Industrial Park Commission Meeting Minutes – April 4, 2018

A meeting of the Industrial Park Commission was called to order at 8:30 a.m. on April 4, 2018, by Acting Chairman Knaus.

Members Present: Acord, Grissman, Jerome, Knaus, Knutson, Nytes.

Also Present: Planning Director Jakel, Director of Public Works Sundelius, City Attorney Davidson, Project Engineer Neumeier, Phil Verboomen and Doug Mader representing Advantage Machine and Jeremy from Utschig.

Absent and Excused: Feldt, Schilling, Schmidt.

1. Introduction of New Members. Mr. Knaus asked that all in attendance introduce themselves as there were several newer members at the meeting.
2. Minutes. A motion to approve the minutes of the February 27, 2018, meeting was made by Acord, seconded by Knutson. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
3. Façade Improvements to Advantage Machine. Mr. Jakel explained that the expansion has previously been approved by the Commission relative to setbacks and building layout however the covenants require a non-metallic façade on the street side of structures and the applications are proposing an alternative treatment. Jeremy explained that the intent is to match the new façade with the existing building with clay type brick and stone at the new entrance. The proposed material is a wave profile finish that meets the new energy code. Mr. Jakel asked that the applicants stay away from the narrow panel pole building look less than 42″ wide. Mr. Feldt asked if the material would be similar to that used at Leibovich Steel. Mr. Jakel explained that the Leibovich product was intended to showcase materials made at the facility and the Advantage Machine application would not be metal and would be similar in look to Kaukauna Cold Storage and Milbach Construction. A motion to approve the alternate façade treatment as presented was made by Knutson, seconded by Nytes. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
4. Van Epern Park and Pond Parking. Mr. Jakel explained that the lot adjoining Advantage Machine as part of Van Epern Park and Pond is currently being used by Kaukauna Cold Storage as parking space. The owner of Kaukauna Cold Storage is asking for approval to expand the parking area which is located on municipally owned property by 20 to 30 stalls to accommodate potential new tenants at the site. Kaukauna Cold Storage would pay all costs associated with the expansion and would enter into a lease agreement for use of the property. Mr. Nytes asked about the current purpose of the lot. Mr. Jakel explained that it is designated as parking for users at Van Epern Park and Pond but it is primarily used by adjoining businesses. Mr. Sundelius explained that the parking lot never received formal approval and it was constructed by Keller for business use on property they did not own. There have been a number of internal concerns by the Industrial Park Commission, Council members and staff regarding the encroachment on a lot currently for sale. Mr. Sundelius suggested that Kaukauna Cold Storage purchase additional property and construct their parking area on property they own. Mr. Feldt expressed his concern that if the parking expansion is permitted, users of the recreation area could be affected. Mr. Jakel explained that parking has never been an issue in the area. Mr. Acord explained that additional parking will be necessary with new tenants. Mr. Jakel explained that Kaukauna Cold Storage is attempting to be proactive in their request and that a number of issues still need to be resolved including fire lane access and paving. Mr. Jakel suggested that the adjoining business purchase the vacant lot and split it. Mr. Nytes asked about public access to the park. Mr. Jakel explained that an easement or agreement would be required guaranteeing access and dedicating parking stalls to the public. Mr. Feldt noted that the cost of paving the lot, striping the stalls, and signage indicating public parking be at the expense of Kaukauna Cold Storage. Mr. Jakel suggested meeting with adjoining property owners to work out an agreement to split the lot for sale to Poly Flex and Kaukauna Cold Storage. Mr. Knaus suggested paving a turn-around area and dedicating fire access. Mr. Sundelius explained that accessing a parking lot via a fire lane is not a good practice as the park and pond will require maintenance access. Mr. Sundelius explained Kaukauna Cold Storage already took the reserved park area and they are now looking at making access more difficult – he is opposed to private parking on public land. A motion to direct Mr. Jakel to work with adjoining property owners on splitting the vacant lot and selling it off was made by Acord, seconded by Nytes. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
5. Executive Session – Disposition of Property. A motion to adjourn to Executive Session at 9:05 a.m. pursuant to Wisconsin State Statute 19.85(1)(e) to discuss the disposition of property adjoining Badger Quick Stop in Industrial Park North was made by Nytes, seconded by Knutson. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
6. Open Session – Disposition of Property. A motion to return to Open Session at 9:20 a.m. was made by Acord, seconded by Grissman. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

   There being no further business to be brought before the Commission, a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:21 a.m. was made by Knaus, seconded by Jerome. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Julianne Schroeder
Executive Secretary