Plan Commission Meeting Minutes – October 22, 2020

PLAN COMMISSION

A meeting of the City of Kaukauna Plan Commission was called to order at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2020, by Chairman Penterman.

Members Present: Feldt, Feller (joined meeting at 4:12 p.m.), Moore, Penterman, Schoenike (joined meeting at 4:04 p.m.), Sundelius, Thiele.

Also Present:  Planning Director Jakel, Principal Planner Brunette, Project Engineer Neumeier, City Attorney Davidson, Applicants Marcus McGuire, Logan Rankin, and Joshua Winch.

1. Minutes. A motion to approve the minutes of the October 7, 2020, meeting was made by Moore, seconded by Feldt.  All members voted aye.  Motion carried.

2. Preservation and Adaptive Reuse of Carnegie Library Property. Planning Director Jakel explained that this City- owned National Register property is highly visible and has significant community importance. Any plan for disposition of the property needs to consider long-range use and community impact. Mr. Jakel explained that the applicants clarified the Commission’s request for additional info including maintaining the integrity of the original Carnegie library building and retaining the original style. The site plan references a six-foot high chain link fence with screening and a garage in a color scheme similar to the library building. Parking in the adjacent municipal lot would be available for the public or employees of the development. A 2021 construction timeline is anticipated and the financial commitment from the applicant’s bank was provided. Mr. Rankin explained that he is confident in the development plan and financial backing and looks forward to bringing life to the building and providing needed luxury housing for young executives.

3. Executive Session – Preservation and Adaptive Reuse of Carnegie Library Property. A motion to adjourn to Executive Session at 4:15 p.m. pursuant to Wisconsin State Statute 19.85(1)(e) to discuss the preservation and adaptive reuse of the Carnegie Library property was made by Feldt, seconded by Moore.  All members voted aye.  Motion carried.

4. Open Session – Preservation and Adaptive Reuse of Carnegie Library Property. A motion to return to Open Session at 5:05 p.m. was made by Feldt, seconded by Moore. All members voted aye.  Motion carried.
5. Rezoning 5.54 Acres at State Street and Ashgrove Place from RSF to RTF. Jakel explained that a total of 6.5 acres was being acquired however 1.47 acres was already zoned RTF. Surrounding properties are also zoned RTF which permits single and two family development. Mr. McGuire explained that once negotiations were complete, he would submit a CSM to combine the properties.  Mr. McGuire explained that as a builder, he sees demand for medium density housing, and when speaking with surrounding neighbors, they welcome the project.  Mr. Jakel asked about the total number of units.  Mr. McGuire explained that 15 duplex parcels are planned with frontage of 80 to 90 feet for two family homes.  Mr. Jakel explained that based on density, anticipated estimated value of the project would be $3.5 and $4.1 million. The fairly high-density of the project would be compatible with the neighborhood, complies with comp plan reference, and accommodates the placement of infrastructure expansion.  Mr. Sundelius noted that while the properties to the east are zoned RTF, they are primarily single-family homes and suggested that we may get some comments in opposition to the placement of two-family units.  Mr. Moore explained that if the developer places attractive units similar to the Donory project, they could fill up within the year.  Chairman Penterman asked if single-family homes were considered for the site.  Mr. McGuire explained that they were but with two family homes already in the area, the proximity to the cemetery, and the tax base revenue, two-family units were preferred.  Ms. Brunette asked if the units were proposed as twindo which would require separate services.  Mr. McGuire explained that they are working with McMahon Associates on drafting the zero lot line guidelines.  A motion to recommend to the Council approval of the rezoning request subject to comments received at a public hearing before the Common Council, was made by Schoenike, seconded by Moore.  All members voted aye.  Motion carried.

6. Amending Code Restrictions Relative to Municipal Wellheads. Jakel explained that an overlay zoning district is being proposed to protect wellheads for the City’s water supply.  Flood plain designations currently within the City are a similar situation.  Mr. Jakel was not opposed to the proposed amendment but noted a number of typos throughout the ordinance that would need to be corrected.  Mr. Jakel also noted that the conditions listed under “Prohibited Uses” will create non-conformities – for example, a gas station would be allowed to continue use, but could not be rebuilt if damaged.  Mr. Feldt explained that the protection is a WDNR requirement on some existing wells and on all new wells; protection plans would also be required.  Mr. Feldt explained that the amendment is an industry good practice.  Mr. Sundelius asked if a more detailed study could reduce the size.  Mr. Feldt explained that the calculation and analysis specifics should be included in the ordinance as the plan discusses performing particular calculations to reduce the overlay from 1200 feet to 600 feet with appropriate modeling. Mr. Jakel explained that the ordinance references heavy uses we wouldn’t typically see in the City.  Mr. Feldt explained that the ordinance shows how far out each well reaches.  Mr. Jakel explained that the map will be redone for the ordinance to make it more clear. A motion to recommend to the Council to set a public hearing on the ordinance amendment and to adopt the ordinance for the overlay district for wellhead protection subject to minor corrections within the report for clarification and typos- not changing content – was made by Sundelius, seconded by Feller.  All members voted aye.  Motion carried.

7. Annexation of 0.58 Acres Adjoining Killian Road from Town of Buchanan. Mr. Jakel explained that the applicant owns Lot 2 which is accessed off Killian Drive in the City. The applicant purchased additional property to buffer his properties from the construction of storage units next door in the Town of Buchanan.  Once the property is acquired and annexation is complete, a CSM to combine the properties will be presented to the Commission.  A motion to recommend to the Council approval of the annexation petition as presented was made by Feldt, seconded by Moore.  All members voted aye.  Motion carried.

There being no further business to be brought before the Commission, a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:50 p.m. was made by Sundelius, seconded by Schoenike.  All members voted aye.  Motion carried.

Julianne Schroeder
Community Development Coordinator