By Michael S. Hoey
Correspondent
The Delavan Town Board denied a variance request by John and Mary Connelly to adjust a lot line and separate a parcel they own that is identified by two tax identification numbers to facilitate the sale of one of the newly created parcels.
Supervisor Kim Jedlicka said the Connellys have owned the property at 3427 Sylvan Drive for about 22 years and now wish to divide the parcel and sell part of it. The problem is that the lot line that divides the two tax parcels passes through a corner of the existing home and patio. The Connellys, who wish to sell the house, would like to adjust the lot line. That would require a variance because the new smaller lot would be considered a substandard lot with less than 10,000 square feet.
Jedlicka said the Plan Commission recommended denying the variance to avoid setting a precedent that could encourage other town residents to take advantage of. If the Connellys were to sell the newly created parcel that does not have a home built on it, they would have to get another variance since that lot would be substandard.
The board denied the variance unanimously, however that denial is only a recommendation to the county. Administrator John Olson said the Connellys have scheduled a hearing before the Walworth County Board of Adjustment for Oct. 12 with a decision expected on Oct. 13.
Holiday hours
The township will host trick-or-treat hours from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 30. The annual Halloween party at the Community Park Building will follow until 5 p.m.
Octoberfest will also be held at Community Park beginning at 5 p.m. Oct. 22. Supervisor Chris Marsicano promised lots of German food and music led by polka musician Steve Meisner.
Private roads
The board approved raising the cost of snow removal on private roads in the township from 24 cents to 26 cents per foot. Supervisor Barb Militello said the fee has not been changed in years.
Utility tower policy
The board approved an amendment to its policy regarding transmission facility utility towers. Olson said some companies have been erecting towers that are basically miniature cell towers in rights-of-way owned by municipalities. Olson said no one has approached the township yet about doing so, but it was recently done as close as Lake Geneva.
Olson said state law prohibits municipalities from prohibiting the towers based on aesthetics, but state law provides municipalities with some ability to place limitations on the towers.
The amended ordinance requires a company to get a permit to erect a tower, state the reason for the permit, agree to restore all areas disturbed by the installation, abide by all local, state and federal laws, pay for any damages caused to property or costs incurred by the village, submit proof of insurance and pay a fee which has not yet been established.
Fire truck financing
The board approved financing a new fire truck that was approved in November of with People’s Bank for $650,000. Olson said the new truck could cost between $580,000 and $650,000 depending on the equipment added to it.
