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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes PLAN COMMISSION MINUTES December 3,2019 PRESENT: Mamadou Coulibaly, Lynnsey Erickson, Thomas Fojtik, Michael Ford, Derek Groth, John Hinz,John Kiefer,Justin Mitchell, Thomas Perry, Kathleen Propp EXCUSED: Lori Palmeri STAFF: Mark Lyons, Planning Services Manager; Ray Maurer,Director of Parks;Justin Gierach, Engineering Division Manager/City Engineer;Brian Slusarek, Planner; Steven Wiley, Assistant Planner; Mina Kuss,Recording Secretary Chairperson Fojtik called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. Roll call was taken and a quorum declared present. The minutes of November 19,2019 were approved as presented. (Hinz/Kiefer) I. PUBLIC HEARING: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REQUEST TO ESTABLISH AN ADDITIONAL OUTDOOR STORAGE USE AT 3300 MEDALIST DRIVE Site Inspections: Report: Mr. Hinz reported visiting the site. Staff report accepted as part of the record. The applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit to establish an additional outdoor storage use on a previously developed lot. Mr. Wiley presented the item and reviewed the site and surrounding area as well as the land use and zoning classifications in this area. The petitioner is requesting approval of a CUP to convert part of the existing parking area to the southeast of the building to a secured outdoor storage area for Oshkosh Defense products. This request is the third outdoor storage area proposed for this site. The owner intends to store government-owned vehicles produced by Oshkosh Defense in a secure area. The storage as proposed will consist of approximately 0.26 acres of paved storage area. The owner plans to remove approximately 24 parking spaces as part of the conversion to storage. The owner must completely enclose the outdoor storage area with an S' tall solid fence per ordinance. The petitioner and tenant have changed the scope of work proposed under this CUP request a number of times. The petitioner will have to submit a revised site plan as part of the Site Plan Review process. The enclosed storage area should not affect vehicle circulation for the publically-accessed areas of the site as the storage area does not obstruct access to the existing parking areas. Due to the location of the proposed storage lot to the southeast of the building, additional landscaping is not required as part of this CUP request. The petitioner is not proposing any changes to the existing lighting, signage or building facades on the site. The petitioner has to submit storm water management plans for Department of Public Works for review. He added that Plan Commission Minutes 1 December 3,2019 since the staff report was distributed, the applicant has submitted a CSM to combine the lots and submitted an updated narrative. He said staff recommends approval of the proposed Conditional Use Permit for an outdoor storage area at 3300 Medalist Drive with the findings and conditions listed in the staff report. Mr. Lyons noted that this is part one of a two phase request. He explained the request will meet the applicant's immediate needs for the site. He said in the spring, the applicant is anticipating to come back with an additional CUP to build out the site as discussed in the previous workshop. Mr. Fojtik opened up technical questions to staff. There were no technical questions on this item. Mr. Fojtik opened up the public hearing and asked if the applicant wanted to snake any statements. Richard Fisher (applicant), W13654 Balsam Lake Road in Crivitz, said he is with Fisher & Associates Architects and designed the layout. He said of the conditions, the only concern he had was with enclosing it separately. He stated the initial request was for a much larger scope. He explained the request is an interim request that does not require going through full site plan approval. He said under the government contract, the vehicles have to be secured and this request meets that need. He said they plan to break ground in the spring and that would be the ideal time to address overflow of storage. He said he would like to remove the first condition because the gate would end up being removed in a few months. Mr. Lyons suggested modifying condition number one to add a timeframe in case the second phase does not take place. Mr. Fisher agreed. There were no other public comments on this item. Mr. Fojtik closed the public hearing and asked if the applicant wanted to make any closing statements. There were no closing statements from the applicant. Motion by Hinz to adopt the findings and recommendation as stated in the staff report with the amendment to condition number one. Conditions: 1. The outdoor storage area must be completely enclosed by 8 foot tall solid(at least 90% opaque)fencing. If fencing changes from the product originally proposed to staff and reviewed, applicant shall submit revised fencing specifications/details to staff for Department of Community Development review. If the applicant does not proceed with phase two of the Plan Commission Minutes 2 December 3,2019 development within 6 months of this approval, the applicant shall install a gate to separate the proposed outdoor storage area f om the existing access drive along the east side of the building. 2. Petitioner shall submit a revised site plan for Department of Community Development review. 3. Petitioner shall submit a revised narrative for Department of Community Development review. 4. No changes shall be made to the existing access drives leading to the site from Medalist Drive or W. 33rd Avenue. Seconded by Kiefer. Mr. Fojtik asked if there was any discussion on the motion. There was no discussion on the motion. Motion carried 9-0. Mr. Ford arrived at 4:09pm. II. PUBLIC HEARING: ZONE CHANGE FROM CENTRAL MIXED USE DISTRICT (CMU) TO CENTRAL MIXED USE DISTRICT WITH A PLANNED DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY(CMU-PD),APPROVAL OF A GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND SPECIFIC IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR A LIGHT MANUFACTURING,RETAIL AND EDUCATIONAL FACILITY AT 717 OREGON STREET Site Inspections: Report: Mr. Hinz and Ms. Propp reported visiting the site. Staff report accepted as part of the record. The applicant requests a zone change from the existing Central Mixed Use District(CMU) to Central Mixed Use District with a Planned Development Overlay (CMU-PD). The applicant also requests approval of a General Development Plan and Specific Implementation Plan to establish a light manufacturing,retail and educational facility at 717 Oregon Street. Mr. Slusarek presented the item and reviewed the site and surrounding area as well as the land use and zoning classifications in this area. The applicant is proposing to use the existing building for venom production, laboratory processing and educational displays. According to the applicant, the venom from snakes and scorpions will be extracted to be used for pharma research, antivenin, and evolutionary research. The facility will also be used for school field trips and will be open to the public and include minimal retail activities. The applicant is not proposing any changes to the exterior of the site. The facility will have four staff members who will park on Sth Avenue and school groups will be dropped off in buses which will be parked off-site. A neighborhood meeting was held at the site on September 25th to inform neighboring property Plan Commission Minutes 3 December 3,2019 owners of the proposed use. The neighbors who attended the meeting were in favor of the proposal. He noted that the UWO chancellor submitted a letter of support. He said staff recommends approval of the rezone, General Development Plan and Specific Implementation Plan with the findings and a condition as stated in the staff report. Mr. Lyons added that the applicant has also been working with the Oshkosh Area School District on some curriculum-based programs. Mr. Fojtik opened up technical questions to staff. There were no technical questions on this item. Mr. Fojtik opened up the public hearing and asked if the applicant wanted to make any statements. There were no statements from the applicant. There were no public comments on this item. Mr. Fojtik closed the public hearing and asked if the applicant wanted to make any closing statements. There were no closing statements from the applicant. Motion by Mitchell to adopt the findings and recommendation as stated in the staff report. Condition: 1. Base Standard Modification to allozv a light manufacturing,retail and educational facility within the Central Mixed Use District (CMU). Seconded by Hinz. Mr. Fojtik asked if there was any discussion on the motion. Mr. Mitchell stated the terrace along 8th Avenue is asphalt. He asked if it was city-owed. He questioned if the area could be returned to grass if the applicant was supportive because it looks much nicer than the unattractive non-beneficial asphalt. He said this would be a good opportunity to make it greenspace. Mr. Lyons said the terrace is in the public right-of-way and is under city jurisdiction. Mr. Gierach explained they do like to get as much greenspace as possible on the terraces. He said for this particular case,he did not think of it because the site is roughly 95%internal construction. He said the terrace brings in all new sets of challenges including right-of-way permitting. He reiterated that in general they do like to get as much greenspace as they can on the terraces. Plan Commission Minutes 4 December 3,2019 Mr. Mitchell clarified that he is not suggesting it as a condition of the applicant but as a separate item for the city since there is activity at the site. He said the property owner may be fully supportive of it. Mr. Gierach said if the applicant is willing to do it, the city would help them get the necessary permits to turn it from asphalt to grass. Mr. Lyons pulled up the Google street view to show what Mr. Mitchell was referencing. Mr. Mitchell commented it would be a good opportunity to change it to grass if both parties are willing to. He said he is excited to see this building being utilized again. He said it is a unique and interesting use. He stated it also adds quality value, educational value and potential health value. He said he is excited to see this move forward. Mr. Hinz agreed with Mr. Mitchell that this is exciting and a unique place. He said Oshkosh is known for special and unique things and this is another one they can add to that list. Motion carried 9-0. III. GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND SPECIFIC IMPLEMENTATION PLAN APPROVAL FOR AUTOMOTIVE SALES/DISPLAY AND AN AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE FACILITY LOCATED SOUTH OF 3365 S.WASHBURN STREET Site Inspections: Report: Mr. Fojtik and Mr. Hinz reported visiting the site. Staff report accepted as part of the record. The applicant requests approval of a General Development Plan and Specific Implementation Plan for automotive sales/display and an automotive service facility at the property located south of 3365 S. Washburn Street. Mr. Slusarek presented the item and reviewed the site and surrounding area as well as the land use and zoning classifications in this area. The proposed plans include a 36,750 sq. ft.building with vehicle service bays in the south and west portions of the building and associated parking lot surrounding the building. The site plan indicates a dumpster enclosure at the southwest corner of the building. The applicant is proposing a single access to the site from S. Washburn Street. The site plan shows a total of 602 parking spaces which are split between customer parking,employee parking and spaces for vehicle inventory. Finalized code-compliant sign plans,landscaping plan, lighting plan and storm water management plans will need to be submitted and approved. The proposed building will be constructed of a combination of metal panels, precast concrete, split-face CMU and storefront glass. The applicant is requesting a BSM as the east,north and south facades will not meet the requirement of 50% Class I materials. The applicant is proposing to use aluminum composite metal panels as an alternate Class I material on the east elevation and front Plan Commission Minutes 5 December 3,2019 portions of the north and south elevations. Precast concrete wall panels,which is a Class IV material, are proposed on the rear fagade and back portions of the north and south facades. He said staff recommends approval of the General Development Plan and Specific Implementation Plan with the findings and conditions as listed in the staff report. Mr. Fojtik opened technical questions to staff. Mr. Ford asked if EMCs were allowed under code. Mr. Lyons explained the code allows one EMC per property at a maximum of 100 square feet. Mr. Ford inquired about the history of the EMC for the Bergstrom site. Mr. Lyons explained the history of the EMC. He said instead of having one EMC for each site, Bergstrom would aggregate all of them into one central location. He said staff feels with the additional site, the original EMC should suffice as it is equivalent to 11 developments worth of EMCs. Mr. Ford asked for confirmation that the decision for the EMC was based off of a pervious recommendation. Mr. Lyons confirmed it was. Ms. Propp asked what materials the other Bergstrom buildings were made of and if there were any Class I materials. Mr. Lyons said he did not know the percentage but knows the metal cladding on the front is consistent with the other Bergstrom buildings. He explained staff is in support because it is consistent with the existing development pattern. He said some of the buildings were approved prior to the current code requirements. He commented the metal paneling the applicant is requesting is a high quality material. He said the glass on the building is a Class I material. Mr. Perry asked what the current percentage is of the Class I materials. Mr. Lyons and Mr. Slusarek replied it is 16% short on Class 1 materials for the east facade. Mr. Fojtik asked if there were any public comments and asked if the applicant wanted to make any statements. There were no statements from the applicant. There were no public comments on this item. Mr. Fojtik closed public comments and asked if the applicant wanted to make any closing statements. Plan Commission Minutes 6 December 3,2019 There were no closing statements from the applicant. Motion by Hinz to adopt the findings and recommendation as stated in the staff report. Conditions: 1. All vehicles parked outdoors shall be in operable condition for safe and legal performance on public right-of-way. 2. No electronic message center signs may be installed on the site. 3. Final signage plans shall meet signage standards for the Suburban Mixed Use (SMU) district and be reviewed by the Department of Community Development. 4. Base Standard Modification to allow lighting levels to exceed 0.5 foot-candles along the north property line. 5. Base Standard Modification to allow front and side building facades to be clad in less than 50% Class I materials. 6. Metal panels on east, north and south elevations shall be consistent in material and appearance with the neighboring Bergstrom buildings. 7. Final landscaping plan shall be revised to meet all code requirements. 8. Final landscaping plan shall be approved by the Department of Community Development. Seconded by Coulibaly. Mr. Fojtik asked if there was any discussion on the motion. Ms. Propp asked if Bergstrom was okay with the conditions. Mr. Lyons replied staff has not heard anything form the applicant regarding issues with the conditions. Mr. Perry stated they are always making exceptions to the 50% Class I materials requirement. He said he is on the fence with this one because the Class 1 materials are only in the 30%range. He stated they are constantly making exceptions and he does not want that to be the rule. Mr. Ford stated he respectfully disagrees with Mr. Perry. He said it is a logical course of action to approve the Base Standard Modification due to the previous development approvals. He stated he is usually a stickler for Class I materials but understands there is already an existing development pattern. Mr. Mitchell asked if staff was asking for anything to offset the applicant's requests. Mr. Lyons replied the applicant's overall landscaping plan exceeds base code requirements by about 25%. He said that is why staff felt comfortable with the requested Base Standard Modifications. Plan Commission Minutes 7 December 3,2019 Motion curried 9-0. IV. APPROVAL OF THE LAKESHORE PARK MASTER PLAN Site Inspections: Report: N/A. Staff report accepted as part of the record. The Parks Department is requesting approval of the Lakeshore Park Master Plan which describes the project summary, public process, site analysis, master plan and phasing&budget targets. The Plan was developed in consultation with the Advisory Park Board,Pedestrian and Bicycling Advisory Committee and Sustainability Advisory Board. Mr. Lyons presented the item. The Lakeshore Park Master Plan was developed to provide some clarity for future use of the park and how it integrates with the surrounding area and trail system. Presently the plan includes two distinct halves connected by the Riverwalk. Both halves of the park leverage the existing golf course ponds, restoring and reshaping their margins and linking them with the existing wetland corridor create a unique ecological backbone for the park. The master plan includes numerous pathways and Riverwalk to create a unique trail system. The following is a brief overview of the halves. Finally, the plan includes a phasing and budget target section. This section is intended to create a set of priorities and sequence of those priorities for plan implementation. The plan is broken down into 5 phases of development. Included with each phase is an estimated budget target including contingency. The Lakeshore Park Master Plan is consistent with the goal of the recently adopted (2018) Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan calling for developing long-range master plans for parks within the system. The Master Plan also has no conflicts with the City's Comprehensive Plan or Zoning Ordinance. He said staff recommends that Plan Commission approve the Lakeshore Park Master Plan based on a finding that it is not in conflict with the Comprehensive Plan or zoning of the property. Mr. Maurer stated they are excited to be here. He explained this started back in March when they introduced the SmithGroup at the State of the City. He said they received a lot of public input and input from various boards/commissions throughout the entire process. He stated Greg Calpino and Nathan Hilmer from the SmithGroup were very instrumental in the whole process. Greg Calpino from the SmithGroup introduced himself. He gave about a 25 minutes presentation on the Lakeshore Park Master Plan. He talked how they development the plan using public input and input from the boards/commissions. He said they used a three step process which were analysis/vision, conceptual design and preferred concept plan. He reviewed the different areas of the park. He explained they broke down the Plan into five phases with a total budget target of $10,320,000 and a total target+contingency of$13,875,000. Mr. Fojtik opened technical questions to staff. Plan Commission Minutes 8 December 3,2019 Mr. Hinz asked if there was any input from groups such as the Otter Street Fishing Club when it came to the fishing area and implementing the watercraft area. Mr. Maurer replied they were on their list for mailings and were invited to the meetings. He said he does not recall those groups providing a lot of input as far as the fishing. He said they did hear from neighbors and residents requesting to have access out into the water because it is a decent fishing spot. He explained the pier would not go far out into the currents but would allow people to get out a little but into the water as well as being able to use their personal watercrafts. Ms. Propp thanked Mr. Calpino and his colleagues for their visionary approach and exciting plan. She said the City of Oshkosh has never had anything this good for a plan. She stated she really appreciates that and noted that she was at almost every meeting. Mr. Calpino thanked Ms. Propp as well. Mr. Mitchell said he appreciates all the extensive emphasis on nature because it is not something current city parks have a lot of. He said he is excited for the amount of language in the Plan that emphasizes nature. He asked for Mr. Calpino to elaborate on the art and culture. He stated it is a pretty important Native American site. Mr. Calpino replied as they get into the more detailed designs, they will have more information on the specifics of what and where. Mr. Mitchell stated his preference would be that it is absolutely necessary to have some sort of recognition. Mr. Mitchell asked if Mr. Calpino could elaborate more on the inclusion of the splash pad. He said they are very popular but was curious how it would fit in with the natural scheme. Mr. Calpino replied it fits in really nicely. He said with the zonings, it is more of a traditional park area. He said the zoning had more of the activity and play space. He said the splash pad complements it. Mr. Mitchell commented that the more active area is the first phase but hopes it does not influence change to the rest of the park. He said he hopes the first phase does not stray the other phases away from the more natural scheme. He noted that the other parks are great but this one would be able to offer something unique. He mentioned some of the images show dense trees but are a little sparse. He said he knows there is a demand for wooded trails and would hope there is more of a natural wooded trail in the plan. Mr. Calpino said there are trees around the area already and the plan would be to add to those areas. He said they would have to think about what the approach would be and how many different sizes and species they would bring in. He said the green water corridors would be a logical place and they would help to frame off the meadows. Mr. Mitchell explained that he was just in St. Paul and there was a park he went to which was surrounded by a dense wooded area. He said once inside, there was a glorious urban park. He Plan Commission Minutes 9 December 3,2019 said he was pleasantly surprised by having the woods. He said we are not St. Paul but the city could do something similar if they wanted to. Mr. Calpino said there are definitely some zones that are not shown. He said as they get more into the detailed designs, the park could take on that character. Mr. Mitchell suggested making the pier handicap accessible so that multiple people can use it. Mr. Calpino said in their mindset,the park would take on a universal accessibility approach. Mr. Fojtik thanked all the commissions and boards who worked on the plan. He said it is a real community effort with using the surveys, public input meetings and so on. He commented the plan looks really nice. Ms. Propp inquired about the riverwalk trail and asked when it would be completed. Mr. Maurer replied due to the cold weather starting so early, they could not get the two bridges placed. He said it is completed up until the western edge of the Oshkosh Corporation property. He said it is closed from that point until I-41. He said in spring, the two bridges could be installed. He stated it should be completed in late spring or early summer dependent on weather. Ms. Propp stated she is a little concerned about phasing but understands why it has to be done. She stated it is a 10 million dollar project. She said the city has not funded parks well. She stated she is going to challenge the Council and the City to figure out a way to complete the park faster. She mentioned the use of fundraising or private donors. She said this plan needs to be a community focus and does not want it taking ten years to complete. She stated it is a very important park. Mr. Hinz asked if Mr. Maurer has looked into sponsorship for any of the buildings from local business or groups. Mr. Maurer replied they are still very early in the process and the Plan still needs to be approved by Council. He said once it is approved, their next steps would be to look at fundraising because they will have a better idea of what is needed for each phase. He said it is definitely something they will be looking at and he has already had a few individuals contact him about donating and sponsorship. Mr. Hinz commented that Oshkosh has a very giving community with their businesses. Mr. Fojtik asked if there were any public comments. There were no public comments on this item. Mr. Fojtik closed public comments. Plan Commission Minutes 10 December 3,2019 Motion by Hinz to adopt the findings and recommendation as stated in the staff report. Seconded by Ford. Mr. Fojtik asked if there was any discussion on the motion. There was no discussion on the motion. Motion carried 9-0. PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT Mr. Lyons updated the Commission on the tablets. He said there was a unanimous consent to switch to tablets. He said hopefully going digital will resolves some of the issues they have had with not getting the packets on time. He stated staff will be hand delivering the rest of the year to ensure Plan Commission members receive their packets on time. He announced that Brian Slusarek has been promoted to Planner and that Plan Commission will start seeing Mr. Slusarek more often. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 5:09 pm. (Hinz/Propp) Respectfully submitted, Mark Lyons Planning Services Manager Plan Commission Minutes 11 December 3,2019