Plan Commission Meeting Minutes – January 24, 2019

A meeting of the City of Kaukauna Plan Commission was called to order at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 24, 2019, by Chairman Penterman.

Members Present: Coenen (via phone), McGinnis, Moore, Oldenberg, Penterman, Schoenike, and Sundelius.

Absent and Excused: Feldt.

Also Present: Planning Director Jakel, Assistant Fire Chief Grindheim, Project Engineer Neumeier, Planning/Engineering Tech Holmes, Applicants.

1. Excuse the Absent. A motion to excuse the absent Commission member was made by Moore, seconded by Oldenburg. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
   
2. Minutes. A motion to approve the minutes of the December 6, 2018, meeting was made by McGinnis, seconded by Moore. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
   
3. Public Hearing on the Creation of TID #10 (former St. Al’s site). Chairman Penterman declared the public hearing open at 4:02 p.m. and asked three times if anyone present wanted to speak in favor of or in opposition to the creation of TID #10. No one appeared. Chairman Penterman declared the public hearing closed at 4:03 p.m.
   
4. Resolution Creating TID #10 and Approving the Project Plan. Mr. Jakel explained that the previously approved project plan was being resubmitted to the Department of Revenue and will include additional commercial properties to meet the mixed use requirements. Mr. Jakel explained that the newly included properties have a lower value and are not anticipated to be developed, thus keeping the tax impact to a minimum. The plan for the development will remain the same – two family units in the interior of the property, single family units around the exterior, and storm water management on the northwest corner. Mr. Schoenike asked when construction would start on the project. Mr. Jakel explained that once approval is received from WDOR, construction would start as soon as possible. Mr. Verstegen explained that they are ready to go. Mr. Sundelius asked if there would be additional project costs as a result of the new boundary. Mr. Jakel explained that there would be no new project costs. A motion to approve the Plan Commission resolution creating TID #10 and approving the project plan was made by Moore, seconded by McGinnis. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
   
5. Proposed Expansion of KORR Powder Coating and Sandblasting (700 CTH KK). Mr. Jakel explained that the property would be considered pre-existing, non-conforming but faces hurdles for the proposed expansion including not meeting setback requirements, exceeding lot density requirements, crossing zoning districts, and issues with emergency service access. Mr. Jakel explained that traffic movement and parking are also issues as the schematic shows parking extending into the residential lot. Mr. Jakel explained that staff review of the project indicates that an additional expansion at that site could adversely impact the residential properties to the north and limit emergency access to the site. Mr. Jakel explained that while he sympathizes with the applicant, any CSM presented to the Commission would need to demonstrate solutions to the parking and emergency access issues without impacting the residential lots to the north. Mr. Sundelius agreed and explained that in order to proceed with the CSM, a deed restriction for greenspace would be required on the residential lot, however, the schematic shows plans to pave the greenspace area which is not the direction the Plan Commission gave when the project was discussed at the October meeting. Mr. Jakel explained that parking would need to be accommodated on site. Mr. Otto explained that he thought the Commission would be reviewing several options proposed to accommodate the expansion. Mr. Jakel explained that the options were included in the Commissioner’s packets, however, they all included encroachments and he suggested that architectural drawings showing how emergency access and on-site parking would be addressed would be the next step. Mr. Otto explained that he submitted three proposals showing emergency access and that he could secure an easement from the neighboring property that would benefit both parties. Mr. Otto explained that he needs to move forward with the expansion or consider relocating his business and asked what would be required by the Commission to consider the project. Mr. Jakel explained that architectural drawings for each of the options addressing the Commission’s concerns would be required. Mr. Jakel explained that if relocation is an option it may be necessary for the expansion as this may be a case of a business outgrowing its site. Mr. Sundelius explained that when the Plan Commission reviewed the proposals in October and required a restriction on the property to accommodate the greenspace provision, Mr. Otto was already aware that paving had occurred.
   
6. Two Lot CSM for Bear Paw Trail (Matthew Vanderloop). Mr. Jakel explained that the applicant originally purchased both lots and combined them via CSM in order to build a large home. The home was never constructed and the applicant is now looking to have the lot split back into two lots which will be sold separately for the construction of two homes. A motion to recommend to the Council approval of the CSM as presented was made by McGinnis, seconded by Schoenike. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
   
7. New Site Plan Review Process. Mr. Jakel explained that the process is a guide to applicants on what the Commission would like to see and doesn’t include anything new. Mr. Jakel explained that he would make certain that the review process doesn’t complicate matters but makes undertaking new projects a “one-stop-shop”. The staff memo is for Commission review and any questions should be directed to Principal Planner Watson who will ultimately bring the process back for final approval. Mr. Moore asked if the process would help with issues similar to the matter in Item #5 above. Mr. Jakel explained that there will always be projects with special circumstances and the review process may help with submittals.
8. Executive Session – Outlot 1 of CSM 7178 (Greg Lauer). A motion to adjourn to Executive Session at 4:25 p.m. pursuant to Wisconsin State Statute 19.85(1)(e) to discuss the dedication by Greg Lauer of Outlot 1 of CSM 7178 to the City of Kaukauna was made by Moore, seconded by Sundelius. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
9. Open Session – Outlot 1 of CSM 7178 (Greg Lauer). A motion to return to Open Session at 4:40 p.m. was made by Moore, seconded by Schoenike. All members voted aye. Motion carried. A motion to recommend to the Council approval of the dedication of Outlot 1 of CSM 7178 by Greg Lauer was made by Oldenburg, seconded by McGinnis. Upon roll call, six aye (Coonen, McGinnis, Moore, Oldenburg, Penterman, Sundelius), one nay (Schoenike). Motion carried.
   
10. General Matters. Mr. Moore asked for clarification on the staff meeting regarding Mr. Otto’s project and explained that the Plan Commission needs to be made aware of any opportunities and options ahead of time. Mr. Moore explained that the memo in the packet indicated that three options would be considered and did not mention the non-conforming issue, zoning or land use or the lack of architectural drawings. Mr. Jakel explained that Mr. Otto had been informed that staff’s recommendation on the options presented would be to deny the request. Assistant Fire Chief Grindheim explained that Ms. Watson’s drawings were always understood to be options – not solutions – and all required easements. Mr. Grindheim explained that staff can’t make decisions on property that isn’t owned by the applicant and until Mr. Otto owns the property, the project cannot be considered. Mr. Oldenburg explained that the project was already pushing the limits on previous expansions and that Mr. Otto was aware of the obstacles ahead of time. Mr. Grindheim explained that a dumpster fire on the property previously demonstrated how tight the site is currently – any expansion would push City services even further.
    

There being no further business to be brought before the Commission, a motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:45 p.m. was made by McGinnis, seconded by Moore. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Julianne Schroeder

Community Development Coordinator