Industrial Park Commission Meeting Minutes – December 1, 2016

A meeting of the Industrial Park Commission was called to order at 8:30 a.m. on December 1, 2016, by Chairman O’Neill.

Members Present: Feldt, Jerome, Knaus, Knutson, Nytes, O’Neill, Schilling.

Also Present: Planning Director Jakel, Public Works Director Sundelius, Finance Director Van Rossum, Project Engineer Neumeier, Jeff Anderson representing Precision Paper Converters.

Absent and Excused: Grissman, Schmidt.

Excuse the Absent. A motion to excuse the absent Commission members was made by Schilling, seconded by Knaus. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Minutes. A motion to approve the minutes of the July 13, 2016, meeting was made by Feldt, seconded by Schilling. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Review Proposed Building Layout of Outlot 2 in NEWPC. Mr. Jakel explained that the project was previously reviewed and denied by the Commission as it was not a good fit for the surrounding area and the applicants are now looking for possible reconsideration. Mr. Jakel explained that the proposal doesn’t really change anything – there is still no end user, no employment projections and no planned coordination with other industrial park tenants. Chairman O’Neill asked for clarification on the low-density use of the property. Mr. Jakel explained that the unique shape of the lot along with the flood plain location and the substantial grading required would only allow a small portion of the entire lot to be used. Chairman O’Neill asked if the applicants were prepared to have masonry on two sides of the building per the covenants. Mr. Schilling expressed his concerns regarding the unspecified criteria of the project. The consensus of the Commission was not to mislead the applicants with an opportunity to represent and not to reconsider the Commission’s previous decision to deny the proposal.

Precision Paper Converters Soil Conditions Review. Mr. Jakel explained that the applicant’s recent expansion to their existing facility located incompatible soils at the back of the lot. The park was designed and inspected by Graef Engineering who indicated that no grading was done in that area. Staff researched the area and looked at the property history which indicated some fill. The property is not in a TIF district however it may be eligible for a remediation contribution. Mr. Schilling asked if the sellers of the property made the City aware of any fill. Mr. Jakel explained that they did not. Mr. Knutson asked for clarification on the incompatible soils. Mr. Jakel explained that they are unstable for the projected use and need to be removed and replaced. Mr. Anderson explained that their recent 28,000 square foot addition included increasing employees to 43 on three shifts. The soils issues were discussed with contractor Keller, Inc., who opted not to contribute to the reimbursement cost sharing. The change order for the soils came to $51,000 and Precision Paper is asking the City to share in the cost. Mr. Neumeier explained that the storm water issues are a WDNR requirement and the pond next door was not designed to accommodate the additional development. Mr. Sundelius explained that it is the WDNR, not the City, which is requiring the increased storm water provisions. Mr. Schilling asked if Precision Paper had planned to pursue action against Keller regardless of the City’s decision. Mr. Anderson explained that they believe they have pursued that as far as it can go. Mr. Anderson added that they anticipate another expansion at this site by 2020 and intend to keep their headquarters in Kaukauna.

Executive Session – Precision Paper Converters Soil Conditions. A motion to adjourn to Executive Session at 9:02 a.m. pursuant to Wisconsin State Statute 19.85(1)(e) was made by Feldt, seconded by Knaus. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Open Session – Precision Paper Converters Soil Conditions. A motion to return to Open Session at 9:18 a.m. was made by Schilling, seconded by Knutson. All members voted aye. Motion carried. A motion to recommend to the Council to enter into a hold-harmless agreement for a one-time reimbursement of $25,000 to Precision Paper Converters, LLC to assist in the cost of incompatible soil remediation was made by Nytes, seconded by Schilling. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

There being no further business to be brought before the Commission, a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 a.m. was made by Knaus, seconded by Schilling. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Julianne Schroeder

Executive Secretary