted runoff from urban and rural areas. These rules cover such topics as agricultural and non-agricultural runoff management, construction site erosion control, stormwater management, animal feeding operations and best practices and grants. This ETN program will provide an overview and update on this important initiative.

-- April 18, ¿Growing Communities ¿ Greening Communities: Local Management of Stormwater and Floodwater.¿ This annual program provides strategies and new ideas for growth with environmental stewardship principles as a priority. This year¿s program focuses on local government management of storm/flood water. Recent changes in state and national regulations impact local and regional management decisions.

-- May 16, ¿Funding Community Revitalization programs; Wisconsin¿s Business Improvement Districts.¿ Today¿s communities need to be more creative than ever before in funding community development programs. This session will explore some of the more popular funding options and discuss in detail the development of special assessment districts such as BIDs.

Cost is $11 per session, or $60 for all 7 sessions. To obtain a brochure and registration information, contact your County Extension office, call the UWEX Local Government Center (LGC) at (608) 262-9960 or email carolwhite@facstaff.wisc.edu. Information on this and other LGC programs may be found on the Center's website:

http://www.uwex.edu/lgc.