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City of Kaukauna

Redevelopment Authority Meeting Minutes – November 22, 2019

Posted on Dec 17, 2019 by

REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF KAUKAUNA

A meeting of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Kaukauna was called to order at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, November 22, 2019, by Chairman Feldt.

Members Present: Feldt, Smith, VanderWyst, Verhagen.

Also Present: Planning Director Jakel, Principal Planner Brunette, Applicants.

Absent and Excused: Kohne, Landerman, Windorff.

  1. Minutes. A motion to approve the minutes of the October 9, 2019, meeting was made by VanderWyst, seconded by Smith. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
  1. Move Out of Order. A motion to move out of order was made by Verhagen, seconded by VanderWyst. All members voted aye.  Motion carried.
  2. Disposition of 147 East Second Street (Former Quencher’s Building) – Kim and Brian Mischler. Brunette explained that the property was acquired by RACK through foreclosure and required significant repairs to the electrical and plumbing systems as well as the furnace – all of which have been completed.  Two offers on the property were submitted however, one offer was pulled by the applicant.  Kim and Brian Mischler submitted the other offer along with a business plan and list of improvements planned for the building.  Ms. Mischler currently operates Sticky Fingers Catering out of her home and Mr. Mischler is in construction.  Mr. Mischler explained that they intend to make improvements to the upper residential unit and correct the existing structural issues – the renovation will create two one-bedroom units.  They also intend to take advantage of the 14’ ceilings and original character of the building.   Ms. Mischler explained that she has been in the catering business for 20+ years and has baking and culinary degrees.  She currently works with Houdini’s restaurant as a contract employee and is looking to expand her business with a bakery and eventually a café at the location.  Ms. Smith asked if the application was for acquisition, renovation, or both.   Mr. Mischler explained that the RACK funds would be used for acquisition only, they will finance the renovation on their own.  Mr. Jakel asked about the business structure.  Mr. Mischler explained that they would form an LLC and rent the space to the bakery.  Mr. Jakel asked about a timeline for the project.  Mr. Mischler explained that they would like to be open by summer of 2020 with renovations beginning as soon as possible.
  3. Executive Session – 147 East Second Street (Mischler). A motion to adjourn to Executive Session at 9:17 a.m. pursuant to Wisconsin State Statutes 19.85(1)(e) to discuss the disposition of property was made by Smith, seconded by Verhagen.  All members voted aye.  Motion carried.
  1. Open Session – 147 East Second Street (Mischler). A motion to return to Open Session at 9:30 a.m. was made by VanderWyst, seconded by Verhagen.  All members voted aye.  Motion carried.   A motion to accept the business plan and proposed offer submitted by Kim and Brian Mischler in the amount of $50,000 for the acquisition of 147 East Second Street was made by Smith, seconded by VanderWyst.  All members voted aye. Motion carried.
  1. RFP – Former Carnegie Library Property. Brunette explained that the City’s goal is to move the property to the tax rolls and maximize its use.  Zoning would be changed from INT – Institutional to CCD – Commercial Core District with RACK having review authority any proposed plans.  Ms. Brunette explained that consideration was given to the possibility of TIF incentives and acquisition or redevelopment assistance from RACK.  Individuals from the adjoining COPS Construction building were present to discuss possible joint development plans.  Mr. Cops explained that they are interested in selling the property.  Mr. Jakel explained that the project could be something bigger by working together and with the Carnegie building’s historic status, applying for historical tax credits may be a financing option.  Ms. Brunette explained that it would help to have a consultant’s fresh take to reimagine the property as a possible waterfront development and greenspace.  The COPS building has potential as a mixed use development for commercial and residential.  Chairman Feldt asked about potential developer interest in Central Park as well.  Ms. Brunette explained that the Carnegie building cannot come down and Mr. Jakel added that the COPS building is in the floodplain and comes with additional building restrictions.  Ms. Brunette explained that Central Park is classified as urban open space – which is a different use than a traditional park. Mr. VanderWyst asked how the list of possible developers is being compiled. Ms. Brunette explained that she is utilizing networking and social media as well as the League of Municipalities to get the word out. A motion to authorize staff to proceed with the Request for Proposals as presented was made by VanderWyst, seconded by Verhagen.  All members voted aye. Motion carried.
  2. Revolving Loan Fund Guidelines. Brunette explained that the microloan portion of the guidelines are being finalized and she is meeting with local commercial lenders on the new guidelines.  An online fillable version of the application is also being developed.  A motion to approve the final draft of the Revolving Loan Fund guidelines and application was made by VanderWyst, seconded by Smith.  All members voted aye.  Motion carried.
  3. Code of Ethics/Conflicts of Interest. Brunette presented draft Code of Ethics and Conflict of Interest forms for RACK members to consider and explained that they are standard procedure in other communities.  The consensus of the Authority was that the forms were a good idea and common sense.  Forms will be reviewed by RACK’s counsel and presented at the next meeting.
  4. Branding Initiative. Brunette explained that she and Mr. Jakel are working with the City’s new Marketing Coordinator Brittany Simonson on the project which has Council support.  Ms. Brunette emphasized that branding is not just a new logo but includes the City’s image as a whole, knowing our assets and developing a clear mission statement as well.  Staff would be looking to utilize resident input, research-driven focus groups, and surveys to identify our values. Staff received 21 responses from our RFP and intends to interview four of those applicants to roll out the new brand next fall. Mr. Jakel explained community buy-in is critical and staff needs to promote the brand and image.  Ms. Brunette explained that staff is only considering consultants with strong municipal branding experience.

There being no further business to be brought before the Authority, a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:20 a.m. was made by VanderWyst, seconded by Smith. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Julianne Schroeder

Community Development Coordinator