Industrial Park Commission Meeting Minutes – February 27, 2018

A meeting of the Industrial Park Commission was called to order at 8:30 a.m. on February 27, 2018, by Acting Chairman Grissman.

Members Present: Accord, Grissman, Jerome, Knutson, Nytes.

Also Present: Planning Director Jakel, Mayor Rosin, Project Engineer Neumeier.

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

1. Minutes. A motion to approve the minutes of the February 8, 2017, meeting was made by Knutson, seconded by Nytes. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
2. Nomination and Election of Commission Chair. A motion to nominate and elect Jeff Feldt to serve as Commission Chair was made by Grissman, seconded by Jerome. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
3. Site Plan Review – Carved Stone Creations. Mr. Jakel explained that the current owners are looking at retiring and intend to either sell or lease out the space as office and/or warehousing. In preparation, the owners are proposing increasing the parking area by removing the current displays. The proposed improvements are all within code and abide by the protective covenants. Work will be completed by fall of this year. Mr. Grissman asked if the area was already covered with blacktop. Mr. Jakel explained that about ¾ of the area is hard surface but some work will still be needed. Mr. Neumeier asked about the square footage of new pavement – if it is over 20,000 square feet it may trigger storm water management requirements. Mr. Jakel will have the applicants contact the Engineering Department to verify compliance. A motion to approve the site plan contingent on review by the Engineering Department was made by Accord, seconded by Jerome. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
4. Site Plan Review – L&E America Environmental. Mr. Jakel explained that the applicants are looking for more space for product storage and are proposing a new 60′ x 80′ building in front of their existing facility. Covenants require a non-metal façade and the efface will mimic the panels on the existing building. Topography on the lot will dictate the building and parking layout. Emergency access provisions are adequate. Mr. Jakel explained that the paved areas will be in excess of 20,000 square feet and he will have the applicants contact the Engineering Department regarding storm water management. The facility will be similar to buildings at Milbach Construction and Kaukauna Cold Water Storage. A motion to approve the site plan contingent on Engineering Department approval for storm water management and that all permit and building requirements are met was made by Grissman, seconded by Nytes. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
5. Site Plan Review – Advantage Machine. Mr. Jakel explained that the back of the building has been designed to accommodate WDNR wetland setbacks. Fire lanes will be required due to the size of the building and the applicants are securing an easement with adjoining Van Ert Electric for fire access. Mr. Jakel explained that this is not a unique situation and is a cost-saving measure. The applicants are very anxious to expand their facility and if it is not at this site, it would be elsewhere. Mr. Neumeier asked if the WDNR had approved the permit. Mr. Jakel explained that all indictations are that the permit will be issued however it had not yet been approved. Mr. Neumeier explained that the project will encroach on our easement. Mr. Sundelius explained that the easement is for drainage to the northwest and he would confirm the 20 foot setback requirement. Mr. Jakel agreed and added that we would need verification that the storm water is being handled. Mr. Jerome asked if the applicants would be hiring as a result of the expansion. Mr. Jakel explained that they would if they are able to find personnel. Mr. Knutson asked if the fire lane would be black-topped. Mr. Jakel explained that Assistant Fire Chief Grindheim would be working with the applicants to verify compliance with requirements for access and operations. A motion to approve the site plan contingent on approval of the WDNR permit and review by the Engineering Department was made by Grissman, seconded by Accord. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
6. Updated Signage at Industrial Park Entrance on STH 55. Mr. Jakel explained the reconstruction of State Highway 55 from Lawe Street to I-41 will have a significant impact on the Industrial Park Network including efficiency, appearance and pedestrian amenities. The sign located at the entrance to the park will need to be moved and Mr. Jakel asked the Commission for direction of replacing or eliminating the sign. The WDOT will compensate the City for either action. Mr. Sundelius explained that the City will be reimbursed either way so the Commission can wait until the construction is completed to make their decision as the area will look vastly different. The consensus was to hold off on taking any action until construction is completed.
7. General Matters. Mr. Sundelius gave an update on the STH 55 project. The $10 million WDOT project will begin in mid-March with completion scheduled for mid-October.

There being no further business to be brought before the Commission, a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 a.m. was made by Knutson, seconded by Nytes. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Julianne Schroeder

Executive Secretary