Citizens for a Scenic Wisconsin

Registered Principal Details

Business Or Interest:
Scenic conservation. Preservation of scenery and character of towns

Lobbying Interests:
Management of shorelands with regard to placement of structures and maintenance of natural vegetation.

Title:
Executive Director

Contact
CM
Charles Mitchell
7525 Oakhill Avenue
Wauwatosa, WI 53213
(414) 258-8604
(414) 528-9672
chuck@scenicwisconsin.org
www.scenicwi.org

Authorized Lobbyists

Lobbyist Name Exclusive Duties Authorized On Withdrawn On

Lobbying Interests

Legislative Bills/Resolutions

Assembly Bill 20
Assembly Bill 20
relating to: displaying attractions on highway specific information signs.

Bill Text and History

2005 Wisconsin Act 136

For
Notification Date
1/12/2006
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
Tourist attractions would benefit from use of logo signs, and we favor use of such small, effective and unobtrusive signs.
Assembly Bill 155
Assembly Bill 155
relating to: a municipality's and county's ability to eliminate certain nonconforming buildings or premises.

Bill Text and History

2005 Wisconsin Act 81

Against
Notification Date
6/8/2005
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
communities need to remove objectionable structures such as billboards to improve their appearance and their business climate
Assembly Bill 228
Assembly Bill 228
relating to: increasing funding for local youth apprenticeship grants for programs that are targeted at providing training in the areas of health care and health care technology and making appropriations.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
7/18/2005
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
This bill is an attempt by special interests to gain advantage and is unnecessary to protect the public.
Other
Notification Date
7/18/2005
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 299
Assembly Bill 299
relating to: the effect of county shoreland zoning ordinances in territories annexed by cities, villages, or towns or incorporated as cities, or villages.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
5/16/2005
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
Shoreland ordinances for land annexed by a city or town from a county should be kept in effect, to protect the shoreland and water, so scenic beauty, recreation and property values are maintained.
Assembly Bill 412
Assembly Bill 412
relating to: condemnation of county or municipal land for electric transmission lines, payment of certain environmental impact fees to municipalities and counties, and making an appropriation.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
5/13/2005
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
Local governments should retain the authority over placement of structures, including utilities, on all land within their jurisdiction.
Assembly Bill 470
Assembly Bill 470
relating to: regulating the possession of Asian carp.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
2/1/2006
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
We must stop the invasive asian carp, now in the Mississippi, before it gets into lakes and destroys all fish.
Assembly Bill 558
Assembly Bill 558
relating to: limiting the reasons for which a local government may withhold approval of a permit.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
7/19/2005
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
This bill is an attempt by special interests to gain advantage and is not in the public interest.
Assembly Bill 645
Assembly Bill 645
relating to: repealing the comprehensive planning statute known as Smart Growth.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
9/26/2005
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
Planning is part of good management for business and government.
Assembly Bill 675
Assembly Bill 675
relating to: compensation for the reduction in the fair market value of private real property.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
3/17/2006
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
This bill would make it difficult for municipalities to enforce zoning that protects the majority of land owners.
Assembly Bill 741
Assembly Bill 741
relating to: review of Department of Transportation decisions related to outdoor advertising signs.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
11/15/2005
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
This bill would grant unnecessary special privileges in appealing decisions of the DOT to owners of outdoor advertising signs, privileges not available to other special interest groups.
Assembly Bill 850
Assembly Bill 850
relating to: the regulation of certain wharves, piers, boat shelters, boat hoists, and boat lifts.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
1/7/2006
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
This is a DNR-bashing bill that would prevent the DNR from reducing oversized piers that are bad for the environment and offensive to neighbors. The DNR already has a reasoinable plan that will grandfather 99% of piers.
Assembly Bill 967
Assembly Bill 967
relating to: maintenance and removal of vegetation obstructing the view of outdoor advertising signs along highways under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation and an audit of a program of the Department of Transportation.

Bill Text and History

2005 Wisconsin Act 465

Against
Notification Date
2/22/2006
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
This bill allows cutting more trees on public land along highways for views of billboards, but it tramples the rights of adjacent property owners that might want the trees.
Assembly Bill 985
Assembly Bill 985
relating to: multiple or variable messages on off-premises outdoor advertising signs along interstate and federal-aid primary highways and granting rule-making authority.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
2/22/2006
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
Electronic billboards with messages that change every 6 seconds would be a public nuissance and a distraction to drivers.
Assembly Bill 1040
Assembly Bill 1040
relating to: the erection of outdoor advertising signs in areas zoned for commercial or industrial activity.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
3/1/2006
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 1048
Assembly Bill 1048
relating to: a statewide survey to identify and document rural historic properties and making an appropriation.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
3/1/2006
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
A survey is a necessary step toward preservation.
Senate Bill 1
Senate Bill 1
relating to: creation of a Government Accountability Board, making appropriations, and providing penalties.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
4/26/2006
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 77
Senate Bill 77
relating to: prohibiting the erection of certain new off-premises outdoor advertising signs along interstate and federal-aid primary highways.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
7/28/2005
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
Billboards are ruining the scenery in Wisconsin and must be controlled. Scenery is important to tourism, business and quality of life.
Senate Bill 283
Senate Bill 283
relating to: limiting the reasons for which a local government may withhold approval of a permit.

Bill Text and History

2005 Wisconsin Act 171

Against
Notification Date
10/30/2005
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
Present law suffiently protects property owners in zoning and permitting activities by cities.
Senate Bill 470
Senate Bill 470
relating to: open burning of solid waste, illegal storage or disposal of waste tires, and providing a penalty.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
1/7/2006
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
Open burning is a big source of air pollution and it's unnecessary destruction of organic matter that could be chipped and used as mulch to enrich the soil.
Senate Bill 541
Senate Bill 541
relating to: maintenance and removal of vegetation obstructing the view of outdoor advertising signs along highways under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation and an audit of a program of the Department of Transportation.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
2/22/2006
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
This bill would allow cutting down trees on public land along roads for a better view of billboards, but it tramples on the rights of adjacent property owners that want the trees.
Senate Bill 548
Senate Bill 548
relating to: multiple or variable messages on off-premises outdoor advertising signs along interstate and federal-aid primary highways and granting rule-making authority.

Bill Text and History

2005 Wisconsin Act 464

Against
Notification Date
2/22/2006
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
Electronic billboards with messages that change every 6 seconds would be a public nuisance and a distraction to drivers.
Senate Bill 607
Senate Bill 607
exempting certain cities and villages from the comprehensive planning statute known as Smart Growth. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
3/1/2006
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
Smart Growth planning is important to good stewardship of the land.
Against
Notification Date
3/1/2006
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
To be comprehensive, all communities must be included in regional planning

Budget Bill Subjects

Administration: Land Information
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Administration: Land Information

Notification Date
3/30/2005
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Comments
Maintain the funding of gramts for comprehensive land use planning. Continue full funding of the stewardship fund

Natural Resources: Forestry and Parks
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Natural Resources: Forestry and Parks

Notification Date
3/30/2005
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Comments
provide sufficient funding and manpoer to sustain healthy forests

Transportation: Transportation Finance
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Transportation: Transportation Finance

Notification Date
3/30/2005
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Comments
Provide contiuous funding for bicycle trails & lanes. Continue programs to study commuter rail systems.

Administrative Rulemaking Proceedings

Trans 201, outdoor advertising sign control.
Agency Name
Department of Transportation (Trans)
Subject
Trans 201, outdoor advertising sign control.
Scope Statement
Register Number: 552 (1/1/2002)
For
Notification Date
1/6/2005
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Comments
Revisions to Trans 201 and creation of Trans 202, all relating to scenic byways.

Topics Not Yet Assigned A Bill Or Rule Number

Removal of structures by municipalities by amortization
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Removal of structures by municipalities by amortization

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative Matter

Notification Date
2/28/2005
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Limiting construction of billboards visible from highways in Wisconsin
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Limiting construction of billboards visible from highways in Wisconsin

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative Matter

Notification Date
1/6/2005
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

regarding non-conforming signs visible from highways, vegetation in front of signs visible from the highways, management of "directional signs" and control of erecting speculative signs that are not seen until a highway is built
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
regarding non-conforming signs visible from highways, vegetation in front of signs visible from the highways, management of "directional signs" and control of erecting speculative signs that are not seen until a highway is built

Action Intended To Affect
Rule (by a state agency)

Notification Date
1/6/2005
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Total Lobbying Effort

  2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
Total Lobbying Expenditures 2005
January - June
$2,268.75
2005
July - December
$1,175.00
2006
January - June
$2,550.00
2006
July - December
$775.00
Total $6,768.75
Total Hours Communicating 2005
January - June
12.75
2005
July - December
10.25
2006
January - June
16.00
2006
July - December
0.00
Total 39.00
Total Hours Other 2005
January - June
78.00
2005
July - December
36.75
2006
January - June
86.00
2006
July - December
31.00
Total 231.75

Percent Allocation of Lobbying Effort

Legislative Bills/Resolutions

relating to: a municipality's and county's ability to eliminate certain nonconforming buildings or premises.
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
20%
2005
July - December
55%
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total 16%
relating to: prohibiting the erection of certain new off-premises outdoor advertising signs along interstate and federal-aid primary highways.
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
15%
2006
January - June
9%
2006
July - December
Total 6%
relating to: maintenance and removal of vegetation obstructing the view of outdoor advertising signs along highways under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation and an audit of a program of the Department of Transportation.
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
17%
2006
July - December
Total 6%
relating to: multiple or variable messages on off-premises outdoor advertising signs along interstate and federal-aid primary highways and granting rule-making authority.
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
18%
2006
July - December
Total 7%
relating to: maintenance and removal of vegetation obstructing the view of outdoor advertising signs along highways under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation and an audit of a program of the Department of Transportation.
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
20%
2006
July - December
Total 7%
relating to: multiple or variable messages on off-premises outdoor advertising signs along interstate and federal-aid primary highways and granting rule-making authority.
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
23%
2006
July - December
Total 8%

Budget Bill Subjects

No budget bill subjects found.

Administrative Rulemaking Proceedings

2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
5%
2005
July - December
8%
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
20%
Total 6%

Topics Not Yet Assigned A Bill Or Rule Number

2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
15%
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total 5%
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
20%
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total 7%
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
25%
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
80%
Total 18%

Minor Efforts

(Time spent on matters each of which accounted for less than 10% of the organization's lobbying.)

Minor Efforts
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
5%
2005
July - December
12%
2006
January - June
8%
2006
July - December
Total 7%

Other Matters

Includes time spent on:

  • Gubernatorial nominations
  • Matters on which the organization made no lobbying communication

Other Matters
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
10%
2005
July - December
10%
2006
January - June
5%
2006
July - December
Total 7%

Filed Statements of Lobbying Activity and Expenditures