Evansville Planning Commission---November 2007

City of Evansville
Plan Commission

Regular Meeting
Monday, November 5, 2007, 6:00 p.m.
City Hall (Third Floor), 31 S. Madison Street, Evansville, Wisconsin

MINUTES

Call to Order. The meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m. by Mayor Sandy Decker.

Roll Call. Members present: Mason Braunschweig, Sandy Decker, Diane Roberts, Gil Skinner and Jeff Vrstal. Staff present: Tim Schwecke, Dan Wietecha and Judy Walton. Also present: members of the public.

Bill Hammann arrived at 6:05 p.m.

Approval of Agenda. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts to approve the agenda. Motion approved unanimously.

Approval on Minutes.
Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts to waive the reading of the October 1, 2007 minutes and approve them as printed. Motion approved unanimously.
Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts to waive the reading of the October 30, 2007 minutes and approve them as printed. Motion approved unanimously.

Citizen Appearances Other Than Agenda Items Listed. There were none.

Unfinished Business.
Discussion regarding the extension of Ordinance 2005-39 (minimum house sizes). Schwecke reviewed the history of the ordinance. Discussion included the reasoning behind the creation of the ordinance and whether it is or is not working. The ordinance covers three subdivisions, Westfield Meadows, Capstone Ridge and Grand Orchard Estates. Roger Berg requested the committee seriously consider allowing this to sunset. Decker pointed out that due to the timeline of the ordinance, if the Commission wanted to extend the ordinance, then action would need to be taken tonight. Extensive discussion followed regarding the minimum square footage for new homes. Decker asked if any committee member would make a motion to recommend to extend this for the next year or two. There was none.

New Business.
Site plan for 31-room hotel, Evansville Hotel Group LLC applicant (Application 2007-29). Mark Pomerenke, representing the applicant, provided a rendering of the proposed hotel. Schwecke reviewed his recommendations and conditions as outlined in his staff report. Hammann made a motion to approve the application with conditions as contained in the staff report (and other conditions as may be imposed by the Commission), seconded by Braunschweig. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts to amend the motion by adding: an erosion control plan to condition #1 of the staff report. Amendment approved unanimously. Main motion, as amended, approved unanimously on a roll call vote.
Conditional use to establish a duplex at 131 Liberty Lane, Janet Ward Porter, applicant (Application 2007-32). Ryan George and Brett Porter, representing the applicant, explained the application was made so the property could be marketed as a multi-family dwelling. Schwecke outlined the conditions and benchmarks he has recommended due to the fact that the property is not currently in compliance with the zoning codes if it is to be a multi-family dwelling. He suggested that wherever the date of February 5, 2008 appears in his recommended conditions in his staff report that it should be replaced with the date of January 4, 2008 to ensure timely compliance. Decker opened the public hearing at 7:25 p.m. No one spoke. Decker closed the public hearing at 7:26 p.m. The committee discussed the conditions and the timeline suggested with the applicants. The definition of duplex was clarified. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts for a roll call vote to act on the application (not defer to a later date). Motion approved unanimously on a roll call vote. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Skinner to approve the application based on the findings as contained in the staff report and the conclusion that the public benefits of the proposed use outweigh any and all potential adverse impacts, if any. Hammann made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig to amend the motion to change the February 5, 2008 dates to January 4, 2008. Amendment approved unanimously. Main motion, as amended, approved unanimously.
Discussion and action on “Allen Creek and North Union Street Redevelopment Plan”. Mike Stumpf, R. A. Smith, reviewed the various sections of the plan. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Hammann to adopt Plan Commission resolution 2007-7 recommending to City Council the adoption of the report entitled “Allen Creek & North Union Street Redevelopment Master Plan”. Motion approved unanimously.
Update on formation of advisory committee for the unified land development code (ULDC). Schwecke stated that no date has been set.
Discussion regarding sign code amendment to establish a special exception process for certain types of commercial signs along thoroughfares with higher speeds. The Commission appreciated the proposal to consider signs for multi-tenant properties on a case by case basis. There were a variety of concerns with the maximum signage for wall signs. Noting that some issues will need to be worked out in the language, Braunschweig and Roberts agreed to sponsor the ordinance.

Preliminary development presentations. There were none.

Update and discussion regarding Rock County’s draft smart growth comprehensive plan. Decker stated the next meeting is Thursday, November 8, 2007.

Update on administrative review of site plan amendments. There were none.

Report of the Evansville Redevelopment Authority. There were none.

Report of the Evansville Historic Preservation Commission. There were none.

Update on Common Council actions relating to Plan Commission recommendations. There were none.

Update on Board of Appeals actions relating to zoning matters.

Code interpretation appeal regarding fence height, Raymond Nipple. Schwecke informed the Committee that the Board of Appeals agreed with Building Inspector, Dave Wartenweiler’s interpretation of the fence ordinance and therefore Mr. Nipple’s fence is in violation.


Enforcement.
Compliance with site plan conditions for application 2007-10 (motor vehicle storage yard) Hans Kleisch. Schwecke has made contact with Mr. Kleisch, but has not visited the site.
Compliance with site plan for application 2006-18 (expansion of restaurant) Frank Romano. Nothing new to report.

Next regular meeting date. Decker stated the next meeting is Monday, December 3, 2007.

Motion to Adjourn. On a motion by Hammann, seconded by Braunschweig the meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.

Prepared by:
Judy Walton
City Clerk

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