Industrial Park Commission Meeting Minutes – August 22, 2018

A meeting of the Industrial Park Commission was called to order at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 22, 2018, by Chairman Feldt.

Members Present: Acord, Feldt, Grissman, Jerome, Knutson, Nytes, Schilling, Schmidt.

Also Present: Planning Director Jakel, Mayor Penterman, Principal Planner Watson, Project Engineer Neumeier, Applicant Mike Milbach.

Absent and Excused: Knaus.

• Minutes. Approval of the previous meeting minutes was tabled as Mr. Schilling would like to discuss them in Closed Session. The item will be included on a future meeting agenda.
• Milbach Construction – Fence in Rear Yard. Mr. Jakel explained that the zoning code permits fences up to 8′ high in IP zoning, however, the protective covenants only allow 6′ high fences. Barbed wire is only permitted with approval of the Industrial Park Commission and the Police Department. Mr. Milbach is looking to place a 7′ chain link fence in the rear yard of his property on Northridge Drive. The first step is review and approval by the Industrial Park Commission and then a poll of neighboring property owners where a majority would need to approve the fence placement request. Mr. Milbach explained that he initially intended to construct the 7′ high fence to enclose the outdoor equipment storage at his facility, however, he is now considering placing a lean-to structure on the site in addition to the fence to protect the equipment. Mr. Schilling asked if the lean-to would be to improve aesthetics versus security. Mr. Milbach explained that security has not been an issue in the past and that they will be installing a security camera to view the fenced area. Mr. Schilling asked for more information on the proposed lean-to. Mr. Milbach explained that it would be a three-sided structure – approximately 10′ feet in the back and 14′ high in the front and clad in materials to match the existing structure. Mr. Schilling asked if this type of structure is permitted via the covenants. Mr. Jakel explained that there is no specific language regarding a lean-to, however, it would be considered a structure and would need to meet the façade requirements. Mr. Milbach explained that there would not be much of the lean-to visible above the fence line. Mr. Schilling asked for clarification on the fence height discrepancy between the code and the covenants. Mr. Jakel explained that the code has been in place since 1978, whereas the covenants were drafted with the development of the park to address security and aesthetic concerns. Mayor Penterman asked why the 7′ high fence was chosen versus the 6′ high option. Mr. Milbach explained that 6′ high fence could easily be looked over while 7′ provides more security for a relatively low cost difference. Mr. Schilling asked if an 8′ high fence would be even better. Mr. Milbach explained that he would still need approval for anything over 6′. Mr. Jakel explained that 8′ fences have issues with wind load and torque. Ms. Watson asked if barbed wire was still being considered. Mr. Milbach explained that it was not. Mr. Milbach explained that the long-range succession plan would be for the business to remain at the location for at least ten more years with the possibility of leasing the space to the new owners/operators. Since the lean-to was only recently considered, the fence would be the only item considered by the Commission. A motion to approve the placement of a 7′ high chain-link fence in the rear yard of the property subject to Mr. Milbach returning to the Industrial Park Commission for additional improvements was made by Schilling, seconded by Acord. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
• Team Industries Request for Parking Restrictions at Prospect Lane. Mr. Jakel explained that this would typically be an issue for the Board of Public Works and the Legislative Committee, however, the covenants provide that on-street parking is prohibited in the Industrial Park to allow truck traffic to flow freely. Mr. Schmidt explained that while on-street parking is only occasionally an issue, they do run into instances where truck-drivers park on the street overnight. Mr. Jakel explained that the matter would need to be reviewed by the Council and passed by ordinance. Mr. Neumeier explained that parking is prohibited except by special permission in the Industrial Park Network and that while it is not signed, it is already part of the traffic code. Chairman Feldt suggested putting up signs indicating the parking restriction. Mr. Jakel explained that the Street Department could install signage, the Police Department could enforce the restriction, and the Council could provide for the special permission parking. Ms. Watson asked about procedures for businesses that experience a non-construction related increase in parking. Mr. Jakel explained that it would be a matter for the Council. Mr. Schilling asked if the on-street parking was a safety issue for Team Industries. Mr. Schmidt explained that it was. Mr. Nytes asked if signs would be placed within the entire park or just on Prospect Lane. Ms. Watson suggested posting signage at gateway entrances to the park detailing the parking restrictions. Mr. Grissman suggested that issues be addressed street-by-street as they come up. A motion to direct the Street Department to place parking restriction signage on both sides of Prospect Lane was made by Grissman, seconded by Schmidt. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

There being no further business to be brought before the Commission, a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 a.m. was made by Schilling, seconded by Acord. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Julianne Schroeder

Executive Secretary