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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Plan Commission Minutes 1 December 19, 2006 PLAN COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 19, 2006 PRESENT: David Borsuk, Kathy Propp, Cathy Scherer, Steven Gehling, Thomas Fojtik, Jon Dell’Antonia, Shirley Mattox, EXCUSED: Jeff Thorkildsen, Ed Corpus, Ed Bowen, John Weinsheim STAFF: Darryn Burich, Director of Planning Services; David Buck, Principal Planner; Susan Kepplinger, Principal Planner; Deborah Foland, Recording Secretary Chairman Dell’Antonia called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. The minutes of December 5, 2006 had a correction on Item III, Final Leinweber Plat. The paragraph referring to the marketing of the homes in the development was changed to read as follows: Tim Rusch, Post Office Box 423, Omro, replied that the condominiums would be marketed at $150,000 to $170,000. After incorporating that change, the minutes were approved as presented. I.A. EXTRATERRITORIAL TWO LOT LAND DIVISION /CERTIFIED SURVEY MAP FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4736 CTH GG IN THE TOWN OF VINLAND Approval requested for an extraterritorial certified survey map (CSM) /land division containing two lots involving one base parcel of land encompassing approximately 31.62 acres. The purpose of the land division is to create a separate parcel (Lot 1) on which an existing single-family dwelling is located. Lot 2 will be a vacant parcel that is currently being used for agricultural purposes. The applicant has not approached the City with any long-term plans for Lot 2. The CSM contains land dedication along County Road GG to establish a 66-foot wide right-of-way. Ms. Mattox questioned why this land division was being requested at this point? Mr. Burich replied that the division was to break off the homestead from the remaining parcel. Ms. Mattox inquired if the owner was planning on selling the 28 acres that would now become lot 2? She also asked if the properties to the west of the subject site were subdivided lots? Mr. Burich responded that the applicant had not approached the City with any long-term plans for lot 2 and that the land division was consistent with land use preservation standards. The properties to the west appear to have been subdivided in the past. Mr. Dell’Antonia commented that he did not recall reviewing any 2.5-acre land divisions in the past. Mr. Burich replied that creating a lot around a homestead to split it off from the remaining parcel is not unusual and has been approved in the past. Motion by Borsuk to move approval of the consent agenda with conditions as follows: 1) Reservation of an additional 7 feet right-of-way along County Road GG. Plan Commission Minutes 2 December 19, 2006 Seconded by Scherer. Motion carried 7-0. II. LAND DISPOSITION – 223 MERRITT AVENUE The Department of Community Development requests approval to dispose of the vacant lot at 223 Merritt Avenue, which is in the Near East Side Neighborhood Improvement Area. The site will be used for construction of a fully accessible single-family owner occupied home, designed to match the time period and style of the neighborhood. Mr. Gehling questioned if the garage would be accessible from the existing driveway? Susan Kepplinger, Principal Planner, responded that the existing curb cut was located on the west side of the lot. This may be used to access the garage area behind the home, however, a curb cut could also be created on the east side instead if necessary. Mr. Borsuk questioned the disposition of the site at no cost to the purchaser. Ms. Scherer asked how much the land was valued at? Ms. Kepplinger responded that the lot would be transferred to the new owner who would then be responsible for contracting to build the home. The purchasers are two wheel chair bound individuals who will occupy the residence. They have reviewed the proposed layout and design and are very pleased with it. The land is assessed in the range of $10,000. Mr. Dell’Antonia inquired if the property will be a taxable parcel? Ms. Kepplinger replied that it would. Mr. Fojtik commented that it appeared to be a very good idea. Ms. Mattox stated that she liked the bungalow style of the home. Mr. Dell’Antonia inquired if we would have other developments of this nature in the future? Ms. Kepplinger responded that we would like to do more developments of this kind as they are useful in the community where we have an aging population and handicapped individuals who would benefit from it. She further stated that she felt this type of development will accomplish many different goals and hopefully will raise awareness of these issues. Mr. Burich added that this development meets several goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan and is a very positive project. Motion by Propp to approve the disposition of land for the construction of a single-family owner occupied home. Seconded by Borsuk. Carried 7-0. III. REVISE HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCE The City Department of Community Development requests review and approval of a revision to Article XVII of the Municipal Code, Historic Preservation. The revision would add a definition to Section (B) Definitions and repeal and recreate Section (G) Rescission of Landmark Designation. Mr. Buck presented this item to the board and pointed out that the proposed change in terminology was, among other issues, to assist in being eligible to apply for Wisconsin Historic Preservation grant fund grants. Mr. Gehling inquired about what the grant funds would be used for? Plan Commission Minutes 3 December 19, 2006 Ms. Kepplinger responded that the Landmarks Commission does not receive any funds from the City’s budget. The Wisconsin Historic Preservation grant funds could be used to assist property owners with historical survey projects, preparation of nominations to the National Register, educational activities, and development of preservation plans. These funds could also be utilized for activities such as repairing monuments in Riverside Cemetery that are in great need of maintenance. Mr. Gehling questioned whom the language change would affect? Ms. Kepplinger replied that the Landmarks Commission has review powers only over those properties that are locally designated under the ordinance with the owners consent. The Commission may delay the issuance of a building permit for not more than 60 days if alterations to a designated property do not conform to the ordinance standards. The change in the terminology of the rescission of Landmark Designation defining economic hardship would require the property owner to provide written statements from at least two potential purchasers stating that they are aware of the requirements imposed by the ordinance and are unwilling to make an offer on the property because of the Landmark Designation. The State Historical Society has reviewed the City’s current Historic Preservation Ordinance and is requiring the proposed language change. The Landmarks Commission has recommended the minimal changes to obtain the CLG status and become eligible to apply for grant funds. Mr. Borsuk commented that he felt the definition of economic hardship is unreasonable, inappropriate, and that a property owner should be able to do what they want with their home. In his opinion, other significant cities do not participate in such a program. Ms. Mattox stated that she recently attended the Historic Preservation Commission Conference and she felt the CLG designation was significant. If the state would allow us to be certified by changing some language, we should take advantage of it. Mr. Fojtik asked if the Landmarks designation was something that was done at the request of the property owner? Ms. Kepplinger replied that the designation would not happen without the owner’s request. Motion by Dell’Antonia to amend the proposed language change to the definition of economic hardship from a written statement from two potential purchasers to only one. Seconded by Gehling. Motion denied 3-4. Motion by Scherer to approve the revisions to the terminology in the Historic Preservation Ordinance as proposed. Seconded by Fojtik. Motion carried 6-1. Nays-Borsuk. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 4:50 pm. Respectfully submitted, Darryn Burich Director of Planning Services