Plan Commission Meeting Minutes – August 23, 2018

Posted on Aug 23, 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 23, 2018, by Chairman Penterman.

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

Also Present: Planning Director Jakel, Principal Planner Watson, Project Engineer Neumeier, Dave Schmalz of McMahon Associates.

Absent and Excused. A motion to excuse the absent Commission member was made by Moore, seconded by Coenen. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Minutes. A motion to approve the minutes of the August 9, 2018, meeting was made by McGinnis, seconded by Coenen. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

First Addition to Wildlife Heights. Mr. Jakel explained that plat is substantially in accord with the preliminary plat that was previously approved with a couple exceptions. Mr. Jakel explained that relative to the release of the sidewalk easement between Lots 35 and 36 noted on the Exhibit A, a review of the minutes from 2004 when the plat was originally approved, showed no intention to release the sidewalk easement and staff is hesitant to release it without a good reason. Mr. Schmalz agreed to remove the language on Exhibit Map A relative to releasing the walking trail easement. Mr. Sundelius explained that sidewalk would eventually extend on to Loderbauer Road. Mr. Coenen asked if adjoining properties would have sidewalks on the front and back of their lots. Mr. Sundelius explained that they would and that the Commission made that clear during their approval of the original plat in 2004. It’s a similar situation to other subdivisions throughout the City. Chairman Penterman asked if property owners would need to remove snow from both sidewalks. Mr. Sundelius explained that they would and that mowing the terrace would also be the homeowner’s responsibility. Loderbauer Road will eventually be developed as an urban section with sidewalks on both sides of the street. Mr. Moore asked about the redesign of the current pond. Mr. Schmalz explained that they are fixing easements to match the pond. Mr. Moore asked if more additions to the plat are expected. Mr. Schmalz explained that the developers have approached adjoining property owner’s however they are not interested in selling at this time. Mr. Schmalz explained that the development of this plat will improve drainage throughout the area. Mr. Jakel explained that the storm water detention pond easement to be released as shown on Exhibit Map B is part of the pond on Outlot 1 and will be reconfigured and rededicated. Mr. Schmalz explained that Kaukauna Utilities is requesting an additional electrical easement and that changes in regulations caused the reconfiguration of the pond. Mr. Sundelius explained that Outlot 1 is used for storm water detention however the developer may relinquish it in the future. He suggested attaching Outlot 1 to a neighboring lot – which may reduce its value but would improve maintenance of the pond. Mr. Oldenburg explained that the minimum setback on Lot 166 makes it unbuildable. Mr. Schmalz explained that it is 60′ and a house could be placed on the lot. Mr. Coenen asked about combining Outlot 1 with Lot 166. Mr. Sundelius explained he preferred that option and that without it, we are subsidizing the developer at the expense of their property owners. Mr. Neumeier explained that if Outlot 1 and Lot 166 are combined, the easement should be extended across both. A motion to recommend approval of the final plat to the Council contingent on combining Outlot 1 with Lot 166 and extending the utility easement over both, continuation of the utility easement from Loderbauer Road from Lots 165 and 166, extension of the storm water pond easement, maintaining the walking trail/sidewalk easement between Lots 35 and 36, and releasing the storm water management easement to allow for the reconfiguration of the pond, was made by Sundelius, seconded by Moore. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Maintenance of White Wolf Pond, Loderbauer Pond, and Wildlife Heights Pond. Mr. Jakel explained that White Wolf Pond may be modified due to WDNR regulations which could result in a large pond and issues with maintenance of pond lot, sidewalks, and terraces. Mr. Schmalz explained that maintenance of the pond could be assigned to adjoining lots if necessary and include access easements. Mr. Schmalz asked if finishing the ponds with prairie grass would be permitted, as some communities have not allowed it. Mr. Jakel explained that he encourages the use of prairie grass as a way to stabilize slopes. Mr. Schmalz requested that the old pond easement be released and a new one placed on the reconfigured pond. Mr. Jakel explained that the new pond would cover three lots and asked if a CSM would be appropriate. Mr. Neumeier explained that Lot 14 would absorb ½ the pond. Mr. Sundelius explained that he would like to see the pond assigned to existing lots. The developer does not have the authority to change the pond and that while Roger Bowers Construction is a good developer, they still need a permit to reconfigure the pond. Mr. Coenen explained that the placement of prairie grass would need to be monitored. The consensus of the Commission was to delay taking action until the developer is able to address the issues and bring the matter back to the Plan Commission.

Extra-territorial Plat Review – Town of Vandenbroek. Mr. Jakel explained that state statues permit City review of plats within a 2-mile radius of the City at the Plan Commission level only. If the plat were adjoining the City limits, sewer, water and other services would need to considered, however, that is not the case with this plat as annexation is not likely. A motion to approve the extra-territorial plat as presented was made by Schoenike, seconded by Oldenberg. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Other Business. Mr. Jakel explained that the Common Council approved the developer’s agreement for the construction of a Grand Stay hotel on the former Gustman lot adjoining Kwik Trip and a rendering of the proposed site was on display. Grand Stay is looking to start construction in 45 to 60 days and anticipates opening in early summer 2019.

There being no further business to be brought before the Commission, a motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:40 p.m. was made by McGinnis, seconded by Sundelius. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Julianne Schroeder
Executive Secretary