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City of Kaukauna

Redevelopment Authority Meeting Minutes – November 11, 2020

Posted on Nov 20, 2020 by

REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF KAUKAUNA

A meeting of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Kaukauna was called to order at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, by Chairman Feldt.  This meeting was held remotely via teleconference.

Members Present: Feldt, Landreman, Lindeman, Moore, VanderWyst, Windorff.

Also Present: Planning Director Jakel, Principal Planner Brunette, Mayor Penterman.

  1. Introduction of New Member. Chairman Feldt introduced Ryan Lindeman as the new Authority member.
  2. Minutes. A motion to approve the minutes of the June 4, 2020, meeting was made by Moore, seconded by VanderWyst. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

 

  1. Update on Loan to BLG, LLC. Brunette explained that the loan was approved for exterior façade improvements and the applicants had difficulty securing a contractor during this time.  A roofing contractor has been lined up and will be paid directly in the amount of $4,870.  The remainder of the loan proceeds will be issued directly to the applicant in the amount of $3,430 and will be used for siding.
  2. Update on Loan to Sticky Fingers Catering. Brunette explained that work on the building is underway and funds are expected to be dispersed before the end of the year.  The applicant is working to negotiate the price of equipment and the final costs may come in under the maximum loan approval amount.
  3. Certificate of Appropriateness – Carnegie Building Façade Improvements. Brunette explained that the CCD – Commercial Core District zoning regulations grant design review to RACK for façade improvements.  The current zoning of IT – Institutional is in the process of being changed to CCD.  Ms. Brunette explained that no significant changes to the historic façade of the original building are being proposed except to incorporate the original steps down the front of the building. A separate ADA-compliant entrance will be located on the side of the building.  The original building will be used as office space and the addition will be repurposed as residential units. Ms. Brunette explained that the project will create 10 to 14 jobs not previously in the City.  Mr. Lindeman explained that the location next to the water works well with the push for waterfront development.  Mr. Jakel explained that the crab-apple tree and existing landscape shrubbery will be removed and replaced with tasteful, cost-effective new plantings.  Ms. Brunette explained that the sale of municipally-owned historic properties requires the placement of a conservation easement that will allow control of improvements to the building.  A motion to recognize the Certificate of Appropriateness and approve the proposed façade improvements as presented was made by Windorff, seconded by Moore.  All members voted aye.  Motion carried.
  4. Review PACE Loan Application – Troy and Amy Zacharias. Brunette explained that the PACE loan program is used for energy efficiency improvements and is secured by a special charge on the property taxes. An energy audit is required – the cost of which is donated by Kaukauna Utilities and/or WPPI – and the loan is limited to 8% of the property value.  Monthly payments are tied to energy savings.  Ms. Brunette explained that the applicants had not undergone the energy audit and are proposing the replacement of doors and windows, which are generally not considered the biggest savings of energy.  Chairman Feldt explained that the program was developed for properties like this and past loan recipients saw big savings – however, they went through the audit process first.  Ms. Brunette explained that the applicants may have already scheduled the improvements and without an application, the loan could not be made retroactively.  Mr. Landreman suggested approving the loan request contingent on the receipt of an application based on the applicants history with RACK.  Ms. Windorff explained that an audit may reveal additional recommendations for improvements.  Mr. VanderWyst explained that an energy audit is a requirement of approval and he didn’t want to set a precedent of approval without it.  Mr. Jakel explained that PACE loan closing costs typically run around $400 – the cost of which would be added to the loan.  A motion to approve the PACE loan request up to the maximum 8% of the building value contingent on the receipt of a full application, applicant undergoing the energy audit, receipt of financial statements, and a position on the property via a special charge on the tax bill was made by Moore, seconded by Landreman.  All member voted aye. Motion carried.
  5. Other Business. Brunette explained the COVID-19 temporary loan forbearance is scheduled to end in January of 2021.  The item will be included for discussion at the next meeting.

There being no further business to be brought before the Authority, a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:30 p.m. was made by VanderWyst, seconded by Windorff. Upon roll call, all members voted aye. Motion carried.

 

Julianne Schroeder

Community Development Coordinator