MINUTES OF THE
TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2004
Mayor Bolender called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. The following Commissioners were present at roll call: Commissioner Dickmann, Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Marhal, Commissioner Siira, Mayor Bolender, Commission Kopplin, and Commissioner Peterson. Commissioner Correll was excused. Also present were Director of Community Development Douglas Seymour and Assistant Fire Chief George Krudop.
Commissioner Dickmann motioned to approve the minutes of the May 11, 2004, Plan Commission meeting. Commissioner Peterson seconds. Roll call, all voted aye. Motion carries.
Mr. Seymour updated the Commissioners on the actions that were taken at the May 18, 2004, Common Council meeting.
No comments or concerns from the Commission.
This item was withdrawn by the applicant prior to discussion. It will be presented to Plan Commission at a later date.
It should be noted that mediation was offered to both parties as a means of working towards a resolution of this dispute.
Mr. Seymour explained to the Commission that at their last meeting, the Commission held this item in order that the applicants could consider design changes to the materials and colors of the building.
Mr. Tony Antonopolis, Architect, presented the revised drawings to the Commission. They have proposed to have a beige color building with EFIS. Mr. Seymour stated that was not what was agreed to at the meeting held earlier in the week with the representatives from Advance Auto. Mr. Antonopolis explained that they felt it was better than the decorative masonry. If they need to go back to split face it would not be a problem. The brick pilasters would match the bank on the south elevation and the north elevation would exactly the same without windows. The west elevation would have two brick pilasters and with brick, it would be the same brick as the bank. The stucco is to match the color of the stucco on the Pick n’ Save. They have tried to match with both buildings on either side to the north and south.
Mayor Bolender questioned if Mr. Antonopolis was in agreement with Mr. Seymour that what he was presenting was not what was agreed upon at their earlier meeting. Mr. Antonopolis understands what Mr. Seymour is looking for.
Mr. Seymour questioned the width of the brick pilasters. Mr. Antonopolis stated they would be 2 feet 8 inches wide. Mr. Seymour suggested going back to what was proposed at their earlier meeting and make it more substantial. Mr. Antonopolis agreed with that.
Commissioner Foeckler questioned what the east elevation would look like. Mr. Antonopolis stated the east elevation would be all stucco. Commissioner Foeckler expressed concern for the residents to the east in Cedar Hill. Mr. Seymour explained there was a substantial wooded area between the building and them.
Mr. Antonopolis explained they tried to match this building to the neighbors by using the same materials from both of those buildings.
Mayor Bolender questioned if the lettering on the building would match the surrounding signage. Mr. Seymour explained that with respect to content of the signage and colors they do not want to get to involved. It is difficult from a municipal perspective to govern the content of signage unless it is totally out of context with the surrounding area. At the last Commission meeting the Commission did buy into the signage that was being proposed for the building.
Commissioner Siira questioned what the north elevation would look like. Mr. Antonopolis stated it would look like the south elevation with brick pilasters and EFIS in between. The east side would be all EFIS.
Commissioner Siira questioned if this would be a masonry building. Mr. Antonopolis confirmed it would be a masonry building. The EFIS would be for aesthetics only.
Commissioner Jackson if there would be EFIS or masonry. Mr. Seymour explained that the EFIS should be replaced with decorative masonry of the same color.
Commissioner Foeckler stated that the building looks like three garage doors for the south elevation and suggested correcting that look with a strip across the middle. Mr. Seymour showed the Commission the drawing from the meeting which showed a base course of brick with some substantial brick pilasters. Mr. Seymour expressed his surprise with what was being presented to the Commission. Mr. Antonopolis explained that at the meeting he indicated that he did not want the bottom band but wanted it all masonry. Mr. Seymour then questioned why he was presenting EFIS if masonry was requested. Mr. Seymour suggested that they go with what was presented to the Commission as exhibit “A”.
Commissioner Foeckler motioned that the Commission approve the site, building and landscaping plans for Advance Auto Parts at 6534 S. 27th Street subject to the following conditions:
Commissioner Siira seconds. Roll call, all voted aye. Motion carries
Mr. Seymour explained to the Commission that Thomas Jungck was requesting Plan Commission approval of the preliminary plat for the subdivision known as Emerald Meadows Addition No. 2 at 10625, 10590 S. Emerald Meadows Drive and 3620 E. Elm Road. The subdivision would create 50 lots in the Rs-2, Single Family Residential zoning district. Each of the lots within this subdivision meets or exceeds the minimum criteria for the zoning district.
Commissioner Jackson questioned the timing on the natural resource protection plan. Mr. Seymour explained that it should be done before Council approves the development agreement.
Commissioner Foeckler questioned the appropriateness of approving the preliminary plat that included land that was still in limbo. His concern was that the preliminary plat would get approved and things did not work with the land deal that there would be a street and some lots that may cause problems in the future. Mr. Seymour agreed it was a good point and it would be appropriate to have that legally taken care of with respect to the circumstances of how and when the transfer might occur.
Commissioner Dickmann referred to the letter submitted by Ray Wagner and his concerns about items that have not been addressed. Mr. Seymour stated that Mr. Wagner’s letter speaks for itself as far as his issues with the subdivision.
Mr. Mike Doble, Landcraft Survey and Engineering, addressed the comments from Commissioner Foeckler regarding the land. He explained that he understood that if the land deal fell through they could not implement the preliminary plat the way it was approved and that they would have to get reapproval. They have preliminarily agreed to take half of the stormwater from the school and would like to move forward with the engineering of those ponds and the natural resource protection issues. There are significant flood plain enlargement areas to try and help the neighbors who are having some water issues.
Mayor Bolender expressed concern with the downstream issues. Mr. Doble explained his plan for helping the residents downstream with his stormwater plan.
Mayor Bolender questioned if Mr. Wagner’s concerns have been addressed. Commissioner Jackson stated that there are differing opinions on the stormwater issues with Mr. Wagner but the effect on the downstream properties would not be increased. A large sum of water would be held back and the conditions that have caused problems for the people downstream should be softened.
Mr. Seymour explained that stormwater would always be an issue in this area and the City and MMSD have a set of standards that have to be adhered to. Stormwater is an issue that is dealt with by the City Engineer and an environmental engineer and they have to be comfortable that what is proposed will meet the conditions of the ordinance. They have the capabilities of reading those plans and determining whether or not they are appropriate.
Mayor Bolender stated that if the water becomes and issue Mr. Doble will be responsible for it. If the citizens that have lived here are being affected adversely by that he would be looking to him for answers. Mr. Doble understood and was comfortable saying that it would not adversely affect the neighbors.
Mayor Bolender commended Mr. Doble on the size of the lots in this development. Mr. Doble explained that they spent a lot of time trying to equalize the area with larger lots in one area and still saving as many trees as possible. Mayor Bolender stated he wanted the sensitive area taken care of first.
Mr. Raymond Wagner, 10747 S. 10th Avenue, expressed concern for a ditch that was not made to handle the water from upstream. He explained the water situation on Elm Road after a couple inches of rain. He would like the City to look at it and widen the ditch to alleviate the water problem. He was not opposed to the subdivision or the school but wanted a solution to the water problem.
Commissioner Kopplin stated she had talked with the Engineering Department and the concern from them was that the ditch was now considered a navigable stream and the DNR had issues with doing anything with it at this time.
Mayor Bolender questioned Mr. Doble on what he was going to do to help Mr. Wagner. Mr. Doble explained that they were already doing something for him by reducing the flows coming from his site. They would be willing to go beyond that and try to do something else and would meet with the DNR to see what could be done to help.
Mayor Bolender stated the point was that Mr. Doble would have to help Mr. Wagner as a moral duty of his development.
Alderwomen Grabowski, 5th District, stated that this issue has been being worked on with the developer and the engineering department. This is a challenging area and there are concerns with water. She believes that the developer is not taking it lightly and is trying to protect the existing residents and still have a good quality development. The larger lots are going in the right direction.
Mr. Sean Corrigan, 10570 Shangri-La Court, had three concerns for the area. The limited development area was a concern because only a small concentrated portion was being developed. He believed it inhibited the spirit of the limited development. The second concern was water drainage issues and if the lots are raised up higher it may cause more water to run into the Shangri-La development. The other issue would be the traffic levels from the school and the homes in the development that would come in and out of the Shangri-La development. He would like the connection removed and an eight foot bike path in its place because it would make it easier for the school children to walk to school and reduce the flow of traffic in the area.
Mr. David Hansen, 3936 E. Elm Road, expressed concern about E. Elm Road. The road is scheduled to be repaved and did not want to see it ruined from construction traffic. Commissioner Jackson stated they would be very sensitive to what was occurring on or around Elm Road before any improvements were made.
Assistant Fire Chief George Krudop stated it was essential that adequate access for emergency vehicles be provided for the safety for the majority of citizens of Oak Creek. The street has been dedicated for quite a while and removing it would jeopardize the safety of citizens for the life of the development was not in the best interest of the citizens.
Mr. Seymour suggested that sidewalks be required in this development to limit the effect on pedestrians. Commissioner Jackson stated it should be considered especially because of the pending school. Mr. Doble stated in his conversations with the school one of the things that was talked about was providing a north/south sidewalk through Emerald Meadows to go to the south.
Cathy Rissley, 10585 S. Chicago Road, brought up that there was a ditch near her home that was straightened out several years earlier that the City had agreed to maintain and it is not being maintained. Mr. Doble stated they would have some control over that situation and could go in and clean that out with hand tools and take care of that situation.
Mr. Tom Quinn, 10535 S. Shangri-La Court, was under the impression that the road that would go through Shangri-La would be a low density road and be an extension of the Shangri-La development. The traffic pattern makes Shangri-La the logical pattern for traffic to go and it makes it dangerous for the kids in the area.
Ms. Tammy Haapakoski, 1930 E. Elm Road, expressed concern for the developments coming into the City and the water problems that they cause.
Mr. Max Gibson, 2101 E. Elm Road, explained his situation with the water and how the subdivisions in the area affect his property.
Mr. David Mazurek, 10520 S. Shangri-La Court, explained that he was assured by the developer of his subdivision that the road coming into Shangri-La would be a connection to a low impact subdivision similar to Shangri-La.
Mr. Gibson requested that and engineer look at the creek with him and figure out a way to get the water to move. Commissioner Jackson questioned if Mr. Gibson had ever spoke with Phil Beiermeister from the engineering department about his concerns. Mr. Gibson stated he had not.
Commissioner Kopplin explained that the Commission could not support a bike path at this location because it would not support a fire truck and the City does not plow bike paths.
Mr. Corrigan expressed his concern for the traffic that would be coming through the Shangri-La subdivision with this connection.
Mayor Bolender questioned if the plan that was being presented would not present at water problem for the existing residents. Mr. Doble assured him that it would not present any additional problems.
Commissioner Jackson stated that it would not pose a water problem unless that Mayor was looking for him to say that it would not absolutely guaranteeing for ever and ever that there would never be a problem. This is going to go along way in solving the current water problems that exist.
Dimity Grabowski, 3110 E. Elm Road, Alderwoman 5th District, stated there are water problems in the entire City. The question is do we look at possible conservation neighborhoods or not developing. In defense of this area the lots are substantially larger than many developments that come before the Plan Commission. Through neighborhood meetings they are trying to meet the needs of the neighbors with the water problems.
Mayor Bolender expressed concern for this development.
Mr. Henry Collier, Hwy 32 & Elm Road, questioned if the developer would be acceptable to written documentation excepting responsibility for flooding if the plan did not work.
Tammy Haapakowski, 1930 E. Elm Road, stated that the storm water fees should be released to help the people on Elm Road to connect the creek. Mayor Bolender explained that the DNR would not allow for this to happen. Ms. Haapakowski wanted to know how the developer could get away with 1.5 acres of retention for 54 homes when she had to have substantially more for the pole barn she built on her property.
Alderwoman Lampe asked for clarification on how much land was being used for retention ponds. Mr. Doble clarified that there was about 3.5 acres of area for retention and in addition to that they have provided to large flood plain improvement areas to provide more storage within the flood plain which is not required adds another 2 acres.
Mayor Bolender corrected himself on his earlier comment that he was pleased with the lot sizes because some of them were in the 17,000 range.
Mr. Corrigan questioned the intent of the limited development area and how this plat satisfies the intent of the limited development area. Mr. Seymour explained he could not respond to that question until he has seen the natural resources plan. The Comprehensive Plan guides that a plan must be provided to the City and it will be presented before the Plan Commission such as with Mr. Schmidt’s property. There is no specific guidance as to what constitutes low density or what measure are needed to minimize the impact upon that resource. There is about 15 acres in the limited development area and all or portions of 12 lots are in the limited development area.
Commissioner Foeckler commented that with the Schmidt property the Commission required that a natural resources plan be presented before the Commission would move forward. Mr. Seymour explained that it was the Plan Commissions decision to require that and at any point they wanted the natural resources plan they could require one at their discretion.
Mayor Bolender suggested that should be the direction that the Commission goes with the natural resources plan. It was requested of the Schmidt property and it should be requested of this property before the Commission moves forward with any plan.
Commissioner Dickmann motioned that prior to the Commission moving forward on this that a natural resources protection plan be submitted to the Plan Commission.
Commissioner Kopplin seconds.
Alderwoman Lampe questioned if this would affect the timeline with the school district. Mr. Seymour confirmed that it would affect the timeline.
Mayor Bolender feared the water problem could be devastating to people in this area. Mr. Seymour explained that was a separate issue from the water issue. Mayor Bolender stated it was done with Mr. Schmidt on 20th Street and it shows consideration for people in the area and that is what we are going to do.
Roll call, Dickmann aye, Jackson nay, Marhal aye, Siira aye, Foeckler aye, Bolender aye, Kopplin aye, Peterson aye. Motion carries.
Commissioner Kopplin commented that once he had the plan there could be a special Plan Commission meeting so he would not have to wait for the approval until the next scheduled meeting.
Mr. Seymour explained to the Commission that Scott Biller was requesting Plan Commission approval of the preliminary plat for the subdivision known as Willow Creek Estates at 1701 and 1929 E. Oakwood Road. The Subdivision would create 36 lots in the Rs-2, Single Family Residential zoning district. Each of the lots within this subdivision meets or exceeds the minimum criteria.
Mayor Bolender questioned the size of the retention pond. Mr. Scott Biller stated the detention pond was about 1.5 acres.
Commissioner Jackson stated the retention pond was actually 1.12 acres. Mr. Biller explained the size of the pond meets the City’s ordinance and that they have the correct amount of storage.
Mayor Bolender questioned where the rest of the water was going to go with all of the lots in this subdivision. He also questioned if that was what the ordinance actually called for. Commissioner Jackson confirmed that was correct and that Mr. Biller spent considerable amounts of time working with the Engineering Department before coming to the Plan Commission. The current plan should be able to accomplish the City’s ponding ordinance requirements. Mr. Biller also noted that there are about six acres of wetlands on this site that would also be able to hold water and there would be about 22 acres of land that the pond would accommodate. The lots are larger than what is required for the zoning and he would like to see larger lots with nicer quality homes.
Commissioner Kopplin questioned if along the railroad tracks the water drained properly. Commissioner Jackson stated he could not say specifically for this site but the railroad is notorious for not maintaining culverts under their facilities and this is one of the spots where this situation occurs. All of water from this site will come into the pond and slowly drain into the creek and it will not have an impact on the existing drainage system no matter how impaired it is by plugged culverts.
Ms. Tammy Haapakoski, explained there are four culverts that the City installed and explained where the water flows and how the City deliberately improperly engineered the flow of water to the creek and it all ends up on her property. She stated it was her feeling all the water from the development would end up on her property.
Mr. Biller explained the water that was backing up on the railroad tracks was backing up onto his land and that is where the wetlands are on his property. He has created a stormwater detention and the water from the detention will not increase or cause any additional flooding per the City ordinance. The stormwater detention was specifically designed to prevent any water from coming out at such a rate that it would cause any other properties to flood.
Mayor Bolender questioned if the plan that Mr. Biller came up with with the City would guarantee that it would not flood Ms. Haapakoski. Mr. Biller stated it would drain into the Crawfish Creek and it would not flood Ms. Haapakoski’s property unless the Crawfish Creek was already flooded which would not only be the result of his property but of all properties up the creek.
Alderwoman Grabowski explained area residents have requested to see the larger lots and that stormwater is a concern. The Crawfish Creek is an area that the City really needs to take a look and decide what direction they would like to go in this particular area.
Mr. Tom Sukkert, 1720 E. Oakwood Road, expressed his concern for the water in the area and the need for the area to be looked at closely.
Mr. George Schwabe, 2131 E. Oakwood Road, questioned if the creek west of Nicholson Avenue when it was lined with concrete not allowing the water to seep in properly was done with the DNR’s blessing. Commissioner Jackson stated from his understanding it was without the DNR’s blessing.
Mr. Biller commented that the purposed of stormwater detention was to retain water on the site so that it does not contribute to any additional flooding. The water will be retained on the site so as to not contribute to flooding on neighboring properties.
Mayor Bolender questioned the depth of the retention pond. Mr. Biller explained that without the civil engineering drawing he could not say. Alderwoman Grabowski stated it would be about 8 feet in depth.
Mayor Bolender explained that he did not have too much of a problem with the development but with the lot sizes. The idea is that if it would bring water problems to the neighborhood than he would have to look out for that and was asking for the developers help on this issue. He felt a study of the area might be a good idea for this area and asked for a guarantee from Mr. Biller to make him feel more at ease with the water issue.
Commissioner Jackson explained that Mr. Biller could guarantee that he would meet the City’s stormwater ordinance which was designed to negate a negative impact on the downstream properties. Guarantees forever and ever are impossible but any of the stormwater ponds in subdivisions are designed to reduce and eliminate the negative impact on downstream properties. It is worth mentioning that the City has gone a step further than what MMSD requires in holding back water. It is not a guarantee but an assurance that the effect on the downstream properties is eliminated.
Commissioner Marhal stated there was not a spot in the City that did not have a water concern. Half of the water on the site flows towards Oakwood Road and the problem is not Mr. Biller’s property but the Crawfish Creek. This development will not have an impact on the neighbors, it is the Crawfish Creek that impacts the properties and that is the current problem.
Alderwoman Grabowski agrees with Commissioner Marhal that it is not Mr. Biller’s property that is causing the water problem but the Crawfish Creek. The question is can the City get involved in the Crawfish Creek but that is a separate issue that should be dealt with at a separate time. The question is does Mr. Biller’s development fit within the Rs-2 zoning and meet the City’s stormwater rules and regulations? If it is not approved Mr. Biller needs direction from the Commission on where he should go next with this development.
Mr. Schwabe stated that he did not feel that the development of Mr. Biller’s land would harm his land in anyway. He also explained that there were basically no homes down stream that would be affected if the Crawfish Creek should flood.
Commissioner Foeckler suggested that this item was a perfect example of the challenges faced by the Planning Commission with large developments. There are competing interests with the existing residents and the landowners. A person has a right to develop property. In order to assure the well being of the community the Council has passed new lot sizes and a stormwater ordinance which requires greater storage than even MMSD’s new increased requirements. If the Commission says no on this issue just because they would be wrong. The City has implemented tools and ordinances to deal with issues like the Biller property. We obviously have to look at the bigger problems and they are costly and difficult and long term issues that need to be looked at further.
Alderwoman Lampe agreed that if the Council makes rules they need to follow them. If the rules are in place those are the ones that the City expects the developers to follow and to change the rules midstream doesn’t give the City a very good image.
Mr. Seymour explained if the Commission were to deny the preliminary, which they have the discretion to do so, they must do so for a specific purpose.
Commissioner Dickmann suggested a moratorium for the area if the water problems are such a large issue in the area.
Commissioner Foeckler questioned if larger lots would, in theory, help with the stormwater. Commissioner Jackson confirmed that the stormwater runoff would be the same regardless of the number of lots. They are only allowed to runoff .4 cubic feet per second of water per acre. The interior is not as big a deal as the limitation on the runoff. In theory it is at a much slower rate than nature. It holds the water back and controls the release to reduce the negative impact on the downstream properties.
Commissioner Marhal motioned that the Commission approve the preliminary plat for the Willow Creek Estates subdivision at 1701 and 1929 E. Oakwood Road subject to the following conditions:
Commissioner Siira seconds. Roll call, Dickmann aye, Jackson aye, Marhal aye, Siira aye, Foeckler aye, Bolender nay, Kopplin nay, Peterson aye. Motion carries.
Mr. Seymour explained to the Commission that Brian Schoenleber was requesting Plan Commission approval of the preliminary plat for the subdivision known as Pioneer Estates Addition No. 4 at 601 E. Drexel Avenue, 620 and 630 E. Lakeview Drive. The subdivision would create 10 lots in the Rs-3, Single Family Residential zoning district. Lots within this subdivision meet or exceed the minimum criteria for the zoning district.
Commissioner questioned if outlot one should be combined with outlot 2. Mr. Seymour confirmed that was what he was looking for. Commissioner Kopplin questioned if that would have an effect on Parcel 1. Mr. Seymour explained the lot was large enough to have the wetlands taken out to form the one outlot.
Commissioner Siira questioned the buildability of lot 7. Mr. Seymour explained that it would have to have a specific building type but they would be buildable.
Commissioner Siira questioned if the Fire Department had a problem with the radius of the cul de sac. Assistant Fire Chief George Krudop explained that Engineering would check to see if it meets the design manual for a city street. The challenge that he could foresee would be people parking on the street but it does meet the design manual standards.
Mayor Bolender questioned the size of the lots. Mr. Seymour stated that they meet or exceed the requirements for the zoning district and are consistent with the lots that have been developed in that area.
Alderwomen Lampe questioned if there was anything in the plans to expand Lakeview Drive south off of the temporary cul de sac. Mr. Seymour showed the official map and explained that there were no plans to extend Lakeview from that cul de sac.
Mr. Seymour stated there was no intent at this point to require a permanent cul de sac at the end of Lakeview Drive.
Commissioner Siira suggested that the road name change from drive to court. Mr. Seymour agreed.
Mr. Jim Parks, 8044 S. Mona Drive, expressed concern for future water problems. At this point and time he is not affected by water. Mr. Seymour explained the only guarantee that the City could give is that the plans for the subdivision would be in conformance with the standards and ordinances they have adopted to regulate development.
Mr. Parks also requested that the developer maintain the property in a reasonable manner and cut the grass.
Mr. Brian Schoenleber, 7154 S. 76th Street, owner of the development, responded that the grass gets cut twice a summer. Mayor Bolender stated the grass needs to be cut when it reaches 12 inches high. Commissioner Kopplin corrected that it needs to be cut when it is 6 inches in a subdivision. Mr. Schoenleber stated he would have the grass cut by the end of the week.
Mr. Larry Prusa, 640 E. Lakeview Drive, stated he would like the detention pond moved to the north so that it is not right next to his property. Mr. Schoenleber stated he could not answer that without talking with his engineers. Mr. Seymour suggested to the extent possible the developer should do what he should to move it further to the north.
Mr. Parks wondered if the wildlife would be affected by this development. Mayor Bolender explained this was zoned Rs-3 and the developer could do what he wanted inside the guidelines of Rs-3.
Mr. Prausa questioned the timeline for this development. Mr. Schoenleber stated he would like to start the summer of 2004.
Commission Marhal motioned that the Commission approve the preliminary plat for the subdivision known as Pioneer Estates Addition No. 4 at 601 E. Drexel Avenue, 620 and 630 E. Lakeview Drive subject to the following conditions:
Commissioner Dickmann seconds. Roll call, Dickmann aye, Jackson aye, Marhal aye, Siira aye, Foeckler aye, Bolender nay, Kopplin aye, Peterson nay. Motion carries
Mr. Seymour explained to the Commission that Suburban Asphalt, on behalf of the property owner Diamond Express was requesting that the Plan Commission approve a trucking company as a permitted use for the property at 9810 S. Ridgeview Drive in the Southbranch Industrial Park.
Commissioner Marhal explained that he could not see any of that lot from the expressway. Mr. Seymour stated he believed you should be able to see the back of the building. Commissioner Marhal suggested some type of landscaping to cover the view from the expressway.
Commissioner Dickmann questioned the type of equipment that would be parked on the lot. Mr. Patrick Crawley, owner, explained his business and his plans for the parking area. They would like to park behind the building to present a clean image for the rest of the industrial park. He has two trucks and three vans and the rest of his equipment is out on the highway.
Commissioner Marhal questioned what would happen on the existing black topped area. Mr. Crawley explained he would park the vehicles in the rear to keep them out of site of the neighbors. Commissioner Marhal questioned if he would be able to continue to park his equipment exposed to the front if this was not approved. Mr. Seymour stated that technically the use of the property as a trucking company was not permitted at this time. Mr. Crawley stated that they also do warehousing not just trucking.
Commissioner Kopplin questioned the number of trucks in his company. Mr. Crawley explained that he had two trucks and the rest were hired owner operators whose trucks they never see and would not need to park on his lot. There is one trailer parked there at this time and there would be two at the most parked on the lot.
Commissioner Kopplin questioned how long he had been operating a trucking company without the necessary approvals. Mr. Crawley stated they have been there a couple of months.
Commissioner Kopplin questioned what he means when he talks about warehousing. Mr. Crawley stated they store cardboard for Campione’s and he would like to bring in more warehouse items. They would store items for companies until the were ready for use.
Commissioner Foeckler suggested they allow the expansion of the parking area and state that no cranes be allowed in that area. Mr. Seymour suggested they allow room for growth but also get an equipment list. To prevent it from being an equipment storage yard they say that any vehicles being stored on the property must be licensed to the company and operational.
Mayor Bolender stated he would like to see this business at this location and understands the caution but invites and welcomes the business.
Commissioner Marhal motioned that the Commission approve a trucking company as a permitted use for the property at 9810 S. Ridgeview Drive, and approve the request to expand the truck and trailer parking area adjacent to the freeway subject to the following conditions:
Commissioner Siira seconds. Roll call, all voted aye. Motion carries.
Mr. Seymour explained to the Commission that the Black Diamond Group was requesting that portions of the properties at 6925 and 6965 S. 6th Street be granted a conditional use permit for the storage of vehicles and equipment. This company is proposing to relocate their business to this site from the northeast corner of Rawson and Howell Avenues.
Commissioner Dickmann questioned if the property had a drainage ditch and how would they be able to park on the other side of that. Mr. Seymour explained they would be before the creek splits off.
Commissioner Dickmann motioned that the Commission recommend to the Common Council that the properties at 6925 and 6965 S. 6th Street be granted a conditional use permit for the storage of vehicles and equipment after a public hearing, and subject to conditions and restrictions that would be reviewed at the next meeting.
Commissioner Kopplin seconds. Roll call, motion carries.
Commissioner Siira motioned to adjourn. Commissioner Peterson seconds. Roll call, all voted aye. Meeting adjourned at 11:25 p.m.