Plan Commission Meeting Minutes – February 21, 2019

A meeting of the City of Kaukauna Plan Commission was called to order at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 21, 2019, by Chairman Penterman.

Members Present: Coenen, Feldt, McGinnis, Moore, Penterman, Schoenike.

Absent and Excused: Oldenberg, Sundelius.

Also Present: Planning Director Jakel, Principal Planner Watson, Project Engineer Neumeier, Planning/Engineering Tech Holmes.

1. Excuse the Absent. A motion to excuse the absent Commission members was made by Coenen, seconded by Moore. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
   
2. Minutes. A motion to approve the minutes of the February 7, 2019, meeting was made by McGinnis, seconded by Moore. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
   
3. Acquisition of Property in Conjunction with Highway 96 Reconstruction. Mr. Jakel explained that Highway 96 is slated for reconstruction in 2020 and will include two bike lanes in addition to the travel lanes. To accommodate the additional lanes and to expand the right of way and terrace, two feet of land will be required on each side of the street. The City owns four parcels – two residential lots and property in Strassberg Park and Upper Grignon Park. The procedure would be to acquire the property from ourselves, transfer the funds, and then be reimbursed by the WDOT for costs associated with the acquisition including appraisals and attorney fees. Mr. Jakel explained that the City has contracted with Corre, Inc. to negotiate all settlements using Temporary Limited Easements (TLE) and outright acquisitions. The TLE compensation is $1,500 primarily for landscaping and fence relocation to be replaced after construction. Mr. Schoenike asked if the street width would be changing. Mr. Jakel explained that the paved width of the bicycle lane would increase. Mr. Neumeier explained that there will be two travel lanes, one with parking on the south side, two bike lanes, and that the WDOT held two public meetings to receive comments on the project. Mr. Moore asked if anyone commented on the parking proposal. Mr. Neumeier explained that there are mostly residential properties on the north and the proposed parking restrictions would affect only a few homes. A motion to recommend to the Council approval of the acquisition of property to facilitate the reconstruction of Highway 96 was made by Schoenike, seconded by Feldt. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
   
4. Request to Rezone Property Adjoining George Street from CHD to RTF. Mr. Jakel explained that the existing house and commercial property are within ten feet of each other. The lots cannot be split via CSM due to issues with setbacks and the existing large garage which would be non-conforming in the zoning district. While staff was researching possible options, it was noted that two residential properties to the south were zoned commercial, which would prohibit them from being rebuilt if there were destroyed. Commercial zoning would not trigger buffer requirements if the existing commercial building was destroyed and rebuilt. Mr. Jakel explained that zoning dictates that platted lines be followed which would be a disparity to the supper club – if destroyed, it would need to be rebuilt to meet the code. Mr. Moore asked if the buffer could be a fence. Mr. Jakel explained that it could plus five feet of landscaping such as opaque hedges or berms seven feet off the lot line. Mr. Feldt asked if the supper club could be rebuilt if it were to be destroyed. Mr. Jakel explained that it could. Mr. Schoenike asked if the adjoining residents had an opinion on the rezoning. Mr. Jakel explained that they had not yet been noticed. Mr. Coonen asked if the rezoning could adversely impact the adjoining housing. Mr. Jakel explained that the residential setback is seven feet, commercial setback is 10 feet. Mr. Moore asked if any similar situations have been approved previously. Mr. Jakel explained that properties have been down-zoned to protect adjoining property owners. Mr. Moore asked about the next steps in the process. Mr. Jakel explained that all owners of property would be notified of the potential rezoning from CH – Commercial Highway to RFT – Residential Two Family and the item brought back to the Plan Commission for formal action.
   

There being no further business to be brought before the Commission, a motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:30 p.m. was made by Feldt, seconded by Moore. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Julianne Schroeder – Community Development Coordinator