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PLAN COMMISSION MINUTES
FEBRUARY 15, 2000
PRESENT: Lee Bettes, Lurton Blassingame, Steve Gehling, Don Krueger, Achim Reschenberg, Jim
Smith, and John Ruppenthal
EXCUSED: Melanie Bloechl, David Borsuk, Donald Pressley, and Scott Saunders
STAFF: Jackson Kinney, Director of Community Development; John Bluemke, Principal Planner;
and Vickie Rand, Recording Secretary
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ruppenthal. Roll call was taken and a quorum declared
present.
The minutes of February 1, 2000 were approved as mailed.
I: FINAL PLAT - SARRES PLAT
Robert Reider, petitioner, Kurt Koeppler, owner requests the Plan Commission review and approve a
Final Plat known as the Sarres Plat for property generally located east of Park Ridge Avenue, west of
Wisconsin Street, and south of Packer Avenue. The property is zoned R-1 Single Family Residence
District and R-3 Multiple Dwelling District. The R-3 area generally fronts Wisconsin Street and Packer
Avenue.
Mr. Bluemke used the map as displayed to point out the differences between the preliminary plat and the
final plat. He also noted the types of housing proposed for the plat and stated the final plat has been
approved by emergency services and the Oshkosh School District.
Motion by Bettes to approve the Final Plat known as the Sarres Plat with the following
conditions.
1)The developer be responsible for all capital improvement costs incurred by this
development.
2)Any additional easements be created at the request of the Department of Public
Works and approved by the Department of Public Works prior to recording the
final plat.
Seconded by Krueger. Motion carried 7-0.
Plan Commission Minutes Page 2 February 15, 2000
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II: REZONING 1012,1016, AND 1022 W. 9 AVENUE
June Vogds, ETAL, requests the Plan Commission review and approve a rezoning from C-2 PD
General Commercial District with a Planned Development Overlay to R-2 Two Family Residence
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District for properties located at 1012, 1016, and 1022 W. 9 Avenue.
Mr. Bluemke explained the lots were rezoned in 1995 to C-2PD to create a site for a proposed
Walgreen’s Drug Store, which didn’t proceed. He stated since the residences lots are presently non-
conforming, a request has come forward to rezone the lots back to their original R-2 classification.
Rose Cuyler, 807 Knapp St., questioned if the lots were going back to their original classification. Mr.
Bluemke replied the lots would be rezoned back to their original zoning classification of R-2, Two
Family Residence District.
Motion by Blassingame for approval of rezoning 1012, 1016, and 1022 W. 9th Avenue from
C-2PD General Commercial District with a Planned Overlay District, to R-2 Two Family
Residence District. Seconded by Smith. Motion carried 7-0.
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III: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT-CHURCH EXPANSION 2580 W. 9 AVENUE
Rev. Robert Rosenberg, petitioner for Calvary Lutheran Church, owner, requests the Plan Commission
review and approve a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the expansion of a church located at 2580 W.
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9 Avenue.
Mr. Bluemke used the map as displayed to point out where the proposed addition would be constructed.
He stated the church was proposing to build a new sanctuary and renovate their current worship space
into classrooms and office space.
Garry Blomberg, 900 Maricopa Drive, asked if consideration had been given to constructing the addition
on the north side of the structure. Richard Johnson, 837 Wild Oak Dr., stated it was considered and
rejected due to the flood plain.
Motion by Gehling for approval of a Conditional Use Permit for the expansion of Calvary
Lutheran Church, found consistent with Standards set forth in Section 30-11 (D) of the
Zoning Ordinance. Seconded by Reschenberg. Motion carried 6-0. Krueger voting present.
IV: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT/DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEW
Martenson & Eisele, Inc., and D & F Investments LLP, petitioners for Robert Stauffer, owner, requests
the Plan Commission review and approve a conditional use permit/development plan for property
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generally located on W. 9 Avenue between 2721 and 2639 W. 9 Avenue. The land use pattern in the
area is a mixture of commercial, residential, and recreational land uses, and the subject site is zoned R-
3PD Multiple Dwelling District with a Planned Development Overlay.
Mr. Bluemke stated the petitioners are requesting a modification to the Zoning Ordinance to allow for
the construction of a 2-unit building on the same lot as multiple dwelling units, and to allow a driveway
within 15’ of the side and rear yard of a single family dwelling. He stated a total of 11 units are being
proposed, whereby, the ordinance allows for 49 units to be built on that site. He stated the proposed
development of this site would be beneficial for the community.
Plan Commission Minutes Page 3 February 15, 2000
Dennis Schwab, 2721 W. 9th Avenue, stated only the tip of the driveway would be in the setback. He
stated he had met with the surrounding neighbors to discuss this proposal and their concerns with
drainage in the area. He assured them that this plan would be an improvement to the drainage in the area
with the water flowing to the creek. Mr. Schwab handed out two letters from neighbors who are
encouraging the development of this site.
Chairman Ruppenthal questioned if the area to the west would be landscaped and maintained by D & F
Investments. Mr. Schwab assured the Commission it would be. Mr. Bluemke stated a Conditional Use
Permit to fill in a shoreland district would come before the Commission at a future meeting. Mr. Schwab
stated that Mr. Eisele was also available in the audience to answer any questions.
Motion by Smith for approval of the Conditional Use Permit/Development Plan for D & F
Investments, Inc., with the following condition:
1)The developer submit a landscape plan and a plan to screen the parking lot which
plans must be approved prior to obtaining a building permit.
Seconded by Reschenberg. Motion carried 7-0.
V: AUTHORIZATION TO ACQUIRE CONSTRUCTION EASEMENTS, ONE PERMANENT
EASEMENT AND ADDITIONAL RIGHT OF WAY: JACKSON STREET
RECONSTRUCTION
City of Oshkosh, petitioner, requests Plan Commission review and approval of the acquisition of
numerous construction easements, one permanent easement, as well as acquiring easements or additional
right of way from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, Winnebago County, and the Public Safety
Board. These acquisitions are necessary to complete the Jackson Street reconstruction project. The
project area runs roughly from Church Avenue to Murdock Avenue on Jackson Street.
Mr. Bluemke stated the subject area runs from Murdock Avenue to Church Avenue requiring temporary
easement for sidewalks and grading, with one permanent easement, and additional right-of-way needed
from the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, Winnebago County, and the Public Safety Board.
Mr. Gehling asked why the area marked for acquiring easements wasn’t a continuous line. Mr. Bluemke
explained easements weren’t needed on every property.
Ross Wandschneider, 1609 Jackson St., stated this process started in 1992, and the property owners have
listed what’s going to happen in regards to this construction project, and it didn’t include any positive
points, only negative factors have been noted from pollution to noise. He asked the Plan Commission to
give them some positive examples of the good that could come from this reconstruction project. He also
stated he wanted a guarantee for the replacement of trees, etc., after the work from acquiring a
temporary easement is finished.
Ms. Kepplinger explained how a negotiator will visit each property to review where the easement will
go, and make note of any special circumstances relating to the easement on a construction order.
Plan Commission Minutes Page 4 February 15, 2000
Mr. Wandschneider asked why over $150,000 dollars has been set aside for this project. Ms. Kepplinger
stated there are over 170 parcels included in the street reconstruction. She went on to explain that an
individual has been contracted by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to ensure all state
requirements are met, and that he or she will be in contact with them within 6-8 weeks.
Mr. Wandschneider asked if this negotiator would work with each property to provide assurance that the
property will be replaced as it was found. Ms. Kepplinger stated the construction order made out by the
negotiator should provide that guarantee. Discussion followed on the conditions of replacing significant
types of trees and shrubs.
Dr. Sonnleitner, 1218 Jackson Street, reviewed the plans and meetings that have taken place regarding
the Jackson Street reconstruction project over the past 7 years and asked if there was some assurance
that the trees would be replaced or unharmed, and asked if the sidewalks would be moved. Ms.
Kepplinger stated the sidewalks will not be moved, and explained the City would need to acquire
property if that were the case. She explained temporary easements were needed to reconstruct the
sidewalks in the right-of-way, and to adjust the grade. Ms. Kepplinger stated one permanent easement is
needed at 752 Jackson Street to accommodate the construction of a handicapped ramp in the sidewalk.
She stated any other permanent easements needed would have been mentioned in the Staff Report.
Victor Girens, 1227 Jackson Street, referred to the maps in the Staff Report and questioned why
neighbors on both sides of his property needed temporary easements and his property did not. Ms.
Kepplinger stated that the DOT determined what easements were needed. She suggested he make an
appointment with David Patek, the Director of Public Works if he had further questions on that matter.
Mr. Girens questioned how snow removal would be handled. Mr. Patek stated the snow will be plowed
one day and picked up on another day, just as it is now, with possibly a more frequent schedule because
of the smaller terrace.
Joe Krauss, 1252 Jackson, asked where the funding of $156,000 for the contractors was coming from.
Mr. Patek explained that had been budgeted for under Capital Improvements. Mr. Krauss asked if
special consideration for the sidewalks would be made in his area due to being in a historic district. Ms.
Kepplinger stated because he was in an historic district the sidewalks would be restored with a 6” curb,
and he could set up a meeting with Mr. Patek to review those plans.
Ms. Wegner, 839 Jackson, asked if there was a map showing where the utility poles would be moved
and how it would look without the trees on the terrace. Ms. Kepplinger stated that there was not a map
showing an image of the completed project, and stated the results will vary from property to property.
Ms. Wegner asked if the City had any plans to purchase the business on the corner of Scott and Jackson
Street, or if it would be removed. Mr. Kinney stated the Inspection Services Department is working with
that property to determine the outcome.
Ms Wandschneider, 1609 Jackson, stated she had asked the DOT about the utility poles and was told the
poles would be half in the sidewalk and half in the terrace. Mr. Patek explained there will be an 18”
terrace available for the placement of utility poles. Discussion continued on the placement of the utility
poles and the costs involved.
Ms. Wandschneider, asked if they sign a contract with the negotiator for the temporary easement, would
that release the City and the State from any damage that might occur on their property. Ms. Kepplinger
suggested the owner take the contract to a legal council to have those types of questions answered.
Plan Commission Minutes Page 5 February 15, 2000
Gerald Hendrickson, 1055 Alpine Court, questioned where the Lands and Interests Required Schedule
came from. Ms. Kepplinger stated the schedule came from the DOT, and the City staff reviewed it to
verify ownership. Mr. Hendrickson asked if the negotiator would be able to go onto properties not on the
list if he found easements were needed there as well. Ms. Kepplinger stated the contractor would know
which properties they would be able to negotiate with. She explained if further easements are needed,
the contractor will have to get authorization from the DOT to negotiate with any other property owners
than those that are listed. Mr. Hendrickson asked if that would halt construction. Ms. Kepplinger stated
that step of the reconstruction process would be done prior to the start of the construction, therefore, not
causing any delays.
Shirley Mattox, 1313 Jackson, stated she is concerned about the safety of turning into her driveway from
a 4 lane highway where it was not safe to enter from the closest lane. Mr. Patek stated the plan calls for
matching the existing width of the property line, tapering from the property line to the curb. Ms. Mattox
stated the power poles also create an unsafe entry into their driveway and others may have the same
concerns. Chairman Ruppenthal stated that would be a good point to address with the negotiator.
Mr. Patek mentioned at this time that the City has an additional three feet of right-of-way north of New
York Avenue and easements weren’t necessary there, as in Mr. Giren’s case.
Mr. Blassingame stated the only issue at hand here is to get permission to have a negotiator work with
the property owners regarding a temporary easement.
Chairman Ruppenthal directed the property owners with design questions to contact David Patek, the
Director of Public Works, as there may be a different situation to address with each property. He
explained a negotiator would be talking to each property owner on an individual basis about the
easement.
Karla Seaver, 651 Jackson Street, asked what would happen if an agreement wasn’t reached with the
negotiator. Ms. Kepplinger stated the right-of-way will be taken under Chapter 32.05 of the State Code
which states if a property owner is unable to come to an agreement the property will be taken by
Eminent Domain without the property owner having the ability to make any negotiations. She explained
the easements are necessary for the project and there has been no intention to deprive the property
owners of their rights.
Mr. Girens asked what kind of guarantee would be given for property owners to have access to their
properties during the construction period. Mr. Patek stated the DOT is finalizing those details and should
have those answers this fall.
Andrew Smith, 1271 Jackson Street, asked what alternatives were available if they didn’t come to an
agreement with the negotiator. Chairman Ruppenthal stated it would be taken through the process of
eminent domain as Ms. Kepplinger had explained, and stated it would be in his best interest to work
with the contracted negotiator.
Dorothy Schwartz. 1008 Jackson Street, stated it all boils down to the City wanting a 4-lane highway,
and the residents don’t want it.
Allan Ekvall, 1247 Jackson Street, asked what the hurry was to obtain these easements if the DOT didn’t
have their plans finalized at this time. Chairman Ruppenthal explained this was the first step in getting
this project in motion.
Plan Commission Minutes Page 6 February 15, 2000
Mr. Wandschneider asked if the zoning was going to change on Jackson Street, and stated he didn’t
want the R-5 zoning removed. Chairman Ruppenthal stated that would be discussed in the future, and
they would be notified at the appropriate time.
Ms. Wegner asked if the negotiator could meet with the property owners in a group session. Ms.
Kepplinger stated she would mention it to him or her, but they would still need to work with each
property owner on a one-to-one basis. She explained that there was a deadline in which the DOT needed
to have the easements obtained by.
Mr. Bettes asked if new utility poles would be used or if they would replace the existing poles. Ms.
Kepplinger stated that was a design issue and she didn’t have an answer for him. Mr. Patek stated WPS
would have to respond to that question.
Ms. Wegner asked if they could be mailed the plans for Jackson Street when they were finalized. She
also asked when the project had been initiated. Mr. Girens stated he has lived on Jackson Street for 24
years, and has understood the plans were underway seven years before he had received any notice.
Chairman Ruppenthal stated the City has had the reconstruction of Jackson Street in their long term
Comprehensive Plan for many years.
Bill Christianson, 1231 Jackson Street, stated it appears $875.00 is appropriated for each property and
asked if there would be a contract drawn up or if it would be a handshake deal. Ms. Kepplinger stated
there would be a legal document with the negotiated details specifically outlined.
Mr. Christianson asked if the negotiator would be around during construction. Ms. Kepplinger stated a
local contractor had been hired to provide the best service, and they would be able to call him directly or
contact the Department of Public Works. Mr. Christianson asked if the City worked with the negotiator.
Ms. Kepplinger stated the negotiator is contracted by the DOT and the actual job wouldn’t be bid until
the easements were obtained.
Ms. Kepplinger directed the audience to contact the Department of Public Works for more information
on any design issues.
Motion by Blassingame for approval of the request to obtain the necessary easements and
right of way for the Jackson Street reconstruction project. Seconded by Krueger. Motion
carried 6-1. Nay: Bettes.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN C. BLUEMKE
Principal Planner
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