TOWN OF BARNES

Bayfield County, Wisconsin

Community Survey Results

February 2004

With assistance from:

Cedar Corporation

604 Wilson Avenue

Menomonie, Wisconsin 54751

UW-Extension

PO Box 218
117 East 5th Street
Washburn, WI  54891

About the Town of Barnes Community Survey

The Town of Barnes conducted a community-wide survey in December of 2003. The Town wanted to ensure that work on their Comprehensive Land Use Plan began with the input of its residents and property owners.

After much thought, the Town of Barnes Comprehensive Land Use Committee agreed upon the 34 questions and statements that were mailed to all property owners and made available to all renters in the Town of Barnes. Press releases were published in the County Journal and Northwoods Shopper to inform residents about the survey. All totaled, 1674 surveys were mailed with 858 being returned. This equated to a return rate of 51.25%! Results were then tabulated by Cedar Corporation.

Part 1 of this booklet contains the survey questions with the responses represented as a percentage of total responses. As you will notice, total percentages rarely, if ever, add up to 100%. This is because on most surveys, parts of questions were inadvertently or intentionally skipped.

Part 2 of this booklet contains written comments compiled from every returned survey.

The survey reveals that Town of Barnes residents and property owners are drawn by the beautiful and abundant natural resources of the area and enjoy the northwoods character of the Town of Barnes. At the same time, this attraction has led to what some perceive as unwanted growth in the area or growth that should be managed. This, though, is a very general summarization and we encourage you to read through the entire survey and comment section.

Part 1

TOWN OF BARNES COMMUNITY SURVEY

1. Do you own or rent your place of residence in the Town of Barnes. (Please circle one.)

1. Own 86.2%

2. Rent 0.5%

3. Own land but do not have a dwelling on it. 13.2%

2. How long have you owned or rented property in the Town of Barnes? (Please circle one.)

1. Less than 5 years 15.7%

2. 5 to 10 years 18.8%

3. 11 to 20 years 20.4%

4. More than 20 years 44.9%

3. Are you a Town of Barnes………..? (Please circle one.)

1. Seasonal resident 38.9%

2. Year-Round resident 25.9%

3. Non-resident property owner 34.8%

4. Do you own waterfront property in the Town of Barnes? (Please circle one.)

1. Yes 64.3%

2. No 35.4%

5. In the past five years, how much growth do you think the Town of Barnes has experienced? (Please circle one.)

1. A large amount of growth 28.6%

2. Some growth 53.0%

3. Almost no growth 9.6%

4. No opinion 7.3%

6. How would you describe your feelings towards future growth and development (commercial, recreational, housing, resorts, etc…) in the Town of Barnes? (Please circle one.)

1. We need to support and encourage growth and development. 18.2%

2. The Town of Barnes is going to grow, but we need to control it. 45.1%

3. We need to slow down the rate of growth and development in the Town of Barnes. 7.0%

4. I would like to see the Town of Barnes stay the way it is. 22.1%

5. Not sure. 1.6%

7. How would you rate the quality of life in the Town of Barnes? (Please circle one.)

1. Excellent 19.1%

2. Good 58.9%

3. Fair 13.8%

4. Poor 2.0%

5. No Opinion 5.5%

8. Is it important for the Town of Barnes to retain its northwoods character? (Please circle one.)

1. Yes 95.6%

2. No 2.0%

3. No Opinion 2.1%

9. How would you rate the supply of housing by category in the Town of Barnes?

(Please check one box in each category.)

	We need a lot more.	We need a little more.	We don’t need any more.	No opinion.
1. Single Family Homes	7.1%	35.2%	19.2%	29.1%
2. Second/Vacation Homes	3.5%	27.4%	37.1%	23.2%
3. Mobile Homes	0.7%	5.6%	66.1%	19.6%
4. Higher Priced Homes	4.1%	18.3%	45.2%	23.4%
5. Rental Housing	3.3%	23.2%	40.4%	24.8%
6. Condominiums	2.2%	13.5%	52.9%	23.3%
7. Elderly/Assisted Living	10.7%	40.2%	15.9%	25.3%
8. Low Income Housing	4.4%	23.5%	40.0%	8.0%

10. Is there enough affordable housing in the Town of Barnes? (Please circle one.)

1. Yes 23.2%

2. No 16.9%

3. Not sure 57.3%

11. What does the term “affordable housing” mean to you? (Please circle one.)
1. Homes under $100,000 54.1%
2. Homes between $100,000 - $149,999. 31.9%
3. Homes between $150,000 - $174,999. 4.9%
4. Homes between $175,000 - $199,999. 2.0%
5. Homes between $200,000 - $249,999. 0.7%
6. Other (Please Specify) __________________________________

12. The Town of Barnes should adopt a policy or plan for future subdivision development. (Please circle one.)
1. I strongly agree. 28.0%
2. I agree. 33.1%
3. I disagree. 14.0%
4. I strongly disagree. 12.2%
5. Not sure. 11.4%

13. The Town of Barnes should develop design recommendations for new homes. (Please circle one.)
1. I strongly agree. 11.1%
2. I agree. 25.2%
3. I disagree. 29.4%
4. I strongly disagree. 22.6%
5. Not sure. 10.7%

14. How would you rate the general condition of local roads in the Town of Barnes? (Please circle one.)
1. Fine/well maintained. 23.9%
2. Good/some maintenance needed. 61.2%
3. Poor/needs immediate attention 11.0%
4. No Opinion. 2.7%

15. The Town of Barnes should allow ATV use on Town Roads. (Please circle one.)
1. I strongly agree. 19.3%
2. I agree. 23.3%
3. I disagree. 21.1%
4. I strongly disagree. 28.2%
5. Not sure. 7.2%

16. Would you support or oppose the increased development of these recreational forms of transportation? (Please check one box in each category.)

	Support	Oppose	No Opinion
1. Biking Trials	78.7%	9.2%	9.0%
2. Hiking Trails	82.6%	7.5%	7.7%
3. Snowmobile Trails	66.4%	21.8%	8.9%
4. ATV Trails	58.4%	30.4%	8.3%
5. Cross Country Skiing Trails	81.4%	7.1%	9.2%
6. Horseback Riding Trails	60.1%	14.3%	22.3%

17. In your opinion, how has the quality of the environment in the Town of Barnes changed over the past five years? (Please circle one.)
1. It’s gotten better. 9.2%
2. It’s stayed about the same. 55.7%
3. It’s gotten worse. 20.0%
4. Not sure. 13.3%

18. The Town of Barnes should protect buildings, sites, and artifacts of historical importance. (Please circle one.)
1. I agree. 75.4%
2. I disagree. 7.3%
3. No opinion. 16.0%

19. Which of these statements concerning groundwater quality would you agree with? (Please circle one.)
1. The groundwater quality is good. 62.7%
2. There are problems with the groundwater. 10.7%
3. Not sure. 25.6%

20. It is important to preserve large tracts of private forest land in the Town of Barnes. (Please circle one.)
1. I strongly agree. 51.4%
2. I agree. 33.3%
3. I disagree. 5.9%
4. I strongly disagree. 1.9%
5. Not sure. 6.4%

21. The Town of Barnes needs to protect its lakeshores and riverfronts. (Please circle one.)
1. I strongly agree. 63.2%
2. I agree. 29.8%
3. I disagree. 2.9%
4. I strongly disagree. 1.3%
5. Not sure. 1.6%

22. It is important to preserve agricultural land in the Town of Barnes. (Please circle one.)
1. Yes 47.4%
2. No 21.6%
3. No opinion 25.5%

23. Which statement best describes your opinion concerning these land use issues? (Please check one box in each category.)

	Strongly Agree	Agree	Disagree	Strongly Disagree	No Opinion
1. The Town of Barnes should develop a “downtown” area.	11.5%	40.3%	21.7%	6.8%	13.2%
2. Lakes and rivers within the Town of Barnes are being over-developed.	22.1%	38.5%	20.6%	1.4%	13.2%
3. We need more private recreational development (golf courses, resorts, etc…)	4.7%	22.6%	43.5%	14.0%	10.8%
4. We need more public recreational development (campgrounds, boat landings, etc…).	6.2%	25.8%	41.0%	15.0%	7.8%
5. I am aware of ordinances governing yard lights and buildings.	8.4%	30.1%	21.7%	6.6%	26.1%
6. The Town of Barnes should allow for the construction of communication towers.	18.8%	44.5%	12.1%	10.4%	9.7%
7. Zoning ordinances are enforced in the Town of Barnes.	6.6%	43.6%	15.4%	6.9%	21.8%
8. We need to limit development in order to preserve our natural environment.	29.8%	41.7%	15.0%	3.4%	5.9%
9I. The Town of Barnes has an adequate amount of public parks.	14.2%	55.7%	11.4%	0.5%	13.2%
10. We should set standards for signs, banners, and billboards within the Town of Barnes.	30.7%	49.2%	7.7%	1.3%	7.1%
11. Bayfield County Zoning, as it relates to condominiums, is adequate.	2.3%	15.7%	9.0%	4.5%	61.5%
12. Bayfield County Zoning, as it relates to high density development, is adequate.	2.8%	15.2%	10.5%	4.7%	59.8%

24. The Town of Barnes should actively pursue new retail and commercial businesses. (Please circle one.)
1. I strongly agree. 13.3%
2. I agree. 32.2%
3. I disagree. 24.8%
4. I strongly disagree. 11.2%
5. Not sure. 13.9%

25. The Town of Barnes should consider free land or financial assistance for new commercial businesses. (Please circle one.)
1. I strongly agree. 5.9%
2. I agree. 16.4%
3. I disagree. 34.0%
4. I strongly disagree. 27.3%
5. Not sure. 12.9%

26. The Town of Barnes should consider free land or financial assistance for new light industry. (Please circle one.)
1. I strongly agree. 6.3%
2. I agree. 20.2%
3. I disagree. 29.8%
4. I strongly disagree. 27.3%
5. Not sure. 12.6%

27. How do you feel about the following types of businesses? (Please check one box for each category.)

	We need more	We have enough	We need to see less of	Not sure
1. Specialty shops	36.8%	30.4%	5.8%	19.2%
2. Service based	46.5%	28.9%	3.1%	14.5%
3. Recreational based	34.5%	37.8%	4.8%	15.2%
4. Commercial/Retail	38.6%	31.7%	7.1%	14.8%
5. Light Industrial	30.4%	25.6%	16.3%	19.9%
6. Home based	26.1%	29.4%	5.8%	30.1%
7. (Other: Please specify)	5.8%	3.6%	1.5%	11.4%

28. The Town of Barnes should develop design recommendations for commercial and light industrial developments. (Please circle one.)
1. I strongly agree. 21.2%
2. I agree. 36.4%
3. I disagree. 14.2%
4. I strongly disagree. 9.0%
5. Not sure. 13.1%

29. Within the next 20 years, The Town of Barnes will need to build or expand a/the…....(Please check one box for each category.

	Strongly agree	Agree	Disagree	Strongly disagree	Not sure
1. Medical Facility/Clinic	19.9%	33.2%	22.5%	5.1%	12.7%
2. Library	8.7%	31.0%	29.1%	6.8%	16.4%
3. Fire Department	18.1%	50.9%	11.3%	1.3%	12.5%
4. Emergency Services	19.8%	52.6%	8.6%	1.4%	11.2%
5. Parks	5.8%	28.7%	35.1%	5.4%	17.8%
6. Schools	4.2%	18.3%	35.1%	10.4%	24.4%
7. Recreational Center	6.4%	26.1%	34.5%	10.0%	16.0%
8. Swimming Pool	4.0%	10.3%	43.9%	18.6%	16.3%
9. Day Care	3.8%	23.1%	29.7%	9.1%	26.5%
10. Van service	6.8%	29.5%	23.3%	7.7%	25.2%
11. Other (Please Specify)	3.0%	1.5%	2.4%	1.0%	9.7%

30. At current development rates, the Town of Barnes needs to explore developing a sanitary sewer district. (Please circle one.)
1. I strongly agree. 6.9%
2. I agree. 19.7%
3. I disagree. 30.1%
4. I strongly disagree. 17.1%
5. Not sure. 24.2%

31. Bayfield County or the Town of Barnes has ordinances regulating shoreland lighting, boat activity, and building construction (to name a few). What are the two best ways to make sure these ordinances are used effectively? (Please circle two.)
1. Hire someone full-time to enforce ordinances. 22.8%
2. Consider stricter ordinances. 12.1%
3. Better educate the public. 69.6%
4. Ordinances need to be “loosened”. 9.0%
5. Use volunteers for enforcement. 21.0%
6. Not sure. 10.3%

32. The Town of Barnes should consider implementing impact fees, which are assessed per lot on new developments because of their financial impact on the Town’s public facilities, utilities, and roads. (Please circle one.)

1. I strongly agree. 16.8%

2. I agree. 27.0%

3. I disagree. 24.5%

4. I strongly disagree. 12.6%

5. Not sure. 17.0%

33. The Town of Barnes has a good working relationship with the……….(Please check one box for each category.)

	I agree	I disagree	No opinion
1. Drummond School District	31.0%	2.4%	60.8%
2. Bayfield County	35.2%	5.8%	53.6%
3. Neighboring Towns	31.9%	3.1%	59.0%
4. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources	38.5%	5.0%	51.0%
5. Wisconsin Department of Transportation	25.9%	5.2%	62.6%

34. If you have any additional comments relating to future growth and development in the Town of Barnes, please include them here.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for taking the time to fill out the Town of Barnes Community Survey and being a part of our future!

Please return your completed survey in the provided envelope by Wednesday, January 7^th, 2004.

Part 2

TOWN OF BARNES COMMUNITY SURVEY

SURVEY COMMENTS

December 2003

11. What does the term Aaffordable housing@ mean to you? Other:

ALower.@

AYou pay high taxes here on a dump!@

ADepends on income.@

AUnder $50,000.@

ABased on local economic factors $50,000 - $100,000."

AMortgage under $80,000.@

ACannot be quantified with a number that applies totally. It is an individually determined price range determined by one=s income and assets.@

AFamily on fixed income.@

AWhatever the person can afford, but not over $100,000.@

AGet real.@

AMost income way under $100,000 per year.@

AAfford payment and taxes.@

AHousing local people can afford.@

AUnder $30,000.@

A$80,000 - $100,000.@

AConsidering wages $50,000.@

ADepends on location.@

AAffordable to whom?@

AUnder $50,000.@

AUnder $75,000.@

AAffordable rental property.@

$60,000 to $120,000 would be more accurate. At today=s interest rate, this is easily attainable for two person income. If not, then you=re poor and we shouldn=t change our City to support poor/unwilling to help themselves people.@

APeople should build what they can afford. We don=t need any subdivisions.@

AModular in a park.@

ADon=t know what the local market is.@

ALow rent for elderly.@

AThese prices are ridiculous. Conservational homes are welcome.@

AAffordable to all incomes.@

ALow income code word.@

AFor rental and low income family.@

ADoes this include land? Quality affordable housing for every budget.@

ADifferent people can afford different things. All things are rationed by price.@

AI hate the term - buy or rent what you=re capable of paying for. I=d like to afford a $3 million property.@

A$50,000.00.@

27. How do you feel about the following types of businesses? Other:

ARestaurants - we need more.@

AHow about any.@

ATaverns - we need less of.@

ATaverns - we need less of.@

ARestaurants.@

ACertain businesses should be maintained to ensure quality of life for residents.@

AHigh quality restaurants, laundromats, ATV fields to keep them off the roads designated ATV fields or parks.@

ANeed a grocery store.@

ALarger grocery store.@

AGrocery store needed.@

AWe need restaurants.@

AHave enough bars and restaurants.@

ANeed general/grocery.@

AAny private, non-subsidized.@

ANeed more restaurants.@

AFood.@

AHardware store.@

ARestaurants.@

AGolf course.@

ANon-profit park and rec. department.@

ANeed more family restaurants.@\

AGood non-smoking supper club.@

ASupper clubs and small restaurants.@

ARestaurant.@

ARestaurants.@

AWe need (1-5) these in our business park. They should only help them with getting them in touch with right people, etc. to develop their business in the business park.@

AGrocery/hardware.@

AA growing business population is a good thing.@

AHealth care.@

AHardware/lumber.@

ANeed more eating out places.@

ANeed food market.@

AWe need more restaurants.@

AWe need more supper clubs.@

AThere are plenty of City - not many areas like Barnes - people who want development condo=s and development of businesses should go to it everywhere.@

ALaundry mat.@

ATrailer parks.@

ARestaurants.@

ARestaurants.@

ACar service center.@

AEating places.@

AAll of the above in moderation.@

AMarina.@

ALaundromat.@

ATourist oriented.@

ARestaurants.@

ABarnes need to preserve a country quality life style. Bigness loses a community feeling.@

ANeed fewer bars.@

ARestaurants, cleaning services.@

ANursing home.@

AHardware store, tree nursery, landscaping materials.@

AThe Town government should stay out of the development business. Demand, or need, will direct itself.@

AThis is a matter for entrepreneurs. The Town should not be involved except for zoning issues.@

ALet the market drive.@

ALet the free market decide.@

ALaundromat@

ALet the marketplace control this - if it=s needed, it will happen - if it happens. Great.@

AThere to get away from.@

AGood restaurants.@

AI=m not sure how many there are, but I am in favor of home based businesses.@

AGolf course.@

ARestaurants.@

AAnything legal and nature friendly to help people to spent their money here rather than in Hayward, Duluth, etc.@

29. Within the next 20 years, the Town of Barnes will need to build or expand a/the... Other:

AEntertainment (movies).@

ATown garage.@

ARoad care.@

AExercise/physical rehab. center. Senior center needed right now.@

ASwimming pool, library, rec. center as one unit. Five day meals on wheels and medical facility - one or two days a week.@

AAll of these things are nice, but when development happens and more people are here, there are more roads, more structures and less trees, less privacy, less of why it is wonderful to live in the woods.@

AHome delivered meals.@

AConservation minded organization/facilities.@

AAffordable grocery store, hardware store, prescription drug store.@

AGrocery.@

AFamily oriented businesses for shopping, movies, eating, relaxing and playing.@

AGolf course.@

AHistorical/museum.@

ALaundromat.@

AMore auto repair shops.@

ALower property taxes.@

AThe playground next to Town Hall is great.@

AVehicle repair shop.@

AGrocery store.@

ATaxi.@

AGrocery.@

ADiners.@

APost Office.@

ASkateboarding or off-road vehicle park.@

AA mobile home/modular home park with large nice sites. Good for the young and old.@

ABeaches for public use.@

ATechnical, communication, light industry - need airport improvement.@

ATechnical services, communication. If you have light industries - airport improvement.@

AATV roads - open them up to improve recreational income.@

ALarge Community Center.@

APolice protection.@

AThe County regulates day care. Large day care centers lack 1 to 1 with the little ones and also a source of illnesses, etc. Schools that become too large lose the quality of knowing your student body.@

ACleaning services.@

ABook mobile.@

AThis cannot be predicted at this time.@

ACommunity Center.@

ASenior Center and History Museum. I feel the need for an updated Senior Center - one that provides the opportunity for mental and physical stimulation as well as serving meals. Barnes has a large retirement population that could benefit from this service. Preserve the heritage of Barnes in a Historical Museum.@

ALet year-round residents decide.@

AThey may all be needed, but to say now is to put the cart ahead of the horse.@

AA large indoor facility with pool and walking arena like a covered football, soccer field with facilities in one end, pool - exercise coffee shop.@

AElderly transportation.@

ASnowplowing.@

AMeeting hall/community center.@

AWe need to keep people here in this town to shop and spend here rather than just live here and come to town meetings and complain about roads, etc., but get in a car and buy, eat, shop and spend their money in other towns. Support our town retailers.@

34. Additional comments:

AControl over taxation of non-developed shoreline property.@

AMy main concern is real estate tax increases and public safety. Any development will probably raise taxes.@

AMake sure snowmobiles and ATVs stay on the right roads and trails. Need more signs. Someone could get hurt.@

ATake care of existing waterways.@

AI feel we need to act slowly and maintain what we have now. I don=t want to see big shots move in and try to change the area to where low or middle class can=t afford to live in the area.@

AKeep it as near as can be for people who enjoy the wilderness. We love the quietness and birds.@

AMore rec facilities for tourists. No ATV. Housing regulated. No industry - waste of time - too far from main transportation.@

AWe are a bedroom community/recreational area. We do not need to become a business oriented community. There are adequate job opportunities within 30 minutes drive time.@

AI have seen more growth in the last 44 years than my Grandparents seen in their whole life. I was born and raised in Barnes and it saddens me to see so much growth and development and destruction of our lakes and wild land. We see too much influence from new residents that escape from cities wanting a better life. Then the first thing they do is want more buildings, more blacktop roads and driveways. More jobs, more government, more development. They want more of the same things they have just tried to run from. If we don=t start to slow down growth and stop industry from raping our Natural Resources, we will destroy our beautiful township and leave nothing but waste and over-development for our children and grandchildren.@

ABarnes needs to grow to survive. We just need to do it intelligently, not like we did with the Industrial Park.@

ABarnes needs lighting at road intersections for the safety of the local residents.@

AOur tax money goes to other less poorer schools because we are so rich. The Town of Barnes and most of its rep. are bad news. Pay taxes and get 0 for it. Developments bring housing, new schools, etc., and it all adds up to more taxes and our taxes are high enough for the 0 service we get in Barnes.@

AFor the amount a landowner pays in taxes, there should be something nearby other than just a fire dept. Something to show for the $100.00 increases every year for property tax.@

ALets get Barnes into the 21^st Century without having it lose itself in doing so. We have good caring people, but we need businesses and businesses that don=t rip us off - real store (grocery, hardware), post office.@

AShould this area become more attractive, proper zoning for protection of watersheds, lakeshore and recreational land is imperative, as are building ordinances which assume safe, quality structures and proper use of resources.@

AOur greatest asset is the natural environment. We need to control growth and development to protect the town=s natural environment. I believe local taxes should be increased so that we can care for our basic infrastructure, especially roads. Currently the town=s care of roads is a miserable failure.@

AGet ATVs and snowmobile off roads and back on trails. Make Tomahawk Lake and some others no wake lakes like Drummond did.@

ATaxes need a reality check. People should be taxes off their land.@

AMy biggest concern is that the area will become over-populated.@

AMark ATV trails much better and coordinate them with the trail maps.@

AKeep development under control. Don=t forget this is the country. That is one reason why I moved up here from Chicago.@

AAbandon the present Industrial Park. It=s the wrong location. Pay what you must to get a location on Route 27 and have it designed it can=t be seen.@

AWhen you start the active development of the C plan, choose a group of local residents to be involved. Do not try and use an outside source. Local elected officials and citizens can do it.@

AThe boating ordinances suck. Each lake should govern their own boating ordinance. Town of Barnes do not give the non-resident property owner enough time to vote. You should hold the voting in the summer when everyone can attend. It seems like the older generation make up these laws. Weren=t you people young at one time? The best skiing is after 5:00 p.m. I feel if you ski after 5:00, show courtesy toward the fisherman - don=t ski near them.@

AI am very concerned about quality of life issues - lake quality; exceptions being made in lakeshore building codes; environmental degradation; noise/light/fertilizer pollutions; people out of the city and turning the northwoods into their next city playgrounds. Totally inappropriate. All planning must be proactive - not reactive. Once quality is gone, it will be nearly impossible to retrieve.@

AThere should be a bike/jogging shoulder on Hwy. 27 from A to Pease Road.@

ALimit the size of motors on smaller lakes. Let land owners decide if they want their land for closed area. Too many cops patrolling. I don=t think you need all the police force in Bayfield County. They are taking needed income from business from the township. This township belongs in Russia. The locals are afraid to stop and support bars as per DWI.@

AI don=t like the busy Grove Lake Road. It used to be quiet. Potawatami is ever growing. I=d like to see a separate entrance to this area.@

ADevelopment is inevitable. We moved to Wisconsin here to escape city growth and development which has grown exponentially. Open space, natural areas, lakes and rivers have been destroyed because of too much development - too many people. When development planning begins, I would ask to protect the environment from pollution (potential) - air, noise, land and water. Also help to preserve wildlife, after all, it=s their land too. Do we really need more shopping centers, private recreation areas and water fronts that are overdeveloped.@

AIf there is too much industry and growth, why would people want to come to Barnes? They may as well stay at home.@

AGet rid of jet skis.@

AProtect land, water, animals.@

AThe biggest degradations in environmental quality are unrestricted use of personal watercraft (jet skis) on lakes and unrestricted snowmobile and ATV use. On weekends in particular, they detract from tranquility of life on the lake in Barnes.@

ATotal expenditurer/year should be initially be reduced and then increased at no more than the cost of living index. Increases in assessed valuations should result in corresponding decreases in mill rates. Retirees are being tax increased out of their homes.@

ANo ATVs on dirt roads. No impact fees on single-family homes.@

AThe town crew is 30% less productive since Bud Pease retired. They seem to work harder getting out of work than doing the work. They do shoddy work and don=t seem to care.@

AGet the town out of the way.@

ABarnes will need an ordinance to regulate non-lakeshore owners docking boats and other water craft on the lake. It overburdens the lakes and will become a safety issue if it continues.@

AHaving a good working relationship with neighboring towns depends on maintaining and opening recreational trails of all types which connect to those of neighboring towns.@

AAssess impact fees on the junkyards in town such as Marshall=s Trailer Park on Hwy. 27 and S. Haynes Landfill on Hwy. 27. You won=t attract new growth as long as these junkyards and others are the first thing people see driving into Barnes - eye sore and bad for the environment, ground water, etc. Enforce laws. Focus on cleaning up our town and enforcing current ordinances before you start restricting new development. Have mandatory annual septic system testing and upgrading for all properties in Barnes, especially on lakes.@

AWe plan to stay here and keep the property in the family. If the valuation and taxes continue to increase, we will not be able to afford to stay here. Increasing value of the property only help those who sell. Therefore, we do not want area to get more popular with the resulting increase in value. When we bought in 1994, the lake property was valued at $500/ft. Now its $1000/ft. A 100% increase in 9 years is too much.@

ANeed more job creation activities. The expense for new or improved housing or business should be paid by shared proportionateley be new and old.@

AThe public building in Barnes should set a better standard for the look we would like to achieve. Town Hall, town garage, could use a facelift on their exteriors.

AWe should encourage some kind of light industrial development to bring jobs into the area so that Barnes could be more than a retirement community.@

AI think one of the biggest problems we face is overdevelopment to the lakefront properties with lake quality diminishing both in fisheries and water clarity and growth. We need to stop this now so it doesn=t get to be a bigger problem so the future growth and development especially for lakeshore properties should be tightly controlled and all laws strictly enforced.@

APreserve natural wilderness environment as much as possible. No urban development. If you want to live in a city, move there.@

APlease keep it the way it is. no growth. Growth is damaging to our quality of life up here. Escape to Wisconsin means that growth is a negative to all city dwellers who come up here to get away from growth.@

AWith the lack of fishermen on M. Eau Claire Lake, the ordinance limiting the hours to waterski and sea-do=s should be revisited. Also, the hours to burn leave, etc. need to be expanded for a couple of weekends in each the spring and fall. These hours are a real pain for the non-resident property owner who encounters a rainy weekend on the only time available.@

AIs the Drummond School District getting add. from the state, and if not, why not?@

AGrocery. Auto - garage for repairs. Church.@

AWe should limit jet skis to big lakes only.@

APublic swimming areas other than the lock and dam area.@

AThe town stopped plowing many roads, but I=ve seen no improvement elsewhere due to extra time road crews now have.@

AI strongly feel we should support snowmobiling and ATV use as it bring in a lot more money than bicyclist, hikers, bird watchers, cross country skiing, horseback riders, etc. Support the people who spend money in our town.@

AThe unique seclusion of the rustic wood is what draws people to the area. This invaluable resource must be handled carefully.@

AI have been going to the Barnes area all my life. It used to be a place to get away from people. Now you would stand a better chance in St. Paul.@

AMy family has been lifetime residents of Barnes. In my opinion, because of the rapid growth and influx of people bringing all the ATVs, etc., the peace and serenity we used to have is disappearing.@

AThis questionnaire is difficult to answer intellectually because of the lack of information of previous situations, trends, etc. The people who developed this questionnaire in my opinion, already know the answers they want by the way they formulate the question.@

ARecreation is the town=s primary asset. Balancing the future demands to meet existing and whatever new types of recreation comes along next is critical in order to preserve the reason(s) why people enjoy the north country. It doesn=t need to be another Wisconsin Dells. Relocate those damn blue/yellow water trampolines. Between them, and whatever else is coming down the pike, couples with PWC=s lake enjoyment will go down the tubes.@

AStop taxing the heck out of lakeshore property owners.@

ACreate industrial park for business storage facilities, small companies, and businesses.@

AI would not like to see the Town of Barnes become another Hayward or Wisconsin Dells.@

AThe lake property ownership in Barnes has migrated to recreation interest. The boating ordinances need to be changed to reflect the same.@

AWhen I tell people where I live, they have this wonderment in their eyes. I chose to live here with all the inconveniences and distances. I have to drive to get what I need. I chose to live in this small little community - I love it. I don=t want to change too much, but would appreciate small changes. Sometimes I feel like we have a little secret here, Barnes, and I am not sure I want too many people to know our little secret. Yet I hate driving so far for groceries or things I would buy here. I am probably asking the impossible - change but don=t change. Ha. Good luck.@

AI=ve been coming to Barnes since the early 1960s. I bought property in Barnes because I liked the way it was. Increased development will completely destroy all the reason I love Barnes. I come to Barnes to escape from overdevelopment. Let=s not turn Barnes into the next Eagle River of Minocqua. Isn=t Hayward close enough.@

AWe love Barnes as it is and has been for many years.@

AIf you want a big town, go back to the big town. Leave the north woods alone. No dwelling should be larger than 2,200 feet of living space. The school district and county need to bring their expenses in line.@

AWe use our land for recreation. We would like to see the area stay recreational. However, we don=t believe the opinions of a few property owners should dictate how we use our land, i.e., lighting, decor, etc.@

AI would like to see the Town of Barnes remain as it is, but I know there will be a large growth over the next 20 years.@

APass lakes and guidelines and then let private businesses do what is profitable. Restrict growth of government.@

AIf people want all of the above, tell them to move to Hayward.@

ABetter education of town employees regarding side road maintenance.@

AQuit spending my money on this stuff.@

AWe moved up here for peace and quiet. Why are ATVs even being considered for road usage. They are noisy, dangerous, and they pollute.@

AI was seriously considering building a studio on my property and moving my business to Barnes, but the recent property tax increase has made me put these plans on hold.@

AGrowth is inevitable. Quality of life is essential. I get away from the city to enjoy the outdoors but would appreciate a few more things to do locally when we do visit.@

AWe don=t need ATVs on our road. Regulate and limit growth.@

AOrdinance should be enacted (enforced) regarding non-owners of shoreline real estate docking or otherwise piggybacking watercraft on other=s property to avoid stress on water use and quality.@

APlease enforce building codes.@

AWe need to enforce lighting ordinances around the lakes, especially concerning the light at the end of a dock adjacent to the public landing on the middle Eau Claire. Thank you for conducting this survey.@

AWith me being a non-resident property owner, I do not know of the things being offered in Town of Barnes.@

AI would like Barnes to consider allowing water skiing until 6:00 p.m. in the summer. The wind dies down around 5:00 p.m. many days.@

ADiscourage further development. If it comes, our taxes will to up because of all the services manned by the new group.@

AWisconsin, as in many other areas of U.S., is faced with constant change. The proposed effort to statewide develop land use plans boils down to the pressures of an organized few to mold the future development of areas to their ideas. This is not necessarily what=s good for the area - environmentally, rural atmosphere, rural population and economic growth. One needs to be open to all opinions, life styles and interests. This would take a miracle. Think outside the box - like 60 minutes. Forget surveys and focus groups. Work with your long term residents to develop a vision of the future.@

AA more centralized outgoing mail drop.@

AA more centralized mail drop off site.@

AI think that the Bayfield County Zoning is a violation of the property owners rights. They have gone way overboard and need to be changed.@

ABlacktop the road to Town Park.@

AWe encourage growth of the downtown, managed growth in housing maintenance of the lake and outdoor beauty, and recommended/suggested housing quality.@

ALeave Barnes as it is. Barnes is one of the few areas we can retreat to that isn=t developed and overpopulated.@

AThere is not sufficient information to properly answer some of the questions. Gathering citizen input is a great step.@

APreserving natural resources (forest and lakes) should be the key planning element. Once they are lost, they will never come back. Limit growth. Enjoy silent recreation.@

AI would like to see little or no growth and keep it a northwoods setting.@

AThe natural resources of the area are its greatest attraction. They should be protected.@

AThe present industrial park is a boondoggle. There has been absolutely no development there and because of its location, there probably won=t be.@

ATown of Barnes needs to have very strict rules for individuals who have junkyards on their property. Fencing and paying fines for example.@

AOur clean air, soil, water tables, lake, rivers, and streams should all be given top priority. Everything considered should be safe environmentally with no minimal allowances.@

AGet the public=s opinion.@

ALet=s preserve the quiet, remote feel the raw nature while allowing for development.@

AI don=t want Barnes to become like Hayward, but wouldn=t mind seeing a little more life to the place.@

ACampgrounds in Barnes need to be regulated better.@

ADon=t over-regulate. Keep things simple. Stay small town.@

ALimit size of boat motors on lakes.@

>I think your survey has loaded questions which skew the results in favor of the town and don=t really value the opinions of the residents. Why ask if you don=t really care.@

ATaxes are too high.@

AThe recent tax increases are going to drive people out.@

AThank you for the information. I would like to see how the survey turns out.@

AAll property owners should receive copies of land use maps reflecting the plans being considered and copies of recent Bayfield County ordinances mentioned above.@

AThe taxes are too high. You are making the local people leave because they can=t pay the high taxes.@

ABuilding new boathouses should be permitted.@

AHayward is 30 minutes away and Superior is 45 minutes away. Barnes does not need to pursue rapid growth of industry or commercial development.@

ADue to the reassessment of the town every year, my taxes have tripled in the last 3 years for the sources the town has to offer. I believe we should have plenty of income to remain as we are Barnes, WI.@

AGet handle on taxes before township taxes elderly and retirees out of their ability to keep the properties they have already paid for.@

ATown does not need to be involved in expanding/attracting new businesses. The area can do this by itself. Don=t need more laws to govern community.@

AI think there should be an ordinance against piggyback properties on lakes. People who own land on the lake should not have to put up with others boating who have no investment on the lake. There should be a regulation on the number of boats being docked. I have seen and experienced unsafe situations while boating, especially on the 4^th of July with too many jet skis and people waterskiing and not paying attention to other boating traffic.@

AThe Town of Barnes has survived for decades as a recreational area. It should be maintained as such.@

AI don=t think the town should subsidize any growth. We like the small town environment as it is today.@

AZoning ordinances should be communicated and enforced. Stop the pay-o-la.@

AEveryone knows the location of 4 - 5 properties which are a disgrace and very destructive to the environment. Clean-up should be ordered and enforced.@

AHave owned for less than 2 year so do not have enough knowledge to answer many of these questions. Sure like the area though and would like to maintain the northwoods atmosphere.@

AIndustrial development would change the character of Barnes and drive away many of the vacation property owners like us. We are paying a high tax rate to preserve the quality of the environment.@

APlease don=t turn Barnes into a suburb. Barnes is beautiful because of its woods and lakes. Also the slower pace. There are fewer and fewer places to escape to. Please don=t wreck it.@

ATaxes are way too high. Live within your means. Stop thinking of Barnes as a large city or town when really all Barnes is is a small bump in the road and that is all it will ever be.@

AWhy no questions on junk yards? Are we afraid to enforce this because we might hurt someone=s feelings? Don=t play favorites.@

AWe are a retirement/recreation community and I believe we should keep it this way.@

AWe need to be very careful about taking on anything that is going to cost the tax payer more than he is already paying which is in many cases too much.@

ABe careful what we ask for. We may get it. The greatest asset the Eau Claire Lakes Area has is its quiet lakes and lack of commercialism. I believe our great system of free enterprise will bing in whatever growth potential may exist in the future. Our emphasis should be to retain, maintain, and enhance our current assets and environment according to the very highest standards. Most of us have chosen to live here for the reasons stated above. Do we really want to become another Big Round area? I would hope not. Change is inevitable. However, in the changing process, we can preserve our uniqueness.@

AI wish I could offer more, but being only a very part time resident, I don=t have a real feel for the problems and possible solutions available to you.@

ASlow well thought out development is best.@

AToo many old mobile homes which are a blight to the area. Strict enforcement of ordinances setbacks from lakes. Create an ordinance or enforce an existing one regarding junk on private property. Surely all septic systems located along lakes and rivers and bring them up to current code. Also check for raw sewage outlets.@

AEau Claire Lakes/Barnes area is one of the most beautiful places in Wisconsin. Don=t ruin it with development.@

ABarnes is beautiful because of the natural environment (forests, wildlife, and little town setting). People come here because of this. If this changes, Barnes will become a less desirable place to be.@

ABarnes is just fine as it is. Don=t mess it up with another layer of government regulations and controls.@

AStop all the ATVs.@

AUEC Lake and the area seems to be more fragile than other areas. Any codes or regulations need to consider the complex soil/lake situation there.@

AI have only owned property in Barnes for slightly more than one year. It is difficult to rate many topics because I do not live there.@

AI think Barnes should remain a recreational/tourist area. People who live here and want to stay do stay because they love the area for what it is - scenic and clean. If you bring industry and promote more infrastructure, it will turn into Hayward, Spooner, and Lake Nebagamon.@

AWe strongly believe the future development of Barnes on Route 27, etc. needs to be planned and controlled to reflect the northwoods environment. No more pole barns or pink signs, or at least false fronts should be required if a pole barn is necessary.@

AI live here because of the low population density. The lakes are over populated now. I do not live on a lake.@

ALess input from special interest groups to fit their own agenda.@

AI have recently purchased property in the Town of Barnes (5-10-03), and I would like to see it remain a northwoods community with careful monitoring of its land use and economic development.@

AGet rid of the crappy trailers and junk cars all over the place. Get more stores in town.@

AThere are too many new houses going up for an area that is considered to be wilderness or farming. We need large farms for vegetables.@

ALets protect the beautiful place we all enjoy, protect the wilderness, forest and lakes and limit growth and development. Enjoy our quality of life.@

AKeep growth to minimum. Best part of Barnes is the ability to get away from traffic - the hub-bub of people. Keep it a get-away. Keep services to minimum to limit people.@

ATourism is extremely important and we have very little development to draw new development. Almost looks like business has gone backwards in the past 10 years.@

AWe need to stop all the junky trailers that are being moved into Potowatomi. It is starting to look very tacky - ordinances are not being followed.@

AYou need to blacktop the density (new) housing at Potawatoni.@

AA lot of my answers were the responses of a seasonal property owner. I don=t know what it=s like to live in Barnes year around.@

AFor us, the Town of Barnes is a northwoods retreat. Some development appears inevitable, but industrial growth seems self-defeating. The character of the Town comes from its remoteness. Bringing industry into the northwoods only reduces the appeal.@

AIn order to bring in industry and business, you need better transportation availability such as 4-lane roads for trucking and a railroad for rapid delivery.@

AAcquire jobs of $9 - $10/hour with benefits. Promote ATV trails off road surfaces. I am not for drinking and driving, but there needs to be a middle line between having a few while on weekends or vacation and not being harassed by the Bayfield County Sheriff. We are not experiencing any high levels of driving fatalities. It is hard to patronize local businesses and eat dinner, have a couple and drive home. This is hurting everyone. I have also heard that there is talk of a personal fireworks ban. This will hurt as well. People will go elsewhere for the week. I say by permit only as most do. This allows the fire department to know and map who and where has them for quicker response. Ticket all that do not apply for permit, but don=t stop the celebration.@

AIf taxes continue to increase wildly and there are no changes or improvements made, people will not have any incentive to live or vacation in Barnes.@

AThe future growth probably won=t impact us because we are being forced to sell property we own and intended to build on. The recent tax bills were tripled in assessments. What a shame the Town of Barnes didn=t consider the impact this would have on out of state owners. We have owned our land for over 20 years and wanted to stay in Wisconsin for years to come, but not now.@

AWe have located in the Town of Barnes because we like the up-north atmosphere, however Barnes lacks stores and shops and services to support everyday living. Example, Cable has more to offer for support services.@

AWe=re 50-year summer residents and we remember the condition of the road in the area. We=re very pleased with the roads improvements over the years.@

AIt is extremely important that the Town of Barnes do whatever is necessary to develop additional tax producing businesses.@

AOur family bought land over 50 years ago to have support Town of Barnes for all that time, but the recent raise in taxes (almost tripled) is going to force us to sell our property. We think this situation is sad for all family members who vacationed in Wisconsin and spent money in the area. We felt the increase in taxes were out of line.@

AI really do wish they=d put up towers so our cells would work. It=s hard to talk to family who=s up there. It=s very frustrating. Just was through an ordeal - couldn=t reach anyone after a death here in Ladysmith. It=s nearly impossible - once in a while it goes through - yes, we need more towers as fast as possible.@

ARising property taxes are a great concern and when it comes with no additional services or even less that seems to me to be a concern that needs to be addressed. What is being done with the increase in revenue? That has to be measured against the services that are being provided. This is forcing people to sell lakeshore property and in some cases rebuilding on an off lakeshore lot.@

AWe own a year-a-round home there, but for now use it as a 2^nd home. We plan to retire there and love the area, mostly because of its northern serenity. We feel good growth can be beneficial to all and with growth and development also comes planning and costs that all must bear. We love outdoor activities all year around - boating, fishing, snowmobiling, ATVs.@

ADo not run power lines down Hwy. 27 toward Nelson Lake. Leave the wilderness area.@

ADoing a good job. Great balance of residential and environment. I=d like to get smaller permit fees. Buildings under 400 square feet need not apply for a permit. Better maintenance of waterways, locks bridges.@

AKeep the town the same. I have been coming up there for 36 years and it is the reason I keep coming because it is not developed.@

AThe only thing that would be nice is a laundromat/small convenience store.@

AThe increase of taxes have tripled. Hardships have resulted because of this. I would be satisfied with less growth, less interest and less interference from local government.@

AWith growing dread and concern, I have been watching the size of real estate taxes escalate every year in Barnes. I fear the time will come when only the very rich will have a home on upper Eau Claire Lake. That eliminates my family. Enough is enough.@

AI=ve seen it time and time again where development causes property values to rise, subsequently raising taxes to the point where the original locals can no longer afford to live on their property. This changes the whole feel of a community, feeds resentment, and causes lost identify of a community. Unrestricted land and water development/use will result in the ruination of your most vital natural resources - the land - the water - the people. Don=t let it happen.@

AI would like to see a museum in Barnes.@

AI am afraid the Town is in danger of losing its northwoods appeal. Urbanizing or suburbanizing it will destroy the quaint, private aura we have so enjoyed in the past.@

AGet rid and enforce the laws in regards to the drug use and dealers in the town. The county and people know about it, but no one is doing anything. It affects families and children growing up with illegal drugs.@

ALet up on boat activity - you are ruining the fun at lakes with your stupid lake laws.@

APlease keep the Town of Barnes the lovely wilderness area as it now is and keep a lid on taxes.@

ANothing to draw an opinion on because we don=t require any of their services. Communication - better internet service (what we have is slow - computer connectivity to the world). Better telecommunication - cannot use any cell phones in the Barnes area. Many people have large investments in their properties. It=s quite inexcusable to allow someone to buy a lot for 10 - 15K and throw their junk and junk trailers up and destroy the beauty of the wilderness. i.e., watch what is happening on East Shore Road, the profit taker is making very little for what it will destroy.@

ABarnes can be developed and become prosperous with the minimum amount of supervision by the Town Board. Check with some of the chairmen in other communities and compare notes and develop a level headed plan for Barnes future.@

AThe school has complained a lot about road conditions but still nothing=s changed.@

AForget the Industrial Park. What a waste of money. Who in their right mind would want an Industrial Park on County Hwy. N. Maybe some fly-by-night outfit.@

AIf the Town was more centered, I could see a need for some of the mentioned items but without, it seems questionable.@

AUnder transportation should have a question on dirt and gravel roads in Barnes - bad there.@

AFor myself and others I know here, it is the lack of development that brings and keeps me paying taxes for our privacy on the lake. When it gets developed, we will sell and move to a more quiet area. Keep Barnes as is.@

ASome questions I have no knowledge of to answer.@

AI have been told that well over half of the residences of Barnes are seasonal, therefore, pay due burden of taxes. The reason they are there is to enjoy one natural ambience of the area. I deduce they are the major $ resource and protecting the land, water and wildlife is imperative.@

AHave the Bayfield building inspector fired and get one that works for Barnes and respects the land owners.@

A#21 - think the lakeshore owners have done a good job themselves. #31 - this covers too much area - a can of worms. #32 - get the public facilities in place first.@

ABarnes is a great town and hopefully will retain its small town northwoods.@

AStop the bickering between locals and tree huggers. Slow growth with moderation and planning.@

ASorry about the no opinion. Because we only own forest land and no longer live in WI, it didn=t seem fair to answer any other way.@

AI want to have my right to build or develop on my property maintained.@

AWill be home May 1 and hope you have an open forum to let all of us know what the board has in mind for the Town of Barnes.@

ASome new business (retail/commercial/light industry) would be nice to see. We do, however, enjoy the northwoods feel and remoteness that Barnes provides. Please keep this small town feel in mind when considering new growth.@

ATaxes are highest on seasonal lake front property, yet we have the least say on how money is spent.@

ASince the Indian people are spearing fish, the lakes should be stocked regularly to ensure fishing in the future. If you lose the fishermen, the town will disappear. There aren=t many fish now.@

ABarnes is slowly losing the cabin/up-north atmosphere I want.@

AThe appeal of our area is based on the environment. We must do whatever is necessary to maintain the quality and near natural state of our forests and waters. Near natural is a bit of an exaggeration, but we must work hard to maintain as best we can.@

AIf Barnes grows at a much higher, I=ll sell. I am a part-time weekender. I could just stay home and pretend I am in a higher developed Barnes.@

AAs a part-time or summer resident, Barnes has stayed very much the same for the past 35 years. The only negative exception is the use of ATVs on private property.@

APlease keep Barnes the small town that people here want it to be. People have moved from all over to have a small town feeling. Please do not change it.@

ATaxes are way too high. An investigation into town officials and assessments and values is in order.@

AGrow very, very slow.@

AI realize that Barnes is growing, but property tax increases over the past 5 years seem excessive.@

AProperty taxes can=t keep going up or many residents will have to sell and move out.@

AWork needs to be done on tax relief.@

AI would be willing to work on the development of the comprehensive plan.@

ATax breaks for public service small owner business like lakeshore resorts for boaters for food, drinks, supplies. Not for only business that pops up.@

APlease leave Barnes the way it is.@

APlease don=t encourage growth that will result in additional astronomical increases in our taxes. The wilderness character of the area is of utmost importance.@

AI have vacant land on water and also a cabin on the lake. Everything is going up for sale this spring. Can=t afford your area any more.@

AIf I wanted to be near industrial/commercial and housing developments, I would have bought land in Madison or the Dells or Lake Geneva.@

AWith the high and unfair property taxes owners are facing, it will be more difficult for long-time owners to keep their property. No incentive to build or improve existing structures. Very unhappy about increased property taxes. What we as property owners get in return is paved roads, if we are lucky. Nothing more. Go figure. Happy Holidays.@

AI obviously want to see no further development of any residential and industry. The short-sighted mentality of need for growth just destroys the land and escalates operating costs for infrastructure - the taxes here are exorbitant, but worth the beauty of the area.@

AThe industrial park is poorly located and the property is not suited for development. Make some junkyard properties clean up and order them to pay the costs. Set minimum acreage limits for hunting cabins. Forty acres would stop the clearing and degradation of our forests that is occurring.@

AAs long as we keep the County and National Forest public, the growth should be just fine.@

AMore to offer people would be nice, but don=t want to get rid of northwoods solitude either.@

AOn #14, the town must improve over time all roads up to modern standards. Dirt and gravel roads are not acceptable in the long term.@

ASince I live out of town, many of my no opinion answers result from ignorance concerning these issues.@

ARestrict home based sales on private property. Enforce past and present home repairs done by homeowner who do sloppy work - better enforcement.@

AHow can there be any growth or development now with present taxes? It is a shame what has happened. I think you will see less business because the people will not be in the Town of Barnes. I just hope I can sell for what property is assessed at. I have enjoyed area and I suppose there are enough rich people to fill the average Joe=s place. My taxes have gone from $550.00 to $3,400.00. Give me a break.@

ATaxes are too high.@

ABan jet skis on lakes with less than 300 surface acres. Enforce no water skiing after 6:00 p.m. ordinance.@

AWe need better enforcement of county zoning laws, i.e. lighting ordinance and some level of town ordinances, i.e. boating and skiing ordinances. Mobile homes should be restricted to mobile home courts. Most of the people living in Barnes are here for the northwoods character and the beautiful lakes and river. If growth is encouraged, it must be controlled and defined or we will lose what most of the people like about Barnes.@

ABefore you create any new positions, get job descriptions and evaluations for the ones you have.@

AGrowth is inevitable, but must be controlled. New homes in the $250,000 - $350,000 range need to pay impact taxes to help the smaller homeowners to be able to pay their tax. People are leaving because they can=t afford our taxes and that=s not fair. The big money people are beginning to control the town tax rate and recreation activities. We came here for peace, tranquility and God=s great outdoors - let=s not lose it all.@

ATaxes should not be so drastically increased to support new developments.@

ALake property are overtaxed.@

AIf you keep raising the taxes every year. You are going to run the people out of Barnes that made it possible for you to be able to send this survey.@

AThe CMT=s are great. So is the constable. It=s nice to know they are there when you need them.@

ASomewhere down the line Bayfield County and Town of Barnes will be hurting due to excessive lake property taxes.@

AI rate them on the lack of page one. Properties on N are looking like dumps.@

AWe don=t need any more commercial, certainly not industry. We live here to get away from that.@

AATV clubs should not be allowed to control the decision - making of our town government. ATV=s create noise pollution, air pollution, and in this sand county are terribly destructive to the environment. We do not have the legal resources for taxpayer resources to support any expansion of their activity beyond the present trails. The immediate core area of Barnes is a disgrace. For example, junked care outside of homes; junk appliances outside of one business in particular; little or no landscaping outside of business.@

AThank you for the quality of this survey.@

ADraft and pass an ordinance immediately prohibiting anyone to open or operate a strip club or similar operation. Easier to prevent than to get rid of.@

ANeed a coordinated plan that includes infrastructure development and environmental impact, etc.@

AWhatever is decided has to be coordinated plan that includes infrastructure development and environmental impact, etc.@

ARegulation on poor housing development (shabby looking shacks, i.e. old trailers).@

ARescind water skiing restrictions and maintain personal water craft restrictions. Our family likes the way Barnes is now and do not want it to change. It is a place to get away from City hustle and bustle.@

AThe Town needs to promote recreational activities of all types. Stop creating ordinances against ATVs, PWCs, and other motorized craft.@

AWe bought land in the area due to the northwoods largely undeveloped (and small population) nature of the area. Our area has changed tremendously and we=d like to see no further growth or development and no paving of our road.@

ALower taxes. You don=t supply any services to warrant getting $1,722.79 for a one bedroom, 50 year old cabin. One year taxes and that=s what you want from us. I=d like to see an assessor come around once to see what he assessed at $152,900.00. If he wants to buy for that price, I=ll sell it to him.@

AThe town is run by Hitler-type seniors who feel they have a right to control everything. They have restricted the lakes to suit a select few, discriminating against those of us who respect the lake but would like to use it before 10:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. We pay high taxes for our property, yet receive minimal services, i.e., no snow plow, garbage services. I am surprised anyone wants to vacation here with all the rules. Loosen up, we respect our natural resources too!@

AMore ATV trails that do not disturb environment.@

AStreet lights at intersections, i.e., Lake Road and N, Birch Lake Road and N, Lake Road and 27, etc.).@

ABarnes has a beautiful area for ATV use and we hope to see future development in this area. I also think you should relax some ordinances regarding RVs. People with limited income would like to enjoy your beautiful area too.@

AFuture growth and development in the Town of Barnes will eventually destroy what has always been appealing about the town. In the past, too many variances have been allowed to be passed although I do feel this is starting to change, which is good.@

ANone, but taxes will force me to leave my lake property as I grow older on a fixed income.@

ASee cleaner yards, less sheds on properties. Camper should not be on properties and better quality of life.@

AEncourage all forms of recreation, embrace those who don=t want a lot of _ signs. A 1000 pound horse causes more damage than an ATV. Minority recreational groups must work with the greater ___dience or get out. We all like to get dirty. ATV Hayward - Barnes ATV corridor needed on 27.@

AThe convenient location of the Industrial Park should be relocated to Hwy. 27. Spend what you need in order to get an appropriate piece of land. Get it professionally done and landscaped to make it fit in with the environment.@

AWe already have a trained constable to enforce the laws. Give him the tools to do his job.@

AThe Town of Barnes is a nice place to live because of the people. They help each other. The development of the Town should show this friendliness and welcoming while developing the fishing and recreational activities for residents to visitors.@

AGrowth is necessary - and a great thing if done to the benefit of long-term residents. Building - implementing City-like ideas only kills what the Town of Barnes has always been - peaceful.@

AI think all efforts should be taken to encourage and promote current resorts in the area and other current commercial businesses.@

ALaundry facilities. Aggressively work to reduce taxes. Aggressively support efforts to treat seasonal residents as residents, not vacationers (e.g., taxes, fishing licenses, etc.).@

ALimit growth on lakes. The current tax consequences are causing great hardships to all residents of Barnes (and taxpayer/non-residents).@

ABetter quality of life. Cleaner yards. Less sheds/garages on property.@

AI feet the Town of Barnes should concentrate on keeping the people they have. Many families are being forced to leave because of the huge increase in taxes.@

AHave Town of Barnes visit other small communities and inquire how they manage to live within their budget. I have lived in Hermantown, MN since 1954. New people moving are building very expensive homes and expect big City service while we struggle to maintain what we have.@

AReserve the history. Keep hometown feel. Keep the quaintness and serenity.@

AIt would be my personal wish that Barnes would very carefully develop the downtown area using a European model of high quality construction, only small private specialty shops (no chains) within a walking area - having the parking lot adjacent to the shopping area.@

AWe purchased property in the Town of Barnes because of the low population and beautiful woods and lakes. Growth would be good, but control it to preserve what is here.@

APromote tourism/recreation in Barnes. Forget promoting the Industrial Park - cash in on your assets - the north woods - tourism and recreation is future.@

AWe should try to maintain the quaint, northwoods atmosphere of the Town of Barnes.@

AThank you for allowing Barnes citizens to give their opinions in formulating policy.@

AMuch praise goes to town board for initiative, this survey and for starting the comprehensive planning process.@

AThe tax increase for lake property for 2003 is ridiculous. This is due to the last assessment which is not in the best interest for the future of the Town of Barnes.@

AIf Barnes continues to expand, getting all the amenities of a town, we have lost our uniqueness. Personally, when the first strip mall is built, I would sell and leave.@

ALeave our town alone. That is why we moved here. We don=t want Barnes to grow.@

ALeave the forests and lakes the way they are for people to roam and hunt and fish. That=s why we go north for vacations and to escape the busy City life.@

AGrowth with control - that is a wonderful future dream. The town board is very dedicated.@

APeople came here to get away from commercial development. We do not need that kind of development. Let Hayward keep the shopping, medical center, library, etc. Focus on enforcing existing regulations of noisy recreation vehicles - on land and water.@

ATaxes are not justified. The ones paying the most are using the services the least, extraordinarily high - more than any other part of the state. Town of Barnes should be rural, northwoods community - not a Lake Geneva. Jet skis and power boats are damaging the shores of lakes, also lawn fertilizer is not good for wildlife and lake water.@

AWe strongly support strong shoreline zoning regulations and enforcement of limiting hours for water skiing and jet skis. We believe maintaining the quality of the lake and forest environment is the most important factor in maintaining the future well-being of the Town of Barnes.@

AIt is nice to be asked for the first time in 49 years. Since we disagree with the time for water skiing and are ignored each time. We have tried to bring it up. It is our hope the hours will be loosened to agree with the state.@

AThe reason people come here is to get away from development. Do not ruin a good thing. Hayward was ruined. Solon Springs has a crime problem.@

AThe property records need to be updated. This past year they were a ness. I am sure everyone is not happy with their assessment.@

AZoning and building regulations need to be consistently enforced. Recent development on Sunset Lake clearly violates zoning regs (not to mention property owner rights), yet was permitted.@

ADumpsters in downtown Barnes for tourists. We buy things, stay there, but have no place to dispose of trash. Sometimes we need to haul garbage 400 miles or more to home when the car is over-packed, etc. It would be so helpful.@

AOpen all possible roads to ATV use and promote Barnes as ATV friendly.@

ABarnes should seek to retain northwoods vacation atmosphere.@

ALess taxes on the resorts. Change water skiing to 10:00 - 6:00.@

AEconomic growth and development are not necessarily good by themselves - only if they benefit town residents and preserve the rural northwoods character and do not harm the environment.@

AI hope the results of this survey are not manipulated to meet some agenda of a committee wanting change without regards for existing property owners plans and dreams. This approach was used with the shoreland changes a few years ago.@

AWe need a grocery store. The closest ones are 18 miles one way.@

AI think a retail downtown area would attract tourists to the area. Any type of industry that would move into our area would harm the environment. A well planned downtown, attractive retail district would bring a quality area to the county.@

AFuture growth and development should prohibit sub-standard mobile homes and other homes. Prohibit junk cars and other debris on lots. Enforce ordinances.@

AControl growth, enforce current ordinances, vine violators. Keep the natural beauty of the area intact. Consider making lakes 75 acres or less. No wake lakes. Small lakes need protection.@

AWe need to discourage high impact, high density recreation, and growth.@

Question 31 - Town Board members are adequately paid - let them do it!! Part time. Question 16 - recreation should not be motorized. Boats should have 30 hp or less. Big motors and boats are only trouble to the lake and shore. No high density housing. There is not enough on this survey about lake water quality. Taxes are too high.@

ABayfield Sheriff=s Department does not enforce certain things in Barnes Township. Assessor=s problems in Barnes Township.@

AWe need to support the existing businesses in Barnes. People are afraid to 4-wheel or snowmobile in the area because of past tickets due to not having proper trails marked and not enough. These recreational sports help keep these businesses going without overpopulating the town.@

AToo much big building on lakes.@

AWe should not lose our rights to use our surrounding land, as we all came to this area for the recreation benefits (fishing, boating, skiing, snowmobiling, ATVs, hiking). Many of the new people believe that they now own land and can dictate their new ideas that everyone should abide by. Having ties here for over 75 years, it disgusts me that we need all these restrictions. On water skiing, I mean what noise or abuse do they do? Roads you can=t ride on to gain access to the trails that are legal (like East Shore Road and Outlet Bay Road). There is nothing (trails) on the east side to do. I am seeing that more and more young people don=t care to come back to this area because of the nonsense. Everyone will suffer in the future.@

AI am strongly in favor of land use planning and strongly disappointed in the quality and content of this survey. The Town should be involved in planning and managing for growth - not promoting. Comment: This is a very poorly designed questionnaire and information gained from the results will be questionable at best. I would have deleted the majority of these meaningless questions. Where is there a question about density or minimum lot sizes?@

AWe can=t even fully enforce our ordinances with our current population, how do you expect to do so in five or ten years at the current rate of growth?@

AWe need strict new construction inspections (buildings). Adopt state inspection building codes. Red tag construction that isn=t up to code. Ninety percent of our local contractors would have no problems with this idea.@

AI don=t know. I would like to assume our town government has a good working relationship. I feel the greatest challenge to the Town of Barnes is to preserve what Mother Nature has given us. People choose to live here because it isn=t a city. Don=t take that away. Please don=t promote city-ism. Thank you for the opportunity to voice my opinions. Good luck in your planning endeavors. Questions 11, 12, and 23 - My opinion on condominiums - I do not know the Bayfield Co. Zoning rules. I feel everyone, rich or poor or in-between should have access to our county=s natural resources, including the Eau Claire Lakes in Barnes. They weren=t created for the wealthy alone. As in a plan for a model community which provides a variety of housing choices, Barnes should have a variety of choices including condominiums with lake access. My husband and I presently own lakeshore property. We use the lake gently, mostly enjoying the view, the beautiful serenity it offers - tranquility and peace of mind. It is our refuge after many years of stressful living and working. However, we don=t need to be land barons to enjoy the lake. We would love the opportunity to share the space and allow someone younger to care for the property. Cluster housing with adequate green space would suit us just fine. Arizona and Florida welcome us in the winter. I wish Wisconsin, particularly Barnes (our home) would do the same for the summer. The ideal living situation for us would be to have a condo here and another in a warmer climate. We would be happy to share the space we are so privileged to enjoy. I feel we are good stewards of our environment. Thank you for the opportunity to express my opinion. USA - yea!@

ATry to keep its pristine appearance.@

AProtect lake and river water quality. Consider increasing no motor lakes. Restrict ATVs and snowmobiles They go all over - noisy and guzzle gas.@

AThe Town should take a passive attitude towards growth. Most of us moved here to avoid City growth and its attendant problems.@

AThe Town of Barnes is already over-developed. Do whatever is necessary to restrict further development.@

ALets make it difficult or impossible for new development. Lets keep Barnes as it is. If you must have development, develop Iron River or Hayward.@

AI=ve been coming to Barnes for 50 years. While I understand the need for progress, I believe it needs to be a controlled progress. Please don=t destroy the essence of the Barnes area by plunging headlong into commercial and residential development.@

AProtection of water quality is paramount. Regular inspection of septic systems and drain and runoff areas are necessary.@

AI see a lot of buildings going up that do not have building permits - the people do the work themselves. They also build a garage and put water and sewer and make them into homes and they don=t pay any more taxes.@

AThe assessment done this year was quite a surprise more than tripling in so-called value.@

APoorly selected questions and answers - black and white answers for gray questions.@

AAny commercial (industrial and complexes) should be located off main roads to keep the outward natural beauty of the area/commercial ventures should blend.@

ANeed to regulate size and color of large metal storage buildings. They need to blend into the woods. If we don=t, this town will look like the warehouse district.@

ALivability is issue. This is critical. Barking dogs and noisy lake behavior at a level beyond size of lake are problem. Taxes are out of control.@

AThere is no doubt the Town of Barnes will continue to grow and it will continue to grow and it will be a challenge to accommodate the growth and retain the northwoods character plus protect the rivers and lakes. It is necessary to enforce the setback, clearing the beaches to maintain the scenic shoreline. There seems to be an abundance of open land in the Town of Barnes that can be used for housing without having a subdivision. However, if there is to be one the roads, Town, etc. should be the responsibility of the developer (cost included in lot price) and not the owner. There should be some control on lot size. What can be stored or abandoned in the yards, such as old cars, equipment, old trailers, junked snowmobiles, etc. Areas such as the Buck-n-Bass, the old junk trailers in Potowatomie and the trailer park at Marshall=s should not be allowed to happen as it does not support the increase our property values forced on the rest of the property owners who are for and maintain their properties. The zoning requirement should be enforced, variances should be given sparingly. ATV use or roads should be restricted as they present a hazard and all you have to do is look at the ditches and trails to see the damage they cause. Condominiums and/or stacking should not be allowed to happen anywhere in the Town of Barnes. There is no need for central sewer in this soil. Enforce installation and maintain well of good working septic systems. If control sanitary district for commercial or industrial area is required the cost should be shared in that area. Community systems are common in either areas of the county.@

AWhile growth is inevitable, adoption of a master plan to control growth and expansion of tax base without destroying the northern rural atmosphere is absolutely necessary. Then enforce and remain true to the plan.@

ABarnes will forever be a small town. Let=s keep it that way and not overextend ourselves to take away the small town flavor. As it is, my snowplowing was discontinued after 18 years, but the taxes continue to rise.@

AStay to vacation homes and senior housing to keep tax rate down. No to any high density housing units. No tax breaks to industrial development.@

AI read all the meeting on the town=s web page. It keeps me informed. Thanks.@

AMost of us go there to get away from this. There already are enough people. We support the businesses that are there.@

ABe careful of what you wish for in the town - it may come true. There is no going back.@

AGood food establishments.@

AThanks for the effort.@

AWe purchased a piece of property to build on so we could have a place to snowmobile, ATV, and enjoy the northwoods. Also with hopes of moving north in future years. I love the simplicity of not having City issues and regulations to follow, but I know that people will always take advantage of everything and abuse what the northwoods has to offer. We are the type that appreciates it and wants to preserve its beauty but enjoy it.@

AATV=s not to exceed 25 mph in spring, summer and fall on sand roads. Stop mobile homes without permits.@

AThere is a real need for town road maintenance improvements. Also, limit the number of boats at all the campground facilities. Since the expansion of these, public roads have become covered with trash.@

ALeave things the way they are and reduce the taxes. I don=t live in Wisconsin.@

AAll new buildings should be on 5 acres minimum.@

ASlow it down.@

AFrom this point on, impact considerations must be a main concern.@

AKeep and improve the northwoods atmosphere as it cannot be replaced. Resist high pressure developers. Do you want to be a future Dells or Minocqua or Eagle River?? Look back 50 years, then forward 50 years. Where do you want to be?@

AEnforce zoning regulations - people are being allowed to build and use guest houses under the guise of them being a garage. This impacts neighbors and should be stopped because it also puts added pressure on lakes, etc. because they could eventually rent them out.@

AI come to my cabin for the nature and quiet. We need to continue our concern about lake water quality and restrict the motors and jet skis. Also the ATVs are loud and obtrusive.@

AThis is a small space to really set down any ideas or solutions to the problems we now have.@