MINUTES OF THE
OAK CREEK PLAN COMMISSION MEETING
TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2004
Acting Mayor Kopplin called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following Commissioners were present at roll call: Commissioner Dickmann, Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Marhal, Commissioner Siira, Commissioner Foeckler, Acting Mayor Kopplin, and Commissioner Peterson. Also present were Director of Community Development Douglas Seymour and Assistant Fire Chief George Krudop.
Commissioner Siira motioned to approve the minutes of the December 9, 2003 meeting. Commissioner Peterson seconds. Roll call, all voted aye. Motion carries.
Report on Significant Common Council Actions
Mr. Seymour updated the Commissioners on the actions that were taken at the December 16, 2003 and January 6, 2004 Common Council meetings. No questions or comments from the Commissioners.
Preliminary Plat - Genevieve’s Garden
2021 E. Drexel Avenue
Tax Key No. 816-9995-001
Mr. Seymour explained to the Commission that John Helding of the Legacy Development Group was requesting Plan Commission approval of the preliminary plat for the subdivision known as Genevieve’s Garden at 2021 E. Drexel Avenue. The subdivision would create 19 lots in the Rs-1, Single Family Residential zoning district.
Commissioner Dickmann questioned if a 3/4-majority vote was necessary to approve with the reverse curves. Mr. Seymour stated it would be necessary.
Mr. Seymour explained that the Engineering Department had assured him that the reverse curves provided the turning radius necessary for all City vehicles to make the turns.
Mr. Jeff Racine expressed concern for the location of the holding pond. Mr. Helding explained the location of the stormwater retention basin was not locked in at this time and may need to be adjusted before the final plat.
Mr. Racine expressed concern for being able to object to the final location of the retention pond.
Commissioner Jackson explained the water flows to the southwest of the property and the holding pond was generally in the location needed for water retention for this subdivision. There may be some adjustments when the stormwater management plan is approved and Mr. Racine was welcome to take a look at the documents at his convenience.
Mr. Seymour questioned if Mr. Helding would be willing to work with the City on the restriction of placement of driveways for lots 18 and 15. Mr. Helding replied he would be willing to do that.
Commissioner Marhal motioned that the Commission approve the preliminary plat for the subdivision known as Genevieve’s Garden at 2021 E. Drexel Avenue subject to the following conditions:
1. That a development agreement be entered into between the owner and the City to specify the responsibility for and the timing of public improvements.
2. That grading, drainage and stormwater management plans are approved by the City Engineer.
3. That a corrected copy of the preliminary plat be submitted to staff prior to recording of the development agreement.
4. That an agreement be made with the Engineering Department for placement of driveways on lots 18 and 15.
Commissioner Peterson seconds. Roll call, all voted aye. Motion carries.
Certified Survey Map - Greggory Schmidt
1848 W. Drexel Avenue
Tax Key No. 784-9004
Mr. Seymour explained to the Commission that Greggory Schmidt was requesting Commission approval of a certified survey map that would subdivide the property at 1848 W. Drexel Avenue into two parcels of 30,525 square feet and a third parcel of 31, 529 square feet. The properties are zoned Rs-3, Single Family Residential. Parcels within this zoning district must be a minimum of 12,000 square feet with a minimum lot width of 80 feet. Each of these properties exceeds those minimum requirements.
Commissioner Jackson suggested that the conditions reflect that the drainage plans be approved prior to recording of the map and not prior to the issuance of building permits.
Commissioner Dickmann motioned that the Commission recommend to the Common Council that the certified survey map for the property at 1848 W. Drexel Avenue be approved subject to the following conditions:
1. That grading and drainage plans for Parcels 2 and 3 be approved by the City Engineer prior to recording of the certified survey map.
2. That any technical corrections be completed prior to recording of the map.
Commissioner Marhal seconds. Roll call, all voted aye. Motion carries.
Plan Review - AAA Sales and Engineering
6960 S. 10th Street
Tax Key No. 735-9006-002
Mr. Seymour explained to the Commission that AAA Sales and Engineering was requesting approval of site and building plans for a 23,100 square foot addition to their existing facility at 6960 S. 10th Street. The proposed addition would be to the east of the existing building and would be extensively screened by the existing structure. The minimum glass, brick and decorative masonry standards do apply unless otherwise modified by the Commission.
Commissioner Dickmann questioned the need for a gravel storage area in the rear. Mr. Paul Rook, President and CEO of AAA Sales and Engineering explained to the Commission the type of product that was manufactured by the company and explained the need for the gravel area for temporary storage for their product. Because of the weight of their product a paved surface was not feasible.
Commissioner Dickmann questioned how far back for the building would the gravel need to extend. Mr. Bob Bentley, Wahlgren-Schwenn Inc., replied it would extend back approximately 100-280 feet.
Commissioner Marhal motioned that the Commission approve the site and building plans for an addition to the property at 6960 S. 10th Street subject to the following conditions:
Commissioner Siira seconds.
Commissioner Dickmann inquired if item 2 should be removed to allow for the gravel storage area. Acting Mayor Kopplin cautioned the Commission on setting a precedent for gravel storage and parking. Commissioner Peterson suggested that item 2 be removed and an additional item be added that would allow for additional landscaping on 10th Street for the condition of the gravel in the rear of the building.
Alderwomen Ann Lampe questioned if the driveway on the sides of the buildings were going to be paved or gravel. Mr. Rook stated it was intended to be gravel to keep the costs of construction to a minimum. Acting Mayor Kopplin cautioned the Commission on making decisions based on a monetary issue.
Commissioner Foeckler stated he would like to see the driveways on both sides of the building paved.
Commissioners Marhal and Siira withdrew the original motion.
Commissioner Marhal motioned that the Commission approve the site and building plans for an addition to the property at 6960 S. 10th Street subject to the following conditions:
Commissioner Siira seconds. Roll call, all voted aye. Motion carries.
Assistant Fire Chief George Krudop explained to Mr. Rook that the Oak Creek Fire Department has requirements that exceed the State Code and provided Mr. Rook with a copy of the requirements.
Vacation of right of way - WE Energies
The easterly +/- 2100 feet of East Elm Road
Tax Key No: adjacent to 963-9999-002, 9999-001,
964-9999, 965-9999 and 966-9999
Mr. Seymour explained to the Commission that WE Energies was requesting that portions of East Elm Road lying to the east of their guard shack be vacated. This vacation is a step in the construction of the recently approved generating units at this site. WE Energies is the sole owner of the properties abutting the portions of Elm Road proposed to be vacated. No other properties use Elm Road for access east of the railroad tracks. WE Energies is proposing to assume maintenance responsibilities for this portion of the road until such time as a permanent plant entrance can be relocated elsewhere on their property. At that time the Elm Road entrance would be closed.
Mr. Arden Degner, 8540 S. Pennsylvania Avenue, expressed concern for the closing of Elm Road and access to the WE Energies facility by the Fire Department and the fish pier by fishermen. Mr. Seymour explained that fishermen would have access to the fishing pier from Oakwood Road and that the Fire Department would also have a minimum of three access points to the facility.
Assistant Fire Chief George Krudop assured Mr. Degner that the Fire Department had been working with WE Energies to make sure that proper access was maintained.
Commissioner Dickmann motioned that the Commission recommend to the Common Council that the easterly +/- 2100 feet of the right of way for East Elm Road be vacated after a public hearing.
Commissioner Siira seconds. Roll call, all voted aye. Motion carries.
Certified Survey Map - Rodney Dent
7841 S. Howell Avenue
Tax Key No. 782-9988
Mr. Seymour explained to the Commission that Rodney Dent was requesting approval of a certified survey map that would redivide the property at 7841 S. Howell Avenue into parcels of 2.3, 1.9 and 1.4 acres as well as an outlot for storm detention. The existing Culver’s restaurant is on Lot 3. Lots 1 and 2 would be available for future development.
Acting Mayor Kopplin expressed concern for the median openings on Howell Avenue and questioned if the strip mall on the other side of Howell was aware of the proposed changes on Howell Avenue. Mr. Seymour stated the strip mall was aware of the changes.
Ms. Irene Walters, 7777 S. Howell Avenue, expressed concern for the location of the drainage pond and the effects on her neighboring property. Mr. Seymour explained that the location of the pond and was not set at this time because of on going negotiations with the Water Utility on an easement for the driveway on Drexel Avenue.
Commissioner Dickmann questioned if an agreement was made with the Water Utility would it transfer with the sale of the building if it were ever to be sold. Mr. Seymour explained that an easement does transfer with the property.
Ms. Jackie Taylor, 8375 S. Howell Avenue, expressed concern for the traffic on Howell Avenue and the median opening and also for the potential of water to flow onto Ms. Walters property if the retention pond was located next to her lot.
Ms. Walters stated she was looking to not have any water on her property from the development. Mr. Seymour explained that the retention pond issue would be taken care of when a site and building plan were presented to the Commission.
Acting Mayor Kopplin directed the item be put on hold until an agreement could be worked out with the Water Utility as to the placement of the driveway.
Commissioner Foeckler motioned to adjourn. Commissioner Dickmann seconds. Roll call, all voted aye. The meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.