Minutes; Plan Commission: September 2006

Plan Commission
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, September 5, 2006, 6:00 P.M.
City Hall, 31 S. Madison Street, Evansville, WI

MINUTES

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Decker at 6:00 PM. Present were: Mayor Decker, Ald. Braunschweig, Ald. Hammann, Cheryl Dickert, Dave Sauer, Gil Skinner, and Jeff Vrstal Staff present: Tim Schwecke, City Planner, and Jim Beilke, Clerk/Treasurer. Alderpersons Juergens, Wyse, and Cothard were present in the audience.

Approval of Agenda
The agenda was approved as printed.

Approval of Minutes
Motion by Hammann, seconded by Braunschweig, to waive the reading of the August 1, 2006, minutes and approve them as printed. Motion passed.

Citizen Appearances Other Than Those Agenda Items Listed - None

Unfinished Business.
Mr. Sauer presented the update on the traffic impact analysis (TIA) of Highway 14, County M and J. Lindemann intersections. Mayor Decker distributed and reported on a letter (See attachment) from Department of Transportation (DOT) confirming that DOT received and reviewed the TIA submitted on behalf of the City of Evansville in regards to access and development along USH 14. DOT identified two alternatives that are acceptable and will meet DOT’s objectives for USH 14 in this area. The two alternatives are 1) installation of roundabouts at both intersections, and 2) installation of a right-in/right-out/left-in intersection at J. Lindemann Drive. The responsibility of all design and construction costs associated with these improvements would be the City of Evansville. In addition, DOT would require that no additional access points would be allowed along USH 14 between J. Lindemann Drive and Weary Rd. as development occurs along that corridor. Because DOT is willing to have representatives available to discuss roundabouts with the residents, the Commission decided that the City should set-up meetings with DOT representatives and the community to discuss the two alternatives.

Mr. Schwecke led the discussion on the proposed contract between the City of Evansville and Doug Paulin of Lighting Forensics for the preparation of an outdoor lighting ordinance. The base cost is $2,500 for his services to develop lighting standards for commercial uses, industrial uses and special uses such as stadium lighting. Standards for residential lighting would be an additional $500, and standards for signage would be also an additional $500, totaling $3,500 for a complete lighting ordinance.

Motion by Hammann, seconded by Braunschweig, to recommend to Finance and Labor Relations Committee to include in the 2007 budget $3,500 to develop a complete lighting ordinance for commercial uses, industrial uses, special uses, residential lighting, and signage. Motion passed.

Mr. Schwecke led the discussion regarding determining break-even point (tax revenue equals tax expenditures) for housing in Evansville. Because there was nothing on the CDs with the fiscal impact analysis software, staff will report next month after they obtain and review the fiscal impact analysis program.

Mr. Schwecke led the discussion regarding a requirement that prior to annexation, the petitioner pays for a fiscal impact analysis of the proposed annexation. This agenda item was discussed with the previous item with the same instructions for staff.

Mr. Sauer led the discussion of draft ordinance amending the city’s zoning code (Chapter 130) relating to completion of a traffic impact analysis (TIA) for development projects exceeding a specified threshold. Mr. Sauer distributed a report showing traffic volume for subdivisions and businesses as the Commission requested last month. The report recommended starting the threshold of requiring a TIA at 300 trip/day (See attachment). Using these recommendations, Ald. Hammann and Braunschweig would sponsor an ordinance for traffic impact analysis for development projects.

Mr. Sauer led the discussion of draft ordinance amending the city’s subdivision and land division regulations (Chapter 110) relating to completion of a traffic impact analysis for development projects exceeding a specified threshold. This agenda item was discussed with the previous item. Ald. Hammann and Braunschweig would sponsor an ordinance for traffic impact analysis for subdivision and land division.

Mr. Schwecke led the discussion of proposed ordinance relating to amending the city’s zoning code (Chapter 130) to allow the city planner to review and act on minor site plan amendments. The Commission expressed their confidence in Mr. Schwecke’s abilities and how this ordinance will save time and money for both the City and developers.

New Business
Dave Wagner from Ehlers and Associates led the discussion regarding Tax Increment District (TID) No. 6. The original Project Plan created the district as an Industrial TID. The proposed plan would change it to Mixed-Use District based upon a finding that at least 50%, by area, of the real property within the District is suitable for a combination of industrial and commercial uses. Mr. Wagner noted a correction on page 8 in the seconded bullet point, the “$325,000 per acre,” should read as “$212,500 per acre.” Additionally, that sentence should continue with the following words, “and at an average of $325,000 per acre increased value for the light industrial areas.”

Mayor Decker opened the public hearing at 7:17 PM. Heidi Carvin, School District Superintendent: John Morning, 7902 N Cty Tk M; and Roger Berg, 75 Exchange St., spoke in favor of proposed TID. Ald. Hammann read a letter from Gary Becker (from Vierbicher Associates representing D&D Properties) supporting the proposed TID. Mayor closed the public hearing at 7:37 PM.

Motion by Hammann, seconded by Braunschweig, to adopt Plan Commission resolution 2006-10 as amended by Mr. Wagner recommending to Council the creation of Tax Increment District No. 6 and approval of the project plan. Motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.

Mr. Schwecke presented the final land division off of Exchange Street, City of Evansville applicant (Application #2006-28).

Motion by Hammann, seconded by Skinner, to recommend to the Common Council the approval of the final CSM as submitted. Motion passed.

Mr. Schwecke presented the zoning code text amendment relating to large-format retail stores. The Commission and Mr. Schwecke reviewed the ordinance’s requirements regarding minimum size of 20,000 square feet to a maximum size of 50,000 square feet; abandoned buildings; economic analysis; and parking.

Mayor Decker opened the public hearing at 8:09 PM. Ald. Juergens raised the issue of the efficiency to change the maximum size of 50,000 square feet with an ordinance and was that Commission’s intentions. Mayor Decker closed the public hearing at 8:11 PM.

The Commission questioned if 50,000 square feet of retail space was large enough for the growing city, knowing 55,000 square feet is common for a new grocery store in a city of our size. They discussed if changing the ordinance at a later date was too much to ask a business or would it make more sense to change it now.

Motion by Hammann, seconded by Braunschweig, to recommend to Council the adoption of Ordinance #2006-25 as drafted.

Motion by Braunschweig, seconded by Dickert, to amend the motion on page 3, line 25 by changing “50,000” to “60,000.” Motion carried (4-2).

The original motion, as amended, passed.

Mr. Schwecke presented zoning code text amendment to specify that if a land use is not listed in Article V of the zoning code, it is prohibited in the city.

Mayor Decker opened the public hearing at 8:20 PM and closed the public hearing at 8:21 PM.

Motion by Hammann, seconded by Braunschweig, to recommend to Council the adoption of Ordinance #2006-27 as drafted. Motion passed.

Mr. Schwecke led the discussion relating to new official zoning map. About a year ago, Rock County notified the city that it would no longer update the city’s zoning map. Foth and Van Dyke Engineering Company and Mr. Schwecke created a digital zoning map. In some areas of the city, the zoning district boundaries do not follow current property boundary lines. He recommended that the city conduct a public hearing and send written notice to each of the properties where there appears to be a discrepancy. That way, each affected property owner will be able to clear up the discrepancy.

The Commission instructed staff to contact the City Attorney for his opinion regarding this matter.

Preliminary Development Presentations - None

Report of the Evansville Redevelopment Authority - None

Report of the Evansville Historic Preservation Commission – None

Report of the Outdoor Furnace Study Committee
Mr. Schwecke reported the Committee will examine an outdoor furnace in operation on their September 21st meeting.

Report of the Traditional Neighborhood Development/Residential Design Study Committee
Mr. Schwecke reported the Committee will tour Middleton Hills on their September 9th meeting.

City Planner’s Report
Mr. Schwecke reviewed his report on the updates on Common Council actions relating to Plan Commission recommendations.

Adjournment
Motion by Braunschweig, seconded Skinner, to adjourn at 9:48 PM, carried.

Prepared by:
James A. Beilke
City Clerk/Treasurer

The minutes are not official until approved by the Plan Commission at their next regular meeting.