MINUTES OF THE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2007
Mayor Bolender called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following Commissioners were present at roll call: Commissioner Dickmann, Commissioner St. John, Commissioner Sokol, Commissioner Siira, Mayor Bolender, and Commissioner Correll. Commissioners Kopplin, Grabowski and Nowak were excused. Also present were Jeff Fortin, Planner, and Assistant Fire Chief George Krudop.
Commissioner Dickmann moved to approve the minutes of the September 11, 2007, regular Plan Commission meeting. Commissioner Siira seconds. Roll call, all voted aye. The minutes were approved as submitted.
Report on Significant Common Council Actions
There were no significant Common Council actions to report.
Reschedule the October 9, 2007 Plan Commission Meeting
The Plan Commission chose to cancel rather than reschedule the October 9, 2007 meeting due to elections being held that evening.
Conditional Use – Green Man Wood Services
9000 & 9100 S. Nicholson Road
Tax Key No.: 862-9991 and 872-9994-008
Mr. Fortin explained to the Commission the applicant was returning from the September 11, 2007 Plan Commission meeting where he was directed to meet with the neighborhood residents to determine if there was an acceptable number of vehicles that this business could store on site.
Commissioner St. John commented the proposed berming in the front at a height of four to six feet with plantings on top would be a better route to go with one continuous berm. Mr. Dan Gustin commented they would prefer to go with a fence and then a berm in front of the employee parking. Commissioner St. John commented if they went with the berm and the plantings they would not need the fence. Mr. Gustin felt the fence would hide the storage more efficiently then the berm. Commissioner St. John questioned what the residents in the area thought would be a viable option to screen the business. Alderman Verhalen speaking for the residents stated they had come up with something about ten feet high such as a berm but after talking with Mr. Fortin about the berm it was discussed to have a smaller berm with a decorative fencing or solid plantings on top to achieve the ten feet.
Mayor Bolender questioned if the neighbors would be happy with a ten foot high fence. Alderman Verhalen explained the berm was the first option but because of the slopes it would need to be shorter with plantings or a ten foot fence.
Commissioner St. John commented they were looking at a ten foot fence that he would assume would have slats and then a berm up front at three to four feet with plantings on top to get to the ten feet.
Commissioner Sokol questioned the twelve year business plan and how they arrived at that number. Mr. Gustin explained they needed the boat and RV storage to help out with the mortgage in the beginning. They felt that the twelve years would give them more than sufficient time to expand the business. Mayor Bolender questioned if he could live with ten years. Mr. Gustin stated he could. Mr. Fortin stated he would draft that into the conditions and restrictions.
Commissioner St. John questioned if they could make it five years with an option for a renewable five years. Ten years was a long time to move something out that was not working.
Ms. Carol Grundy, 9160 S. Nicholson Road, expressed concern for where the planting berm and the fenced berm were being placed. Mr. Fortin explained they were proposing a berm along Nicholson with landscaping and no fence. The berm would be about three to four feet in height with plantings that would make a screen about ten feet high. The fencing would be in the back around the storage area.
Ms. Catherine Roeske, 9025 S. Nicholson Road, expressed concern for having fifty RVs and the lights that would be necessary for security. She also expressed concern for additional signage on the property and the additional traffic from the business. Mayor Bolender explained this business would be held to the same standards as any business in Oak Creek. Alderman Verhalen commented Ms. Roeske would probably be most affected by the lighting on her property. Unless the yard is totally filled with clutter there should not be a problem with truck traffic. Ms. Roeske questioned why the conditional use would be permitted. There are better things that could go on this site.
Commissioner Siira questioned what the relative height comparison would be compared to a boat on a trailer and an RV. If the berm was to go along Nicholson the eastern half could be dedicated for RV storage and then the western half for boat storage. The further away from the site line they could get it the less visible the RVs would be. Mr. Gustin stated they would be agreeable to delineating on the plan that the eastern half was for the taller RVs and the western for the shorter boats. Commissioner Siira also questioned what the expected mix of boats and RVs they were expecting. Mr. Gustin could not answer that question.
Commissioner Dickmann questioned if they would be keeping the existing fence or put in a new fence. Mr. Gustin explained they would be keeping the original poles but make them taller and add a new fence.
Commissioner Correll questioned the lighting plan. Mayor Bolender explained the existing lighting was necessary to keep the vandals away from the busses but that this business should not need that much lighting.
Commissioner St. John requested the front entrance by the employee parking be eliminated so as not to have a break in the berm.
Commissioner Dickmann moved that the Plan Commission recommends to the Common Council that a conditional use permit be issued for the properties at 9000 & 9100 S. Nicholson Road to allow for a lumberyard/contractors yard with outdoor storage of vehicles, materials, and equipment after a public hearing.
Commissioner Correll seconds. Roll call, all voted aye. The motion to approve carries.
Official Map Amendment – Northwest ¼ of Section 16
640 E. Darcy Drive & 730 E. Forest Hill Avenue
Mr. Fortin explained to the Commission the item was held at the September 20, 2007 meeting for staff to meet with the affected parties to see if there was an alternative that would satisfy all of the affected property owners and allow Mr. St. John and Mr. Yang to each construct a house.
Mayor Bolender questioned how the area could have been laid out the way it was. Mr. Fortin explained it made sense with the original layout that was never completed.
Commissioner Siira questioned layout of the house. Mr. Fortin explained the problem with the house was there is an attached garage and an additional garage attached to the other side to get around the accessory structure ordinance. If the house was rearranged with the additional garage attached so it lined up differently the house would fit without changing the road.
Mayor Bolender questioned what Mr. St. John would have to do to get his house to fit on the lot with the existing road pattern. Mr. Fortin explained he would have to change the design of the house and move the garage around.
Commissioner Sokol questioned if wetlands were an issue for this area. Mr. Fortin explained the issue was the Code allows for fifteen lots on a dead-end street. Currently there are twenty-three lots one a dead end street at this time which is why they can’t build anymore houses at this time. Until a second point of access can be established the properties can’t be developed.
Commissioner Correll questioned if they pulled the road out the party with the outlot would potentially be able to do something. Mr. Fortin explained that would only be able to happen if the Council approved the CSM.
Commissioner St. John explained if the Council allowed him to only do one house he would have to run sewer and water up the stub street and build a cul-de-sac. There is a financial issue with the lot.
Commissioner Correll questioned why the City would not want to pull the road out. Mr. Fortin explained taking out the road they would be eliminating one more potential access point that would open up land in the subdivision for more development. By taking out an access point you cut off a potential access point. Assistant Fire Chief George Krudop commented the problem was when the land was developed the City did not hold the developer to finish the subdivision. He was allowed to put in a partial subdivision and then stop leaving dead end cul-de-sacs.
Mayor Bolender suggested Planning sit down with the applicant and figure out another option. Mr. Fortin explained they have tried and there are only four options and they have all been presented to the Commission. It is a very difficult situation.
Commissioner Sokol moved that the Plan Commission recommend to the Common Council that the official map for the Northwest ¼ of Section 16 not be amended as proposed, after a public hearing.
Commissioner St. John seconds. Roll call, all voted aye with the exception of Commissioner Correll who voted nay. The motion to deny carries.
Certified Survey Map – Simon Krizan
9878 S. Nicholson Road
Tax Key No.: 909-9009
Mr. Fortin explained to the Commission the applicant was requesting approval of a certified survey map for the property at 9878 S. Nicholson Road that would create three lots in the Rs-3, Single Family Residential zoning district. Each of the lots meets or exceeds the requirements of the Rs-3 zoning district.
Commissioner St. John moved that the Plan Commission recommend to the Common Council that the certified survey map for the property at 9878 S. Nicholson Road be approved, subject to the following conditions:
- That a grading plan is reviewed and approved by the Engineering Department prior to recording.
- That the sewer lateral that serves the house on Parcel 2 is relocated prior to recording.
- That all technical corrections are made prior to recording including removal of the 60’ wide shared driveway easement that is shown on Parcel 2.
- If there is compensating fill it must be completed and approved by the Engineering Department prior to recording of the certified survey map.
Commissioner Siira seconds. Roll call, all voted aye. The motion to approve carries.
Sign Plan Review – Colonial Woods Entrance Signs
8100 & 8300 S. 27th Street
Tax Key No.: 810-9012
Mr. Fortin explained to the Commission the applicant was requesting approval of a pair of entrance signs for the Colonial Woods Condominium Development. The signs would be placed on the north and south sides of W. Forest Hill Avenue. The brick sign and wall will also feature groundcover and shrub planting on the street side of the sign and larger trees plated behind the sign and wall.
Commissioner Sokol questioned if the woods had been deeded to the City. Mr. Fortin stated they had been.
Commissioner St. John questioned where the signs would be located. Mr. Tom Truckini, 3125 S. Wood Drive, Racine, explained where the signs were proposed to be located. Commissioner St. John expressed concern with the location of the sign on the north side of Forest Hill.
Mayor Bolender suggested the item be held until the applicant meets with Planning to move the sign to a more appropriate location.
Site Plan Review – MMSD South Shore Treatment Plan Addition
8400 S. 5th Avenue
Tax Key No: 821-9997
Mr. Fortin explained to the Commission the applicant was proposing an 88’ x 38’ building addition onto the South Shore Engine Blower Building located at 8400 S. 5th Avenue. The addition will be onto the west end of the building and will be constructed of brick to match the existing building.
Commissioner St. John moved to approve the site and building plans for the MMSD South Shore Treatment Plant addition located 8400 S. 5th Avenue, subject to the following conditions:
- That the final site grading and drainage plans are approved by the Engineering Department prior to the issuance of building permits.
- That all building and fire codes are met.
Commissioner Dickmann seconds.
Mayor Bolender questioned if they would be adding anything that would be creating a noise problem. Mr. Anthony Kriner, 3118 W. Thorncrest Drive, Franklin, stated it should be better than what it is currently.
Roll call, all voted aye. The motion to approve carries.
Planned Unit Development Amendment – The Gathering & The Cornerstone of Oak Creek
8825 S. Howell Avenue & 155 W. Sunnyview Drive
Tax Key No.: 859-9992-001 & 859-9007
Mr. Fortin explained to the Commission the applicant was requesting a time extension to begin construction. The time extension would give them twelve months from the date that the Common Council adopts the amended conditions and restrictions to begin construction and an additional eighteen months after that to complete construction.
Commissioner St. John felt they should not be granted an extension until the dirt pile was gone.
Mayor Bolender directed the item held until the applicant could be present at the meeting.
Site Plan Review – Kelly’s Bleachers
10276 S. 27th Street
Tax Key No.: 927-9020
Mr. Fortin explained to the Commission the applicant was requesting approval of site and building remodeling and addition plans for a proposed Kelly’s Bleachers bar and restaurant. The plans include the demolition of a portion of the east end of the building. There will be a new addition that will house a new kitchen, restrooms and bar area.
Commissioner Dickmann questioned if the garage was going to be demolished as part of this proposal. Mr. Anthony Luther confirmed the garage would be demolished.
Mr. Luther explained they were looking to do an upscale sports bar and they wanted it to be beautiful. They would be doing stone walls on the patio.
Commissioner Siira questioned why there were no windows on the addition. Mr. Luther explained the addition would be used for kitchen area on the south side of the building and on the north side of the building there would be bathrooms. Commissioner Siira questioned if there was something between the kitchen and the bathrooms. Mr. Luther stated it was open floor area about approximately 25 – 30’.
Commissioner Dickmann questioned how people would enter the building from the east lot. Mr. Luther explained they would have to come all the way around.
Commissioner Sokol questioned if they would be permitted an entrance on 27th Street being as close to Oakwood as they were. Mr. Fortin explained the DOT has given them an access point on 27th Street.
Commissioner St. John commented it looked like an old farmhouse with five bad remodels. Nothing goes together, windows don’t match. It has a pitched roof and then goes to a flat roof. The patio goes from stone to a deck without an access point. He would like to see a higher standard on this project for 27th Street.
Mayor Bolender suggested the plan be made to look better than the rest. He directed the item be held for architectural improvements.
Commissioner Siira commented they may want to mimic the appearance of a pitched roof on the addition. They also may want to add some windows to the addition. The window treatments should be consistent.
Mr. Art Kregel, 9032 S. 29th Street, Franklin, expressed concern for noise from the business interrupting the worship services at St. Johns Church. Mayor Bolender directed him to call the Oak Creek Police Department if they ever had any concerns regarding the noise. Mr. Kregel also expressed concern for parking and patrons parking in the church parking lot. Mayor Bolender suggested a sign be put up indicating no parking unless attending services. Commissioner St. John suggested the church look to Kelly’s for additional parking in the future.
Mayor Bolender directed the item held for architectural changes.
Commissioner Correll moved to adjourn. Commissioner Siira seconds. Roll call, all voted aye. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.