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City of Kaukauna

Plan Commission Meeting Minutes – December 5, 2019

Posted on Dec 17, 2019 by

PLAN COMMISSION

 

A meeting of the City of Kaukauna Plan Commission was called to order at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 5, 2019, by Chairman Penterman.

Members Present:  Coenen, Feldt, Moore, Oldenburg, Penterman, Schoenike, Sundelius, Thiele.

Also Present:  Planning Director Jakel, Principal Planner Brunette, Fire Chief Carrel, Planning/Engineering Technician Holmes, Marketing Coordinator Simonson, Applicants, Media.

  1. Minutes. A motion to approve the minutes of the November 7, 2019, meeting was made by Moore, seconded by Coenen.  All members voted aye.  Motion carried.
  1. Public Hearing for Special Exception – 119 Doty Street. Chairman Penterman declared the Public Hearing open at 4:01 p.m. and asked three times if anyone present wanted to speak in favor of or in opposition to the Special Exception request.  No one appeared.  Chairman Penterman declared the Public Hearing closed at 4:02 p.m.
  2. Special Exception – 119 Doty Street. Jakel explained that the intended residential use is permitted in the zoning district as a special exception.  The proposed use would be compatible with the surrounding properties.  A motion to recommend to the Council approval of the Special Exception request was made by Moore, seconded by Schoenike.  Upon roll call, seven aye (Coenen, Feldt, Moore, Penterman, Schoenike, Sundelius, Thiele); one nay (Oldenburg).  Motion carried.
  1. City of Kaukauna Branding Initiative. Ms. Brunette gave a presentation on the City’s branding initiative and explained it is much more than a new logo including how the City presents itself and how we are perceived by the public. Brunette explained that staff intends to utilize the Plan Commission as part of the branding advisory committee as well as public input, one-on-one interviews, industry-specific focus groups, online surveys and open-house community events.  Ms. Brunette anticipates the roll-out to happen next fall.  Mr. Jakel explained that currently the City uses several different logos and lacks one unified message.  Mr. Coenen explained that the Council supports and understands the importance of this project and the image we portray. Chairman Penterman explained that this is an exciting project for Kaukauna as we grow and move forward.
  1. Rezoning of 109 East Eighth Street (former Nicolet School) from INT to CCD. Jakel explained that the present zoning matches the former use as a school while the comprehensive plan references the site as commercial. The proposed zoning matches the comp plan reference and accommodates possible off-street parking.  Improvements to the site would go before the Redevelopment Authority for approval as an extra layer of protection for this National Register property. Mr. Schoenike asked for clarification on the parking request.  Mr. Jakel explained that the CCD zoning would permit off-street parking as there is sufficient space on the property.  A motion to recommend to the Council approval of the rezoning of 109 East Eighth Street from INT – Institutional to CCD – Commercial Core District was made by Feldt, seconded by Oldenburg.  All members voted aye. Motion carried.  
  1. Robert E. Lee Contract for Nickel’s Farm Property. Jakel explained that the property was recently acquired by the City via auction however, final approval is waiting on the owners of an existing billboard on the site with an option to match the sale price – Mr. Jakel felt that it would be unlikely that they would.  Mr. Jakel explained that the City will proceed with development of the site and would suggest contracting with Robert E. Lee Associates on platting, environmental remediation and surveying as we have a working relationship with them already.  Mr. Jakel explained that McMahon Associates has done platting for the City in the past, however Robert E. Lee was chosen for this project due to the price point.  Mr. Jakel explained that plans for the property include single-family residential lots and recreational space including baseball and soccer fields.  Mr. Sundelius asked for clarification on the option the billboard owner had on the property.  Mr. Jakel explained that they have a right of first refusal and would need to match the City’s offer.  Mr. Sundelius asked if an easement for the location of the sign would be granted. Mr. Jakel explained that it would.  Mr. Schoenike asked if staff would wait for the billboard owner to address their option before contracting with Robert E. Lee.  Mr. Jakel explained that we would.  Jared Schmidt of Robert E. Lee Associates explained that a preliminary layout was included to give an idea of what could be.  Mr. Jakel explained that platting could be completed by mid-summer with infrastructure going in late 2020. Mr. Sundelius asked if staff and community input would be sought with regard to the recreational fields.  Mr. Jakel explained that staff would be engaging youth baseball and soccer as well as the Grignon Mansion relative to their soccer fields.  Mr. Moore asked about zoning on the property. Mr. Jakel explained that since it is not currently in the City it would need to annexed and would come in automatically as Single Family Residential, with rezoning for the recreational fields an option in the future.    A motion to enter into a contract with Robert E. Lee Associates for platting services and wetland mitigation on the Nickel’s Farm property was made by Feldt, seconded by Coenen.  All members voted aye. Motion carried. 

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 Schoenike, seconded by Sundelius.  All members voted aye.  Motion carried.

Julianne Schroeder
Community Development Coordinator