Plan Commission Meeting Minutes – December 8, 2016

A meeting of the City of Kaukauna Plan Commission was called to order at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 8, 2016, by Chairman Rosin.

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

Also Present: Planning Director Jakel, City Attorney Davidson, Planning/Engineering Technician Holmes, Project Engineer Neumeier, Applicants.

Absent and Excused: Schoenike, VanderSanden.

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

1. Minutes. A motion to approve the minutes of the October 27, 2016, meetings was made by McGinnis, seconded by Oldenburg. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

1. Update on Fox River Board Walk. Mr. Jakel explained that there are four major existing and long-range trail segments including the CE Trail to the east, Konkapot Trail from CTH CE to downtown, downtown to the Grignon Mansion and marina area and west to Little Chute, Kimberly, Combined Locks and Appleton. Graef has been contracted to complete a feasibility study of the river crossing and a trail along the power canal for pedestrian and bike traffic. The study includes a number of options with some variation of a wood boardwalk along the shore. Mr. Jakel explained that Option #1 was the least expensive, Option #2 was eliminated due to the grade, and Option #3 has a long boulevard and a shorter bridge span. All options meet ADA guidelines of accessibility. The project has received a lot of support however some neighbors are apprehensive of the potential loss of privacy and prefer to shift the crossing as far south as possible. The options range in cost from $2.4 million to $3.1 million. There have been three public informational meetings so far with most participants looking for concrete decking. Mr. Jakel explained that the cost would be prohibitive and that composite is more favorable relative to cost and maintenance. Mr. Sundelius explained that the surface for the Hydro Park decking is actually Ipe wood – not composite. Mr. Penterman asked if a cost breakdown or final numbers were available. Mr. Jakel explained that it was too early in the process for final numbers and that more public input needs to be collected and the design needs to be finalized. Mr. Feldt asked which option was preferred. Mr. Jakel explained that Option #1 was likely the most feasible. Mr. Feldt asked how significant the land owner issue is to the project. Mr. Jakel explained that it is a potential issue and that care would be taken to mitigate adverse impacts however, objections would not stop the project if a decision was made to proceed. Attorney Davidson explained that the neighbor’s primary concern is the aesthetics of the river and changing of the view. Mr. Jakel explained that neighbor concerns will be addressed.

1. Preliminary Plat – Phase 1 and 2 of Wildenberg North. Mr. Jakel explained that the property along with a portion of the WDOT right of way for I-41 has now been acquired by the developer. The plat includes 61 lots however that could change as easements need to be secured. Phase 1 includes a looped water line along with the development of the lots – the proposed placement of the utilities looks okay however Lots 8 and 9 don’t have the utility easement shown. Mr. Sehloff representing the developer explained that the utility and drainage easements are located across the front of the lots. Mr. Jakel asked about plans for Outlot 1. Mr. Sehloff explained that a storm water pond is planned and a berm will be placed along with pine trees and a white vinyl fence to mitigate highway noise. A deed restriction will also be placed regarding ownership of the outlot or it will be combined with another lot. Mr. McGinnis asked if the proposed street names had been approved by Outagamie County. Mr. Sehloff explained that they had been reserved. Mr. Sundelius expressed his concern about potential issues with approving Phase 1 without securing WDOT approval first. Mr. Sehloff explained that the property is owned by the developer and if they do not receive WDOT approval, they would keep the road as it is and eliminate four or five lots. Mr. Jakel asked about the relocation of a cable line. Mr. Sehloff explained that Time Warner Cable is monitoring the line. Mr. Sundelius explained that the concept plan shows the street tying into Harrison Street and that he wanted to prevent the street from reverting to City property for maintenance. Mr. Sundelius also explained that there are newer storm water requirements which may require adjustments to the plat. Mr. Neumeier explained that he is working with Davel Engeinering and Outagamie County on the storm water issue. Mr. Sundelius explained that there are issues relative to mitigating the wetlands that all parties should be made aware of as well as a large future special assessment for Lots 35 and 36. A motion to recommend to the Council approval of the preliminary plat subject to the terms and conditions noted above was made by Sundelius, seconded by Penterman. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

1. Rescission of Trans 233 at STH 55 and CTH CE. Mr. Jakel explained that WDOT Trans 233 requires that property adjoining a county road needed a 55′ setback for building with no provision to waive or for a variance. However courts found it difficult to enforce and ruled that the requirement could be amended or modified. In this case, the developer is asking that the setback is moved to 25′. Chairman Rosin asked if the plat needed to be revised. Mr. Sundelius explained that it would not and that a search would show the rescission. A motion to recommend to the Council modifying the 110′ highway setback line of Lot 1 and 2 at STH 55 and CTH CE to 50′ was made by Sundelius, seconded by Feldt. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

There being no further business to be brought before the Commission, a motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:50 p.m. was made by Penterman, seconded by Sundelius. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Julianne Schroeder, Executive Secretary