Plan Commission Meeting Minutes – August 9, 2018

Posted on Aug 9, 2018 by admin_post

A meeting of the City of Kaukauna Plan Commission was called to order at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 9, 2018, by Chairman Penterman.

Members Present: Coenen, Feldt, McGinnis, Moore, Oldenberg, Penterman, Schoenike, Sundelius.

Also Present: Planning Director Jakel, Principal Planner Watson, City Attorney Davidson, Project Engineer Neumeier, Planning/Engineering Tech Holmes, Brian Roebke of the Times/Villager.

Minutes. A motion to approve the minutes of the August 3, 2018, meeting was made by McGinnis, seconded by Feldt. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

St. Al’s Site Redevelopment Developers Agreement. Mr. Jakel explained that the development plan has been finalized and will include single family homes around the exterior of the site and duplexes on the interior. Conditions of the developer’s agreement include the developer being able to secure private financing, proof of the removal of the tax-exempt status, and that no portion of the property will be sold outside of the agreement as a means to control the density of the development. Mr. Jakel explained that the Plan Commission has determined the parameters of the agreement contingent on compliance with the approved TIF plan while the Common Council will negotiate details of the agreement. Mr. Schoenike asked if the developer had acquired the property. Mr. Jakel explained that Mr. Verstegen has closed on the property using private funds. Mr. McGinnis asked if there had been any new changes to the layout of the development. Mr. Jakel explained that there had not and that the final plat is being drawn up by RE Lee Associates for Plan Commission review. Mr. Sundelius asked for clarification on the project timeline and plans for addressing improvements to the concrete pavement. Mr. Jakel explained that the concrete costs would be assessed per City policy of 1/3 to residents on either side of the street and 1/3 to the City. Mr. Sundelius questioned if the 1/3 City share should be picked up as part of the developer’s costs. Mr. Jakel will look into the suggestion. A motion to advance the developer’s agreement on to the Common Council for further negotiations in accordance with the TIF project plan was made by McGinnis, seconded by Moore. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

CSM for Gregory Klister (Brill Road/West Tenth Street). Mr. Jakel explained that the CSM will reconfigure the existing three lots with Lot 1 including the existing house and garage, a shop on Lot 2 (no expansion permitted as it is pre-existing, non-conforming), and Lot 3 as presented. The CSM meets all setbacks per the survey and complies with all platting regulations. A motion to recommend to the Common Council approval of the CSM as presented was made by Oldenberg, seconded by Schoenike. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

CSM for Kaukauna Cold Storage (NEW Prosperity Center). Mr. Jakel explained that the Council previously approved the sale of property to Kaukauna Cold Storage to accommodate the expansion of their parking lot. The sale was contingent on the City maintaining an easement to allow access to the park and pond. The CSM as presented is in accordance with Council direction. Mr. Moore asked if two parking stalls for public use of the park would be sufficient. Mr. Jakel explained that the park is not heavily used and staff will monitor the lot – there is an opportunity for additional municipal parking if it is needed. Mr. Feldt asked if there were any changes to the project since its review by the Industrial Park Commission. Mr. Jakel explained that there were not. A motion to recommend to the Common Council approval of the CSM as presented was made by Feldt, seconded by Moore. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Vacation of a Portion of Arbor Way in Commerce Crossing. Mr. Jakel explained that the vacation would accommodate the proposed construction of a large medical facility over a portion of Arbor Way. Per state statutes, the WDOT will be noticed of the vacation due to its proximity to a state highway and a public hearing will be held before the Common Council. The road will eventually be relocated and the entrance to Calmes Pub moved. Mr. Jakel explained that the medical facility is anticipating an October start to construction and the Plan Commission will have the opportunity to review the site plan and plat. If the sale to the medical facility falls through, the Council would not adopt the vacation ordinance. Mr. Moore asked if Calmes Pub was aware of the proposed changes to their entrances. Mr. Jakel explained that they are aware of the plans and will still have two entrances to their site. Mr. Feldt asked about the financial responsibility associated with the abandonment and relocation of underground utilities. Mr. Jakel explained that the developer’s agreement would cover who pays what to whom. A motion to recommend to the Council approval of the vacation of a portion of Arbor Way was made by Coenen, seconded by McGinnis. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Bee-Keeping Ordinance. Ms. Watson explained that the ordinance is the first step in the process which would allow limited bee-keeping in under-utilized parks. Permits would dictate locations and require a fresh water source. Mr. Moore asked how the locations would be signed. Ms. Watson explained that signage is addressed in the ordinance. Mr. Moore questioned the ordinance reference to two kinds of bees. Ms. Watsons explained that the bees referenced in the ordinance are the most readily available and docile. Mr. Jakel explained that proof of the species of bee would be required. Mr. Sundelius asked if the Building Inspector would be enforcing the ordinance or would the City need to contract out the service, similar to that of the weights and measures duties. Mr. Jakel suggested looking into how other communities certify staff. Mr. Coenen suggested having that information up front to incorporate into the permit. Mr. Schoenike asked how many hives would be permitted. Ms. Watson explained that only one or two hives would be permitted right now. In her research of other communities, Ms. Watson found that there were no significant issues and that beekeeping is an expensive hobby and people involved in it likely know what they are doing. Mr. Coenen explained that the educational aspect would be the key. Mr. Feldt explained that a former employee kept bees at the Rapide Croche facility and no issues were ever brought to his attention. Mr. Moore asked about parks included in the ordinance. Ms. Watson explained that hives would be limited to less utilized parks with native plants and a source of fresh water. Chairman Penterman asked if the ordinance could have a two-year test run. Ms. Watson explained that it should and if it’s successful, expansion to private property could be considered. A motion to refer the ordinance on to the Legislative Committee for their review was made by Feldt, seconded by McGinnis. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Grignon Mansion Long Range Plan. Mr. Jakel explained that the Grignon Mansion Board of Directors generated a long range plan including guidelines for projects and activities and establishes priorities for the Mansion and other historic properties in the City. The report Ms. Watson compiled is part of an on-going discussion by the Mansion board and will be used for grant and donation opportunities. Mr. Jakel explained that the report is a fluid document that is likely to change periodically. A motion to recommend to the Council adoption of the Grignon Mansion Long-Range Plan was made by McGinnis, seconded by Coenen. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Downtown Parking Assessment. Ms. Watson explained that current downtown development including residential units spurred the overview of downtown parking. The assessment ensures uniformity and having good practices in place will assist in more efficient permitting, enforcement and maintenance. The assessment was drafted with assistance from the Police and Street Departments along with Jason Holmes. The Police Department prefers the overnight grace parking for restaurants and bars to help build strong relationships. Chairman Penterman explained that the grace permit would allow overnight parking and would be given out at a bartender’s discretion. Mr. Coenen asked if there would be a fee for the grace permit as it may increase the Police Department workload. Ms. Watson explained that the grace permit is a good way to monitor parking issues for mis-use of the permit or possible over-serving issues. Mr. Coenen suggested that staff meet with bar owners and that the permit is a good way to establish communication. Mr. Schoenike agreed and suggested that if mis-use of the permits become an issue, the program could be reviewed or eliminated. Mr. Sundelius explained that problems with the current permit system stem from a lack of communication in the Clerk’s office however, Clerk/Treasurer Kenney prefers that the Police Department take on the process to have fewer hands involved in the process. Ms. Watson explained that the permit are currently issued on a monthly basis and could be moved to a pro-rated annual fee with a refund available for unused months. A motion to refer the program on to the Legislative Committee for review and then to recommend to the Council approval of the program was made by Coenen, seconded by Moore. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

There being no further business to be brought before the Commission, a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:06 a.m. was made by McGinnis, seconded by Feldt. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Julianne Schroeder

Executive Secretary