Plan Commission Meeting Minutes – March 22, 2018

A meeting of the City of Kaukauna Plan Commission was called to order at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 22, 2018, by Chairman Rosin.

Members Present: Feldt, McGinnis, Oldenberg, Penterman, Rosin, Schoenike, VanderSanden.

Also Present: Planning Director Jakel, City Attorney Davidson, Project Engineer Neumeier, Planning/Engineering Technician Holmes, Alderperson Driessen, Applicants, Interested Citizens, Media.

Absent and Excused: Sundelius.

1. Absent and Excused. A motion to excuse the absent Commission member was made by Penterman, seconded by Oldenberg. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
   
2. Minutes. A motion to approve the minutes of the March 8, 2018, meeting was made by Feldt, seconded by
   
3. Penterman. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
   
4. Set Public Hearing for Creation of TIF District at Former St. Al’s Site. Mr. Jakel explained that the Commission previously reviewed and agreed upon – but did not approve – the general concept for the redevelopment of the former St. Al’s site. The project requires the creation of a TIF district to facilitate the demolition of the existing buildings as well as the placement of infrastructure. The Plan Commission will be asked to consider the proposed land use, financial viability of the project and the expenditure of public funds. Staff will create a project master plan, including details of the development, possible rezoning, reference in the comprehensive plan and private and public funds expended. The proposed project includes single family units on the exterior of the property and two-family units in the center. The Commission’s actions today will by no means constitute approval of the project but rather will establish legislative intent. The public hearing on the creation of the TIF district requires official publication and a 15-day notice. A motion to set the public hearing on the creation of the TIF district for Thursday, May 3, 2018, at 4:00 p.m. at a regular meeting of the Plan Commission was made by McGinnis, seconded by Oldenberg. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
   
5. Sanitary Sewer and Water to Serve King’s Plat. Mr. Jakel explained that a two-family residential development is proposed for the six lots located east of Oakridge Avenue, adjacent to the existing tri-plex. The project is located within the ErTIF district and would be similar in nature to the Coffee Hill development. The Council previously approved a cost-sharing provision for the placement of a methane barrier; the property was not used as a landfill but was heavily filled. The City would install sewer and water service to assure that everything is up to our standards and eventually be reimbursed by the developer. Mr. Feldt explained that the Utility will require that any existing easements be maintained to allow access. A motion to approve the concept of a developer’s agreement for the placement of sanitary sewer and water service and to recommend approval of such to the Common Council was made by McGinnis, seconded by Penterman. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
   
6. Petition to Annex 1.839 Acres from the Town of Buchanan (Schumacher). Mr. Jakel explained that the applicants intend to construct a single family home on the property. The property meets frontage requirements, sewer and water services are already in place to tap into, the use is compatible with surrounding properties, emergency service access can be accommodated, the property is contiguous to the City, and the petition is unanimous. A motion to recommend to the Council approval of the petition as presented was made by Penterman, seconded by VanderSanden. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
   
7. UNPS&SW Grant Application Letter of Support. Mr. Neumeier explained that the Engineering Department is applying for two storm water management grants for the stabilization of the Konkapot Creek bank and the Company Woods pond expansion. A grant award would help the City reach its storm water goals with the fewest restrictions. The Plan Commission is designated as the City’s citizen advisory group for storm water management issues. A motion to approve the request to draft two letters of support of the Engineering Department’s UNPS&SW grant application was made by Oldenberg, seconded by VanderSanden. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
   
8. LOI for the disposition of the Carnegie Library. Mr. Jakel explained that the LOI is not an offer but a proposal made by a developer for use of the property. The Plan Commission will determine if the land use is compatible, if it complies with zoning and if it is in the public’s best interest. As the facility is near and dear to the public, efforts will be made to maintain or enhance the original character of the building to the National Trust standards. Once that is determined, then the developer could submit detailed plans and an offer to purchase. The Council has directed the Planning Department to research potential re-use of the property which is currently being used by the Recreation Department until Phase 3 of the Municipal complex project is complete. The original portion of the building is structurally sound however the addition needs substantial renovation. A public use of the property is preferred. Mr. Penterman asked for clarification that the developer intends for the original portion of the building to be used as administrative space and the addition to be used as public space. Mr. Jakel explained that was the developer’s plan. Chairman Rosin explained that the Council’s long-term plan was to sell the facility if there was no longer a municipal use for it and move it back on to the tax roll. As long as any new project maintains the looks and feel of the original facility, he’d like to see the ball get rolling. Mr. Penterman asked if there would be a public hearing on the matter. Mr. Jakel explained that a public hearing is not statutory required. Mr. VanderSanden suggested that access easements be maintained to allow maintenance on the park property and he asked how much property would be included in the sale. Mr. Jakel explained that easements would be maintained and the amount of property for sale is negotiable.
9. Executive Session to Discuss LOI for Carnegie Library. A motion to adjourn to Executive Session at 4:27 p.m. pursuant to Wisconsin State Statute 19.85(1)(e) to discuss the disposition of municipal property was made by McGinnis, seconded by Penterman. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
   
10.  Open Session – LOI for Carnegie Library. A motion to return to Open Session at 4:47 p.m. was made by McGinnis, seconded by Oldenberg. All members voted aye. Motion carried. A motion to direct the Planning Department to negotiate with the entities on the LOI and table the item until a future meeting was made by Penterman, seconded by McGinnis. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
11. Other Business. Mr. Jakel explained the proposed legislative items expected to the signed by the Governor would affect municipalities’ ability to collect fees and would push fiscal responsibility onto cities if development fee reports are not submitted. Some information will be difficult to obtain with specific criteria and significant data that would involve multiple departments. Items that would be affected include public objections to rezoning. The legislation would go into effect in 2019 however municipalities are looking for assistance from the League of Municipalities.
    

Mr. Jakel explained that he received a phone call from Jennifer Schaefer asking if the Plan Commission would reconsider their decision and allow them to acquire 25 feet of municipal land adjoining Haas Road for the construction of a shed. Mr. Penterman asked if a specific dollar amount had been offered. Mr. Jakel explained that it hadn’t. Mr. VanderSanden explained that the Commission was against the precedent of selling City park land and that Mr. Sundelius was adamant against the sale. Mr. Schoenike explained that the City has a long standing policy against selling park land. Mr. McGinnis explained that the Commission had previously denied another request to purchase park land for use as a garden.

There being no further business to be brought before the Commission, a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:05 p.m. was made by Schoenike, seconded by Feldt. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Julianne Schroeder
Executive Secretary