Plan Commission Meeting Minutes – May 19, 2016

A meeting of the City of Kaukauna Plan Commission was called to order at 4:10 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2016, by Chairman Rosin.

Members Present: McGinnis, Penterman, Rosin, Schoenike, Sundelius.

Also Present: Planning Director Jakel, City Attorney Davidson, Project Engineer Neumeier, Planning/Engineering Technician Holmes, Applicants, Interested Citizens, Media.

Absent and Excused: Feldt, Oldenburg, VanderSanden.

1. Absent and Excused. A motion to excuse the absent Commission members was made by McGinnis, seconded by Penterman. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

1. Minutes. A motion to approve the minutes of the April 7, 2016, meeting was made by Penterman, seconded by Sundelius. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

1. Public Hearing on Cell Tower at 374 East Ann Street. Chairman Rosin declared the public hearing open at 4:11 p.m. and asked three times if anyone present wanted to speak in favor of or in opposition to the Special Exception request to place a communication tower and associated apparatus at 374 East Ann Street. No one appeared. Chairman Rosin declared the public hearing closed at 4:12 p.m.

1. Removal of Flowage Easement at CTH J and Farmland Drive for Robert Kmecheck. Mr. Jakel explained that the flowage easement was placed when the Agricultural Development Center was developed in 2002 as required by the WDNR. The public infrastructure was not assessed as a condition of the easement. The property owner is now requesting that the easement be removed to facilitate the sale of the property. The improvements would now become assessable with the removal of the easement. Doug from McMahon explained that the easement was not actually recorded and the affidavit of correction would remove the easement from the exhibit map. Outagamie County granted permission to fill the area and has not closed the conditional use permit. Mr. Sundelius explained that the original agreement allowed for the placement of the easement in turn for the improvements not being assessed. If we release the easement, all special assessments will be charged to the property. Mr. Schoenike explained that the property was vacant farmland at the time the easement was granted but the City needed it to develop the Ag Center. We had to give something to get something. A motion to recommend to the Council the release of the easement and execution to the affidavit of correction based on a review by City Attorney Davidson was made by Schoenike, seconded by McGinnis. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
   

1. Rezone 3005, 3051, and 3055 Crooks Avenue from RSF to RTF. Mr. Jakel explained that the rezoning petition will accommodate the placement of duplexes to match the units down the street. The rezoning complies with the comp plan reference. The petitioner is only purchasing the lots listed, however staff is recommending that Lot #4 be included in the rezoning as well. Mr. McGinnis asked about access to STH 55. Mr. Jakel explained that it would be permitted. Mr. McGinnis asked if the speed limit would be adjusted. Mr. Sundelius explained that would be under the state’s jurisdiction and a traffic study could be conducted. Mr. Schoenike asked if the owner of Lot #4 was aware of the proposed rezoning. Mr. Jakel explained that a public hearing would be held before the Council. A motion to recommend to the Council approval of the rezoning of 3005, 3051, 3055 Crooks Avenue and Lot #4 from RSF – Residential Single Family to RTF – Residential Two Family was made by Sundelius, seconded by Penterman. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
   

• Extension of Wildenberg Heights. Mr. Jakel explained that the proposed 63-lot development can be annexed into the City for the provision of services however no layout has been determined yet. All the lots would be single family. Mr. Schoenike asked about the property ownership. Mr. Jakel explained that it is currently located in the Town of Vandenbroek. Mr. Sundelius explained that he would prefer that the waterway be crossed however he understands that it would be difficult and expensive. He had no issue with the proposed design.
  

1. Eagle Scout Project to Refurbish Water Wheel at Lock No. 4. Eagle Scout candidate Alex Kopischke explained his proposal to refurbish the water wheel near Grignon Park. A crane and trailer are ready to move the wheel and the wood will be replaced and the steel frame sandblasted before the wheel is painted and reinstalled. A professional welder will assist in the project to make sure it is structurally sound. Mr. Jakel asked about ownership of the wheel. Mr. Sundelius explained that the Street Department has maintained the property in the past and assumes it is owned by the City. Mr. Kopischke explained that he intends to stay as close the look of the original wheel as possible. Mr. Jakel asked if the project had been presented to the Fox Wisconsin Heritage Parkway and the Wisconsin Department of Administration. Mr. Kopischke explained that Brian Schuh is advising him on the project and he would work with him on contacting the other entities. A motion to approve the Eagle Scout project to refurbish the Water Wheel at Lock No. 4 as presented by Alex Kopischke was made by McGinnis, seconded by Penterman. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
   

There being no further business to be brought before the Commission, a motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:55 p.m. was made by Penterman, seconded by Sundelius. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Julianne Schroeder, Executive Secretary