Industrial Park Commission Meeting Minutes – April 20, 2016

A meeting of the Industrial Park Commission was called to order at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, by Chairman O’Neill.

Members Present: Grissman, Jerome, Nytes, O’Neill, Schmidt.

Also Present: Planning Director Jakel, Mayor Rosin, Public Works Director Sundelius, Finance Director Van Rossum, Project Engineer Neumeier, Planning/Engineering Technician Holmes, Applicants, Media.

Absent and Excused: Beatty, Feldt, Knaus, Schilling.

1. Excuse the Absent. A motion to excuse the absent Commission members was made by Grissman, seconded by Jerome. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
2. Minutes. A motion to approve the minutes of the March 16, 2016, meeting was made by Nytes, seconded by Grissman. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
3. Site Plan Review – Foxland Harvestore. Mr. Jakel explained that an 8-foot high chain link fence around the perimeter of the property is proposed along with barbed wire barring across the top. The Industrial Park Commission can review the site plan towards protecting property values and enforcing the covenants, however, the Police Department would need to review the barbed wire proposal. There is a utility easement along the back of the property that would need to be reviewed by the Engineering Department and Kaukauna Utilities or the fence may need to be located outside the easement. Mr. Neumeier explained that the applicants are working with the WDNR on the wetland issues. Chairman O’Neill explained that since the property includes highway frontage, the Commission tries to present a positive view of the network and maintain aesthetics and asked that the applicant keep that in mind. Mr. Sundelius explained that from a Public Works perspective, maintaining immediate access to the easement for maintenance and repair is critical. Chairman O’Neill explained that the fence could be placed in the easement, however, if City access is required, the fence would be removed and the City would not be liable. The applicant suggested providing the City with a key to access the easement via a locked gate. Mr. Sundelius explained that the option would be acceptable and that he didn’t anticipate routinely accessing the easement however, access is necessary. A motion to approve the site plan contingent on the applicants providing a key for the City to access the gated easement area and Police Department review and approval of the proposed barbed wire on the fence was made by O’Neill, seconded by Jerome. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
4. General Matters. Mr. Jakel explained that the Council recently approved the offer to purchase Lots 1 and 2 in the NEW Prosperity Center however the offer before the Commission was for part of Lot 1 and all of Lot 2. The change in the offer will accommodate an increase in the size of the facility originally proposed. The two lots will be combined via CSM and the site plan will be brought to the Commission for review. Mr. Jakel explained that with the receipt of an additional offer just submitted, he anticipates being out of marketable property by the end of the year. Chairman O’Neill asked, given the current City projects in the works, if we were in a position to fund the cost of acquisition and infrastructure placement for additional industrial property. Mayor Rosin explained that the Industrial Park is in the black with excess increment from this TIF being used to benefit others. Acquisition and infrastructure are expensive investments and the Commission and Council need to determine how to proceed. It is difficult to compete with the incentives being offered by surrounding communities. Property across CTH J and to the east has been considered however there are wetland issues that would affect the usable acreage. Mr. Jakel explained that the State has created disincentives for commercial development and limited financing mechanisms. He will bring the matter before the Commission as a future agenda item with several options to consider. Mr. Grissman asked if the option existed to develop property and purchase it as it sells. Mr. Jakel explained that most companies are looking for shovel-ready sites with infrastructure in place. Mr. Van Rossum asked if a study had been completed to confirm the market for property if we proceed with acquisition. Mr. Jakel explained that a study was completed 22 years ago and the City has proceeded with the recommendations of the study.

There being no further business to be brought before the Commission, a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 a.m. was made by Grissman, seconded by Schmidt. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Julianne Schroeder, Executive Assistant