Plan Commission Meeting Minutes – January 7, 2016

A meeting of the City of Kaukauna Plan Commission was called to order at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 7, 2016, by Chairman Rosin.

Members Present: Feldt, McGinnis, Oldenburg, Penterman, Rosin, Schoenike, Sundelius.

Also Present: Planning Director Jakel, Planning/Engineering Technician Holmes, Interested Citizens, Media.

Absent and Excused: VanderSanden.

1. Absent and Excused. A motion to excuse the absent Commission member was made by Penterman, seconded by Sundelius. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

1. Minutes. A motion to approve the minutes of the December 17, 2015, meeting was made by McGinnis, seconded by Oldenburg. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

1. Public Hearing – Special Exception for 1701 CTH “CE” and Loderbauer Road (Kaukauna High School). Chairman Rosin declared the public hearing open at 4:01 p.m. and asked three times if anyone present wanted to speak in favor of or in opposition to the Special Exception request. Bob Schafer, Business Manager for the Kaukauna Area School District explained that the $11 million project is well underway and the backside of the bleachers will encroach approximately ten feet into the setback. They looked at several options that would maintain as much seating as possible – the original plan was for 3,500 seats and has been modified to 2,600 – and anticipate the slight modification of the setback requirement would help accommodate the plan. John Moore, 2381 Fairway Drive, stated that he hoped the change in the ordinance would allow for the construction of this excellent facility. Chairman Rosin declared the public hearing closed at 4:05 p.m.

1. Potential Action on Special Exception Use for 1701 CTH “CE”. Mr. Jakel explained that the Board of Appeals reviewed several options proposed for the project and correctly denied them based on their criteria for extreme or financial hardship. The proposed special exception would allow the encroachment if it works with uses in the surrounding area. The special exception also allows the Commission to maintain safeguards to protect the community. Mr. Jakel asked Mr. Schafer how high the press box is and if parking for the 2,600 proposed seats had been addressed. Mr. Schafer explained that the press box is 32 feet high and additional parking at the soccer field lot and in the front of the campus will almost double the existing number of parking stalls. Mr. Jakel asked if visitor parking would be designated. Mr. Schafer explained that the back bleachers are visitor seating and they will likely be parking near that area – a much better solution than the current parking situation. Mr. Feldt asked if access to the area will changed. Mr. Sundelius explained that it could change when the area is paved. Chairman Rosin asked if a ticket booth would be installed near the visitor parking area. Mr. Schafer explained that it would be placed at the southeast corner of the football field. Mr. Feldt asked if sidewalks are proposed for pedestrian traffic from the north. Mr. Sundelius explained that the area is proposed to be urbanized in 2017 with curb, gutter and sidewalk. A motion to recommend approval to the Council of the special exception request as presented was made by Penterman, seconded by McGinnis. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

There being no further business to be brought before the Commission, a motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:15 p.m. was made by Penterman, seconded by Sundelius. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Julianne Schroeder, Executive Secretary