CAFO and DC Highway Commission Update

CAFO Gilbert Conditional Permit Hearing: November 5, 2025

Some of you may have read one of the media reviews for the above hearing. The media reported a range of 200-600 people in attendance. DNR will have an accurate number as sign in was required. In case you’ve not been inside the DC Gala, it has a defined entrance area that leads to a large, white room and includes a large bar area. Three hundred chairs were set up. DNR led an organized, tight meeting and acoustics were excellent.

Based on applause, the assumption is that about ninety percent of the people in attendance supported the opposition. Most opposition speakers (44 counted) were compelling, incorporated data and all the topics in the BSPOA bullet point email blast were addressed. Eleven statements were counted in support of the Gilbert Farms. Supporters included people in the dairy business, Mrs. Gilbert, the Gilbert vet, and two residents with family agricultural history. Oppositions speakers identified new requests/concerns: 1. Requested DNR update maps for current soil data, karst fracture information, and groundwater elevation map, as maps referenced for Gilbert Farms are significantly outdated. 2. Require an environmental impact study. 3. Concern for structures requiring blasting, which may cause more fractures and sinkholes. 4. Manure spreading on Sturgeon Bay land that is close to the city zone of contribution.

If there is adequate spreadable land and storage for wastewater meets criteria, by law, DNR must grant the permit.

DC Highway Safety Commission: November 6, 2025

As result of BSPOA member Jay Walters’ focus and communication with appropriate authorities on safety for vehicles and pedestrians using the Bay Shore Drive shoulders for walking, biking, etc., the issue was put on the November DC Highway Safety Commission agenda. Following citizen input and commission member discussion, Randy Wiessinger of Wiessinger Consulting LLC, who works with DOT, was appointed to head a committee to investigate BSD safety. Jay was asked to assemble the committee and to include a wide variety of representatives. At this time, six Bay Shore Drive residents, the DC Highway Commissioner, a rep from DC Tourism, Public Health, BSPOA board, and a Chief Deputy, are on the committee, which hopes to meet next week. The DC legal consultant stated it is unlikely DOT, even with the required and expensive third-party speed study, would consent to change the present 45 mile an hour speed limit. The committee is to report at the February Highway Safety Commission meeting.

From your BSPOA Board